The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has extended their run until 11th October 2025. The musical is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel and won 3 Olivier Awards this year. In fact, it even won the highly coveted award for Best New Musical.
The musical adaptation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is set in a Cornish Fishing village. An ensemble of Actor-Musicians who play their instruments live on stage tells the story. The story is about Benjamin Button, who is born an old man and ages in reverse. The adaptation is by Jethro Compton and Darren Clark.
Regarding the extension of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, writer Compton said:
“Bringing Benjamin Button to the West End has been a dream come true. We could never have imagined such an incredible response to the show. On behalf of the entire Button family, I want to express our enormous gratitude to every audience member who has come to see us and the many that have come back again and brought friends and loved ones with them. This amazing year in the West End is just the first chapter of the show’s life, and as I hope we’ve demonstrated in our journey from a small-scale fringe show to an Olivier Award-winning West End musical, anything’s possible.”
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button also stars award-winning actor John Dagleish as the title role. This is as well as Olivier Award-nominated Clare Foster, who plays Elowen Keene. The remaining cast is Matthew Burns, Jonathan Charles, Oonagh Cox, Katy Ellis, Anna Fordham, Philippa Hogg, Damien James, Ann Marcuson, Jack Quarton, Benedict Salter, Elliot Mackenzie, Emily Panes and Nuwan Hugh Perera.
The Weir Cast has been announced in full this morning. They are joining the previously announced, multi award-winning movie star, Brendan Gleeson. Gleeson is the latest celebrity to step foot on the West End. This production is also Gleeson’s West End debut!
The Weir will open on 12th September and run until 6th December at The Harold Pinter Theatre. It will open in Dublin before transferring to the West End for a limited run.
Joining Gleeson in The Weir Cast are Owen McDonnell (Killing Eve) as Brendan, Seán McGinley (Braveheart) as Jim, Kate Phillips (Wolf Hall) as Valerie and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (All My Sons) as Finbar.
The play is written by Conor McPherson and is set in a pub in Ireland where 4 locals regularly meet. When a mysterious woman enters the pub, they tell stories to impress her. Little do they know that she has a profoundly personal story of her own, the sharing of which will leave them all shaken. The focus of this play is all about story telling and it really is a gripping, well written play. In fact, this play won the Olivier Award in 1999 for The Best New Play.
Regarding The Weir Cast, playwright and director for the show Conor McPherson said the following:
“I couldn’t be happier to be working with this brilliant cast. It’s always exciting embarking on a new production but to revisit The Weir in the company of these particularly accomplished artists feels like a singular privilege and I look forward to sharing this story with audiences in Dublin and London very soon.”
Cameron Mackintosh Productions have announced the Les Miserables New Cast. They also have given us updates of special guests that will perform for a limited run to celebrate the production’s 40th anniversary in the West End.
Ian McIntosh will lead the Les Miserables New Cast as Jean Valjean, with Sam Oladeinde as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine. Adam Gillen will play Thénardier alongside Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier, Thiago Phillip Felizardo as Marius, Amena El-Kindy as Éponine, Joe Griffiths-Brown as Enjolras and Izzi Levine as Cosette. They will begin performances on 7th July 2025 and take a break whilst the theatre welcomes their anniversary performers.
Completing the ensemble are Hollie Aires, Aidan Banyard, Nicholas Carter, Ella May Carter, Matthew Dale, Irfan Damani, Lila Falce-Bass, Sophie-May Feek, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Seán Keany, Chris Kiely, Sam Kipling, Mia Lamb, Sarah Lark, Ollie Llewelyn-Williams, Matthew McConnell, Aaron-Jade Morgan, Adam Pearce, William Pennington, Jordan Simon Pollard, Lewis Renninson, Danielle Rose, Georgia Tapp, Noah Thallon, Imaan Victoria, and Danny Whelan.
The 40 Anniversary Limited Run Cast
From 8th September to 1st November, the Les Miserables New Cast will pause performances to make from for the birthday cast, made up of some of the most renowned performers who have previously performed in the show.
Killian Donnelly will play Jean Valjean and at certain performances Ian McIntosh will perform this role. Also cast is Bradley Jaden as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine and Jac Yarrow as Marius. Shan Ako will appear as Éponine, Jordan Shaw as Enjolras and Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette. Lastly, starring in the anniversary cast is Adam Gillen as Thénardier and Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier.
