2024 Preview: 60 Shows To Look Forward To Next Year

2023 is drawing to a close and if this year seemed like an amazing one for theatre, next year may be even better. We have some world huge new shows opening including world premieres and Broadway transfers. Here are 60 of the most exciting new shows opening next year in the West End, London and all over the UK:

CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90’S MUSICAL (The Other Palace)

11th January – 14th April

The much-awaited London premiere of the musical adaptation of the well-loved movie is full of 90’s pop classics from the likes of Britney, Boyz II Men, TLC and *NSync.

Tickets from www.cruelmusical.co.uk 

THE KING AND I (Dominion Theatre)

20th January – 2nd March

The Rodgers & Hammerstein classic returns to the West End starring Helen George and Darren Lee.

Tickets from www.dominiontheatre.com 

BRONCO BILLY THE MUSICAL (Charing Cross Theatre)

23rd January – 7th April

The new Wild West End show gets its UK premiere with a cast including Emily Benjamin, Tarinn Callender and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt.

Tickets from broncobillymusical.com

JUST FOR ONE DAY (Old Vic)

26th January – 30th March

The world premiere of a new musical based on Live Aid is directed by Luke Shepperd and features classic songs by U2, Queen, Elton John and David Bowie to name just a few.

Tickets from  www.oldvictheatre.com 

THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA (Harold Pinter Theatre)

27th January – 15th June

The partnership behind The ferryman reunite as Sam Mendes directs Jez Butterworth’s latest play set in Blackpool in 1976.

Tickets from www.hillsofcalifornia.play.com 

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (The RSC)

30th January – 30th March

Eleanor Rhode returns to the RSC to direct one of Shakespeare’s most captivating comedies with a cast starring Mathew Baynton as Bottom.

Tickets from www.rsc.org.uk 

DROP THE DEAD DONKEY (UK & Ireland Tour)

31st January – 8th June

30 years since the launch of the trailblazing hit UK series, the original cast are back and live on stage for the very first time.

Full dates and tickets from www.dropdeaddonkey.co.uk 

WITHNAIL AND I (Birmingham Rep)

3rd February – 25th May

The world premiere of the first ever stage adaptation of the cult film classic is written by Bruce Robinson, the writer and direction of the original film.

Tickets from www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE (Peacock Theatre)

5th February – 16th March

Currently on a UK tour, the hit musical returns to the West End for the first time since it wrapped up its initial run with a cast including Ivano Turco, Giovanna Fletcher and John Patrtridge.

Tickets from www.sadlerswells.com

STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE (Gillian Lynne Theatre)

8th February – 3rd August

The Olivier Award-winning musical gets a West End transfer after sold out runs in Sheffield and London’s National Theatre. With music by Richard Hawley, this love letter to Sheffield and the city’s iconic Park Hill Estate. See for yourself why everybody has fallen in love with this beautiful show.

Tickets from www.skysedgemusical.com

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE (Duke of York’s Theatre)

6th February – 6th April

Thomas Ostermeier’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s thought-provoking play about truth in a society driven by power and money will star Matt Smith

Tickets from www.anenemyofthepeople.co.uk

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (Theatre Royal Haymarket)

6th February – 11th May

Stage and screen star Sarah Snook appears in this groundbreaking adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s only novel with an interplay of video and theatre bringing to life 26 characters, all played by Snook.

Tickets from http://www.doriangrayplay.com/

KING LEAR (Almeida Theatre)

8th February – 30th March

Yael Farber’s production of Shakespeare’s poignant, morally ambiguous and subversive epic has a cast including Danny Sapani, and Fra Fee.

Tickets from www.almeida.co.uk

THE GAP (Hope Mill Theatre)

9th February – 9th March

Fresh from her turn as the Queen in Diana, Denise Welch stars alongside Matthew Kelly in this new play by Jim Cartwright charting the audacious adventures of two friends who reunite after 50 years.

Tickets from www.hopemilltheatre.com

HADESTOWN (Lyric Theatre)

From 10th February

Anais Mitchell’s musical returns to London to begin a West End run which could prove as successful as its unstoppable Broadway production. Starring Donal Finn, Grace Hodgett-Young, Zachary James and Melanie La Barrie, this is one musical worth waiting for.

