Dec 30, 20229 min read

2023 Preview: 55 Of The Best Shows Opening Next Year

We're about to start a brand new year and there is no shortage of exciting theatre to keep us entertained over the next 12 months.

Here are just some of the amazing shows you can enjoy in the West End and around the country and this really is just the top of the iceberg (literally with one show):

MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE (UK Tour)

6th January - 22nd April

After a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Mischief Comedy bring their latest show to the UK for a mix of magic and comedy.

Tickets from https://www.mischiefcomedy.com/mind-mangler-member-of-the-tragic-circle/uk-tour

ALLEGIANCE (Charing Cross Theatre)

7th January - 8th April

George Takei and Telly Leung star in the UK premiere of this show, written by George inspired by his own World War 2 experience as a child.

Tickets from www.AllegianceMusical.com

ALEX EDELMAN - JUST FOR US (Menier Chocolate Factory)

11th January – February 26th

Taking the audience through hilarious anecdotes from Alex Edelman’s life — his Olympian brother AJ, an unconventional holiday season, and a gorilla that can do sign language — but at its centre is an astonishing and frighteningly relevant story.

Tickets from www.menierchocolatefactory.com

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (Theatre Royal Bath)

13th January - 11th February

Elizabeth McGovern stars in this new production of Edward Albee’s masterpiece set during the course of one brutal and hilarious night.

Tickets from theatreroyalorg.uk

THE UNFRIEND (Criterion Theatre)

15th January - 16th April

Transferring to the West End after this years Chichester Festival Theatre production, Mark Gatiss directs Steven Moffatt’s riotous and effortlessly entertaining comedy.

Tickets from www.theunfriend.com

MY SON'S A QUEER (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?) (Ambassadors Theatre)

17th January - 8th March

One of the theatre highlights of 2021 and 2022 returns to 2023 in its biggest form yet as Rob Madge recounts stories from their childhood in a hilarious and heartwarming show.

Tickets from www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk/

DIRTY DANCING (Dominion Theatre)

18th January - 29th April

Returning to the Dominion after a run there in 2022, the classic story of Baby and Johnny is brought to life on stage. Carry your best watermelon and hope there is a seat in the corner for you during this limited run.

Tickets from dirtydancingonstage.co.uk

NOISES OFF (Phoenix Theatre)

19th January - 11th March

After touring the UK, Noises Off plays a limited run in the West End with a cast including Felicity Kendal, Tracy-Ann Overman and Matthew Kelly.

Tickets from atgtickets.com

THE BODYGUARD (UK Tour)

From 28th January

The smash hit musical returns to the UK and Ireland for a huge new tour led by Pussycat Dolls star Melody Thornton. The classic story features some of Whitney Houstons best loved songs.

Full dates and tickets from www.thebodyguardmusical.com

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS (Harold Pinter Theatre)

18th January - 18th March

Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner star in the West End premiere of Sam Steiner’s play, directed by Josie Rourke.

Tickets from lemonstheplay.co.uk

STEEL MAGNOLIAS (UK Tour)

19th January - 22nd July

Laura Main, Diana Vickers and Lucy Speed bring the original play that inspired the well-loved Hollywood film back to the stage in this hilarious and heart-warming production.

Full dates and tickets from steelmagnoliasplay.co.uk

THE LEHMAN TRILOGY (Gillian Lynne Theatre)

24th January - 20th May

The Tony award winning play returns to the West End starring Michael Balogun, Hadley Fraser and Nigel Lindsay as the Lehman brothers.

Tickets from TheLehmanTrilogy.com

HEAD OVER HELLS (Hope Mill Theatre)

26th January - 4th March

The European premiere of this musical featuring songs from The Go-Go’s heads to the Hope Mill in Manchester, directed and choreographed by Tom Jackson Greaves.

Tickets from https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/head-over-heels

SYLVIA (Old Vic)

27th January - 1st April

The highly anticipated world premiere of this new musical stars Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Sharon Rose as Sylvia Pankhurst.

Tickets from www.oldvictheatre.com

SPITTING IMAGE SAVES THE WORLD: IDIOTS ASSEMBLE (Birmingham Rep)

1st February - 12th March

Spare a thought for the world premiere of this stage show based on the TV show. They have had to rewrite the show multiple times, thanks to the revolving door of Prime Ministers. Prepare to see King Charles, Adele and whoever is Prime Minister at the time on stage in this sure to be hilarious show.

Tickets from Birmingham-rep.co.uk

STANDING ON THE SKY'S EDGE (Olivier Theatre)

9th February - 25th March

Following a well received run in Sheffield, this hotly anticipated show makes its London premiere. A love letter to Sheffield and ode to the iconic Park Hill Estate, this show charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades.

