The Phantom of the Opera Rehearsal images have been released, showing the new cast in action!
Earlier this year, the company announced who was staying on at His Majesties Theatre and who was leaving and now we have the first look of them in action!
The Phantom of the Opera rehearsal images mark the cast who will see the show into its 39th year in the West End. The show is the 2nd longest-running show in the West End and it still sells out almost every night! The show written by Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on a French novel. The novel is called La Fantome de l’Opera by Gaston Leroux. It tells to story of the “phantom” a man who lives in the Paris Opera House. He is a musical genius who writes for the theatre and falls in love with his protegee Christine Daee. He will stop at nothing to see her fulfill her potential.
The Phantom of the Opera Rehearsal Images show the remaining cast members in action. They are Dean Chisnall as The Phantom, Lily Kerhoas as Christine Daaé and Joanna Ampil as Carlotta Giudicelli. We also can spot Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Martin Ball as Monsieur Firmin, Helen Hobson as Madame Giry and Millie Lyon as Meg Giry.
The new cast members include a new Raol played by Adam Rhys-Charles as well as Bradyn Debysingh as Ubaldo Piangi. Lastly joining is Colleen Rose Curran as the alternate Christine Daaé. You can read more about the new cast here.
The new Burlesque Musical released new production images! These images are released following the shows press night. Not only was it a spectacular night but pop legend and producer of the show Christina Aguilera made an appearance!
Aguilera starred in the original film alongside Cher which has a huge hit! The Burlesque Musical is produced by her. It officially opens tonight at The Savoy Theatre. It is playing there for a limited run which must end on 6th September 2025.
Burlesque the musical follows a small town girl with a big dream and a great voice. She gets a job behind the bar at a struggling Burlesque club and we see her revolutionize the genre and the club itself. The show features songs from the original film as well as additional material from Drag Race’s Todrick Hall and X Factor’s Jess Folley. Hall and Folley are also starring in this production as Sean and Ali respectively.
The new production images of the Burlesque Musical show off not only Hall and Folley but also Broadway’s superstar Orfeh. Orfeh is known for her work on Broadway which includes the original cast of Legally Blonde and most recently, Mama Norton in Chicago. Not only that, she is also known for her work as a recording artist and TV and Film work including Sex and the City. For more information on the full cast, click here at LSBO news.
Check out the brand new production images below!
Orfeh as TessCast of BurlesqueJess Folley as AliBurlesque Musical full cast
The production also released these rehearsal images prior to the shows opening earlier this month:
We’ve complied a list of The Best West End Shows For Children over this summer period. We have organised this list in age order so you can see which is best for your children this summer. There are even a few West End Shows this year which are specifically for young children and families so is a great introduction for your little ones to experience the magic of live theatre, especially if they’re too young for some of the bigger shows.
Things to consider when taking your children to their first West End show
All major West End Theatres have age restrictions and recommendations. Even if your little one meets the lowest age restriction they must be able to sit in their own seat without assistance. Its always good to check the age limits before booking a show. Every person attending a West End Show must have their own ticket. Some of the West End shows which are specifically for young families may be an exception to this rule though so this is where booking one of the lesser known shows can be a game changer when considering the best West End Shows for children.
It is also advisable to check the running time before booking. Most West End shows run for 2 and a half hours including an interval. Therefore, even if your child meets the minimum age limit, if you think they might struggle to sit in one spot and focus for that amount of time, maybe hold off or look for a show specifically made for children and young families.
Key Information: All ages welcome. Children under 12 months do not require a ticket. Running Time : 1 hour and 15 minutes without an interval.
Cocomelon Sing-Along is performing at the St Martin’s Theatre which is also the home of London’s Longest running play, The Mousetrap. Cocomelon started Youtube Children’s Show before landing a Netflix deal. The channel is the 2nd most watched channel on Youtube with more than 4 billion monthly views online. You can now take your family to see their favourite characters on stage. CoComelon Sing-A-Long Live will feature some of your little one’s favourite hits such as Animal Dance, If You’re Happy and You Know It and Wheels on the Bus.
Not only is this West End show purpose made for Children and young audiences but if your child if under 12 months old, they can go for free! The venue may request proof of age on the door.
Key Information: Age Recommendation 3+ Babes in arms allowed. Children under 18 months do not need a ticket*. Running Time : 55 minutes without an interval.
This short and sweet play is based on Britain’s best-loved picture book by Judith Kerr. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem.
Another great thing about this production is that children under 18 months go free as long as they sit on an adults lap. It is another short and sweet show with morning and afternoon performances.
