The initial Paddington cast has just been announced! Paddington the musical opens at The Savoy Theatre later this autumn. All of the leading roles have been announced except for the nations favourite bear himself.
We are “bear-y” excited for this musical adaptation of the classic childrens books written by Michael Bond. These books where turned into a smash hit film franchise. Following this, an immersive experience based on the bears brave journey from Peru to London also opened in the Capital.
The music and lyrics for the new show are written by McFly’s Tom Fletcher. Olivier Award winner Jessica Swale is writing the book of the show. The direction is by hit Director Luke Sheppard. Sheppards current work includes Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical and Starlight Express.
The Paddington cast announced today includes Timi Akinyosade as Tony, Amy Booth-Steel as Lady Sloane and Tarrin Callender as Grant. Delilah Bennett-Cardy plays Judy Brown with Adrian Der Gregorian as Mr. Brown.
Furthermore, Tom Edden will play Mr. Curry with Brenda Edwards as Tanya, Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs. Brown, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Millicent Clyde, Teddy Kempner as Mr. Gruber. Lastly, Musical Theatre superstar Bonnie Langford as Mrs. Bird which completes this inital Paddington Cast Announcement.
Who will play Paddington Bear remains a mystery as does what form this lovable bear will appear on stage in. We have high expectations that however he appears it will be truly magical as Sonia Friedman is producing this show. Friedman produced the magical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as Stranger Things: The First Shadow which are both world renowned for their special effects.
Hamilton is the hit musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda. It began on Broadway before transferring to the West End in 2017. It is based on a biography written by Ron Chernow about the American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.
Leading the new cast of Hamilton are Bente Mulan as Eliza Hamilton, Jonathan Andrew Hume as George Washington, Yeukayi Ushe as Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson and Jasmine Jia Yung Shen as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds.
The leads who are staying on for this cast change are Alex Sawyer as Alexander Hamilton. At certain performances Adam J Bernard will play Alexander Hamilton. Also staying with the show is Jay Perry as Aaron Burr, Emily-Mae as Angelica Schuyler, Jordan Castle as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jordan Benjamin as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton and Daniel Boys as King George III.
Also joining the new cast of Hamilton in the ensemble are Yuki Abe, Zera Aitken, Joshua Clemetson, Luca Dinardo, Olivia Kate Holding, Sergi Ibanez, Lily Laight, Aidan Nightingale, Tim Nutt, Joshian Angelo Omaña, Kiran Patel, Liam Raven, Aharon Rayner, Daisy Ward and Natasha Wilde.
Lastly, the remainder of the ensemble is made up by Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Turrell Barrett-Wallace, Roxanne Couch, Nicola Espallardo, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Ella Kora and Paulo Teixeira who are staying with the production for another year.
Check out the new cast of Hamilton getting to work below!
The Choir of Man new cast has been announced for the rest of it’s West End run. The show is currently booking till January 4th of 2026 and the new cast will take over on the 2nd of September.
The Choir of Man first landed in the Arts Theatre in October 2021. Following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2017. The show has since played over 1,000 performances and performed to an audience of over 280,000. The show continues to successfully run at the Arts despite taking a short break earlier in the year for some refurbishments to be done.
The story follows a choir of 9 men in a pub called the Jungle. Singing their way through a collection of hits including songs from Queen, Adele and Sia. The show cleverly combines spoken word, vocals and dance to create a unforgettable fun theatre experience. Another highlight is the working bar on stage and audience members are often offered pints as part of the performance.
The full company will change on the 2nd of September with Aled Prnnock as Bore, Oliver Jacobson as Barman, Jason Brock as Romantic, Paul McArthur as Poet, Benji Lord as Joker, Cal T King as Beast and Ifan Gwilym-Jones as Maestro. They will be joined by Tom Carter-Miles, ALex Mallalieu, Dave Shute and Sam Ebenezer as swings.
For these 4 months Matt Beveridge and Levi Tyrell Johnson will share the role of the Hardman. With Johnson taking over on the 23d of September. The role of Handyman will be played by Ben Groffe until 12th October, Adam Hilton until the 2nd November and finally Geroge Knapper.
Where can I buy cheap The Choir of Man tickets?
At Lsbo.co.uk we have exclusive discounted tickets for the Choir of Man! We also have these available at our box office in Leicester Square. These will be starting from £20.
Book your seats now to see this amazing show and The Choir of Man new cast!
Many big London shows started small at Off West End or Fringe venues. With the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival wrapping up, it seemed apt to round up all the shows that started off in these humble beginnings.
What is an Off West End/ Fringe Show?
