Kinky Boots West End made an exciting casting announcement today. Matt Cardle will play Charlie Price alongside Johannes Radebe as Lola, in the brand-new production of the Award-winning Kinky Boots. Also announced today was the Alternate Lola. Tosh Wanogho-Maud, who is currently starring as Lola in the European leg of the touring production, step into the heels as Alternate Lola. Wanogjo-Maud is scheduled to perform on all Monday performances from 6th April.
Cardle rose to fame as the winner of The X Factor in 2010. Cardle is no stranger to the West End though. He even received the WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best West End Debut’ for his role in Memphis at The Shaftesbury Theatre.
Regarding the announcement, he said the following:
“I am absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast of Kinky Boots on London’s biggest stage. Kinky Boots is a show I’ve loved for years so to get the opportunity to step into the role of Charlie Price is a dream come true. Bringing this iconic role to life in the West End is an incredible privilege, and I cannot wait to share this production with audiences.”
Tosh Wanogho-Maud started his career as a child in the iconic shows like The Lion King and has grown into a West End Powerhouse. He’s also starred in Titanique, The Book of Mormon and Bridgerton to name a few.
Kinky Boots The Musical is a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and movie of the same name released in 2005. The show opens on the West End at the iconic London Coliseum. It is running from 17th March until 11th July. The Musical features a book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper.
Kinky Boots is a glorious celebration of friendship and individuality. Book your tickets here for Kinky Boots West End run for 17 weeks only.
Oliver have a cast update as the show moves into it’s second year on the West End.
This smash hit revival is one of the most popular West End Shows currently. The classic Lionel Bart Musical, based on the classic Charles Dickens novel has blown audiences away since it opened at The Gielgud Theatre. Oliver is the story of a Victorian orphan who escapes a workhouse, only to find a community within an Eastend gang of pickpockets. It also has some of Musical Theatres most famous songs. This includes Food Glorious Food, As Long As He Needs Me and Consider Yourself to name a few! The revival is produced by Cameron Mackintosh. It has innovative Direction and Choreography by Matthew Bourne with co-direction by Jean-Pierre van dur Spuy.
The New Oliver Cast include new Oliver Twists. The Role will be shared by Isaac Hackett, James Miller, Thomas Newman and Jacob Sanders-Jones. The Join the principle cast who are continue in the west end. This includes Simon Lipkin as Fagin, Ava Brennan as Nancy and Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes. Also, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble and Katy Secombe as Widow Corney. Lastly, Stephen Matthews remains as Mr Sowerberry/Dr Grimwig with Jamie Birkett as Mrs Sowerberry/ Mrs Bedwin and Philip Franks as Mr Brownlow.
Joining the new cast of Oliver are ensemble members Julie Cloke, Will Elliott, Tom Andrew Hargreaves and Victoria Hay. Also Jehu Josephs, Conor McFarlane, Mia Mullarkey, Erin Oliver, Jamie Tyler, Sienna Widd and Dane Young.
Adam Boardman, Lois Craig, Harry Cross, Stephen John Davis, Bethany Huckle, Bethan Keens, Danny Lane, Jasmine Sakyiama, Wendy Somerville, Charlie Stripp and Lochlan White are continuing in the ensemble.
Starlight Express closing date was announced yesterday. The production also announced its world tour beginning in spring 2027.
The production is at the Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park and is the recipient of 7 What’s On Stage Awards. Starlight Express is a musical which tells the story of Rusty the steam train. Rusty dreams of becoming the fastest engine in the world. Since its 1984 premiere, Starlight Express has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide.
The Starlight Express Closing date is set for 3rd May. Despite this closure, this date makes it the longest-running revival of an Andrew Lloyd Webber show.
Here at Leicester Square Box Office we have exclusive in-person discounts for Starlight Express. If you can’t get to us in person you can always call us on 0207 087 2999 between the hours of 10am and 7pm. We also sell great priced tickets on our website. Click here to see the selection.
The cast of Starlight Express who will lead it through to its closure includes Gavin Adams as Rusty, Jade Marvin as Momma McCoy, Olivia Ringrose as Greaseball, Asher Forth as Electra, Sophie Naglik as Pearl, Georgia Pemberton as Dinah, Jaydon Vijn as Hydra, and Scott Hayward as Alternate Rusty, with Jamie Addison, Jessie Angell, Ollie Augustin, Evan Taylor Benyacar, Charles Butcher, Cletus Chan, Tamara Verhoven Clyde, Jamie Cruttenden, Kelly Downing, Isaac Edwards, Maddy Erzan-Essien, Sam Gallacher, Lucy Glover, Amiyah Goodall, Dante Hutchinson, Iwan James, Lewis Kidd, Hannah Kiss, Nicole Louise-Lewis, Bethany Rose Lythgoe, Temi Olawole, RED, Ashley Rowe, Sheridan, Dieuwke Tonissen, Nicky Wong Rush, Charlie Russell, Lara Vina Uzcatia and Amber Weston.