Key Information: Age Recommendation 3+ Running Time : 60 minutes without an interval.
Take your children soaring into space with this West End Show. The exciting Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – also seen in the BBC TV animation on Christmas Day.
It is a joyful tale of star-crossed aliens. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up. This purpose made childrens show is sure to bring magic to your family this summer.
Key Information: Age Recommendation 6+ No admittance for children under 4. Every patron needs their own ticket. Running Time : 2 hours and 10 minutes including an interval.
Bless my soul, Herc is on a role this year at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane! The highly anticipated musical opened just in time for summer. Although this West End show isn’t specifically written for children, it has a lower age restriction than most West End shows. It is based on the classic Disney animation about Greek demi-god Hercules on his journey from Zero to Hero.
Disney musicals are a great way for your child to experience theatre for the first time, especially as they’re likely already familiar with the story. Although it has a longer running time, it is the shortest of the full length West End musicals so a good option if you want to take them to a full length musical.
Key Information: Age Recommendation 6+ No admittance for children under 3. Every patron needs their own ticket. Running Time : 2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval.
This classic musical has been many families first West End show for 26 years. It is another Disney musical adaptation of the classic animation of the same name. It follows Lion cub Simba on his journey to recover his rightful place on the throne from his evil uncle Scar.
The beautiful puppetry which brings the animals to life are sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Key Information: Age Recommendation 6+ No admittance for children under 4. Every patron needs their own ticket. Running Time : 2 hours and 40 minutes including an interval.
Lastly, Matilda is our final recommendation for a family. This West End show resonates with children and adults alike! It is based on Roald Dhals beloved book about Matilda. She is a girl with and extraoridinary mind and even telekenetic powers! We follow her journey into a new school as she overcomes adversity and sticks up for herself and her fellow classmates.
This musical adaptation was so popular that it was even turned into a film. Comedian Tim Minch wrote the popular and catchy music for this show. The cast is made up of talented children and adults so is inspiring for young audiences.
How to book the best prices for these shows:
Many of these shows will be extremely popular over the summer period so we advise you to book ahead of time where possible!
You can check out our discount page for the best theatre deals we currently have or alternatively come see us in Leicester Square and we’ll help you secure great seats.
West End Star Jack Wolfe will lead the Broadway production of Hadestown later this year.
The star won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical last year for his role in Next To Normal. He has conquered it all, Netflix, West End and now Broadway!
Jack Wolfe joining the production marks the first time the full leading cast has changed at the same time since the show opened in 2019! He will lead the production in the role of Orpheus at the Walter Kerr Theatre in autumn. He will be joined by Descendants star Morgan Dudley as Eurydice. Also in the Broadway version of Hadestown is Tony winner Paulo Szot as Hades and previous star of Stereophonic star Rebecca Jones as Persephone. Lastly, Grammy winner Kurt Elling will play Hermes.
Jack Wolfe and the new cast will begin performances from 2nd September 2025. If you don’t fancy catching a flight to New York, come visit us in person to secure our limited discounted tickets for the West End Production of Hadestown.
Hadestown is a reimagining the Greek mythological tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. It is a tragically beautiful love story with an equally beautiful score written by Anais Mitchell. It also features classic charcters from Greek Mythology including Hades and Persephone, Hermes and the ominous fates. The reimagining is in a folk-jazz style which reflects the style of the music. You can see the details of the current West End Cast here.
Hit play Stereophonic is officially extending! The play announced yesterday that they will stay in the West End until 22nd Novemeber 2025. This means you have an additional 2 months to catch this play following its original closing date.
The play is currently playing at The Duke of York’s Theatre and opened in May this year. Stereophonic recieved rave reviews when it opened. What’s more, it has a lot of Tony Awards under it’s belt. In fact, it is the most Tony Award nominated play of all time! Out of it’s record breaking 13 nominations, it won 5 of them.
The shows, original cast members star in the West End transfer. That inculdes Eli Gelb as Grover, Andrew R Butler as Charlie, and Chris Stack as Simon. Newcomers Zachary Hart as Reg, Lucy Karczewski as Diana, Jack Riddiford as Peter and Nia Towle as Holly joined these exisiting cast members. The understudies are Sam Denia, Rima Georges, Lucy Gray and Steve Shirley.
Stereophonic follows a band in a 70’s recording studio. This play is gripping audiences with its dramatic 3 act style. It follows a rock band through the process of recording their latest album. It shows their changing dynamics, relationships and professional tensions which could potentially lead the group to breaking up. However, this album could also catapult them into superstardom.