Tickets from www.uk.hadestown.com

CLUELESS THE MUSICAL (Churchill Theatre Bromley)

12th – 24th February

A new musical based on the classic 90s movie gets its UK premiere in an exclusive two-week developmental run featuring music by KT Tunstall and lyrics by Glenn Slater.

Tickets from www.trafalgartickets.com

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 (Criterion Theatre)

15th February – 23rd March

Following a hugely successful and critically acclaimed UK turn, this production starring Tracy-Ann Oberman in her groundbreaking portrayal of Shylock transfers to the West End.

Tickets from www.merchantofvenice.1936.co.uk

MINORITY REPORT (Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Rep & Lyric Hammersmith)

16th February – 18th May

The world premiere stage adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic has been adapted by David Haig and directed by Max Webster. It opens at Nottingham Playhouse before moving to Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith.

Tickets from www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk www.birmingham-rep.co.uk and www.lyric.co.uk

THE BIG LIFE (Theatre Royal Stratford East)

16th February – 30th March

The revival of hit windrush Ska musical opens 20 years after it premiered at the same venue. Tameka Epson reprises her role as Mrs Aphrodite from the original production alongside Gabrielle Brooks, Rachel John, Karl Queensborough and Ashley Samuels.

Tickets from www.stratfordeast.com

NACHTLAND (Young Vic Theatre)

20th February – 20th April

The UK premiere of Marius von Mayenburg’s jagged new satire is directed by Patrick Marber with a cast including Jane Horrocks.

Tickets from www.youngvic.org

BONNIE & CLYDE (UK & Ireland Tour)

22nd February – 26th October

After two seasons in the West End, the hit musical hits the road to capture audiences hearts all over the UK. With a cast including Catherine Tyldesley, Daisy Wood-David, Danny Hatchard, Alex James-Hatton, Katie Tonkinson and Sam Ferriday, catch them if you can.

Full dates and tickets at http://bonnieandclydemusical.com/ 

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (UK Tour)

From 23rd February

Based on the award-winning 80s movie, this timeless story of love, courage and redemption stars Luke Baker and Georgia Lennon

Full dates and tickets from www.officerandagentlemanthemusical.com

NYE (National Theatre)

24th February – 11th May

Michael Sheen stars in Tim Price’s new play which opens in London before transferring to the Wales Millennium Centre.

Tickets from www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY (Garrick Theatre)

29th February – 4th May

In response to audience demand, the critically acclaimed play returns to the West End. Written and directed by Ryan Calais Cameron, it has been developed over the last decade with young Black men and mental health groups.

Tickets from www.nimaxtheatres.com

STARTER FOR TEN (Bristol Old Vic)

29th February – 30th March

This new musical is a bright, big-hearted coming-of-age comedy about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom. It features a soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the 80s and has a cast including Mel Giedroyc.

Tickets from www.starterfortenmusical.com

CLUEDO 2 – THE NEXT CHAPTER (UK & Ireland Tour)

29th February – 27th July

Helen Flanagan makes her stage debut alongside Jason Durr in the world premiere of this sequel to the original play which will keep the audience guessing as the bodies pile up.

Full dates and tickets from www.cluedostageplay.com 

POLICE COPS THE MUSICAL (Southwark Playhouse Elephant)

1st March – 20th April

One of the best damn musicals of the year returns for another London run, this time transferring to the larger Southwark Playhouse. This fast paced, action packed physical comedy features a score by Ben Adams.

Tickets from www.policecopsmusical.co.uk

PLAYER KINGS (Noel Coward Theatre)

1st March – 22nd June

Adapted by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Sir Ian McKellen stars as John Falstaff. It previews in Wimbledon and Manchester before moving to the West End on 1st April.

Tickets from www.playerkingstheplay.co.uk 

COME FROM AWAY (UK & Ireland Tour)

1st March – 5th January 2025

The multi-award winning musical welcomes audiences from all over the UK and Ireland to the rock in its first ever tour. The cast will include Natasha J Barnes, Daniel Crowder, Mark Dugdale and Rosie Glossop.

Full dates and tickets from www.ComeFromAwayLondon.co.uk 

MJ THE MUSICAL (Prince Edward Theatre)

From 6th March

The multiple Tony award winning Broadway musical transfers to the UK as the timeless music of Michael Jackson is explored in the setting of his 1992 Dangerous World tour, with a book by Lynn Nottage. Original lead actor Myles Frost will reprise his role for the West End production.