Paranormal Activity have just announced their extension into 25th April 2026. Here’s everything you need to now about the show.
What is the show about?
The show is based on the blockbuster scary film of the same name. James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past. However, they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are.
You can secure great seats on the Leicester Square Box Office website and use our discount code NY2026 for the best prices! Alternatively, come and see our friendly team in person or call us.
How scary is the show?
Sleep with the lights on after scary. Reviews have praised the show for its creativity in ragards to the show rather than relying on easy jump scares. But who knows? Maybe you’re braver than me!
The show recently welcomed a last minute new leading man with Patrick Heusinger as James. He originated the role on tour. The remaining cast are Melissa James as Lou, Pippa Winslow as Carolanne and Jackie Morrison as Etheline. The Understudies are Cheyenne Dasri as Understudy Lou and Jake Solari as Understudy James.
What are the age restrictions on the Paranormal Activity play?
Yes! The show is recommended for ages 15+ and also has a lot of contact warnings. The main warnings include loud noises, sudden darkness, blood and gore with references to mental health. However there are even more than that! Our box office has the full list of warnings should you wish to hear them before booking.
Lucie Jones is set to return to the West End Production of Les Miserables this year. She is joining the cast from as soon as 19th January until 11th April. Jones is playing the role of Fantine. She previously performed this role in the West End and most recently on the Arena Spectacular World Tour.
Lucie Jones is joining the current cast. This includes Ian McIntosh as Jean Valjean and Sam Oladeinde as Javert. Adam Gillen plays Thénardier along with Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier. The other leads are Thiago Phillip Felizardo as Marius and Amena El-kindy as Éponine. Lastly, Joe Griffiths-Brown plays Enjolras with Izzi Levine as Cosette.
The company is completed by Hollie Aires, Aidan Banyard, Ella May Carter, Nicholas Carter, Matthew Dale, Irfan Damani, Lily De-La-Haye, 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.This cast is due to change soon with the updates of cast from 2nd February still to be announced.
Jones rose to acclaim from her stint on X-Factor back in 2009. ince then she has been a big name in Musical Theatre. She has many iconic credits under her belt including Wicked and Waitress to name a few.
Our New Years Theatre Sale is live! When booking any show with us, if you use Discount Code NY2026 you will get extra savings on your booking. You can even use this on already discounted shows. This code is exclusive to bookings on our websiteWe want you to get the best offers possible when you head to the theatre so here’s our run down on how to save money this sales period.
Literally, all of them! You can see all of the shows we cover here. Why not save even for and apply the discount to our already discount and economy shows.
Check out our discount page or call us on 0207 087 2999 or visit us in person for even more special offers.
What shows should I book in the New Years Theatre Sale?
It really depends what you’re interested in! The show that you would save the most money on would be Just For One Day- The Live Aid Musical. We think this would be a great one to book now as it closes in February. What’s more, the cast are incredible and as you can see they are ranked highly on our feefo feedback. On the flip side of that you could seize this opportunity to book a show which is typically more expensive to see such as The Phantom of the Opera or Mamma Mia!
Head to LSBO news for more theatre blogs, news and tips! Book your tickets today with Leicester Square Box Office and don’t forget to use code NY2026 at checkout.
Here’s all the new shows in 2026 which are hitting the West End. Is your new years resolution to see more theatre? Well use our discount code, NY2026 for extra money off all bookings.
Here’s just a small selection of some of the shows opening this year that we have to look forward to.
Starring Hugh Bonnevillie this play is based on the true story of author C.S Lewis. Lewis wrote the beloved Chronicles of Narnia books. The play follows his unexpected love with an American Poet which transforms his orderly academic life. What begins as a meeting of minds becomes an uplifting and powerful journey of love and the fragile beauty of life.
The production is running at The Aldwych Theatre from 5th February until 9th May this year.
This play is the final installment of the series by BAFTA Award Winner Johnathon Lynn. Jim Hacker played by Griff Rhys Jones is back and hoping for a quiet retirement at the tranquil Hacker College, Oxford, Jim instead finds himself facing the ultimate modern crisis: cancelled by the college committee.
This British political satire is playing at The Apollo Theatre from 30th January until 9th May.
Before the New York Dolls. Before Debbie Harry. There was Maggie Frisby. Once the roaring voice of 60s counterculture, now broke and disillusioned, a band’s youthful dreams of anarchic rebellion collapse into bitterness. Amidst the wreckage, lead singer Maggie tears through the night fuelled by booze, fury, and a voice that refuses to die.