Tickets from nationaltheatre.org.uk

TROUBLE IN BUTETOWN (Donmar Warehouse)

10th February - 25th March

The world premiere of this play by Diana Nneka Atuona is directed by Tinuke Craig is set in a port town during the war; home to souls from every corner of the globe. When Nate, an African American GI, escapes his barracks and discovers this new world without segregation, can he find safe harbour? And with danger on every corner, whom can he trust?

Tickets from www.donmarwarehouse.com

MEDEA (@SohoPlace)

11th February - 22nd April

Sophie Okonedo and Ben Daniels return to the West End to star n Robinson Jeffers’ adaptation of Euripedes’ Medea, directed by Domini Cooke.

Tickets from www.sohoplace.org

WOMEN, BEWARE THE DEVIL (Almeida Theatre)

11th February - 25th March

Set in England in 1640, a war is brewing, rumours and flying, a household is in crisis and the Devil’s having some fun.

Tickets from Almeida.co.uk

ROMEO AND JULIE (Dorfman Theatre)

14th February - 1st April

Two Welsh teens raised a few streets apart – but from entirely different worlds – crash into first love and are knocked off their feet. But at the crossroads to the rest of their lives, Julie’s family fears the worst in a world of unequal opportunity.

Tickets from nationaltheatre.org.uk

OKLAHOMA! (Wyndham's Theatre)

16th February - 2nd September

Following an acclaimed run at the Young Vic, Oklahoma! Moves to the West End. Anoushka Lucas and Arthur Darvill are among those reprising their roles in this new production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.

Tickets from www.OklahomaWestEnd.com

SHIRLEY VALENTINE (Duke Of York’s Theatre)

17th February – 3rd June

Sheridan Smith returns to the West End in this new production of Willy Russell’s life-affirming story.

Tickets from shirleyvalentineonstage.com

BAT OUT OF HELL (Peacock Theatre)

17th February - 1st April

Returning to the West End for a limited season, this musical features Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, performed by a sensational cast.

Tickets from www.sadlerswells.com/your-visit/peacock-theatre

THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO (UK Tour)

17th February - 10th June

Ian Hallard’s brand new play sees two friends set out on a path to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band. It starts its run at the Birmingham Rep before touring all over the UK.

Tickets from https://thewayoldfriendsdo.com/

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL (Noel Coward Theatre)

25th February - 13th May

Following a run in Cheltenham, the Bake Off musical transfers to the West End with a cast including Haydn Gwynne, John Owen-Jones, Zoe Birkett and Grace Mouat.

Tickets from www.bakeoffthemusical.com

GUYS & DOLLS (Bridge Theatre)

3rd March - 2nd September

This new immersive production of the classic boasts a cast including Daniel Mays, Celinde Schoenmaker, Marisha Wallace and Cedric Neal.

Tickets from bridgetheatre.co.uk

BONNIE & CLYDE (Garrick Theatre)

4th March - 20th May

Returning to the West End after a successful run in 2022, Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage are back in the title runs as the outlaws in this fantastic musical.

Tickets from bonnieandclydemusical.com.

TITANIC (UK Tour)

16th March - 5th August

The Tony award winning musical embarks on a new tour. With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, it charts the final hours aboard the RMS Titanic.

Tickets from http://www.titanicthemusical.co.uk

A LITTLE LIFE (Harold Pinter Theatre)

25th March - 18th June

The English language worls stage premiere of Hanya Yanagihara’s critically acclaimed novel stars James Norton, Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas and Zach Wyatt.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com

BERLUSCONI (Southwark Playhouse Elephant)

25th March - 29th April

This modern-day cautionary tale about an all too familiar brand of political leadership is a naughty, noisy expose of the media mogul turned populist politician.

Tickets from www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

OPERATION MINCEMEAT (Fortune Theatre)

29th March - 8th July

Following sold out runs in multiple venues, Operation Mincemeat takes the West End by storm in a limited run. Telling the unlikely true story from World War 2, see what all the fuss is about for yourself.

Tickets from operationmincemeat.com

AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS (Prince Edward Theatre)

31st March - 1st October

One of the few Broadway transfers coming to the West End next year, the life and times of the Temptations are behind this show which has a limited West End run before MJ moves in in 2024. Starring Cameron Bernard Jones, Kyle Cox, Sifiso Mazibuko, Tosh Wanogho-Maud and Mitchell Zhangaha.

Tickets from ainttooproudmusical.co.uk

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES (Almeida Theatre)

4th April - 27th May

This captivating new musical about a group of women ignited by rebellion and longing for acceptance is based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Tickets from Almeida.co.uk

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL (UK and Ireland tour)

From April 5th

The UK premiere tour of this Tony award nominated Broadway musical tours the UK and Ireland kicking off in Southampton in April.

Full dates and tickets from www.spongebobstage.com

RICHARD III (Liverpool Playhouse/Rose Theatre, Kingston)

6th April – 13th May

A new production of the Shakespeare play heads to both Liverpool and London with Adjoa Andoh directing and starring as the iconic antihero.