These are shows which are generally in smaller venues which is not in London’s main theatre district. It is typically a smaller venue and isn’t funded by the big producers. This can range from pub theatres that seat 40 people to purpose-built theatres that still seat 100s. Generally, these Off West End or Fringe venues are producing new work and therefore taking a risk. A lot of the productions currently playing in London are made up of Broadway Transfers or revivals and so these venues are essential for giving a platform to new and imaginative work.
Out of all these shows, two of them actually started all the way up in Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They were so popular at the festival which takes place every August in Edinburgh that they made it big, not only in the West End, but worldwide!
More information on West End Shows that started at Edinburgh Fringe Venues
Six The Musical started at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A group of Cambridge University Students wrote it in 2017. Duo Toby Marlowe and Lucy Moss were inspired by both historical queens and queens of pop when writing this musical. Their run at the Fringe was so successful in fact, that Fringe venues invited them back the following year. Following this, they got a West End transfer to The Arts Theatre before moving to it’s current home, The Vaudeville Theatre. As well as it’s home in the West End, the show has gone global! It is also on Broadway and a UK and North American Tour. It was also translated into Japanese and had a Japanese tour as well as a stint on Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Six is about Henry VIII’s ex-wives and rewrites herstory. The concept imagines the queens in a pop group. They are arguing over who will be the bands lead singer by deciding which of them had the worst experience with Henry. Each of the Queens are inspired by an amalgamation of various pop stars such as Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Avril Lavigne to name a few.
The Choir of Man performed at the Fringe in the same year as Six in 2017- it was a great year for Edinburgh Fringe Venues! After a successful summer in Edinburgh, the team went to perform at the Adelaide Fringe Festival the following year.
The Choir of Man didn’t get a spot on the West End until 2021 at the Arts Theatre which is still its home today. Just like Six, The Choir of Man can also be caught if you take a holiday with Norwegian Cruise Lines.
The story follows a mans pub choir and as such is set in a pub. It is a celebration of community and invites the audience to celebrate life with them as the stage is a working bar!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button started at the Southwark Playhouse which is one of the most active of London fringe venues. It had a short run in 2019 and then had another in 2023. From there, they transferred this new musical to The Ambassadors Theatre in the West End! The show has since gone on to win not one, but three Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Also, it has recently extended its run until 11th October 2025.
The musical is based on a short story by F.Scott Fitzgerald. It is about a man who is born old and ages backwards. This adaptation is set in a Cornish Fishing Village. The ensemble is made up of actor musicians who bring the story to life and create a vibrant feel to the show.
The Play That Goes Wrong Original Fringe Venue – The Old Red Lion Pub Theatre – 2013
The Play That Goes Wrong was created by a bunch of drama school students and started at a pub theatre which is one of London’s many fringe pub venues. The play then opened At The Trafalgar Studios. In 2014, The Play That Goes Wrong opened in the West End at The Duchess Theatre which is still it’s home today. This makes it the longest running play to show at the venue and also the longest running comedy play ever in the West End.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a comedy about an amateur dramatics group who are trying to perform a classic murder mystery play. “Trying” being the keyword here. This comedic adventure has gone global! The show is currently also on a UK Tour and is performing off-Broadway. Previously, they also toured Australia and the US with a home on Broadway and in Chicago.
Operation Mincemeat Original Fringe Venue – New Diorama Theatre
Operation Mincemeat started at The New Diorama in 2019 before heading to The Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios before moving to it’s current home, The Fortune Theatre.
The show is based on a military operation which took place in the second world war. Based on a true story, this musical is funny, touching and award winning! It is also playing on Broadway with the original West End cast.
Operation Mincemeat is booking until 28th February 2026 at The Fortune Theatre.
The concept for this musical actually started off Broadway in 2018. The ideas of this non traditional jukebox musical was scrapped and a new work in progress version of the musical with all original songs began. This short run with original songs by KT Tunstall took place at The Churchill Theatre in Bromley in 2024. Clueless The Musical then received its West End transfer to The Trafalgar Theatre earlier this year! The show is closing at the end of August before heading on tour in the UK.
Clueless is based on the hit 90’s film of the same name which, in turn, is based on Jane Austen’s novel, Emma. It follows the spoiled, rich girl Cher on her mission to play matchmaker. Her ex-stepbrother challenges her to look at her motives. Does she really want to help people, or does she just enjoy meddling? As if!
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry West End transfer was announced a few weeks ago. And we’ve just gotten all the details for this production. The show will be playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. From the 29th of January until the 18th of April 2026.
