50 First Dates: The Musical will open at the Other Palace in the West End! It is a brand-new musical getting it’s world premiere in London. This news is hot off the press so here’s what we know so far:
The show is staring previews on Sunday 14th September with the official opening night on 24th September. Playing the lead characters are Georgina Castle (Mean Girls) and Josh St. Clair (Wicked). The remaining casting is yet to be announced. David Rossmer and Steve Rosen (The Other Josh Cohen) have written this adaptation. The direction and choreography will be by multi-Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon).
50 First Dates: The Musical is based on the hit film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It is the heart warming story of a woman called Lucy with short term memory loss. The character Henry meets her and realises that each day he sees her she forgets him. Henry’s falling for her every day—she’s forgetting him every night. He thinks he’s finally found “the one”. Until the next morning when she wakes up with no memory of their first date. Henry takes it upon himself to find a way to make him fall in love with her every day.
The show will be packed with infectious songs and laugh-out-loud moments. What’s more, 50 First Dates: The Musical takes place in Hawaii so is perfect for beating those post summer blues when it opens in September. It promises to bring the heart, hilarity and tropical sunshine of the iconic rom-com to the stage for the first time ever.
We’ve compiled a list to help you find the best London musical for every occasion. From date nights, girls nights to family nights we have something for everyone. We hope that after reading this blog, you might have a better idea of what show is right for you.
Best London Musical for Date Nights – Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is the best musical for a date night, especially if you want to impress your date. The elaborate scenery and sensual costumes make you feel like you really have entered the Moulin Rouge in Paris. What’s more, the romantic story line and familiar pop songs will simultaneously pull at the heart strings and get you in the mood for dancing.
The musical is based on the Baz Luhrmann film starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. It follows the hopeless bohemian romantic writer Christian as he falls in love with Satine, the Diamond of the Moulin Rouge. Its soundtrack is a mixture of songs from the original film and new pop songs we all know and love. The musical is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and above all, love.
The show plays at The Piccadilly Theatre Mondays – Saturdays. For the best prices on this show we’d recommend going for a mid-week date Monday – Thursday. If you MUST do your date night on a Friday or Saturday our biggest tip is to book in advance to get the cheapest tickets.
This is easily the best London musical for families. Not only is it great for young children but the quality of the puppetry blows away audiences of all ages. It is great for families because many people have already watched the Disney animated movie that it is based on. Also, the age recommendation is quite inclusive. The recommendation on this show is for ages 6+. There is no admittance into the venue of children under the age of 3 – which includes babes in arms. Furthermore, all persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have their own ticket. Due to its lower age recommendation, it means broader family groups can go.
Based on the Disney Film, The Lion King has songs written by Elton John. It takes place on the beautiful Serengeti plains. The story follows wide-eyed cub Simba as he journeys to his destiny: becoming the King of the Pridelands.
The show is in its 26th year at The Lyceum Theatre in London. This is another show which is good to book in advance. Where you can, go to an evening performance and outside of school holidays. This will ensure you get the best value for money on this show.
Not only is this show entertaining, it’s great for students as it can link into class. It is based on the classic Roald Dahl novel of the same name. Therefore, it can be tied in to both Drama and English Lessons for students at a variety of levels.
The musical follows Matilda, a clever determined young girl. Matilda uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to stand up to her neglectful parents and tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. The show has a cast of both children and adults which makes it extremely empowering and engaging for young people. Matilda has music by comedian Tim Minchin so it blends dark humor with uplifting themes such as empowerment and resilience.
Hadestown is a beautiful musical based on Greek mythology, thus making it great for those of you who are scholarly minded. You don’t have to know the original stories as it is simply a modern retelling. However, fans of classic Greek literature and mythology will appreciate this show on a greater level.
The musical retells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The fated musician who travels to the underworld to bring his wife Eurydice back to the land of the living with him. The story is intertwined with that of Hades and Persephone. It also features the famous fates from many a Greek tale.
Hadestown is an extremely popular show which was originally released as a concept album. It went on to be a record breaking Tony Award winner from it’s Broadway opening.
The show opened in the West End in February 2024 and is currently booking until 15th February 2026 at The Lyric Theatre.
Best Musical If English Is Your Second Language – Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is the the Best London Musical for anyone who speaks English as a second language. The show features some of ABBA’s greatest hits which are known globally. Worldwide, the only band to have sold more albums than ABBA is The Beatles. So the odds are that you can take a chance on being familiar with at least one of the songs in this show.
