London is famous for many things – and the West End is certainly one of them.
After a long year with little-to-no performances able to take place in London’s iconic theatres and playhouses, fans across the country have been waiting eagerly for the news that the West End will be able to get back up and running.
Now, as indoor entertainment is allowed to take place once again amidst decreasing cases and a seemingly successful vaccine rollout, it looks as though audiences will be able to return to West End theatres in the coming weeks.
So, when can you expect your long-awaited night at the theatre to take place? Here are the current expected opening dates for the West End’s current line-up.
May
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
The first major musical to re-open – ahead of a hotly-anticipated film adaption coming later this year – performances of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will resume at the Apollo Theatre from May 20th.
Les Miserables: The Staged Concert
A show that needs no introduction, the concert version of the multi-award-winning musical will return to the Sondheim Theatre from May 20th until September 5th, with COVID-19 safety measures in place throughout the building until at least June 21st.
Divorced, beheaded, LIVE! One of the newest additions to the West End’s line-up, this dazzling musical take on the stories of Henry VIII’s long-suffering wives will return to the Lyric Theatre from May 21st.
June
The critically-acclaimed murder mystery comedy returns to the Duchess Theatre at long last from June 18th. Having spent seven years on the West End, it goes without saying that this one is well worth a look.
Following two hit seasons on the West End, the musical returns to London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket for a third run. Performances are scheduled to resume on June 21st and will continue until September 11th.
The feel-good musical will return to delight audiences for another season on the West End from June 21st, this time taking place at the London Coliseum – and, of course, with Olivier award-winner Michael Ball reprising his role as Edna Turnblad.
The long-awaited new musical adaptation by West End legend Andrew Lloyd Webber will open at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on June 25th, with Carrie Hope Fletcher in the starring role.
July
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Another award-winner from Andrew Lloyd Webber, this show has been a mainstay on the West End for years, with several big names in the starring role. Rising star Jac Yarrow will take over when performances reopen on July 1st at The London Palladium, alongside singer Alexandra Burke as The Narrator.
The hit adaptation of the classic animated movie, The Prince Of Egypt musical will return to the Dominion Theatre on July 1st.
Based on Richard Gere and Julia Roberts’ classic 80s rom-com, the musical adaptation of Pretty Woman is booking at London’s Savoy Theatre from July 8th, with promotional material promising audiences ‘an unforgettable night out’.
Another production which seldom leaves the West End, The Phantom Of The Opera will make its long-awaited return on July 21st at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
One of the most spectacular productions that the West End has to offer, The Lion King will return for another season at the Lyceum Theatre from July 29th.
August
The stage musical based on the Disney classic will return to the Prince Edward Theatre on August 7th, with ZiZi Strallen in the starring role.
Perhaps the most highly-anticipated return of the season, the West End run of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit musical Hamilton will return to the Victoria Palace Theatre on August 19th. Karl Queensborough will take on the coveted role of Alexander Hamilton, accompanied by Allyson Ava-Brown, Simon-Anthony Rhoden, Sharon Rose and Gavin Spokes.
The much-loved musical based on the music of ABBA will reopen at the Novello Theatre London on August 25th.
Dates correct at time of writing but subject to change due to lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Tickets can be purchased through each production’s respective website.
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