The previously mentioned Les Miserables new cast ensemble will remain the same for this anniversary limited run. Most of the leading new cast will resume their roles following the limited anniversary run.
Love musical theatre songs? Us too! That’s why we’ve compiled our list of some of the most unforgettable musical numbers! Also, they are all from shows that are currently playing on the West End.
Even if you haven’t seen this musical you’re probably already familiar with this song. Imagine seeing this is real life? Phoenomonal! The Circle Of Life is the opening number of this popular Disney musical. This beautiful song written by Elton John, welcomes the arrival of lion cub Simba. It sets the warmth of welcoming a new day and new life. This opening number immerses you with the use of puppetry which comes down the aisles of the theatre. The song already has an emotional attachment for many people, that combined with the power of life singing and full orchestra makes this an easy addition to our list of unforgettable musical theatre songs which you can currently catch in the West End.
Overall, this musical is slept on! This movie musical is based on the beloved 90’s film. With original musical theatre songs written by KT Tunstall, the music echoes genres of the 90’s. This particular song, Reasonable Doubt echoes both a grungy, angsty teenager and also NSYNC, boyband vibes. The song is the second number in the second act. It is sung by Josh, Cher’s ex-step brother who doesn’t like the guy she’s decided to start seeing. It is so cleverly written and has the audience chuckling along at the familiar sound and cheesey dance number.
Wait For Me (Reprise) comes as the penultimate number in the show. The original time this song is sung is in the show’s first act, where Orpheus decides to follow Eurydice into the underworld. The reprsie of this song seems to hit harder. Perhaps it’s because we have already heard the main theme once already and it is built on from there. Or, it could also be as the stakes are much higher as the doomed lovers try to leave the underworld. Either way, the song is fuller with more voices and harmonies added making this a goosebump inducing song.
I had never heard of this Celine Dion song until I watched Titanique on TV at the Big Night At The Musicals. Taking Chances is the first big company number in the musical. Titanique is a retelling of the film Titanic from the point of view of Celine Dion. Naturally, the musical features all of Celine Dion’s music. This song elevates the original song as the music swells and pack a full punch of the company singing all together. It is another goosebump worthy song, therefore giving it a solid spot on our list of unforgettable musical theatre songs today.
This song simply had to make our list of unforgettable musical theatre songs. The song is in the first act by Elder McKinley who is the lead Mormon missionary in Uganda. In this song, McKinley is teaching his fellow Mormon missionaries how to deal with upsetting, “inappropriate” or even traumatising things. It’s easy! You simply have to supress the emotions and “Turn It Off”. Not only is this song hilarious in it’s lyrics due to being written by the creator of South Park, it is also a showstopper! Once he has all the Mormons on side, they break out in to a full on dance number with what might be one of the West End‘s fastest quick changes. Turn It Off is a super fun song and has the audiences side splitting with laughter.
This song is a female belty, emotional ballad. Unlike the majority of our musical theatre songs however, this one takes place in Act 2 of Hamilton. Burn is a fiery song by Eliza. It is sung when she is betrayed and humiliated by the titular character. Lin Manuel Miranda is the song writing force behind this song. Hamilton is the show that really put him on the song writing map before Disney picked him up to write the score for Moana and Encanto which we all know and love. Going through a break up? Maybe they cheated? Then listen to this song full blast and scream along if you know the words!
Not only does this song make the list of the most unforgettable Musical Theatre Songs but it is also Wicked‘s opening number. This beautiful score by Stephen Schwartz uses a full orchestration and discordant harmonies and chords to hit the audience with sound from the opening number. This song becomes a recurring theme throughout the musical.
No One Mourns The Wicked is another full ensemble number with Glinda the good witch taking a beautiful lead soprano line. It sets the world that we are in and gives you the necessary information to follow the whole story. Wicked is the untold story of the Witches of Oz, AKA, the original villain origin story. The lyrics, punchy chords and full vocal power from the ensemble tells you that they are united in celebrating the Wicked Witch’s death. However, the chords, clashing harmonies and dramatic drums gives you the feeling that something isn’t quite right.
This song’s a banger and also, it’s five minutes long and still leaves you wanting more. This song is a good ol’ cockney knees up. Consider Yourself comes halfway through Act 1 of Oliver! When Oliver meets pick pocket Dodger. Dodger welcomes Oliver into the found family of young vagrants who commit petty crimes in order to survive in the Victorian East End. This is one of the musical theatre songs on our list today which includes a dance number. The current production of Oliver! is choreographed by Matthew Bourne and saw them recieve an Olivier Award Nomination for best choreography. In our opinion, this song will always live in the shadow of Nancy’s belter As Long As He needs me and here at LSBO we want to give this song the recognition it deserves.