Although it is a play, Stereophonic features songs throughout which is written by a real life rock band memeber. Will Butler is in the indie-rock group Arade Fire so understands the pressure artists recording studio albums are under.
The young performers, Edie McCaig and Emilia Shefford will join existing performers Suki Hillier and Mia Rogers in the role of Matilda.
Completing the new Matilda Cast additions are Sid Boyle, Ava Evangelista and Freya Fulford. As well as John Johnson, Theo Kamande, Kanaho Kurihara, Albie Lambert, Kennedy-May Mcleary, Savannah McDowell and Mason Mingle. Lastly Lola Smith, Huxley Syers, Orla Vellacott and Jihyun Yoon are also joining the cast.
The rest of the performers who make up the current adult company are staying on alongside some of the young performers. You can read more about them here.
Matilda will soon be the 10th Longest Running West End Production and is still extremely popular with us here at LSBO. It’s the musical adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl children’s book Matilda. It is about an extremely clever girl with extraordinary powers as she stands up for herself and others to ovecome adversoty which resonates with all ages. The music is by comedian Tim Michin and is produced in colaberation with the royal Shakespeare company.
Many London Shows have officially opened over the last month. What’s more, shpw new and old have even released their production images too. We have the run down of all the new shows and also the West End’s latest production images.
Evita is the most groundbreaking of the New London Shows that are currently on. Jamie Lloyd’s new show sparked controversy online with his directorial choices. Ultimately however, it has received 5-star reviews across the board.
Evita tells the story of Argentina’s first lady Eva Peron. It is her rags-to-riches story of becoming a symbol for the common people. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera), director Jamie Lloyd is reimagining this production like he did with the multi-award-winning revival of Sunset Boulevard. Hollywood star Rachel Zegler plays the leading role to packed-out audiences at The London Palladium every night. She also performs to the people of London on the street below. It has been estimated that an additional 600 people fill the streets to catch a glimpse of Zegler and one of the most famous songs in the show.
Lastly, this is one of two New London Shows which feature celebrities this summer. You can see what all the fuss is about yourself by booking tickets for Evita at The London Palladium until 6th September 2025.
Stars Rachel Zegler and Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che. James Olivas (American Idiot) plays Juan Perón, with Aaron Lee Lambert (Hamilton) as Agustín Magaldi and Bella Brown (Hadestown) as The Mistress/Alternate Eva.
The play takes place over a wedding on a blisteringly hot summer’s day. As the family gathers to welcome a newcomer into their midst, the vodka flows. Dances are shared, passions boil over and the limits of love and loyalty are tested. Not to mention, the secrets that may be spilled.
The reviews have been glowing for this transfer with 4 and 5 stars across the board!
The new production images of this hot West End transfer can be seen below.
All reprising their roles from the successful run at The National Theatre are Lucy Black (The Durrells, ITV) as Hazel, Sinéad Matthews (Hullraisers, Channel 4) as Sylvia, Philip Whitchurch (Boys from the Blackstuff) as Uncle Pete, and Alan Williams (Chernobyl, Sky) as Tony.
Joining them for the new London Shows West End run is Dorothy Atkinson (Ludwig, BBC) as Aunty Carol, Adrian Bower (Gangs of London, Sky) as John, Julian Kostov (The White Lotus, HBO) as Marek, Aisling Loftus (Sherwood, BBC) as Maggie, and Ruby Thompson (Aftersun, Mubi) as Leanne.
Sarah, will be played by Lillie Babb, Elodie Blomfield and Cadence Williams. Lastly, the Understudies are Tony Bell, Rachel Marwood and Lee Ruff.
Tina shocked the West End earlier this year by announcing their closure this September. It is the longest-running show to ever play at The Aldywch Theatre. That being said, Tina is going out with a bang! They’ve got on board pop star Fleur East on board to perform the leading role that is the iconic, Tina Turner.
The musical features all Tina Turner songs and is a biopic of the superstar’s life and her rise to fame. The legend herself gave this quote when asked about her feelings on the musical that shares her life story:
“It’s really important to me to have the chance to share my full story. This musical is not about my stardom. It is about the journey I took to get there. Each night I want audiences to take away from the theatre that you can turn poison into medicine.”
Fleur East is sharing the role this summer with long-standing lead for this show, Karis Anderson. Head to the theatre’s website for more details of East’s performance dates.
Luke Brady plays the titular role of Hercules. He is joined by Mae Ann Jordan as Meg. Jordan is making her West End debut after originating the role in Hamburg.
The iconic Muses are Candace Furbert as Thalia, Sharlene Hector as Clio, Brianna Ogunbawo as Melpomene, Malinda Parris as Callipe, and Robyn Rose-Li as Terpsichore. This is as well as Kamilla Fernades as Standby Muse.