Starring Strictly’s Johannes Radabe, Kinky Boots is based on a true story and subsequent hit film. The show follow Charlie who inherits his fathers failing shoe factory. A chance encounter with a drag queen named Lola might just offer the solution for Charlie and his families business.
This moving and uplifting musical is based on a novel of the same name. Harold Fry – grey, tired and lonely – receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply. And keeps walking. From South Devon to Berwick upon Tweed. Leaving his bewildered wife Maureen behind. As word spreads of his unlikely pilgrimage, a whole company of lost souls join him on his quest. And the horizons for both Harold and Maureen open wider than they could ever have imagined.
Returning to the West End after 20 years, this outrageous, award winning musical is Avenue Q. Using the original Broadway puppets, Avenue Q is the mischievous and charming musical full of infectious songs and loveable characters that will leave you smiling for days. It follows a recent graduate who moves in to a run down apartment in New York where he quickly meets quirky and colourful neighbours.
This highly anticipated new show hits the west end this year. Based on the cult movie, this musical was a smash hit on Broadway. It follows a family who move into a new, definitley not haunted house. When the angsty teenager in the family wants help, she enlisted the help of a devilish ghost named… Beetlejuice.
We hope thats given you some inspiration of New Shows in 2026 for you to look forward to! There’s plenty more exciting shows in the pipe lines still to come.
New Years Day Theatre Shows in the West End are a plenty! What’s more, there is something for everyone that day! Whether you’re a hardcore party goer who wants to keep to vibes going or you want something more wholesome perhaps for little ones – We’re sure we’ve got the perfect show for you.
These shows are all great pick to keep the family entertained before they head back to school! These New Years Day Theatre Shows are specifically designed for younger children and families and often have a lower price tag to make it more accessible for families.
The Gruffalo’s Child is playing on New Years Day 3 times! You can catch the show based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved books at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm. It is playing at the Lyric Theatre which also houses Hadestown. This show is designed for children aged 3+.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show also is performing multiple times on New Years Day. The shows are at 1pm and 3pm at The Theatre Royal Haymarket. This delightful family show even allows babes in arms to attend, in fact, children under 12 months, sitting on an adults lap do not require a ticket!
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas has been a joy this festive season at The Garrick Theatre. I have often walked past the venue post show to see many an excited family catch the Youtuber and Cebeebies Presenter at the stage door. This show also has 3 performances on New Years Day at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
These New Years Day Theatre Shows are all vibes! Just because the festive season is over, doesn’t mean the party has to end. Just bear in mind, aside from Mamma Mia, these shows are generally geared to a more grown up audience. They also have later start times so you can sleep off any over indulgence from the night before!
Magic Mike is exclusively an over 18 event. They are particularly strict on this as the venue is inside the iconic Hippodrome Casino. This dance show is based on the hit film starring Channing Tatum. This show is the ultimate girls night out and is performing at 7pm and 9.30pm on New Years Day.
Mamma Mia is a staple on the West End and truly brings the warmth to these dark winter nights. This musical is a celebration on ABBA set on a beautiful Greek Island and has audiences up and dancing along at the end of every performance. The show is playing at The Novello Theatre and is playing at 7.30pm on New Years Day.
The Choir of Man‘s New Years Day Performance could in fact, be the last opportunity you have to catch this show befoe it closes on 4th. The show is set in a pub and the venue has a working pub on the stage perfect for you to grab that pre show hair of the dog! The show is playing at 7.30pm at The Arts Theatre.
The Ones who aren’t ready to say goodbye to the festive season:
Stay in the Christmas Spirit by booking tickets to the most Christmassy Show in the West End. Elf the musical is based on the beloved film starring Will Ferrell which has become a christmas classic. The show is performing at 7pm on New Years Day at The Aldwych Theatre.
These New Years Day Theatre Shows are simply classics. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre goer or are making a trip for the very first time, you can’t go wrong with one of these shows.
Running for 13 years, Matilda is based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name with an incredible score by Tim Minchin. This is a great choice for the whole family. The show is playing at the Cambridge Theatre at 2pm and 7pm on New Years Day.
Into The Woods is the revival of the classic Sondheim Musical at the gorgeous Bridge Theatre. The musical takes traditional Fairy Tales and takes us beyong happily ever after. Into The Woods plays on New Days Day at 7.30pm at The Bridge Theatre.
The Lion King is arguably one of the most famous shows on the West End. Based on the Disney film, the show has the classic score by Elton John from the movie. Beautiful puppetry brings the desert to life at The Lyceum Theatre. There is a performance of this show at 7.30pm on New Years Day.