Honestly, just thinking about this musical theatre song, gives me goosebumps! Maybe This Time is a female, solo belty ballad written in this iconic Kander and Ebb Musical. This song is sometimes in the shadow of the title song of the show, Cabaret. Cabaret is already a powerful story. It is set in a Cabaret Club in the twilight age of Jazz, set amongst the Nazis rise to power.
Maybe This Time is sung in the first act of the show by lead character Sally Bowles. She is singing after discovering that she is pregnant and doesn’t know who the father is. She is reflecting on her possible choices in life and is famously, a song of hope and desperation. It is a song about hope for a better future which echoes her personal feelings and the feelings against a political and historical backdrop which as an audience member, we know is ill-fated. This adds to the turmoil and desperation of this powerful, knock-your-socks-off song making it truly one of the most memorable musical theatre songs.
This is one of the best musical theatre songs of all time in my opinion. However, it will forever live in the shadow of the shows song I Dreamed A Dream, made popular by Susan Boyle in Britain’s Got Talent. One Day More comes at the end of the first act. It is the turning point of the show where all of the characters are making decisions that will change their lives. It is centered around them starting the French Revolution and see’s most of the characters before joining the barricades. The song is a punchy full ensemble number. With all of the characters lyrics overlapping and harmonising beautifully. It build until the full company is singing in dramatic and operatic harmony. This song never fails to impress no matter how many times you hear it.
The New Evita production starring Rachel Zegler is due to start performances tonight! As the production is currently in it’s final dress rehearsals, social media has gone mad with speculation of what we can expect from the latest of Jamie Lloyds Production.
Evita is a musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber about Argentina’s beloved first lady, Eva Peron. First performed in 1978, this revival promises to be innovative. Recent videos of the new Evita production shared online from people passing the theatre has the internet talking!
Videos have surfaced online of Zegler stepping out onto the balcony of The London Palladium. She is followed by cameras and singing the iconic song Don’t Cry For Me Argentina to the street below. It is unclear whether or not this is a publicity stunt for the new Evita Production or part of the show. It would be on brand for revolutionary director Jamie Lloyd. He broke boundaries when he had video cameras live-streaming the actors outside the theatre onto the stage. The initial video has 3.4 million views on TikTok and has had mixed responses from theatre fans.
A new video of the same sequence was seen yesterday showing swing Kirsty Anne Shaw (Wicked, Tina), suggesting it will be part of this highly anticipated new Evita Production.
The New Evita Production will start public performances tonight with Rachel Zegler as the leading lady. You can see the full cast list here. Other than the viral TikToks from passersby of the theatre all we have are the rehearsal images released a few weeks back to give us an insight into this exciting revival.
This year’s West End Live Schedule has just been released! The annual event celebrating the best of West End Theatre is taking place once again on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June at the historic Trafalgar Square. What’s more, the entire event is free! Theatre lovers just need to turn up and admittance is made on a first-come, first-served basis.
The highly anticipated West End Live Schedule is extra special this year as it is the event’s 20th Birthday! As such, it includes performances from shows that previously performed at West End Live. This includes numbers from We Will Rock You and Dreamgirls to name a few.
The host for Saturday’s West End Live are Hannah Lowther (Six) and Divina De Campo (RuPaul’s Drag Race). Zoe Birkett (Tina) and Oliver Tompsett (Wicked) will host on Sunday.
The full list of acts performing at West End Live 2025 are:
The Final Tina Cast has been announced ahead of the show closing on 13th September 2025. Tina is the longest running show at The Aldwych Theatre. It has shown there from 2018. The musical is based on the life of singing sensation, Tina Turner. It features some of her greatest hits such as Simply the Best and Proud Mary to name a few.
Joining the Final Tina Cast is the previously announced pop star Fleur East. Fleur East is sharing the lead role of Tina with Karis Anderson on select dates in summer. This will be East’s theatrical debut.
The production released not only the final Tina Cast Line Up today but also, some rehearsal images showing the new cast getting into character, including East.