The cast also includes Trevor Dion Nicholas as Phil, Stephen Carlile as Hades, Craig Sullivan as Bob and Lee Zarrett as Charles.
Completing the cast are Rhianne Alleyne, Lana Antoniou, Daisy Barnett, Felipe Bejarano, Sarah Benbelaid, Joel Benjamin, Jack Butcher, Nicole Carlisle, Francessca Daniella-Baker, and Jemal Felix. In addition the cast includes Marie Finlayson, Ryesha Higgs, Cruz-Troy Hunter, Travis Kerry, Stefan Lagoulis, Jason Leigh Winter, Jordan Livesey, Harriet Millier, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Ingrid Olivia, Matt Overfield, Patrick Robinson, Ope Sowande and Rhys West.
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong cast is officially announced! Comedy Theatre makers Mischief Theatre announced it earlier this week.
The show is the latest creation by the company that already has two hit shows on the West End. Those shows are A Comedy About Spies and The Play That Goes Wrong. In fact, this new production follows the same amateur dramatic society featured in The Play That Goes Wrong. As expected, the Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Cast features members of the original Mischief Theatre Team. It opens at Apollo Theatre on 6 December 2025 until 25th January 2026.
Original Mischief Theatre makers, Greg Tannahill, Nancy Zamit, Henry Lewis, Johnathon Sayer and Chris Leask are starring in the cast. Lewis and Sayer are also the writers on this play alongside Henry Shields. Leask plays Trevor with Lewis as Robert, Sayer as Dennis and Tannahill as Jonathan. Mischief Theatre Co-founder Nancy Zamitt plays Annie and the role is shared with Dumile Sibanda.
The remaining A Christmas Carol Gone Wrong cast includes Matt Cavendish as Max, Daniel Fraser as Chris and Sasha Frost as Sandra. The understudies are Alex Bird, Will Bishop, Siobhan Cha Cha, Colm Gleeson and Ashley Tucker.
The comedy play will see 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 Ebenezer Scrooge. Will Cornley finally change their ways, or will their misfortunes wreak havoc yet again?
Book your tickets to see the A Christmas Carol Gone Wrong cast in action!
Johannes Radebe is set to make his West End debut next year in the hit musical Kinky Boots! He plays the iconic lead role of Lola in the production which is currently on tour.
Born and raised in Zamdela Sasolburg, Johannes Radebe started dancing at just 7 years old! By 21, Johannes left South Africa to work on cruise ships. Shortly after, Dancing With The Stars invited him to join the debut season of their international hit show in South Africa. Following this, Strictly Come Dancing head-hunted him which saw his dance career flourish and him becoming a breakout star.
Johannes Radebe gave this statement followng this announcement of Kinky Boots strutting into the London Coliseum:
I left my township in Zamdela at the age of 21 to dance in the ensemble on a cruise ship. Every night we did ABBA. That was my dream come true. Never then, nor since then, was it in my wildest dreams that I would have the opportunity to star in a musical in London’s West End. And not just any musical – my favourite musical. Kinky Boots. My involvement in Kinky Boots has been six years in the making, and Lola was the only role I ever wanted to play… I’ll be walking in the footsteps of theatre and entertainment giants who have performed on that stage, and I’ll be doing it in my own sequined pair of red leather Kinky Boots. I cannot wait! Thank you and see you next year.
Kinky Boots is based on a true story and also, a movie of the same name released in 2005. It follows Charlie Price who inherits his family’s failing shoe factory, saving the company – as well as his love life – feels like an impossibly tall order. Until, that is, he meets Lola (played by Johannes Radebe) the sparkling, larger-than-life drag queen with the unlikeliest of answers. In creating specialist shoes for Drag Artistes. The show is a glorious celebration of friendship and individuality.
Pop Star Cyndri Lauper wrote the original songs for this award-winning musical. In response to the news about the show returning to the West End, she said the folowing:
I’m so thrilled that Kinky Boots is returning home to London! When audiences leave the show, they feel happy and uplifted, and that’s something the world could really use right now. It’s so wonderful that this musical keeps bringing joy and acceptance to people around the world.
Catch Johaness Radebe in Kinky Boots stunning return to the West End at The London Coliseum from 3rd March 2026 – 11th July 2026. Tickets go on sale 15th July 2025.
Booking a show at one of the Oldest West End Theatres is a great way to tick off multiple things on your trip to London. See a great show? Tick. Visit a historic venue? Tick. Take in beautiful classic theatrical architecture? Tick! London is a city with rich history and culture, so embrace it all. Here’s the run down on the oldest theatre venues and the current productions playing there.
