London is the largest theatrical destination in the world, with more than 40 theatres alone in the West End out of a total of 300 performance spaces in London. Why exactly has London taken the crown from New York in recent years? Could it be that the average ticket price in London is more than a third cheaper than it is in New York? Or could it be London’s thriving subsidised sector? More than 40% of all playgoing in London takes place at the state subsidised National Theatre on the Sound Bank alone. Could it also be because it is so much cheaper to produce a show in London compared to New York (less than half), that there is simply so much more variety?

As I’m sure you can imagine COVID has been devastating for London’s theatrical community. With that in mind, I though it would be good to have a look at what is hopefully going to be coming up in the West End later this year

Musicals

Frozen

The Disney blockbuster is due to reopen the refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane later this year. Transferring from Broadway and directed by British director Michael Grandage, rumours are that it has been reworked for the London production. Samantha Barks has taken one of the 2 leading roles. You may remember her star turn as Eponine in the film version of the musical Les Miserables. We are also looking forward to see what Andrew Lloyd Webber has done with the refurbished theatre.

Cinderella

The latest offering from Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, due to open at the renamed Gillian Lynn Theatre (formerly the New London). Lloyd Webber is determined to open as soon as COVID restrictions allow. There has been lots of TV appearances over the winter months from the cast and composer. Does Lloyd Webber still have the Midas touch? And is there an appetite from British audiences for a subject that is more associated with Pantomime usually seen at Christmas?

Moulin Rouge

This is the Broadway transfer that I am looking forward to the most. I’m sure most of you will remember the film with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. This stage version was as a surprise megahit on Broadway a couple of seasons back, having been produced by the original film’s director, Baz Luhrmann. I’m not normally a fan of juke box musicals, but this has such eye popping sets and costumes, I can’t wait to see what they do with it. Due to open at the Piccadilly Theatre some time this year.

Back To The Future

This long gestating screen to stage adaptation of the iconic trilogy of films in the 80’s and 90’s had a try out run in Manchester pre COVID and received some very good feedback. Due to open at the Adelphi.

Plays

To Kill A Mockingbird

A stage adaptation of the iconic 1960 Harper Lee novel and later film version, this blockbuster is transferring from a sellout Broadway run. In fact it became one of the highest grossing Broadway plays in history. Rhys Iffans has been cast in the iconic role as the southern lawyer Atticus Finch who defends a man accused of rape. I had tickets for one of the early previews last year and can’t wait to see this, when it opens (hopefully) in May.