The Mousetrap is the longest running show in the west end at a whopping 73 years! This play is a classic Agatha Christie Murder Mystery play and is the best kept theatre secret. Reckon you can find out who dunnit? Book your tickets for The Mousetrap showing at The St. Martin’s Theatre at 7.30pm on New Years Day.
High Noon starring Billy Crudup and Denise Gough first look images are here! The began performances just a week ago at The Harold Pinter Theatre. This play is the world Premiere of the stage adaptation of the Oscar Award Winning 1952 movie of the same name. Interesting, the play takes place “in real time”. This means the time frame in which you watch the performance is the same time frame in which the events unfold.
These first look images show the High Noon cast in action! This includes Emmy and Tony Award winner Billy Crudup as Will Kane and Olivier Award winner Denise Gough as Amy Fowler. Billy Howle plays Harvey Pell with Rosa Salazar as Helen Ramirez.
The remaining cast are Simon Chandler as Howe and Minister and James Doherty as Judge, Frank Miller and Gillis. Also, Misha Handley plays Johnny. Joshua Hill plays Ben Miller, Station Master and Cooper with Jonah Russell as Robert Jones, Scott and JP Pierce. Lastly, Rebecca Lee plays Mildred Jones and Tim Steed plays Henderson, Clerk and Charlie.
High Noon focuses on the bond between Will Kane and Amy Fowler. Their love is tested by impossible choices as the clock ticks down to the return of deadly outlaw Frank Miller on the high noon train. As time runs out, one truth remains: if you don’t stand up for what’s worth saving, you risk losing it all.
Here are some Christmas Theatre Gift Ideas for your beloved theatre lover. We have selected the shows we think you should see, inspired by the word Christmas itself!
This comedy is the latest production from the writers of The Play That Goes Wrong. Playing at The Apollo Theatre, this is the perfect Christmas Theatre show to book this year! Tickets are selling out fast for this production, however this festive treat is playing until 25th January, before it heads back on tour.
Once again, The Cornley Amatuer dramatics society battle miscommunication, delays to their set, actors missing in action and a growing feud over who will play the lead. It’s sure to be a disastrous take on the much-loved classic Christmas story of Ebeneezer Scrooge. Will Cornley finally change their ways, or will their misfortunes wreak havoc yet again?
Hamilton is now a staple of London’s West End, so will be a sure fire hit for your theatre fan this christmas. The show is the story of one of America’s founding fathers. Lin Manuel Miranda wrote this multi-award winning musical. It blends a fusion of Hip-hop, Jazz, Rap, R&B and broadway into one incredible score. It is the story of America then as told by America now.
This is a perfect choice for the person who has seen everything as this is a brand new adaptation! Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Noah Jupe, the production is set to be one of the most highly sought after tickets of 2026 as doesn’t start performance until 16th March 2026. Not only that, but it is also playing for a limited run.
The show is the classic play of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. In Verona, two young people meet at the party… the rest is tragedy.
Into the Woods is the Sondheim classic, fairytale inspired musical which is currently playing at The Bridge Theatre. In this tale, the Baker, the Baker’s Wife, the Witch, Jack, Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella and Rapunzel take us beyond happy ever after to discover what really matters. This production recently recieved rave reviews so we think it’s a great pick if you’re buying for the Theatre Connoiseur.
Also, it is at one of my favourite theatres in London, The Bridge Theatre. Situated to the drop drop of the iconic Tower Bridge, this trip to the theatre feels like even more of an occassion.
The Six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. In a concert style, the queens rewrite herstory and gives a voice to the women who were reduced to nothing but a rhyme for school children… until now.
Six started from humble beginnings and is now a global sensation!
Titanique is the story of the Titanic in a the way that you’ve never heard of before… Through the eyes of Celine Dion! Who was obviously there that fateful night. Naturally, the musical is jam packed of some of Celines greatest hits! With powerhouse voices and show-stopping numbers such as My Heart Will Go On, All by Myself and To Love You More, the show is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart and campy chaos.
This show makes a spectaular Christmas Theatre gift! Moulin Rouge is so visually impressive from stepping into the Auditorium to the curtain call, you really feel like you get the full package with this show. It is based on the hit Buz Lurhmann film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Set in the Moulin Rouge in paris, two young lovers worlds collide and they are forced to have a secret relationship. This juke box musical has some of teh pop songs from the original film with additional tunes from modern artists which keeps the show fresh!
The show sells out nearly every night so grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
ABBA Voyage is the groundbreaking concert in East London. The show uses cutting edge technology of digital avatars of the original ABBA Members. the holograms are backed by live musicians which blurs the lines between physical and digital technology.
Starlight Express is playing at The Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park. This is Andrew Lloyd Webbers musical where all the cast are on Roller Skates. As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’. The incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and of course, the iconic Starlight Express.
