The Must-See Theatre Shows in 2024
Written by Roni and Emmie
2024 is gearing up to be one of the biggest years for live theatre in recent memory, certainly since the return to the stage post pandemic. With exciting shows opening and reopening, productions new and old heading out on regional tours, and even a fast-paced revival to look forward to, 2024 has so much to offer. Here’s our jam-packed guide to some of the shows you need to see in 2024, watch out for our regional tour update too!
1.NEXT TO NORMAL
From 18 June, Wyndham’s Theatre
Fresh from a critically acclaimed debut at the Donmar Warehouse, the smash hit show is back for a limited run in the West End this coming summer. There’s a reason this picked up three Tony’s on Broadway!
2. MEAN GIRLS
From 6 June, Savoy Theatre
The British public is finally getting the West End transfer many have been begging for, as the musical adaptation of the teen classic movie makes its way across the pond. So fetch!
3. BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL
From 13th June, Opera House Manchester
Another adaptation, this time of a movie musical and a worldwide premiere to boot! With Christina Aguilera as executive producer, and featuring songs from the movie, plus music from the likes of Sia and Todrick Hall, the excitement is real for this new musical to open in 2024.
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4. HADESTOWN
From 10th February, Lyric Theatre
Also making its long-awaited West End debut is the 8-time Tony award winner Hadestown, who’ve just announced some very exciting casting and showcased their principals at an exclusive London event. Is it February yet?!
5. CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90S MUSICAL
From 11 January, The Other Palace
2024 is the year for transfers and adaptations it seems, with the musical version of the 90’s movie starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon heading to The Other Palace in the new year, with a suitable 90’s soundtrack to boot.
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6. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
From 30th January, The RSC
A new iteration of the Shakespeare classic by the company that does it best is coming to Stratford-Upon-Avon this January. In some exciting casting, fresh off the back of his star turn in the new Wonka movie, Horrible Histories’ Matthew Baynton will be starring as the loveable Bottom.
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7. FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY
From 29th February, Garrick Theatre
Following a spectacular three previously sold out runs, For Black Boys… is returning to the West End for a limited nine week run at the Garrick Theatre. Lauded critically, this could be the play to watch come awards season.
8. JUST FOR ONE DAY
From 26th January, The Old Vic
A brand new musical based on Live Aid is heading to the Old Vic for its world premiere from 26th January. Directed by Luke Sheppard, Just For One Day will take us behind the scenes of one of the biggest music events in history, whilst not forgetting classic songs by U2, Elton John, and Queen in there!
9. BRONCO BILLY: THE MUSICAL
From 23rd January, Charing Cross Theatre
Billed as a ‘rollicking new musical’, Bronco Billy is a new musical comedy based on the original motion picture from Clint Eastwood. It features a brilliant cast lineup including Tarin Callender, Victoria Hamilton- Barritt and Emily Benjamin.
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10. SPIRITED AWAY
From 30th April, London Coliseum
After the success of My Neighbour Totoro, another Studio Ghibli adaptation is on the horizon, with the upcoming arrival of Spirited Away at the London Coliseum this spring. With the film considered a cult classic, the run has already announced an extension until August.
11. THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA
From 27th January, Harold Pinter Theatre
Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes will reunite after the success of The Ferryman with a new play, set in Blackpool during the driest summer in 200 years. The story focuses on the Webb sisters who return to their mother’s guest house, where she is dying.
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12. WITHNAIL AND I
From 3rd May, Birmingham Rep
One of the finest British films ever made and now heading to the stage for its first ever stage adaptation, Withnail And I is going to be a great comedy production in 2024. The Rep Original comedy has been written by the legendary Bruce Robinson, Withnail And I’s original creator.
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13. AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
From 6th February, Duke of York’s Theatre
Known for his stint in Doctor Who, Matt Smith will make his West End debut in the London production of the classic Ibsen play. An Enemy Of The People is a timeless play that explores the themes of ethics, truth, and societal responsibility.
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14. MACBETH
until 10th February, Donmar Warehouse
Potentially one of the most exciting castings of 2023 is spilling over into 2024 at London’s Donmar Warehouse. David Tennant and Cush Jumbo star in this new iteration of Macbeth, a more immersive production that requires audience members to wear headphones. There’s so much else on offer at the Donmar Warehouse in 2024 too, make sure you check out what that theatre has to offer!
15. THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
From 6th February, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Hot from the Australian stage, Oscar Wilde’s famed story will be given a thrilling update in London. Kip Williams’ fresh production will star TV icon Sarah Snook. The story of The Picture of Dorian Gray is one about the cost of beauty and sensual fulfillment.
16. THE GAP
From 9th February, Hope Mill Theatre
Starring Denise Welch and Matthew Kelly, The Gap is an exciting new play heading to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from the award-winning playwright Jim Cartwright. Explore the audacious adventures of Walter and Coral who haven’t seen each other for fifty years. A chance phone call with reunite them for the first time.
17. CLUELESS THE MUSICAL
From 12th February, Churchill Theatre Bromley
An exclusive two-week developmental run of Clueless The Musical will make its UK premiere in 2024. Based on the hit 1995 film which follows the fashionable queen bee Cher Horowitz as she takes on her most ambitious project yet - Clueless The Musical will be an exciting one to watch out for, especially when the UK production will feature music by Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter KT Tunstall.