The show initially premiered at The Chichester Festival Theatres part of it 2025 season back in May. It then ran for around one and half months to a sold out theatre nightly. The show is based on the book by Rachel Joyce and features the music of Passenger- known for “Let her go”. The story is focused on Harold Fry who decides to deliver a letter to a long-lost friend by hand. This unexpectedly turns into a cross-country journey during which he confronts his personal past and encounters strangers. The show was very well-received with critics saying it was “a series of strongly-sung and deeply felt performances from an exceptional cast”(WhatsOnStage).
Joyce also made a statement on the transfer. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that this joyful show has found a home in the West End. I never imagined, when I first wrote the book, that it would become a musical one day. And never in my wildest dreams did I think it might find a home in one of my favourite theatres – the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which I have known and loved since I was a child. Passenger’s music and lyrics are perfect for this story of hope, as is Katy Rudd’s magical direction.”
Casting
The initial casting for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry has also been announced. Mark Addy and Jenna Russell are both due to reprise their roles as Harold and Maureen in the West End. The other cast members have yet to be announced although we, like many fans, are hoping for more of the original cast to return. A full concept album is expected to be released with the track “Song for the Countryside” coming out earlier in July. The track featured Jack Wolfe who played the balladeer at Chichester.
Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud will star in Hadestown as Persephone later this year. She will join the hit show in September for a limited run.
Hadestown is the award winning musical written by grammy award winner Anais Mitchell. The story is a re imagining of Greek Mythology. It is told in a modern way alongside a folk inspired, original score. The main focus on the story is the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. It also features the iconic fates and other Greek gods.
You can catch Roberts in Hadestown from 16th September 2025 until 18th January 2026. She will appear alongside the current cast which includes Desmonda Cathabel as Eurydice, Chris Jarman as Hades, Cedric Neal as Hermes and Dylan Wood as Orpheus.
She is also joining the current Fates played by Melanie Bright, Allie Daniel and Lauran Rae. The remaining cast in the production are Femi Akinfolarin, Michelle Andrews, Ollie Bingham, Laura Delany and Sebastian Lim-Seet as the Workers. Finally she’ll be joining Lucinda Buckley, Juan Jackson, Oisín Nolan-Power, Lindo Shinda and Jasmine Triadi who are the swings.
Roberts plays Persephone, the Wife of Hades who was stolen from the land of the living and taken to the underworld. She is the goddess of harvest, spring, and fertility. Every six months she return to the land of the living to bring spring before returning to the underworld with Hades. It is her who convinces Hades to give the tragic lovers a chance.
Book tickets to watch Hadestown at The Lyric Theatre. The show is currently booking until February 2026.
Nicola Roberts is performing from 16th September 2025 until 18th January 2026.
Eva Noblezada (The Great Gatasby) will star as Sally Bowles in the new cast of Cabaret! Alongside this announcement, the remaining new full cast was announced. Noblezada’s fiance Reeve Carney (Hadestown) is also joining the cast as the Emcee. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who Are Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney?
The are both Grammy Award winning Broadway Stars! Carney originated the role of Orpheus in Hadestown and also played it on Broadway. Noblezada is returning to the role of Sally Bowles after playing it on Broadway. Their Grammy awards are from the cast recording of Hadestown for Best Theatre Album.
When can I watch Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney in Cabaret London?
The stagey duo begin performances on 22nd September 2025. There are both scheduled to perform the full 8 shows a week until 24th January 2026 – with the exception of 22nd October – Wednesday 5th November 2025. They are taking over from the current leads of the production, Rob Madge and Hannah Dodd.
The remaing new cast annouced today include West End legend Ruthie Henshall as Fraulein Schneider. This is alongside Olivier Award nominee Robert Hands as Herr Schultz and Lucas Koch as Ernst Ludwig. Joe Atkinson, Xavion Campbell-Brown, Olivia-Rose Deer, Anya Ferdinand, Danny Fogarty, Manu Sarswat, Tom Scanlon and Eva-Rose Tanaka are also joining the new company from 22nd September.
Finally, staying on in the company from 22nd are Jessica Kirton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, alongside Adrian Grove, Ela Lisondra, Hícaro Nicolai, Andy Rees, Alexandra Regan, Marina Tavolieri and Lucy Young.
Secure your tickets now to watch Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club which is currently booking until May 2026.
Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney take of performances from 22nd September 20255.
London’s West End has a surprising amount of shows on at the moment which includes, bare with me: A show within a show. If you want to girl math that, that means you technically get two shows for the price of one!
What is “a show within a show”?