The remaining Tina Cast includes Natasha J Barnes as Rhonda Graam, Chrissie Bhima will play Alline Bullock, with James Chisholm playing Richard Bullock and Matt Dempsey as Phil Spector and Terry Britten. Lastly, newcomers Christian James joins as Roger Davies alongside Samuel Sarpong-Broni as Raymond Hill.
Staying on as her role of Tina‘s Grandmother is Irene Myrtle Forrester while current company member Dan O’Brien takes over the role of Erwin Bach. Finally, we have Charlotte St Croix continuing as standby Tina Turner, with Carole Stennett also staying on as Zelma.
The children joining who make up the final Tina cast includes Rhianne King, Keilah Kofi, with current cast member Lola McCourtie as Young Anna Mae Bullock. Also, there’s Diuneusa Miguel, Brielle Owusu Ansah and Ariella Warburton starting as Young Alline Bullock and Young Craig.
Check out these images of the new cast rehearsing here:
Catch Tina before it’s rolling out of the Aldwych Theatre on 13th September 2025.
Struggling to think of gifts for father’s day? Why not give the gift of theatre! Show your appreciation to your father by taking him out to London’s glittering West End for an evening he’ll never forget! Also, most of the shows we have chosen perform on Sundays so you can be sure to spoil him on actual Father’s Day.
Gifts For Father’s Day: Sunday Matinee Shows
Sunday Matinee shows for Fathers Day is a great choice for younger families celebrating fathers day as you are generally out of the theatre by 5pm. Therefore, you can grab dinner afterwards and still have a early night for school or work the next day
This play is based on the award winning Studio Ghibli animation. The magical creature Totoro is so loved in fact that it has become the logo for all Ghilbli films. My Neighbour Totoro is a great choice for Dads who love animation and magic!
When Satsuki and Mei’s mother is taken ill, their father moves the two sisters from their home in a city to the countryside to be close to her as she reconvenes. As the sisters explore their new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls “Totoro” – and they are to be the girls’ neighbours. Before long the two girls are caught up in the creatures’ adventures – transported to a long-forgotten world of spirits, sprites and magic.
This beautiful stage adaptation is a multi-Olivier Award Winner and you can book tickets here early to avoid disappointment.
This musical would be one of the most unforgettable gifts for Father’s day. The Lion King is one of the most popular shows in the West End. This show is a pretty universal choice but would be particularly great for younger families who want to celebrate.
The Lion King is one of the longest running shows in the West End. Based on the classic Disney animated movie, the musical tells the story of Lion Cub Simba. Simba grows up with his animal friends and embarks on a journey to reclaim his crown as the king of the pridelands from his uncle.
The musical features music from Elton John and uses beautiful puppetry to bring the majestic animals to life.
Back To The Future is perfect for Dads and Grandads who are a child of the 80s or lovers of Sci Fi. The musical is based on the hit 80’s film about Marty McFly and his eccentric friend Doc. Doc makes a time machine out of his delorean car which sends them back to the 50s, the year his parents met. Marty finds himself in a pickle, trying to ensure his parents fall in love and to race Back To The Future.
The musical is a discounted show with us at LSBO so book early or see us early in Leicester Square the same week! The musical features hit songs from the iconic film alongside new songs for this spectular prodution.
Another great option to consider for sci-fi lovers when looking for Gifts for Father’s Day, Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The show is also a play so is a great choice for dads who insist they hate musicals. The play is created by the same production house as Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, therefore, the show is a visual spectacle.
This new play is the prequel to the smash-hit Netflix series. Set in Hawkins in the 50s, Stranger Things: The First Shadow tells to story of what started it all and perhaps holds the key to how it all ends.
Is your father figure a lover of the pub? Or better still a lover of the pub AND theatre? Well look no further and take him to see The Choir Of Man.
The Choir of Man is set in a pub and is a celebration of the community space pubs are. The venue opens an hour before the show starts, allowing patrons time to purchase and enjoy a pint on stage with some of the cast. Running for an hour and a half with no interval, the show is extrememly uplifting. Each character fits a stereotype you might find in your local. They play instruments live on stage and sing plenty of familiar songs to get those toes tapping.
Full of Dad jokes and genuienly laugh of loud humour which is simultaneoulsy clever and stupid, The Comedy About Spies is a perfect choice for a Fathers Day Gift.
This show is the latest creation from the comedy production house Mischief Theatre. Your father figure may already be familiar with their work. The company’s work has been so populare that the BBC have given them the TV specials called The Goes Wrong Show.
