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The Notebook the musical will come to the West End in 2027
The musical will have its West End premiere next year at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre
The Notebook musical is on its way to London, preparing to premiere at the newly christened Judi Dench Theatre.
The musical is based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, and appropriately, the announcement coincides with the book’s 30th anniversary. It made its Broadway debut in 2024, with composer and lyricist Ingrid Michaelson receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album. Now it will be the first production to open at the Judi Dench Theatre after its renaming – the venue is currently known as the Shaftesbury Theatre.
The Notebook follows Allie and Noah, two young people from different worlds who continuously find their way back to each other despite the odds. The book was previously adapted into a 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The musical features a book by Bekah Brunstetter, direction from Michael Greif and Schele Williams, with choreography by Katie Spelman.
Previews will begin on 10 March 2027 with an opening night on 13 April. The is show currently booking until 11 December 2027.
Sparks said: “I couldn’t have predicted when I published The Notebook 30 years ago that this story would have such a lasting impact around the globe. The worldwide response has been incredible, and I’m thrilled to share this latest evolution of the story with audiences in London.”
Michaelson said: “The thing that makes a musical so special for me is the collaborative nature of it, and I can’t imagine a better team of people to have built The Notebook. Getting to revisit and revitalise the piece with Bekah, Michael, Schele and the rest of the team for this new production in London is such an honour, and for our musical to be the first at the newly named Judi Dench Theatre is beyond thrilling.”
Brunstetter said: “It’s been such a joy to adapt The Notebook for the stage – it’s such a timeless, universal love story that speaks to so many aspects of life. Ingrid and I have loved expanding the story so that it truly sings and reaches even more people. We can’t wait to get back in the room with our brilliant creative team and discover this musical all over again for the London audience.”
The show will also feature music supervision and arrangements by Carmel Dean, scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, orchestrations by John Clancy and Dean, co-vocal arrangements by Michaelson and Dean and music direction by Jim Henson.
Casting is yet to be announced.