A show within a show is a trope which we see across film, theatre and TV. This is where the story features the characters putting on a show. This is usually because the story takes place in a theatrical setting. It could be that they are working on creating a show or that is simply the reason the characters know each other. Sometimes, it can even be less professional where they are just doing a small bit to entertain the other characters rather than it being the entire plot. Whatever the reason, it is always a fun addition to the story and there are plenty of shows with this trope to choose from in London’s West End.
What is London’s West End?
This is the theatre district of London. It is called the West End as it is in the West of London.
This Jukebox Musical is about the legendary Tina Turner. It follows her life story from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her superstardom. The musical features some of her biggest hits. Naturally, there are many shows within a show due to the nature of her job. In fact, the musical concludes with essentially a Tina Turner Concert!
This summer could be your last chance to see this show. It is unfortunately leaving London’s West End on 13th September this year.
Similarly to Tina, this biopic, Jukebox musical follows a famous singer, it naturally contains a show within a show. MJ‘s particular show within a show is the 1992 Dangerous World Tour as this is what the musical focuses on. It aims to focus in on Michael Jackson‘s creative process in this new musical at the Prince Edward Theatre. The show also features some of MJ‘s biggest hits.
This show is actually the longest running comedy show on London’s West End. Audiences have been laughing along to this show for over 12 years now. The majority of the play is a show within a show. The whole plot is about an amateur dramatics society trying (and failing) to put on a classic murder mystery play. Mischief Theatre wrote and produced this show and have become wildly success creating this genre of shows both on screen and stage.
This classic musical features multiple shows within a show! The Phantom of the Opera is set in the Paris Opera House and the performers and producers who work there. We watch many dances and songs that are both rehearsed and performed within the story. The Phantom of the Opera is about a man who lives in the Opera House. He is a musical genius who “haunts” the venue and falls in love with his protegee, Christine Daee.
Moulin Rouge is another musical on London’s West End which is also set in Paris. This one more specifically is set in the Moulin Rouge. The show opens presenting the venue as you are an audience member to the actual show within the show. Later, as the characters need to raise money to save the venue, they rehearse and perform a brand new show within the show.
This musical is extremly popular and is adapted from the original Baz Lehrmann film of the same name. The original movie musical was all pop songs from the time. Many of those songs remain but the West End version has additional pop songs added to keep a modern audience engaged.
Secure your tickets for this spectacular show. Moulin Rouge is playing at The Piccadilly Theatre and is booking until 21st February 2026.
Again, this show is set in an envirnoment where shows are performed so naturally has many show within a show moments. Cabaret is one of the most popular shows on London’s West End. It opened in 2021 and is famous for often casting famous faces as the lead characters.
Cabaret is set in a Cabaret club in Berlin at the end of the 1920s. As the show progresses, as does the support for the Nazi’s in the outside world. This musical is based on a book from a man who actually lived in Berlin during this time period. It currently stars Rod Madge and Hannah Dodd as The Emcee and Sally Bowles respectfully.
Nab tickets for Cabaret playing at the Kit Kat Club. It is currently booking until 23rd May 2026.
This musical is another one of London’s West End shows which features a concert as a show within a show. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is based on the Live Aid Event which took place 40 years ago. It was set up by Bob Geldof as a global fundraising event for the famine in Ethiopia. It was the fist event of its kind. The concert saw some of the biggest names in music come together for live performances in London and America simultaneously.
The musical recounts the event and has music by the big names that played there. This includes, Queen, Madonna, Diana Ross and David Bowie to name a few.
This hilarious musical is set to open on 30th August on London’s West End at The Garrick Theatre. The musical is is based on the cult classic Mel Brookes film of the same name.
The Producers is about a producer and an accountant who want to create the worst musical you’ve ever seen! They don’t want the Taxman sniffing around so, in order to avoid that, they have to create the biggest flop the world has ever seen. Except it doesn’t flop. It’s a smash hit! They write the worst and most offensive show people have ever seen and they love it! Naturally, the show within a show takes part throughout this musical in both rehearsals and performances.
This production of The Producers marks the shows first ever major West End Revival. It moves to The Garrick following a sold out run in at The Menier Chocolate Factory last year.
Burlesque the musical is the hottest New Show in London’s West End right now. It only opened last month and must close on 6th September. The show is a musical adaptation of the popular film which starred Christina Aguilera and Cher.
The story takes place in a struggling Burlesque club. When small town girl Ali chases her dreams as a singer, she finds herself working behind the bar. After she auditions to be in the show, she revolutionises the Burlesque club and tries to save it from going under which her incredible voice. We see the clubs Burlesque performances throughout the show which ticks the box for this theatrical trope.
Burlesque features songs from the movie which includes songs by Aguilera with additional material written by X-Factor’s Jess Folley and Drag Races, Todrick Hall.
