It's certainly been a busy week in Theatreland this week! From highly anticipated revivals to returning West End stars, there's been lots of exciting news and new productions to book for!
So let's jump straight into our weekly round-up of this week in the West End!
What's opening in the West End?
Groundhog Day
A welcome return to the West End, Groundhog Day the Musical announced its returning for a limited run at the Old Vic on May 20 2023.
Coming back from Broadway to reprise his Olivier Award winning role of Phil Connors is the sensational Andy Karl. With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and book by Danny Rubin, we cannot wait to see this award-winning show return to the West End.
Crazy For You
A smash-hit at Chicester Festival Theatre, Crazy For You is tapping into the Gillian Lynne Theatre for a strictly limited 30 week season from 24 June 2023. Reprising their roles from the Chicester production is Olivier Award nominee, Charlie Stemp, Carly Anderson and Tom Edden.
A revival of the celebrated 1993 production, its previous run won both Tony and Olivier Awards, so we're expecting a spectactular show packed with Gershwin hits.
Hex
After experiencing an unexpected closure last year due to Covid-19, Hex has now reopened at the National Theatre. Wondering what to expect? Check out our review of this brand-new musical.
Newsies
Newsies had their official opening night this week, and helped us seize the day even more by releasing brand-new production pictures for us to obsess over!
Currently running at Troubadour Wembley Park, the show has become such a success that it's already announced a further season extension to 16 April 2023.
Shirley Valentine
A brand-new production of Willy Russell's iconic show, Shirley Valentine has been announced, with Sheridan Smith taking the only role in this one-woman comedy. Sheridan will play Shirley, who feeling lost within her roles as wife and mother, is becoming increasingly tempted to run away to Greece, leaving only a note behind her.
The show has a myriad of award-winning creatives involved, including Olivier Award winning producer David Pugh, its writer Willy Russell and Olivier Award nominee, director Matthew Dunster.
Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial
This stage adaptation of the tabloid sensation has already seen success at the Wyndham's Theatre, so it's no surprise to see it transferring in the new year. It will run from 6 April till 20 May 2023 at its new home, the Ambassador's Theatre. Adapted from the week-long court case of Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney, the show reveals the drama going inside the courtroom and beyond the headlines and isn't to be missed.
We Will Rock You
Prepare to be rocked, as We Will Rock You returns next summer in a new home. Opening at the London Coliseum for a limited run of 12 weeks, prepare to feel immersed in Queen's greatest hits. Already seen by over 17 million people across 28 countries, this rock-tastic show is set to perform to its biggest audience so far.
2:22 A Ghost Story
While audiences are currently being spooked by this show at the Criterion Theatre, 2:22 A Ghost Story will be transferring to the Lyric Theatre from 21 January. Opening the fourth West End transfer for the supernatural thriller will be: Cheryl in her West End debut as Jenny, Hugo Chegwin as Ben, Louise Ford as Lauren and Scott Karim as Sam.
Created by the award-winning writer of The Battersea Poltergeist, Danny Robins, the production is directed by Matthew Dunster.
What’s Closing?
It's A Wonderful Life
The Christmas season may only have just started, but we're already about to say farewell to a festive treat. Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer's operatic adaptation of the genre-defining Frank Capra film is closing at the London Coliseum on 10 December so you don't have long to book your tickets!
The Doctor
Make an appointment to see The Doctor at the Duke of York's Theatre before it closes on 11 December! The West End transfer of Robert Icke's sell-out play, Juliet Stevenson has received rave reviews for her portrayal of a Jewish doctor who refuses to let a priest sit by the bedside of a young woman dying of sepsis after a botched abortion.
The nights are drawing in, the festive season is approaching fast, and 