10 New Musicals To Look Out For.
Written by Jacqueline.
2023 has definitely been a year of excitement for new musicals, with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and In Dreams proving audiences are keen to explore something different. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the 10 upcoming musicals that you can’t afford to overlook!
Ride
The year is 1894 and the bicycle phenomenon is sweeping across America. Annie Londonderry has a wager to settle: is it possible for a woman to cycle across the world? This story of extraordinary women challenging the perceptions of men boasts a spate of five-star reviews including one from Theatre and Tonic’s own Emmie and Elliot here. Ride is taking the London theatre scene by storm and is not a show to be missed!
Ride runs until 12th August 2023 at Southwark Playhouse.
The Grand Old Opera House Hotel
From the Olivier Award-winning writer who penned both Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) and Kidnapped, comes the world premiere of a brand new Scottish musical. The Grand Old Opera House Hotel was once a glorious opera house, whose stage was graced by the great performers of the era. When Aaron takes on a job at the hotel, he doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with incompetent management, chaotic guests and a pair of singing ghosts. Featuring some of the most famous opera songs ever written, this show is set to be a surefire hit.
The Grand Old Opera House Hotel runs from July 27th – August 27th at Traverse Theatre.
La Cage aux Folles
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has received endless critical acclaim over the years for its inventive new revivals of shows, alongside original productions of their own. La Cage Aux Folles is the final production in the 2023 summer season, which also saw the likes of Once On This Island and Robin Hood. La Cage aux Folles tells a story of identity, family and love and has been gracing stages around the world since 1983, featuring the iconic showstopper “I Am What I Am”.
La Cage Aux Folles is booking from July 29th until September 16th 2023 At Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder
Kathy and Stella are best friends who co-host an unsuccessful true crime podcast. Following the death of their favourite author, our heroines have to crack a case of their own before the killer strikes again. This hilarious whodunnit from the Olivier Award-winners behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer stars Newsies’ Bronté Barbe as Kathy and Oklahoma’s Rebekah Hinds as Stella.
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder runs at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 2nd-27th, Bristol Old Vic from September 13th-30th then Home, Manchester October 5th-21st.
After the Act: A Section 28 Musical
In a time where the rights of LGBT children in UK schools are being threatened, New Diorama Theatre’s ‘After the Act’ revisits the Section 28 legislation which was introduced in 1988 to prohibit the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ in schools. Over twenty years since the legislation was repealed, this show welcomes the audience to dance on the grave of this moment in history. Made up almost entirely of verbatim quotes from students, educators and activists, this is an insightful look into how far we have come, and how far we still need to progress as a society.
After the Act runs from August 3rd – 27th at Traverse Theatre.
Next to Normal
Fifteen years since its Broadway premiere, this Pulitzer award-winning show by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey is reaching the London theatre scene. With a star-studded cast including Caissie Levy, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Jack Wolfe, this intimate tale of family and loss is sure to be a highlight of the theatre season. Tickets are currently sold out but returns may become available.
Next to Normal runs from August 14th until October 7th at Donmar Warehouse.
Rebecca
Rebecca is the stunning new musical by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay based on the classic novel by Daphne Du Maurier. This production staged at the Charing Cross Theatre marks the first time the show has been performed in English, following previous productions in cities including Vienna, Tokyo and Finland. With 22 original songs, this is a must-see show for fans of the original novel, or those who are intrigued by thrillers and mysteries.
Rebecca runs from September 4th – November 18th at Charing Cross Theatre.
The Time Travellers Wife
Claire is a sculptor. Henry is a time traveler. They meet, fall in love, and marry- but not in that order. Following its 2022 world premiere in Chester, The Time Traveller’s Wife is soon to be gracing the West End stage. David Hunter and Joanna Woodward will be reprising their roles as Henry and Clare respectively. Based on the internationally-acclaimed novel by Audrey Niffenegger’s, this new British musical features original songs from Grammy Award winners Joss Stone and Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.
The Time Traveller’s Wife opens on October 7th and is booking until March 30th 2024 at Apollo Theatre.
The Witches
“Everything you know about witches is wrong. Forget the pointy hats and broomsticks: they’re the most dangerous creatures on earth.”
Following in the footsteps of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches is the latest of Roald Dahl’s charming childrens’ novels to be adapted for the stage. With music and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), and book and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood (Chimerica), this is sure to be a thrilling new National Theatre production.
The Witches is booking from November 7th 2023 until January 27th 2024 at the National Theatre.
Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York (Kiln Theatre, London)
This November, London’s Kiln Theatre will be presenting a new British musical comedy from Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. The ‘impossibly upbeat’ Brit, Dougal, flies to New York for his father’s wedding, meeting Robin, the sister of the bride, along the way. This is far from a story of love at first sight… but anything can happen!
Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York runs from November 9th – December 23rd at Kiln Theatre, London.
Are any of these new musicals on your watchlist?