Tickets from www.mjthemusical.com

OPENING NIGHT (Gielgud Theatre)

6th March – 27th June

The world premiere of this new musical has a book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright. Based on the legendary film, it stars Sheridan Smith, Shira Haas, Amy Lennox, Nicola Hughes and Hadley Fraser.

Tickets from www.openingnightmusical.com

IN CLAY (Upstairs at the Gatehouse)

13th March - 7th April

After a sellout run at VAULT Festival, this new musical is told by Marie-Berthe Cazin in her quaint Parisian kitchen in the late 1930s.

Tickets from www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

SISTER ACT (Dominion Theatre)

15th March – 31st August

The heavenly musical returns to the West End with Beverley Knight reprising her acclaimed turn as Deloris Van Cartier alongside Ruth Jones, Lesley Joseph, Lemar, Clive Rowe, Lizzie Bea, Alison Jiear and Carl Mullaney. Alexandra Burke takes over as Deloris from 10th June.

Tickets from www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk

RED PITCH (@SohoPlace)

15th March – 4th May

Bush Theatre’s hit play from Tyrell Williams gets a West End transfer. It sees a football pitch threatened by impending demolition which threatens to tear down the goals of the lifelong friends who forged a community there.

Tickets from www.sohoplace.org

LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (Wyndham’s Theatre)

19th March – 8th June

Jeremy Herrin’s new production of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning piece depicts a summer day in the life of the Tyrones, with Brian Cox leading the cast.

Tickets from longdaysjourneylondon.com

THE SYNDICATE (UK Tour)

8th April – 20th July

Kay Mellor’s final stage play is adapted from the smash TV series of the same name. It will be directed by Kay’s daughter Gaynor Faye.

Full dates and tickets at https://www.syndicateplay.co.uk/

GREASE (UK & Ireland Tour)

From 12th April

After two incredibly successful summer seasons in the West End, the iconic musical will entertain hopelessly devoted fans of the story all over the country.

Full dates and tickets from www.greasemusical.co.uk 

42 BALLOONS (The Lowry)

18th April – 19th May

The uplifting new musical by Jack Godfrey gets its first full production following semi-staged performances in London last year. Evelyn Hoskins and Charlie McCullagh star in the unlikely true story.

Tickets from  https://42balloons.com/

SPIRITED AWAY (London Coliseum)

30th April – 24th August

The original Japanese production of Studio Ghubli’s Oscar winning classic is presented in the UK for the first time

Tickets from www.spiritedawayuk.com

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (UK Tour)

30th April – 20th October

Adam Garcia stars as Caractacus Potts in a new production of this classic musical, kicking off in Southampton before embarking on a UK tour.

Full dates and tickets at chittyontour.com

HERE YOU COME AGAIN (Leeds Playhouse)

11th May – 8th June

Dolly Parton’s biggest hits are included in this joyous new musical comedy which premieres in Leeds ahead of a major UK tour and West End run.

Tickets from www.leedsplayhouse.co.uk

MEAN GIRLS (Savoy Theatre)

From 5th June

The most fetch show of the year finally arrives in the West End with Tina Fey, Jeff Richmond, Neil Benjamin and Casey Nicholaw among the creative team.

Tickets from www.meangirlsmusical.com

STARLIGHT EXPRESS (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre)

From 8th June

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic returns to London in a new production described as a theatrical event, immersing the audience inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as a cast of 40 whizz around and above.

Tickets from www.starlightexpresslondon.com

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL (Manchester Opera House)

13th – 29th June

Steven Antin’s musical move originally starring Christina Aguilera and Cher gets its first ever stage adaptation. With music and lyrics from Christina, Sia, Diane Warren. Todrick Hall & Jess Folley, it premieres in Manchester ahead of an expected West End transfer.

Tickets from www.burlesquethemusical.com

NEXT TO NORMAL (Wyndham’s Theatre)

18th June – 21st September

The wildly-acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production transfers to the West End. With music by Ton Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, it is yet to be seen if the incredible cast from this year will return but regardless, it is sure to be an unmissable season.

