My 2019 Theatre Bucket List.
I believe that every year it's incredible in British Theatre and 2019 is no different with some Broadway shows making their debuts in London's West End. Not only that but some incredible musicals making their way around the UK with their touring productions. I can't wait to see the Theatre industry continue to thrive in 2019 with these epic productions.
I've put together a collection of my Theatre Bucket List in 2019 and there's a combination of both London's West End and touring, as well as a one of the regional theatre productions I am excited for!
Here's my 2019 Theatre Bucket List;
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| Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy |
Dear Evan Hansen
Noel Coward Theatre, LondonStarts November 2019
This is definitely the most anticipated musical I am hoping to see in 2019! It's been a smash-hit in Broadway since 2016 (and I've been obsessed with the soundtrack ever since it opened!) The musical is about a teenage boy who suffers from social anxiety and finds it difficult to talk to people and make friends. However, following a tragic incident involving one of his classmates, Evan finds himself drawn closer to a group of people for the first time in his life.
The soundtrack really draws you in and will really resonate with people. I feel as though this musical will create some fantastic conversations about Mental Health, particularly in young people and I'm so excited for people to love it just as much as me. Even though the tickets haven't been released, I have some money set aside for it ;).
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Waitress
Adelphi Theatre, London
Starts March 2019
Another exciting Broadway transfer coming to London's West End in 2019 is Waitress. It has taken the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway since it opened in 2016 so I'm delighted it'll be coming to London where our audiences will fall in love with it just as much I'm sure! The score from acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles is just as exceptional too!
Waitress tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress who is in an unhappy marriage to her husband Earl. When she unexpectedly discovers she is pregnant, she starts an affair with her gynaecologist and begins to look for ways out of her abusive relationship, embracing her unique pie-making skills as a chance for a new life.
You can book your tickets for Waitress on The London Theatre website here.
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| Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy |
Les Miserables
UK & Ireland Tour
Until January 2020
The acclaimed production of Les Miserables from Cameron Mackintosh is now on a major UK Tour throughout 2019. This production will have new staging and reimagined scenery that is inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Mackintosh created this production in 2009 to celebrate the 25th anniversary and it broke box office records throughout the UK as well as taking on global audiences in places like Canada, Australia and Singapore.
Les Miserables is based on Victor Hugo's classic novel and will come with Schonberg's magnificent score! There are so many fans of Les Mis in the UK so I'm sure there will be loads of visits to theatres this year to see it for themselves.
You can find out where Les Miserables is performing in a theatre near you here.
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| Photo Credit: Helen Maybanks |
Kinky Boots
UK Tour
Until November 2019
Kinky Boots have left London's West End so if you haven't seen one of the most uplifting musicals then you must check it out on it's UK Tour in 2019! It's won numerous awards and is leaving a void in the West End now it's gone. The musical features a score by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper.
Inspired by true events and based on the hit 2005 British film of the same name, this feel-good musical whisks the audience from the factory floors of Northampton to the catwalks of Milan. It features stunning costumes, a hilarious script and a powerful message about friendship and acceptance.
You can find out where Kinky Boots is performing in a theatre near you here.
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| 2015 Rehearsal Picture.
Avenue Q
UK & Ireland Tour
Until August 2019
I'm absolutely delighted that a new production of Avenue Q is touring the UK this year! This laugh-out-loud musical tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. Once he's there he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy The Slut and other colourful characters who will help Princeton finally discover his true purpose in life!
It's definitely one for the adults and I'm excited to see it for the first time after loving the soundtrack!
You can find out where Avenue Q is performing in a theatre near you here.
We Will Rock You
UK Tour
Until May 2020
I saw We Will Rock You for the first time at London's Dominion Theatre back in 2012 so I'm delighted that in 2019 it'll be returning to the stage for a UK & Ireland Tour, kicking off in September at Bromley's Churchill Theatre.
The musical contains 24 of Queen's biggest hits and Ben Elton's hilarious futuristic comedy writing combined becomes a show that boasts the spectacle that marked the band's legendary live performances. If you're a fan of Queen's music then this will be right up your street!
You can find out where We Will Rock You is performing in a theatre near you here.
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| Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy |
The King & I
UK Tour
Until May 2020
The King & I is one of my favourite musicals of all time so I'm thrilled it'll be a UK Tour in 2019. It's a classic musical from Roger's and Hammerstein. Set in 1860's Bangkok, King & I tells the story of the unconventional and turbulent relationship between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher who is brought to Siam by the King to teach his many wives and children.
Its score contains many treasured songs including; Getting To Know You and Shall We Dance. It also contains a fantastic company of over 50 world-class performers. It will be quite the spectacle in the UK theatres in 2019!
You can find out where The King & I is performing in a theatre near you here.
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| Photo Credit: Manuel Harden |
Tina Turner Musical
Aldwych Theatre, London
Tina Turner is one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, she has won over 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions. She has sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in music history. The musical takes us from her roots in Nutbush, Tennessee to becoming the global Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. It will tell you the untold story of Tina who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race.
If you are a fan of Tina Turner's music then you will love all of her much loved songs in the musical. We saw a snippet at last year's West End Live and I've been eager to see it ever since!
You can book your tickets for Tina Turner Musical in London here.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Apollo Theatre, London
I constantly beat myself up that I haven't seen this musical yet - 2019 is the year I'll get my butt to London and see it! Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a real modern day fairytale, based on the true story of a 16 year old with a secret to tell people and dreams to make a reality. The musical features catchy new songs by Dan Gillespie Sells.
Jamie doesn't fit in on a council estate in Sheffield but supported by his brilliant mum and surrounded by his friends, he will overcome prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight to become a sensation nobody will forget. It's based on Jamie Campell who approached a documentary filmmaker to help him tell his story. It really sends out an important message and I can't miss it this year!
You can book your tickets for Everybody's Talking About Jamie in London here.
West Side Story
Curve Theatre, Leicester
Nov 2019 - Jan 2020
I know that 2019 will be an exceptional year for regional theatre productions and one which I am really excited for this year is Curve's Made At Curve production of West Side Story this Christmas. West Side Story is my all-time favourite musical and so I can't wait to see what Directors Nikolai Foster and Ellen Kane are going to bring out of the bag with this one!
Set in 1957 New York City we are in the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love, at first sight, strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. The story is inspired by Shakespeare classic Romeo and Juliet as the two young lovers continue to meet in secret - however, the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.
West Side Story is known for its timeless score and its one of the greatest musicals of all time, not forgetting the choreography either! I really can't wait to see what they do with this one at the Curve.
You can book your tickets to see West Side Story at Curve here.
What are you looking forward to seeing in the theatre in 2019?