This musical is a less obvious one which features a show within a show! It is only a small moment within it but it makes the list none the less.
The Book of Mormon is a comedymusical written by the creators of South Park. It is about Mormon missionaries who go to Africa to spread the word of the lord. Luckily for them, they have great success, just not with the truth. The village decide that when more people come from the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, they will put on a show to express just how much they love “The Book Of Mormon”.
Want to know how to buy theatre tickets in London but unsure where to start? You’re in the perfect place because here at Leicester Square Box Office, we have a list of how to get cheap theatre tickets and everything you need to know about West End Theatre. We have the answer to all your FAQ’s in one handy place
What is the West End?
The West End is the Theatre District of London. It is an area in London within the postcode W1 with the W standing for West London. The West End is the home of London’s Theatre for musicals and plays. It generally covers areas such as The Strand, Soho, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and up to Holborn.
Is is worth seeing a West End show in London?
Seeing a West End show in London is the best thing you can do when visiting the UK! There is nothing like seeing a theatre show and Leicester Square Box Office is the number 1 place to buy cheap theatre tickets in London.
Where can I buy Theatre Tickets to West End Shows in London?
You can buy tickets with Leicester Square Box Office online for our discounted tickets or come see our friendly team in person at Leicester Square Box Office on Cranbourn Street. Leicester Square Box Office is the number one place to buy tickets as we are a co-founding member for S.T.A.R so you can secure your tickets with trust. Leicester Square Box Office covers all West End shows and has lots of great prices both online and in person. Another good place to buy tickets are with Theatre Bookings who also have a Kiosk on Charing Cross Road.
Why buy tickets from Leicester Square Box Office?
You should buy tickets with Leicester Square Box Office as we are co-founding member of S.T.A.R and therefore are an official ticket agent selling Theatre Tickets to London’s West End shows. The company has been around for 30 years. We pride ourselves on our knowledge on West End Theatres and always making sure customers buy tickets they are happy with and at a great value for money.
Who are the official ticket agents to buy theatre tickets?
Leicester Square Box Office is an official ticket agent to buy theatre tickets. We are a member of S.T.A.R which is a ticket selling regulating service. That means you can trust us when buying theatre tickets in London. Not only are we an accredited member but we are also a co-founding member of this regulatory body.
What are the Best Tips for buying theatre tickets in London?
Book discounted tickets on the same day with Leicester Square Box Office.
For popular shows, book tickets in advance with Leicester Square Box Office for the best prices.
Try to book performances Monday – Thursday and outside of school holidays for the best prices.
How can I buy last minute theatre tickets?
You can buy last minute theatre tickets in London on the Leicester Square Box Office website or kiosk in Leicester Square up to an hour before the shows start.
When do West End Shows Start?
West End Shows often start at 7.30pm Mondays – Saturdays with afternoon performances typically starting at 2.30pm on a Wednesday or Thursday and Saturday. Some shows play on a Sunday but they are normally afternoon performance which are also known as a Matinee.
New production images of Hannah Dodd in Cabaret have been released alongside fellow celebrity co-star Rob Madge.
Who are Hannah Dodd and Rob Madge?
Hannah Dodd is a famous actress known for her work in Enola Holmes 2 and as the newest sister in the hit franchise Bridgerton. Although she is known for screen work, she trained in theatre and this marks her theatrical debut. Rob Madge has worked in the West End since they were a child including roles in Oliver and Les Miserables to name a few. Madge became a TikTok senstation for their relatable content and wholesome home videos from childhood where they put on full scale productions to their family in the living room.
Rod Madge and Hannah Dodd began their roles in Cabaret earlier this year as special guests leading the show. Madge plays the Emcee with Dodd as Sally Bowles.
When can I watch Rob Madge and Hannah Dodd in Cabaret?
You can catch both Rob Madge and Hannah Dodd as the leads in this show until 20th September 2025. Dodd is currently NOT scheduled to perform on the following dates:
Thursday 7 August at 7.30pm, Wednesday 13 August at 2.00pm, Thursday 21 August at 7.30pm, Wednesday 27 August at 2.00pm, Thursday 4 September at 7.30pm, Wednesday 10 September at 2.00pm and Thursday 18 September at 7.30pm.
Rob Madge is currently not scheduled to perform on Tuesday 16th September.
Check out the new images released of Hannah Dodd and Rob Madge performing in Cabaret below:
Cabaret is currently booking until 23rd May at The Kit Kat Club. Dodd and Madge are currently scheduled in the show until 20th September. The casting for when they leave is yet to be announced.