Tickets from www.nexttonormal.com

101 DALMATIANS (UK & Ireland Tour)

22nd June – 23rd November

A new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book embarks on a UK tour, kicking off in London’s New Wimbledon Theatre in a reimagined version of last years Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production.

Full dates and tickets from www.101dalmatians.co.uk 

A CHORUS LINE (UK Tour)

28th June – 5th October

Curve’s smash hit production of the Broadway musical returns, kicking off a run with an encore in Leicester before a summer run at Sadler’s Wells in London and a UK tour following that. Adam Cooper will star as Zach with Carly Mercedes Dyer as Cassie.

Tickets from www.curveonline.co.uk and www.sadlerswells.com

HELLO, DOLLY! (London Palladium)

6th July – 14th September

4 years later than planned, Imelda Staunton finally gets to star as Dolly Levi in this new production by director Dominic Cooke. Andy Nyman, Jenna Russell, Tyrone Huntley and Harry Hepple also star.

Tickets from www.hellodollyldn.com

&JULIET (UK & Ireland Tour)

From 8th July

After thrilling audiences in the West End from 2019-2023, the twist on Shakespeare’s story featuring the iconic songbook of Max martin embarks on its first ever UK tour.

Full dates and tickets from www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk 

FANGIRLS (Lyric Hammersmith)

13th July – 24th August

The UK premiere of the critically acclaimed musical is a thrilling and submersive musical comedy about the danger of underestimating teenage girls.

Tickets from www.lyric.co.uk

HAIRSPRAY (UK & Ireland Tour)

16th July – 1st February 2025

A new major tour of the classic hits the road with Brenda Edwards making her directorial debut alongside Paul Kerryson and choreography from Drew McOnie.

Full dates and tickets from www.hairsprayuktour.com

SHREK THE MUSICAL (Eventim Apollo)

19th July – 31st August

Following its UK tour, the musical transfers to London for six weeks only with a cast including Antony Lawrence, Joanne Clifton, James Gillan and Brandon Lee Sears.

Tickets from  www.eventimapollo.com 

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL (UK & Ireland Tour)

From 6th September

40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand are brought to the stage in a fun-filled evening bursting with hits. Set in Birmingham as two friends prepare for their dreaded school reunion.

Full dates and tickets from www.thenowmusical.com 

DEAR EVAN HANSEN (UK & Ireland Tour)

9th September – 17th May 2025

A new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award winning musical will tour the UK, directed by Adam Penford and opening at Nottingham Playhouse, it will erexamine some of its contemporary themes to present a brand new version.

Full dates and tickets at www.evanontour.com

LES MISERABLES: THE ARENA SPECTACULAR (World Tour)

From 19th September 2024

The longest running musical heads out on a massive new world tour kicking off at the SSE Arena Belfast followed by dates in Glasgow, Sheffield, Aberdeen and Manchester as well as International dates.

Full dates and tickets from www.lesmis.com/worldtour 

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES (UK & Ireland Tour)

23rd September – 5th July 2025

The Trotters are back following the end of their four-year run in the West End. The musical now hits the road all over the UK and Ireland including a season in London at Christmas.

Full dates and tickets from www.onlyfoolsonstage.com 

DR STRANGELOVE (Noel Coward Theatre)

8th October – 21st December

Steve Coogan will star in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film, co-adapted by Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley.

Tickets from www.drstrangelove.com

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (Dominion Theatre)

From 24th October

The groundbreaking new musical based on the classic movie skips Broadway for a West End opening with music by Elton John and direction * and choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

Tickets from www.devilwearspradamusical.com

THE HUNGER GAMES ON STAGE (TBC)

Autumn 2024 TBC

The worldwide phenomenon will make its global stage debut in this production adapted by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster. The venue and exact dates are still to be announced.

For updates, head to www.thehungergamesonstage.com 

SHUCKED (TBC)

Dates TBC

The new musical is heading to London after wowing audiences on Broadway, though exact dates and venue are yet to be confirmed. Look out for it in 2024 though!

For updates, head to www.shuckedmusical.com

What an amazing list of shows. What ones are you planning to see? Let me know in the comments or on x.com/atdazzles Keep an eye on the website at the end of each month for an updated list of all the best shows opening the following month and look out for reviews of most of these shows on the website throughout the year.

See you in the theatre!