This play is set in the 60s and follows a classic spy film of the time where the CIA meets KGB and MI5. Add a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for an exciting spy movie role, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.
The second reccomendation of funny gifts for father’s day is the original production from mischief theatre. The Play That Goes Wrong literally does what it says on the tin. It is a play about a play that goes wrong. You can expect a comedy farce for this play where anything that can go wrong, will!
This is another show which you should book in advance to avoid disspointment as it is one of the few shows in the West End with Sunday Evening Performances.
Gifts For Father’s Day: Saturday Matinee and Evenings
A lot of people don’t realise this, but a lot of West End shows have a day off on Sunday. So why not celebrate early or make a weekend of it? Here are some shows we think will bring your Father joy that don’t play on a Sunday but are still a great choice!
Does your Dad loves South Park? Dark Humour? Shocking jokes alongside Dazzling tap numbers? The The Book Of Mormon is the show for him!
The Book Of Mormon is a musical written by the writer of South Park and as such only appropriate for audiences 18+. As long as younger teenagers are sat with an adult, they are allowed in but parental guidance is strongly advised.
It follows two Mormon missionaries on their journey to Africa to spread the word of the church of jesus christ of later day saints.
Lastly, on our list of gifts for father’s day, we have one of the newest musicals in the West End. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is based on the events of the Live Aid Fundraisers in 1985. It tells the story from the eyes of the people who experienced it, reliving the fundraiser created by Bob Geldof to help people affected by the famine in Ethiopia.
The show features songs by some of the artists who performed at this iconic fundraiser. This includes Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more of the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia.
This was the first event of it’s time which united the globe and brought 1.5 million people together.
Whether your dad remembers the actual event or simply loves music by the artists who performed there, Just For One Day is a great choice.
Hopefully this Theatre edition of Gifts For Father’s day has helped you decide how to show your appreciation this year!
Olly Alexander is taking on the lead role in Oscar Wilde’s classic play, The Importance Of Being Earnest. This is the West End transfer of The National Theatre’s production which starred Ncuti Gatwa last year.
The Importance Of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance. Two friends Jack and Algy lead double lives as being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so. While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, Algy (played by Olly Alexander) takes on a similar facade. Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. They hope to impress two eligible ladies but find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Max Webster will direct the show. The creative team includes set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T Chang, movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, and composer DJ Walde. Also, Joyce Henderson is on board as the physical comedy advisor with intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon, casting director Alastair Coomer, dialect coach Hazel Holder and voice coach Shereen Ibrahim.
Olly Alexander is currently the only cast member to be announced.
Keep your eyes peeled on LSBO news for futher updates on casting and when you can book your cheap tickets.
Performer Brian Conley is set to his the West End this summer. He will join the cast of Back To The Future in the role of Doctor Emmett Brown. His stint starts on 13th August 2025 for a limited 12 week run. The current Doc, Cory English will return to the role from 5th November 2025. The performer is no stranger to the West End but is better known for his work on EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing.
Back To The Future is the multi award winning musical based on the classic 80’s movie of the same name. Brian Conley plays the role of Doc, Marty McFly’s eccentric neighbour. He builds a time machine out of his DeLorean car. When it hits the break-neck speeds of 88mph, the car sends Marty and doc back to to 50’s. Getting Back To The Future however becomes a problem. Not only that but Marty has to ensure his parents fall in love to ensure his future existence.
Brian Conley joins the current cast members which includes Caden Brauch as Marty McFly with Ellis Kirk as the alternate. There’s also Sarah Goggin as Lorraine Baines, Orlando Gibbs as George McFly, Liam McHugh as Dave McFly and Patricia Wilkins as Linda McFly. This is as well as CJ Borger as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry, Alex Runicles as Biff Tannen, Talia Palamathanan as Jennifer Parker, and Lee Ormsby as Strickland and alternate Doctor Emmett Brown.
The ensemble features Kofi Aidoo-Appiah, Billie Bowman, Ella Beaumont, Gracie Caine, Charlotte Coggin, Lauren Dawes, Alexander Day, Helen Gulston, Matthew Ives, Connor Lewis, Adam Margilewski, Bryan Mottram, Anna Murray, Samuel Nicholas, Louis Quinn, Zachkiel Smith and Grace Swaby-Moore.
Brian Conley’s dates as Doc are 13th August – 3rd November 2025.
