If you’re looking to escape the dark and dreary nights with a trip to the theatre, you’re in luck as there are plenty of new shows opening in London this Winter.
Be transported to faraway lands, kick off the festive season with a night of music with the biggest West End stars or spend the evening laughing-out-loud. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered in our roundup of new shows to see this Winter.
The Drifters Girl
Opening: 4 November
British Queen of Soul Beverley Knight will be gracing the West End once again in a new musical tale about the world famous vocal group, The Drifters. The musical, which will play at the Garrick Theatre for a limited 20-week season, explores the remarkable story of Faye Treadwell, the first African-American female music manager who fought for three decades to turn the group into a global phenomenon.
From world tours and hit records to tragedy and legal battles, this brand new musical promises emotion, power and incredible music from the doo-wop, R ‘n’ B and soul coal group, including some of the most iconic songs in history such as Under The Boardwalk, Stand By Me, Save The Last Dance For Me and plenty more.
Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike
Opening: 5 November
If you’re in the mood for an evening of laughter, Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike might be just what you need.
Starring two-time Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee (Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, Alan Ayckbourn’s Comic Potential), the beloved Broadway play tells the story of three middle-aged siblings – two of whom live together – and takes places during an unannounced visit by the third, Masha, and her twenty-something boyfriend, Spike. Their reunion doesn’t end well, as they dive into a heated discussion of rivalry and regret, with Masha threatening to sell their ancestral home.
The laugh-out-loud comedy will be especially interesting for Chekov fans as it draws upon many themes from his work but with an added touch of humour.
Little Women The Musical
Savannah Stevenson (centre), (L-R), Lydia White, Hana Ichijo, Anastasia Martin and Mary Moore in rehearsals for Little Women The Musical. Photo by Pamela Raith
Opening: 11 November
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s famous coming-of-age novel, Little Women The Musical brings to life the classic story of four sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy and is the perfect pick for families.
When Jo, an aspiring writer, receives yet another rejection from a publisher, her friend suggests that she perhaps make her stories more personal. While she is hesitant to heed his advice, Jo begins to create a story of how she and her sisters grew up in Civil War America which results in a tale of self discovery, heartache, hope and love.
Featuring some stunning music from Grammy Award-winner Jason Howland (original cast album of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), you’re guaranteed to have a fun night filled with laughter and tears.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Opening: 12 November
Bohemians assemble… The West End is ready to welcome you to the Moulin Rouge!
Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film will be coming to life on stage in the West End following an incredible run in Broadway winning 10 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” Now, if that’s not got you rushing to book tickets, we’re certain the trailer will.
The high-kicking musical – which centres on the ever-growing love between Christian (played Jamie Bogyo), an aspiring writer and Satine (played by Liisi LaFontaine, Dreamgirls), a cabaret performer – features 75 songs from different styles and genres. From Tina Turner and David Bowie to Beyonce and Sting, your senses are in for a spectacular treat!
Life Of Pi
Opening: 15 November
Whether you’re a fan of Yann Martel’s award-winning book or Fox 2000 Pictures movie, the London premiere of Life Of Pi needs to be on your theatre bucket list.
Adapted for stage by the award-winning Lolita Chakrabarti OBE (Red Velvet, Message In A Bottle, Hymn), this breathtaking new production tells the story of five survivors stranded on a single lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The hyena, zebra, orangutan, sixteen year-old-boy and 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger fight against time and nature, but who will survive?
Featuring out-of-this-world puppetry by the same designers of War Horse, alongside state-of-the-art visuals, we’re certain this will be known as one of the most memorable West End productions of 2021/2022.
Aladdin
Opening: 19 November
Pop along to the Lyric Hammersmith this festive season where all your wishes will be granted… oh yes they will!
Join Aladdin on his magical carpet as he goes on an adventure to find fortune and true love. Written by award-winning comedian, actress and composer Vikki Stone, there will be live music, magic lamps and plenty of laughs as you’re transported to faraway lands.
Expect the usual Lyric twist on all your favourite characters and a night of singing in this highly anticipated panto perfect for the whole family!
Rumi: The Musical
Opening: 23 November
Rumi: The Musical takes audiences on a journey through the life and legacy of 13th century philosopher and best-selling poet Rumi who inspired millions across the centuries and around the world.
Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables), Nadim Naaman (Sweeney Todd, The Phantom Of The Opera), Casey Al-Shaqsy and Soophia Foroughi (The Prince Of Egypt) will lead a company of sixteen in this moving semi-staged musical featuring a twenty-nine piece orchestra.
Just check out the stunning performance of ‘Don’t’ from Nadim Naaman for a little sneak peek into the incredible songs waiting to be enjoyed.
Dick Whittington
Opening: 5 December
Following the success off Death Drop, a rampant, ridiculous romp of a murder mystery, TuckShop are back in the West End with a panto for adults with a dragtastic twist. Featuring a cast of top UK drag artists including Cheryl Hole, Choriza May, Kitty Scott Claus and Tia Kofi, this classic tale is completely reimagined in TuckShops own way.
When Dick Whittington’s quest to find adventure, fame and fortune is threatened by a villainous Queen Rat, can he save the city and win the hand of his love? With plenty of humour, sass and extra glitter, Dick Whittington is a great show for adults looking for a festive night of raucous fun.
Julie Madly Deeply
Opening: 12 December
Musical fans, you’re in for a treat this December as a show based around the life of showbiz icon Dame Julie Andrews is coming to the West End!,
Described as “cheeky but charming”, this love-letter cabaret will take a look at Dame Julie’s fame and fandom through the eyes and voice of award-winning performer Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aida, An Evening Without Kate Bush, La Soirée, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical)
You can expect to hear all your favourite songs sung by Julie from Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and plenty more, all combined with stories and anecdotes about Julie’s own life from becoming a child star to losing her famous singing voice.
West End Musical Christmas
Opening: 20 December
What better way to mark the festive season than a night of music with the biggest West End stars?
Join John Owen-Jones (Les Miz, The Phantom Of The Opera), Emma Hatton (Wicked), Oliver Ormson (Frozen, The Book Of Mormon), Jodie Steele (Heather’s, Six) and many more stars in this all-singing, all-dancing festive bonanza.
Featuring all your fave Christmas and showstopping numbers with a live band AND dance ensemble, this is the ultimate festive night out for musical theatre fans.
Don’t forget, our TKTS booth in Leicester Square will be back open from 13 November, so if you’re in the West End and looking to catch a last minute show, pop over and see our friendly colleagues who can tell you all about what on-the-day tickets are available, many of which are on sale at incredible reduced prices. You can also purchase the same great tickets online here.
And please remember, Official London Theatre is not-for-profit meaning any profits we make are reinvested into our work engaging young children who have never been to theatre, inspiring the next generation to consider a career in the industry and making theatre more accessible for all including deaf and disabled people. This means, when you choose to buy a ticket from Official London Theatre, you’ll not only be treating yourself to a special experience, you’ll also be helping to make theatre more accessible to all, as well as supporting the industry. It’s a win, win! 🙂
Happy shopping!