2017 was the year of the Rooster, 2018 that of the Dog. But you can set your Chinese zodiac animals aside this January, because 2019 is undeniably the year of the London Musical.
As a number of our favourite musicals and plays depart for pastures new, we’re welcoming in a huge variety of toe-tapping tuneful hits-in-the-making this New Year. From royal pop concerts to internationally touring favourites, and from country musical comedies to dance show extravaganzas, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.
So how better to cast away any January blues and warm up for 2019 than by turning the volume up, plugging in your headphones (on second thoughts, probably better to do those in opposite order!), and tuning into the new musicals’ cast recordings on Spotify? Get yourself fully prepared – and suitably excited – for a year of certified West End must-sees below… and our apologies in advance to your neighbours!
Company
A modern twist on the iconic musical Company, this version has Bobbie as a female lead. And with the incredible voices of Rosalie Craig, Patti LuPone, Jonathan Bailey and Richard Fleeshman, it’s no surprise that fans of the show are very excited about this album coming out.
Question is, can you keep up with Jonathan Bailey in “Getting Married Today”?
The playlist above is the London Cast Recording of Company.
Six The Musical
Welcome back the histo-remix with the sounds of Six, one of the breakout hits of 2018, returning this month for a third stint at the Arts Theatre.
Serving up catchy tunes galore – we challenge you to get its opening song “Ex-Wives” out of your head before your next shower sing-a-long – this electrifying song list will have you full on buzzing for Six’s return.
The playlist above is the Studio Cast Recording of Six.
Dear Evan Hansen
At long last, it’s coming to the Noël Coward Theatre this autumn, and… well, that’s all we really know about Dear Evan Hansen in the West End right now. But to be honest, the knowledge it’s coming is good enough – we’ve been eagerly awaiting a transfer of Pasek and Paul’s multi-Tony and Grammy-winning masterpiece since we first had our hearts shattered by its memorable music and story.
Dear Evan Hansen, whenever you’re due to arrive, it’s not soon enough. Yours excitedly, The West End.
The playlist above is the original Broadway cast recording.
9 To 5 The Musical
Struggling to get back into the office grind this month? Well wake up and smell the ambition, because cups of Dolly Parton’s kick-ass 9 To 5 The Musical are being served up throughout the West End this month.
Parton’s pop-country tunes are the perfect blend of feelgood, funny and fortifying – they’ll get you taking care of business in no time at all.
The playlist above is the original Broadway cast recording.
Come From Away
Keep the themes of Christmas going strong with the songs of Come From Away, a show about acceptance, kindling friendship… and cold places.
You won’t need lights, carols or tinsel to warm your heart when you’re accompanied by Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Tony Award-nominated charming melodies – just remember that Christmas cards probably aren’t acceptable around about now.
The playlist above is the original Broadway cast recording.
Waitress
2019 may only just be ‘Opening Up’, but one of the piping hot tickets in town is that of Waitress, which begins previews at the Adelphi Theatre next month.
The star-studded cast has been announced – including Katharine McPhee as Jenna, the titular Waitress – and we can’t wait to see them deploy Sara Bareilles’ tasty tunes in audiences’ heads for weeks to come.
The playlist above is the original Broadway cast recording.
Notre Dame De Paris
Let the bells ring out with the language of love – or, you know, the bells of Notre Dame De Paris.
This remarkable French musical has wowed the world for 20 years , and at long last enjoyed a West End run at the London Coliseum in January – accompanied, thankfully, by English surtitles. You may know of the story (thanks, Disney!), but not like this.
Notre Dame De Paris concluded its run on 27 January 2019 – but you can still enjoy its soundtrack above! The playlist above is a Live recording of the show from 2005.
And some returning favourites…
If it’s a revival of a favourite show you’re looking forward to, then why not click ‘Play’ on the 1991 London cast of Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat (returning to the London Palladium in August), or the 1999 original American cast recording of Fame The Musical (playing at the Peacock Theatre from September)?
How about the 2002 Broadway cast of Man Of La Mancha (playing at the London Coliseum from April), or the 2006 London cast of Evita (playing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from August)?
Alternatively, there are loads of other musicals playing in London right now! Find out more about London musicals here or book theatre tickets here.
First published: 3rd January 2019