The musical has also been turned into a film starring Meryll Streep and Pierce Brosnan. Again, millions of people are estimated to have seen the film, if they haven’t, its a great idea to watch it before you go. If you don’t, the story is simple enough to follow. On the run up to her wedding, Sophie invites 3 of her mothers ex lovers to work out which one of them is her father. Set in sunny Greece with such a banging soundtrack, toes will be tapping no matter what your native language is. The show is popular with locals and tourists alike and is currently celebrating over 26 years in the West End.
Mamma Mia! is another one that prices go up for quite significantly over a weekend and holiday periods so book early where you can.
Okay it’s technically not a musical but that is not a crime.
Conceived and directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live is an unforgettably fun night of sizzling, 360-degree entertainment based on the hit movies. The show is equal parts empowering and exhilarating. The 90-minute show is punctuated by unexpected, temperature-raising acts from a thrilling range of acrobatic and musical talent. The cast is made up of professionally trained dancers and has been in the West End for 6 years now.
It is really important if you book this show that every member of your party brings a valid photo ID and be over 18. The venue is in The Hippodrome Casino and as such they are extremely strict on their entrance policy. Nothing spoils a girls night out like one of the girls crying because they can’t get in. Even if you bring your grandma in her 80s with you for your hen do, she’ll need ID too.
Titanique is officially the best musical for a laugh as it won the 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy or Entertainment Show just last month.
What’s more, Layton Williams won his first ever Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his role in this show. It is a role that he will remember for a lifetime, the ship stopping role of… The Iceberg. Having just announced a new cast and extension, the show is a hilarious triumph at The Criterion Theatre. The show is so funny that comedians Alan Carr and Tom Allen recently recommended it in the shows latest promo videos.
Titanique is a parody of the hit 90’s film Titanic. The musical subverts the heartbreaking love story into a side splitting musical. It features Celine Dion’s hit songs such as ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘All By Myself’. The story is retold through ‘Celine’ and has the audiences in stitches night after night.
The New Hamilton Cast has just been unveiled! The new cast members are getting to work, starting performances next month on 16th June.
Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical has been wowing audiences since it opened at The Victoria Palace Theatre in 2017. Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, an American Founding Father, inspired the show. The show uses rap and songs to tell the story which gives the show a fresh, modern take on musical theatre.
The current actors who are staying on with the New Hamilton Cast in leading roles are Alex Sawyer as Alexander Hamilton and Jay Perry as Aaron Burr. With Emily-Mae as Angelica Schuyler and Jordan Castle as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison. Also staying on is Jordan Benjamin as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton and Daniel Boys as King George III.
The company members who are also remaining are Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Turrell Barrett-Wallace and Roxanne Couch. Also Nicola Espallardo, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Ella Kora and Paulo Teixeira.
The New Hamilton Cast welcomes Bente Mulan as Eliza Hamilton, with Jonathan Andrew Hume as George Washington and Yeukayi Ushe as Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson. This is as well as Jasmine Jia Yung Shen as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds.
The new additions to the ensemble are Yuki Abe, Zera Aitken, Joshua Clemetson, Luca Dinardo and Olivia Kate Holding. This is alongside Sergi Ibenez, Lily Laight, Aiden Nightingale, Tim Nutt, Joshian Angelo Omaña, Kiran Patel, Liam Raven, Aharon Rayner, Daisy Ward and Natasha Wilde.
The role of Hamilton will be played by Adam J. Bernard at certain performances.
New production images of the Matilda West End Cast have been released! The show recently celebrated their 5000th performance. These images mark the arrival of the new young performers who joined the show in March. The musical is in it’s 14th year of performances in London. What’s more, it is now the 15th longest running show in West End history.
Matilda is based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel of the same name. The story follows a brave and extraordinary little girl who stands up to her neglectful parents and evil head mistress. With an excellent score written by Tim Minchin, it is an empowering story for all ages.
The West End young performers Suki Hillier, Mia Rogers, Angelica Scott and Alexis Whitehead are sharing the lead role of Matilda.
This is as well as new young performers Janai Bartlett, Alexander Beaumont, Kobe Champion-Norville, William Gurney, Arietta Hall, Annabelle Haverson, Chase King, Reuben Laming, Lexi Lancaster, Elsie Laslett, Maxwell McGetrick, Theo Oh, Myla Park, Josh Pegler, Drew Reilly, Harry Relf, Isabella Rummery, Ashley Taylor, Khit Thakhin and Aisha Ugurhan, alongside Joseph Burrows, Pasquale Folivi AD, Joey Grady, Adam Hussain and Isabelle McLatchie. Between them, they play Bruce, Lavendar, Nigel and the remainder of Matilda’s classmates.