There has been a theatre on this site since 1663. It was built during the Restoration period under the commission of King Charles II. This venue takes the top spot in our list of the oldest West End theatres. Many famous faces have trod the boards here from Nell Gwyn in the 1600s to Rex Harrison in the 1960s and most recently Tom Hiddleston in Much Ado About Nothing.
The venue first started operating under its current name after its rebuild in 1678. The building as you see it today is the 3rd physical building on this site of the same name. The current design is by Benjamin Wyatt from the reconstruction in 1812. Although restoration work took place in 2013, most of the features are as they would have been when they reopened their doors more than 200 years ago.
The current production at the oldest theatre in the West End is Hercules. It is a brand new production at this historic venue. In fact it officially opened just 2 weeks ago! It is an adaptation of the classic Disney musical about the Greek demigod Hercules.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket is the 2nd place for the oldest west end theatres. Although the venue was built in 1720, the theatre as you see it today is from a redesign in 1821. Back in the 1720’s you couldn’t legally sell tickets to put on a show without the permission of the Royal Family which hadn’t been granted to this venue. As such, it was often closed by the Constabulary. The theatre was shut down in 1737 due to its highly popular yet political plays. This was due to new censorship laws that came into place. It reopened 8 years later. It wasn’t until 1754 that the venue finally received The Royal Patent which allowed it to legally put on shows.
Interestingly, The Theatre Royal Haymarket only received the royal patent due to a prank gone wrong! The owner Samuel Foote was a close friend of the Duke Of York. On a hunting trip the Royal Hunting Party gave Foote a known difficult horse. Unfortunately, the horse threw Foote off the saddle which resulted in a nasty leg break and a following amputation! Foote used this to his advantage to secure the Royal Patent for the venue which is still a royal venue to this day.
The theatre was a favorite of Queen Victoria however, the building as you see it today is mainly from its renovation in 1930. They’ve built a reputation for having stars on stage. Stars such as Derek Jacobi, Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench to name a few.
Currently, the venue is showing Till The Stars Come Down until 27th September 2025. The Production after that welcomes other famous face to tread the boards. From 26th October, Othello will play at this historic venue with celebrities David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald following in many a famous footstep.
Coming in at 3rd place of London’s oldest West End Theatres is The Adelphi Theatre. It was founded in 1806 by a merchant and his daughter Jane Scott and was originally named Sans Pareil.
Jane Scott retired in 1819 after writing more than 50 stage pieces and even translations! Following this, the theatre reopened under its current name. The venue was renowned during this period for it’s melodramas before turning to more serious dramas when it changed hands in 1844.
Throughout the late 1800s renovations took place which included knocking through the two buildings adjacent to it. This is how the venue now has the capacity to seat 1500 people as it does today.
Althought this old theatre is rich with history, the venue as you see it today is in an art deco style from it’s redesign in 1930.
The Vaudeville Theatre is the 4th out of our oldest West End theatres. It opened in 1870, mainly showing Vaudeville shows, hence its name. Interestingly, in it’s inaugural year, the great Henry Irving had his first success in a play that held 300 performances at the theatre!
The Vaudeville Theatre was very successful for its first 50 years, particularly and was the first theatre to surpass 1000 performances of a production of Our Boys. Even local bus drivers called the Theatre Our Boys instead of its name because it was so well known for this.
As the venue struggled for backstage space in its original construction and so a redesign in 1925 tackled this by reducing the audience capacity to 690. However, despite this redesign the ceiling still has the beautiful fan design from 1870.
This historical theatre is in fact, celebrating herstory with the hit musical Six. The show has reigned at The Vaudeville Theatre for 4 years.
The Savoy Theatre is the 5th and final one on our list of the Oldest West End Theatres. It was opened in 1881 with the intention of putting on Gilbert and Sullivan Shows. They used proceeds of the successful shows to fund the famous adjacent Savoy hotel which opened just 5 years after the theatre.
The Savoy Theatre made history when it opened as it was the first ever building to be entirely lit by electricity.
Although it is one of the newer venues, The Savoy is striking when you step inside. In 1929, management closed the venue to redecorate in an art deco style. The Theatre is such a good example of art deco design due to a fire that broke out in 1990. The fire left only the stage and backstage untouched. Due to the building’s history and being registered as a listed building, the management had to restore the building as it was.
Currently, the theatre is dark but just this week, Burlesque the musical will open at this beautiful and historic theatre.
