It's been another packed week of news in the West End this week. From exciting new shows coming to London to extensions of much-loved productions, there's lots to catch up on.
Here's our weekly roundup of West End news.
Cast announcements in the West End
There's been a beautiful cast announcement in Westerberg this week!
Heathers The Musical
Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace
A new cast at The Other Palace? How very! Miracle Chance (Be More Chill) will be taking over as the blue-blazered legend Veronica Sawyer from 19 February. Joining her in the role of Jason 'JD' Dean is Ellis Kirk (Dear Evan Hansen).
The cast also includes:
- Olivia Barnett-Legh in her professional debut as Heather Chandler
- Kia-Paris Walcott (Millennials) as Heather Duke
- Katharine Pearson (Back To The Future) as Heather McNamara
- Katie Ramshaw (Rodgers Hammerstein's Cinderella) as Martha Dunnstock
- Will Breckin (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) as Kurt Kelly
- Cristian Zaccarini (Grease) as Ram Sweeney
- Rachel Breeze (La Bohéme) as Ms Fleming
- Alexander Service (Little Women) as Kurt's Dad/Big-Bud/Principal
- Alexander McMorran (Come From Away) as Ram's Dad/Veronica's Dad/Coach
Completing the cast are Elliot David Parkes (Heathers) as Beleaguered Geek, Megan Hill (But I'm A Cheerleader) as Midwestern Surfer Punk, Georgia Anderson (Hairspray) as New Wave Party Girl, Sophie Hutchinson (The Addams Family) as Drama Club Drama Queen, Georgia Ludica-Davies (The Book of Mormon) as Young Republicanette, Bibi Jay (Betty Blue Eyes) as Stoner Chick, Lewis Asquith (Heathers) as Hipster Dork and Kaine Ruddach (Mamma Mia!) as Preppy Stud.
Show Extensions in the West End
Check out these exciting show extensions which got announced this week!
Matilda The Musical
Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
Extending until 26 May 2024
Book Matilda The Musical tickets
Newsies
Newsies at Troubadour Theatre
Extending until 30 July 2023
Closing shows in the West End
Saying goodbye to closing shows in London is always hard, so book your tickets to this last chance to see production!
Best of Enemies
Best of Enemies at The Noel Coward
Closing on the 18 February, Best of Enemies only has a few performances left at the Noel Coward Theatre. Starring Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) in his West End debut and David Harewood (Homeland), the show tells the true story of two presidential candidates who battle it out and make television history in the process.
New shows in the West End
There's lots of new shows to see in Theatreland. Here's a list of recently announced productions which are arriving in London soon.
The Time Traveller's Wife
David Hunter and Joanna Woodward will star in the new musical
You don't need to be a time traveller to see this new musical, just a ticket to see it! After a successful run at the Storyhouse in Chester, The Time Traveller's Wife Musical is transferring to the Apollo Theatre from the 7 October.
The show is based on the best-selling book by Audrey Niffenegger and the New Line Cinema film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin. The score has been created by singer/songwriters Joss Stone and Dave Stewart, with additional music and lyrics by Nick Finlow and Kait Kerrigan.
Returning to their roles from the Chester production will be David Hunter (Waitress) as Henry, and Joanna Woodward (Pretty Woman) as Clare. Further casting is to be announced.
Book The Time Traveller's Wife tickets
Treason
Treason has announced a full production
After a successful concert staging at Theatre Royal Drury Lane last summer, Treason has announced plans for a full production and live album. Based on the failed Gunpowder Plot, Treason was recently nominated for Best Concert Event at this year's WhatsOnStage Awards. It plans to return for a full-scale production in October 2023, with further details, including venues involved, to be revealed soon.
Young Vic 2023 Season
Ruth Wilson will star in The Second Woman at the Young Vic
The Young Vic has announced a new season of shows for 2023.
This includes the UK premiere of The Second Woman, a 24-hour play starring Olivier Award winner Ruth Wilson. Running between 19-20 May, the production will see 100 different men (mostly non-actors) starring opposite Ruth across a 24-hour period. The pairs will perform a scene between 'a man and a woman in a relationship that has lost its creativity and romance' repeatedly.
The Young Vic also announced the UK premiere of Beneatha's Place. Written by the venue's artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah, the show will run between 27 June - 5 August. Inspired by the 1950s civil rights drama, A Raisin in the Sun, it's described as being a 'blistering satirical drama about history, power and the cost of letting go'.
And following from a successful run at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, Kimber Lee's untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play will run between 18 September - 4 November.
Other billed productions include Sundown Kiki Reloaded between 31 July -11 August and The Fabric with Colour Vogue Ball, the Young Vic's first ever ball, on the 15 April.
It's been another busy week in the West End! With multiple cast announcements and show extensions in Theatreland, there's lots to catch up on!