The current Matilda West End adult cast includes Tiffany Graves as Mrs Wormwood and Kieran Hill as Miss Trunchbull. Also featuring in the adult cast is Neil McDermott as Mr Wormwood, and Eve Norris as Miss Honey.
The ensemble is completed by Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Pearce Barron, Alex Louize Bird, Reece Budin, Ronan Burns, Dan Cooke, William Elijah-Lewis, Karina Hind, Issy Khogali, Sam Lips, Sam Jeffrey Parkes, Jak Skelly, Gabrielle Davina Smith, Deborah Tracey, Ralph Watts, and Dawn Williams.
Meet the New Titanique Cast! The producers recently announced who is staying in the cast and who is stepping on board at The Criterion Theatre. The new cast will begin performances on 10th June.
Titanique is proving to be an extremely popular West End show since it officially opened at The Criterion Theatre on 9th January 2025. It is so popular in fact that it won 2 Olivier Awards this year. One for The Best New Comedy or Entertainment show. The second, went to Layton Williams for his role as The Iceberg.
Staying on in the current cast is leading lady Lauren Drew (Les Misérables, Six) as diva Celine Dion. Also staying is Darren Bennett as Victor Garber / Luigi (Grease, The Mousetrap) and Charlotte Wakefield (Mamma Mia, Spring Awakening) as Molly Brown.
The new cast includes Luke Bayer (Les Misérables) as Jack and Hiba Elchikhe (The Time Traveller’s Wife) as Rose. Also joining the show is Richard Carson (Wicked) as Cal and Carl Mullaney (Les Misérables) as Ruth. Lastly, Tosh Wanogho-Maud (The Book of Mormon) completes the New Titanique Cast as The Iceberg.
On-stage background vocalists are Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan and Rodney Vubya. Lastly the offstage understudies are Caitlin Tipping and Freddie King.
Titanique is co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli. Tye Blue is also the director of the prodution with choreography by Ellenore Scott.
The show is a parody of the hit 90’s film and features some of Celine Dion’s greatest hits. It turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia.
Regarding the new Titanique cast, producers Eva Price and Michael Harrison said in a statement: “We’re so thrilled by the incredible response Titanique has received from UK audiences. We’re delighted to welcome these brilliant triple threat performers aboard this Summer to bring their extraordinary talent and humour to our unsinkable team!”
Here’s our handy list of the longest running West End shows still playing in town. All of these shows have been hits on the West End for many years. In fact, they are so popular that 7 out of the 10 have had film or TV adaptations made of them. Stick around to see which show is coming in at number 1 and why not play along? See how many you can guess!
The Play That Goes Wrong is the 10th Longest Running West End show. In fact, it’s also the longest running comedy play in the West End. The story follows the (attempted) performance of a murder mystery play. This show started in Fringe Theatre venues before it moved to The Duchess Theatre in 2014 which has been the home for the play ever since. The show is the first creation of comedy production team Mischief Theatre. Their creations are so popular that they have even had specials comissioned for the BBC.
Coming up in 9th place is The Book of Mormon which opened in the West End in 2013. Interestingly, before the show had to close during the pandemic, it sold out every single performance until that point. This musical is written by the writers of South Park and the dark humour has kept many a West End audience entertained. It follows two mormon missionaries on their placement into Africa and their unlikely friendship as they attempt to spread the word of The Lord. Along the way, they encounter many internal (and external) conflicts.
Matilda opened in 2011 as recently celebrated its 5000th performance in the West End. It is based on the classic Roald Dahl book and has music written by comedian Tim Minchin. What’s more, the show has been so popular that a film was made of this musical adaptation. The story is about an extraordinary girl who, takes a stand and changes her own destiny. The cast is made up of children and adults who are both astonishingly talented. Minchin’s music and Dahl’s classic story is extremely moving and also a great choice for a families first trip to the theatre.
Wicked is an extremely popular show and is one of our great discounted ticket options here at LSBO. It is the 7th longest running west end show and opened in 2006 at the Apollo Victoria. It serves as a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, telling to story of the witches of Oz. Wicked asks the question, is one born wicked or do they have wickness thrust upon them? This is the original villian origin story which saw a wave of similar concepts being produced its wake. Not only is the story original and beautiful but the songs also pack a punch as do the visual aspects of the show.
Now this one is a controversial 6th place. The newest revival of this production has only been open for a year. However, the original production ran for 17 years. Therefore, it’s made our list as it is currently in the West End. The Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park is its new home. It has a purpose built stage to facilitate the cast who perform on roller skates! They play trains in a fantasy world where a childrens toy train set comes to life.