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18. STARTER FOR TEN
From 29th February, Bristol Old Vic
A brand new musical adapted from the original novel by David Nicholls and the popular 2006 film, Starter For Ten looks sure to delight. With an original 80’s style score and some thrilling casting, it’s sure to be an exciting show.
19. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
From 24th October, Dominon Theatre
Although this stage adaptation heads to the stage later in 2024, a new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, The Devil Wears Prada will be worth its wait. The musical will feature an original score by music legend Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub, a book by Kate Wetherhead and direction & choreography by 3-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray).
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20. RED PITCH
From 15th March, Sohoplace
Tyrell William’s award-winning Red Pitch returns to the stage at the @sohoplace for a limited run from 15th March. The play snapped up all 5 major Best Debut Play awards and you definitely have to see the hype for yourself surronding this!
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21. THE HUNGER GAMES ON STAGE
Autumn 2024
London will host the first ever stage adaptation of Suzanne Collin’s internationally acclaimed novel, The Hunger Games in the Autumn. The new production will be adapted by the Olivier Award-winning playright Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster. We know very little details of where it will be performed and when, but we are so excited already!
22. THE BIG LIFE: THE SKA MUSICAL
From 16th February, Stratford East
The hit Windrush-inspired ska musical will be revived by the Theatre Royal Stratford East in early 2024, 20 years after it premiered at the venue before it transferred to the West End. Set in 1950s London, The Big Life tells the story of Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis and Lennie who arrive from the West Indies full of expectations and aspirations.
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23. FANGIRLS
From 13th July, Lyric Hammersmith
Already a smash-hit in Australia, FANGIRLS is an exciting new musical about female fandom which will head to the Lyric Hammersmith in the summer. FANGIRLS has been inspired by interviews with hundreds of girl fans, and the writer Yve Blake wrote the musical in response to Zayn Malik’s exit from boyband One Direction.
24. COWBOIS
From 11th January, Royal Court Theatre
Transferring directly from Stratford – Upon – Avon, Cowbois is coming for a limited run in the West End having enjoyed excellent reviews at the Royal Shakespeare. This is one to see for a dose of queer joy! Read our review from the run at The RSC here.
25. STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE
From 8th February, Gillian Lynne Theatre
This year’s ‘Best New Musical’ Olivier Award winner is back for a third run, this time at the Gillian Lynne, following sold out runs at the National and Sheffield Theatres. There’s plenty of opportunity to catch it, with this run continuing until August.
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26. STARLIGHT EXPRESS
From 8th June, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
It’s the revival we never knew we needed, but Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller skating hit is back, and making use of the excellent open space available at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from June.
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27. MJ THE MUSICAL
From 6th March, Prince Edward Theatre
The smash hit Broadway musical based on the thrilling story of legendary pop star Michael Jackson heads into London early 2024. The musical will feature Myles Frost who will make his West End debut in the production, Frost previously won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production.
28. OPENING NIGHT
From 6th March, Gielgud Theatre
Sheridan Smith leads this new musical which is based on John Cassavetes’ 1977 film. Opening Night explores the trials of an ageing actress haunted by a deceased fan.
29. PLAYER KINGS
From 1st March, Noel Coward Theatre
Sir Ian McKellen leads an exciting new stage adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 in the Spring. Robert Icke adapts and directs this new production which combines two of the greatest history plays of all time. Ahead of its arrival at the Noel Coward Theatre from 1 April, it will have previews at the New Wimbledon Theatre and Manchester Opera House.
30. POLICE COPS THE MUSICAL
From 1st March, Southwark Playhouse Elephant
After the huge success of this musical in 2023, Police Cops: The Musical is returning bigger and better in the New Year. Moving to the Southwark Playhouse Elephant for seven weeks, if you didn’t get a chance to see it before - don’t miss it this time! Read our review from its run at the Southwark Borough in 2023 here.
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31. 42 BALLOONS
From 18th April, The Lowry
Featuring an original 80s-pop-inspired score, 42 Balloons will have its first ever full production of the new musical in 2024. Written by Jack Godfrey, the uplifting musical tells the inspiring story of how Larry, and his partner Carol Van Deusen, convinced their friends and family to help him achieve his dream of flying.
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32. HERE YOU COME AGAIN
From 11th May, Leeds Playhouse
The new Dolly Parton musical opens in Leeds Playhouse during the Spring before a West End transfer. Here You Come Again promises to be a rollicking and joyous new musical comedy featuring all of Doly Parton’s biggest hits.
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33. HELLO, DOLLY
From 6th July, London Palladium
15 years after it was last seen in London’s West End, Hello, Dolly! is coming back to London in 2024! Starring Imelda Staunton, Jerry Herman’s iconic score will raise the roof of the London Palladium where it will play a strictly limited 10-week season starting on the 6th July.
So from the Hello, Dolly! revival at the London Palladium in the Summer to the Live Aid musical, Just For One Day kicking off in January - 2024 is set up to be a cracking year at the theatre! What will you be making plans to see in 2024?
