What to Look Out for in the West End, 2024

 by Tabitha R

After a successful 2023, the West End has returned with even more shows than last year! Broadway arrivals and classic revivals are due to rock the stages of London this year- so with all of this choice, what are the best ones to go for? Due to its expensive nature, it’s important to be rather selective when it comes to securing yourself tickets. It can also be difficult to decide what’s worth watching and what’s worth writing off. That’s why I’ve concocted a shortlist of what I believe are the top 10 must-see West End shows of 2024 to help you plan your next trip to the capital.

 

Standing at the Sky’s Edge (★★★★) holds the 2023 Olivier Award Winner of Best New Musical, because of this, I believe it perfectly suitable to include it first on my list of shows to look out for in 2024 ahead of its London launch. Set in Sheffield’s Park Hill housing estate you are taken on a story of its inhabitants that spans from the 60s to Thatcherism, Brexit and beyond - encapsulated as ‘a love letter to the iconic area’. It seemed a West End transfer was inevitable, so why not see what the buzz is about at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from February 8th until August 3rd?

 

Mean Girls (★★★) is a musical based on the 2004 hit film by Tina Fey. Its debut to the West End has been impeccably timed with the release of the stage show’s movie adaptation, and will be filling the space left by the Broadway-bound Sunset Blvd- keeping it pink at the Savoy Theatre from June 6th to October 27th. If its 2 year long run in New York is anything to go by, this show is sure to not disappoint- but be quick, tickets are selling fast for its 5 month run!

 

Hadestown (★★★★) has been long awaited to return to London after a brief 3 month stint in 2018.The musical has since been met with almost entirely rave reviews on Broadway, and has swept 8 Tony Awards. Telling a gritty, reimagined take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, it will be settling in the Lyric Theatre from February 10th to December 22nd. However, proven by its previous success I would anticipate this run to be extended.

 

Next to Normal (★★★★) is a Pulitzer Prize winning musical composed by Tom Kitt, who has had prior triumphs with ‘Jagged Little Pill’ (the Alanis Morissette musical), and Pitch Perfect. Based around a heartbreaking story of a family with a mother battling bipolar disorder following the loss of her son, it has a rich plot that gives room for some superb acting performances from the likes of Musical Theatre Royalty, Caissie Levy. After a short lived spell on Broadway in 2009, it had finally arrived in England with a sold-out ‘taster’ run at the Donmar Warehouse in Autumn of 2023. Next to Normal is now more than ready for the West End, booking from June 18th to September 21st.

 

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) (★★★★) is a new musical I’m very much looking forward to seeing grace the West End’s Criterion Theatre. Starring Dear Evan Hansen’s Sam Tutty, you are transported to JFK airport where two unlikely strangers meet, and as the title suggests, proceed to carry a cake across New York. Described as ‘an extremely charming tribute to the classic romcom’, and as having ‘(no) problem turning on the old endorphins’, it's a show that can be used to brighten up your day trip during the months of April to July. 

 

Austentatious (★★★★), the improvised comedy show, is a thoroughly entertaining substitute should you wish to watch something other than a musical in London. Although technically not new to the big stage, each performance is different! This is because a new title will be suggested by the audience each night and the plot will take off from there: branching off into various levels of ludicrousy and satire,  whilst somehow managing to remain in the style of an Austen novel. This refreshing form of improvisation will be bringing hilarity to the West End from January 22nd to July 22nd at The Arts Theatre.

 

The Devil Wears Prada (n/a) will be strutting into the Dominion Theatre from the 24th of October. Elton John has worked alongside lyricist Shaina Taub to compose a score that can bring this iconic film from the big screen, to the stage. Whilst I am surprised at the concept, I believe it has the potential to be a box office belter. This is because, like me, I am sure the rest of the UK are curious as to how Elton has managed to seamlessly incorporate musical numbers into this celebrated script. Due to its freshness,  there is a lack of insight surrounding the musical, giving it an air of exclusivity, meaning you will have to see it for yourself to cast your own judgement!

 

Romeo & Juliet (n/a)- STARRING TOM HOLLAND!! This show was not on my initial list, but the spectacular casting news broke as I was writing,and I thought it took priority. Watch SipderMan return to the stage a decade after he starred as Billy Elliott. Jamie Lloyd's adaptation of probably the most popular Shakespear play precedes the success of his prosperous production last Autumn of Sunset Boulevard. If you weren't excited already, this show will be easily accessible for many incomes with most tickets only costing £25 or under. Come and witness the teenage heartthrob take you through this infamous tragedy at the Duke of York theatre from May until early August.

 

Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle (★★★) is the Mischief Theatre company's newest satirical endeavour. A gag-filled show based around a temperamental telepathist and his abysmal assistant. Arriving in London after a successful UK tour, witness a showcase of extreme theatrical feets. Despite lacking a clear plot,it is guaranteed fun for all ages. At the Apollo Theatre from March 14th only for 6 weeks:be sure not to miss this slapstick extravaganza spiral into controlled chaos.

 

The Little Big Things (★★★) , based on the true story of a promising young rugby player who is tragically paralysed in a teenage accident, honours the remarkable resilience of Henry Fraser as he comes to terms with his new way of life. This internal conflict is portrayed with the character’s constant interactions between present day him, and his past non-wheelchair bound self. Rife with sentimental songs, accessibility takes centre stage with disabled performers stealing the show. The hope and perseverance it preaches is bound to be infectious and will be inspiring the theatre-goers of London until September 2nd at Soho Palace.

 

With all these new shows to look out for in 2024, why not take a trip to london? I personally am so excited for what this year in theatre has to offer, and hopefully this list of brief overviews has helped to determine which spectacles you will be feasting your eyes on this year- train strike permitting of course!