Following a successful opening in Broadway, The Lion King hit the West End in 1999. It is currently in it’s 26th year at The Lyceum Theatre. With music by Elton John, the Lion King continues to be a hit show with us here at LSBO. The musical is based on the classic Disney Hit animated movie which is also based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The Lion King follows Simba in his journey to adulthood and to reclaim the throne from his usurper uncle. Furthermore, the show utilizes stunning puppetry to bring the Sahara to life!
Mamma Mia has rocked for 26 super trouper years in the West End. It opened at the Prince Edward theatre then moved to The Prince of Wales before settling in at its current home of The Novello Theatre in 2012. Set in Greece, it follows the story of Sophie as she prepares for her wedding and invites the previous beaus of her mother Donna to find out who her father is. Featuring some of ABBA’s greatest hits, this musical is a real feel good show. In fact, people love it so much it has had 2 blockbuster films made out of it starring Meryll Strep and Colin Firth to name a few.
Taking 3rd place in the competition for the longest running West End show is The Phantom of The Opera. It is based on a french novel by Gaston Leroux written in 1910. The musical opened in 1986. Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the adaptation which is argueably his most famous show to date. It is definitely his most popular if this list is anything to go by. In fact, it is even popular across the Atlantic where it is the longest running show on Broadway. The story is about the “phantom” who resides in the Paris Opera House. He is shamed for his disfigured appearance and he composes songs for his protogee Christine Daae. It is a tragic love story with a beautiful score and scenary.
Les Miserables takes 2nd place for the longest running show in the West End but wins first place out of all the musicals. French composers Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boubil wrote the adaptation. They adapted it from Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. The show premiered in Paris and was translated into English in 1985. Its West End original home was the Palace Theatre and it is now housed at the Sondheim Theatre. It certainly is a pillar of the West End as you take a stroll down Shaftesbury Avenue. Interestingly, the show did not recieve great reviews when it first opened however, it goes to show that a show that one person hates the masses can love. In fact, over 130 million people have seen the show worldwide. In 2012 it was even produced as a film starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.
Lastly, in first place we have The Mousetrap. This classic Agatha Christie murder mystery opened in 1952 at The Ambassadors Theatre. After 21 years, it moved to The St. Martin’s Theatre just next door where it has stayed ever since. The Moustetrap is THE original murder mystery. When a murder rocks London, seven strangers find themselves snowed in with nowhere to hide. When the police sergeant arrives, the real mystery begins as they discover one of them is a killer. The show is still wildly popular and plays to a packed house every night. If you haven’t seen it yet, why not? Book your cheap tickets today and you can say you’ve finally seen the show frequented by the royal family themselves.
Want to see what all the fuss is about? Book your cheap tickets for the longest running shows now.
The latest The Mousetrap Cast has recently been announced. It remains as the longest running West End show since it opened at The Ambassadors Theatre on 25th November 1952. In fact, The Mousetrap celebrated their 30,000th performance just last month. Not only has it been running for over 70 years, but over 400 actors are estimated to have worked on the show since it began.
The announced actors joining the long line of The Mousetrap cast include Georgina Duncan as Mollie Ralston and Sam Hollis as Giles Ralston. Adam Woolley will play Christopher Wren with Lucy Tregear as Mrs Boyle and Neil Reidman as Major Metcalf. Lastly, joining the new cast is Chloe Fenwick-Brown as Miss Casewell, John Wark as Mr Paravicini, and Jack Condon as Detective Sergeant Trotter.
The understudies who will keep the new Mousetrap Cast going are Olivia Baird, Hilary Derrett, Richard Parnwell, Ben Riddle and Clive Marlowe.
Philip Franks will direct the play while Denise Silvey continues in the role of artistic director. Lastly, Brian Fenty is the producer for The Mousetrap.
The Mousetrap is the classic whodunnit play by Agatha Christie. Traditionally, the actors ask the audience members to keep the murderers identity a secret at the end of the play, as to not spoil the ending for future audience attendees. Christie herself hated when this happened.
Book your cheap tickets to watch the new The Mousetrap cast today. The show is currently booking until 21st March 2026.
For more of the latest theatre news head to LSBO news and keep updated.
The Evita 2025 Cast for the London revival has been announced. This revivial of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic will open at London’s Palladium on 14th June. Visionary West End director Jaime Lloyd will direct the production. Lloyd directed Sunset Boulevard at The Savoy Theatre starring Nicole Scherzinger which changed the landscape of modern musicals. It also won 7 Olivier Awards so the expectations for this revival are certainly high.
