Theatre
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What to see in the West End this summer
Here's your roundup of the hottest theatre tickets in London this summer season
If the skyrocketing temperatures are anything to go by, summer is definitely upon us, and summer holidays are fast approaching. Whether you’re looking to treat the kids, a loved one, or yourself, it’s an exciting time in the West End right now, with famous faces taking a turn on the boards and familiar stories brought to life on stage. Here’s your roundup of all the best theatre to see in London this summer.
Disney’s Hercules
One of the hottest tickets in the West End right now, Hercules takes the beloved Disney film and transforms it into a live-on-stage adventure for the whole family. In a time of gods and mortals, Hercules isn’t quite either – but is he enough of both to save the world from Hades? With all the fantastic music you remember from the film plus plenty of new surprises, this is definitely worth catching at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Evita
If you haven’t seen this one talked about everywhere, we’d be surprised. Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler stars as Eva Perón, an ambitious Argentine girl who rises from poverty to become the most powerful woman in the country. Jamie Lloyd directs this new take on the classic Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, and the buzz is very much deserved. Read our review if you need further convincing.
Just For One Day
Giving festivals a miss this year? If you’d rather condense that festival feeling into two and a half hours, Just For One Day at the Shaftesbury Theatre is the ticket for you. Exploring the impact and the legacy of Live Aid, the show delivers brand new arrangements of some of the biggest numbers from history’s greatest concert – and they’re still raising money for the same cause. You can read our interviews with the cast here.
Disney’s The Lion King
A tried and tested family favourite, The Lion King dazzles both first time visitors and repeat attendees alike. With timeless music, astonishing design, costume and puppetry, and a moving message, it’s hard to go wrong with this Disney classic – there’s a reason it’s been playing in the West End for 25 years.
The Great Gatsby
If you haven’t seen Gatsby yet then get a move on, old sport! The brand-new West End musical is a party of epic proportions, transforming F. Scott Fitzgerald’s jazz-age classic for the stage with an all-star cast including Jamie Muscato, Frances Mayli McCann, Corbin Bleu and Amber Davies. Unravel the mystery of millionaire recluse Jay Gatsby – and learn that behind every dazzling spectacle lies something darker… Be quick, because The Great Gatsby leaves the London Coliseum on 7 September. You can read our review here.
Back To The Future The Musical
Based on the beloved 1985 blockbuster, Back To The Future The Musical sees teenager Marty McFly unexpectedly catapulted back to 1955, where he accidentally alters the course of history. Now the race is on to sort out his mess and find his way back… to the future. Featuring a blend of original numbers and classics from the film, this West Hit is electrifying fun. As of August 13, the show will also star TikTok sensation Maddie Grace Jepson, making her West End debut as Lorraine Baines. Read our review here.
101 Dalmatians
Another one for the whole family – if you can stomach the dastardly doings of Cruella de Vil… This new musical brings Dodie Smith’s classic story to life, boasting a rollicking good time and show-stopping design – it promises to put the ‘pup’ in puppetry. Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas stars as Cruella, but you’ve only got six weeks to catch her – 101 Dalmations will leave the Eventim Apollo on 30 August.
MAMMA MIA!
No summer theatre roundup would be complete without MAMMA MIA! The ultimate feel-good summer show, MAMMA MIA! combines Greek island life with the music of ABBA – what more could we ask for? In the lead-up to her wedding, Sophie invites three of her mother’s ex-lovers to visit, hoping to discover which one is her father. Antics follow…
Burlesque The Musical
Discover a world of music and dance beneath the city, a place to discover yourself and change your story… When Ali’s search for her mother takes her to New York City, she’s drawn towards a club that alters her life forever. With songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, and additional music by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley, this blockbuster musical is an unmissable summer event, housed in the luxurious Savoy Theatre. Hurry though – Burlesque The Musical heads off on 6 September.
Wicked
There’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Wicked. Discover a whole new side to the story you think you knew, as you enter Shiz University with Glinda and Elphaba and witness how friendship can change everything. A fantastic watch for all the family, Wicked remains one of the West End’s most beloved shows – read our review here to see why.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
After entertaining thousands of theatre-goers in its West End run, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is finally leaving the Aldwych Theatre on 13 September, making this summer your final opportunity to see it. Don’t miss this last chance to witness Tina’s life unfold onstage, with all the highs and lows of her journey from Nutbush, Tennessee to global stardom, set to the backdrop of her biggest hits.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Escape the summer heat and step through the wardrobe into the wintery world of Narnia… The smash-hit production returns to Sadler’s Wells this summer, playing a very limited run from 20 August – 7 September. You’ll want to be one of those lucky enough to catch it – this is C. S. Lewis’ magical family classic brought to life by a talented cast of actor-musicians, astonishing puppetry and theatre magic that fans young and old won’t ever forget.