Tickets from https://rosetheatre.org/whats-on/richard-iii

GREATEST DAYS - The Official Take That Musical (UK and Ireland tour)

5th May to 25th November

Ahead of the movie of the same name, the Take That musical returns to the UK in the form of a new tour. Now retitled Greatest Days, it tells the story of a group of best friends obsessed with their favourite boyband – to the soundtrack of some of Take That’s many classic hits.

Full dates and tickets from greatestdaysmusical.com

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre)

10th May - 10th June

The story of love, grief, faith and hope against the heat of the Caribbean sun and destruction of tropical storms. Can Ti Moune settle the wager of the Gods and prove that love is more powerful than death?

Tickets from openairtheatre.com

ASPECTS OF LOVE (Lyric Theatre)

12th May - 11th November

Michael Ball returns to this production of Andrew Lloyd Webbers show, reimagined for the 21st Century and directed by Jonathan Kent.

Tickets from www.aspectsoflove.com

MRS DOUBTFIRE (Shaftesbury Theatre)

From 12th May

Following a run in Manchester, the musical adaptation of the classic film heads to the West End with Gabriel Vick leading the production.

Tickets from www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk

CAKE: THE MARIE ANTOINETTE PLAYLIST (UK Tour)

13th March – 29th April

This brand new musical, come gig, come ballet combines rap and R&B with 18th Century France to retell a story that sparked a revolution.

42ND STREET (UK Tour)

From 17th May

A new production of the classic musical opens at Curve Leicester before heading to London for a season at Sadlers Wells ahead of a UK tour.

Full dates and tickets at 42ndstreettour.com

GROUNDHOG DAY (The Old Vic)

20th May - 12th August

No you’re not seeing things. This isn’t a repeat of the 2016 preview – Groundhog Day is BACK in London, with Andy Karl reprising his Olivier award winning role as Phil Connors.

Tickets from oldvictheatre.com

PATRIOTS (Noel Coward Theatre)

26th May - 19th August

After a sellout run at the Almeida Theatre, Tom Hollander returns to play Vladimir Putin for a limited 12 week run in the West End.

Tickets from patriotstheplay.com

WINNIE THE POOH: THE NEW MUSICAL STAGE ADAPTATION (UK and Ireland tour)

17th March – 2nd September

The much loved character heads to the UK for a run at London’s Riverside Studios ahead of a UK and Ireland tour, with Jake Bazel reprising the role of Winnie he originated on Broadway.

Full dates and tickets at winniethepoohshow.co.uk

WE WILL ROCK YOU (London Coliseum)

2nd June - 27th August

Ben Elton’s mammoth musical featuring Queen’s legendary songbook returns to the West End for a limited run celebrating 21 years since the show first premiered in London.

Tickets from wewillrockyoulondon.co.uk

THE PILLOWMAN (Duke Of York's Theatre)

10th June - 2nd September

Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton star in the West End premiere of Martin McDonagh’s electrifying play.

Tickets from www.pillowmanplay.com

ROBIN HOOD: THE LEGEND. RE-WRITTEN (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre)

17th June - 22nd July

Told with epic storytelling and stirring tights, this thrilling new take on the classic tale promise humour, heart and a forest full of secrets/

Tickets from openairtheatre.com

THE WIZARD OF OZ (London Palladium)

23rd June - 3rd September

After its successful run at Curve Leicester, this brand new production of the classic follows the yellow brick road down to London for a limited season.

Tickets from www.wizardofozmusical.com

CRAZY FOR YOU (Gillian Lynne Theatre)

24th June - 20th January 2024

Susan Stroman’s acclaimed production of the classic Gershwin musical heads to London for a limited run following its rave reviews at Chichester Festival Theatre. Starring Charlie Stemp, Carly Anderson and Tom Edden, this is going to be a glittering new addition to the West End.

Tickets from www.CrazyForYouMusical.com

IN DREAMS (Leeds Playhouse)

1st July - 5th August

The duo behind &Juliet team up again for this new musical exploring love and loss through the songs of Roy Orbison.

Tickets from https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/

MISS SAIGON (Crucible Theatre)

8th July - 12th August

The first regional non-replica production of the legendary musical will see Joanna Ampul, who has previously played Kim in the show, stepping into the role of The Engineer.

Tickets from sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

SHREK: THE MUSICAL (UK and Ireland Tour)

21st July - 30th December

A brand new production heads out to paint the town green in 2023 as a major tour kicks off around the UK and Ireland.

Full dates and tickets from www.shrekuktour.com

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre)

29th July - 16th September

Georges, Albin and their son Jean-Michel re-discover the true meaning of family, and of putting yourself last so that the ones you love can come first in this new production based on the play by Jean Poiret.

Tickets from openairtheatre.com

NEXT TO NORMAL (Donmar Warehouse)