Rachel Zegler was initially announced as the leading lady Eva Peron back in March. Also previously announced was Diego Andres Rodriguez who is making his West End debut as Che. Rodriguez has appeared as Artie and understudy Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway.
The Evita 2025 cast announced yesterday is James Olivas (American Idiot) as Juan Perón, Aaron Lee Lambert (Hamilton) as Agustín Magaldi and Bella Brown (Hadestown) as The Mistress/Alternate Eva.
Also joining them as the ensemble are Carl Au, Gabriela Benedetti, Shakara Brown, Damian Buhagiar, Kyeirah D’Marni, Sally Frith, DeAngelo Jones, Lucas Koch, Natasha Leaver, Michael Lin, Dianté Lodge, Louis Mackrodt, Mireia Mambo, Mia Mullarkey, Perry O’Dea, Alysha Sontae, Monica Swayne, Jon Tsouras and Harrison Wilde.
Myla Carmen, Barney Hudson, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs and Regan Bailey Walker are completing the full Evita 2025 cast as Swings.
Lastly, Auora Breslin, Lois Haidar, Siena Merilind-Wu and Ffion Rosalie Williams will share the role of the child.
Evita is the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit musical about Argentina’s first lady Eva Perón. It is her rags to riches story and features the iconic musical number “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”.
The Rehearsal Pictures for The Fifth Step have been released today! This is ahead of their opening at @sohoplace theatre on 10th May. The show will play for a limited 11-week season until 26th July.
The Fifth Step is starring Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden. Freeman is known for his extensive work as an actor in TV and film. Some of his credits to name merely a handful, would include The Hobbit, Sherlock and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Lowden is also a familiar face on our screens. His breakout role was with the BBC for War and Peace and he went on to star in Dunkirk and Mary Queen of Scots.
The Fifth Step is a provactive and subversivley funny play written by David Ireland and it is making its west end premiere following its success at the Edinburgh International Festival which Lowden also performed in. Leading the rehearsal process is director Finn den Hertog who directed the first iteration of this play too.
The Fifth Step is about two men in an Alcoholics Anonymous group. Freeman will play James who agrees to sponsor Luka (played by Lowden) as part of their 12 step recovery programme. As they bond and approach step 5 of their programme, they are forced to open up. Additionally, they need to be vulnerable and confront difficult truths. Some of which, have the potential to destroy the important trust which develops between them.
The rehearsal pictures show Freeman, Lowden and the creative team working hard on this exciting play. Also shown in the images are Joseph Ayre (Hijack, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (The Tempest, The Ocean at the End of the Lane). Ayre and Rawlinson-Hunt will cover Luka and Cover James, respectively.
Check out these great rehearsal pictures below. Make sure to secure your tickets for The Fifth Step at @sohoplace before they sell out!
Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden in Rehearsals
Finn Den Hertog Directing The Fifth Step
Jack Lowden In Rehearsals
Martin Freeman in Rehearsals for The Fifth Step
Jack Lowden in Rehearsals for The Fifth Step
Joe Rawlinson-Hunt in Rehearsals for The Fifth Step
Joseph Ayre in Rehearsals for The Fifth Step
Katherine Nesbitt Associate Director in Rehearsals for The Fifth Step
The new cast for The Play That Goes Wrong was announced earlier this week. The new cast will begin performances on 3rd June 2025. It is the 11th cast change since the show began playing in 2014 at The Duchess Theatre.
Not only that, but the show also announced that it is extending into August 2026! The show is already the longest running comedy play in the West End. What’s more, it’s the 10th longest running show that is currently on the West End.
The Play That Goes Wrong follows a drama society who are attempting to perform a murder mystery style play where, despite all of their best efforts, anything that could go wrong, does!
Joining the cast and making her theatrical debut is Izzy Edmunds-Clarke. She is making her debut playing Annie. Jonty Peach (Operation Mincemeat) is also joining the new cast as Jonathan. Jack Hardwick (The Bodyguard) as Chris and Robert Jackson (Brief Encounter) as Robert.
Charlotte Scott (Matilda) will play Sandra alongside Mitesh Soni (A Christmas Carol) as Dennis. Completing the lead cast is Tom Wainwright (Magic Goes Wrong) who will play Max and Ronnie Yorke (The Tempest) who will play Trevor.
The understudies are Alex Blackie, Jake Burgum, Kitty Devlin, Louise Hoare and Ed Shamwana.
