Theatres have been quieter than ever during 2020 with all the big shows due to premiere this year pushed back to 2021. You know what that means? Next year is going to be HUGE!
Below are 40 of the biggest shows due to open or re-open in the West End as well as some touring productions and shows to watch out around the country.
All dates are correct at time of posting (December 30th) - With the constant changing climate, dates are subject to change depending on government guidelines. All shows from April onwards are planned to go ahead without social distancing so may be postponed if it is felt it is not yet safe to operate without that. Let's hope by April the first major theatres are able to re-open at full capacity.
WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING:
WHAT?
Kicking off with the world premiere of a brand new musical, The Sorcerer's Apprentice explores the extraordinary world of a sorcerer and his rebellious daughter as she discovers her newfound magical powers.
WHEN?
Due to open on January 9th running until February 13th, these dates may have to change due to Tier 4 still being in place but will open as soon as it is safe to do so.
WHERE?
Playing Southwark Playhouse, tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
WHAT?
It's a welcome return to the rock as the cast of Come From Away return to warm our hearts in a special concert production of the show for a limited two week run, ahead of a full scale return later in the year.
WHEN?
Wednesday 10th February - Saturday 27th February
WHERE?
Returning to its home of the Phoenix Theatre, tickets from atgtickets.com
WHAT?
Lambert Jackson Productions adaptation of Jason Robert Browns Songs For A New World returns for a limited West End run following a triumphant online premiere are two shows at the Palladium in 2020. Starring Rachel John, Rachel Tucker, David Hunter and Cedric Neal, this is one not to be missed.
WHEN?
Friday 12th February - Sunday 14th March
WHERE?
At the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com
WHAT?
Delayed from its planned run this year, a concert production of The Color Purple will finally take place in March reuniting the creative team from its initial run as well as cast members including T'Shan Williams.
WHEN?
Monday 1st - Saturday 13th March
WHERE?
Taking place at Curve Leicester, tickets from curveonline.co.uk
WITHOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING:
WHAT?
The first major show hoping to open in 2021 at full capacity, six months later than planned is the West End premiere of Disney's iconic Frozen. Featuring Samantha Barks as Elsa and Stephanie McKeon as Anna, this show will melt even the coldest hearts.
WHEN?
Currently due to open on Friday 2nd April, it is booking until Sunday 24th October but expect that to be extended when it is open. This is a show that will run and run.
WHERE?
Re-opening the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, tickets from lwtheatres.co.uk
WHAT?
After a short break, worldwide smash Jersey Boys is returning to the West End. The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons features a host of classic hits and has always been a favourite among theatre fans.
WHEN?
Opening Wednesday 14th April, the show is currently booking until Sunday 31st October.
WHERE?
Re-opening Traflagar Studios who have combined their two smaller spaces into one larger one. Tickets from atgtickets.com
WHAT?
One of the most iconic musicals of all time returns to the UK for a brand new tour next year. Casting for Chicago has yet to be announced.
WHEN?
Kicking off in Milton Keynes on Friday 16th April, the show heads around the UK for the remainder of the year and going into 2022.
WHERE?
Check the website for full dates, venues and tickets - https://chicagothemusical.com/international-tour/
WHAT?
Due to open this year, Good is directed by Dominic Cooke and stars David Tennant in a limited season.
WHEN?
Opening on Wednesday 21st April for a limited 12 week run taking it up to Saturday 17th July
WHERE?
Moving from its original planned venue at the Playhouse, it will now play the Harold Pinter Theatre. Tickets from atgtickets.com
WHAT?
Already delayed twice due to the pandemic, let's hope third time is the charm for this new production of Hairspray. Starring Michael Ball reprising his role as Edna alongside Lizzie Bea as Tracy with Marisha Wallace, Paul Merton and Rita Simons.
WHEN?
Finally set to open on Thursday 22nd April it has a limited run until Saturday 28th August
WHERE?
Playing the London Coliseum, tickets are from https://londoncoliseum.org/
WHAT?
We Will Rock You is back for a new tour around the UK. Written by Ben Elton, the musical features all of Queen's classic hits
WHEN?
Kicking off in Norwich on Monday 26th April, the show works its way around the country until September including a stop in London in June
WHERE?
For full dates, venues and tickets see https://www.queenonline.com/wwry/uk_tour
WHAT?
Andrew Lloyd Webber's brand new musical Cinderella gets its long delayed premiere in April (hopefully). Starring Carrie Hope Fletcher as Bad Cinderella, a soundtrack is due for release before it opens.
WHEN?
Opening on Friday 30th April, it is currently booking until Sunday 13th February 2022.
WHERE?
Playing the Gillian Lynne Theatre, tickets are from lwtheatres.co.uk
WHAT?
Tragically robbed of a closing night for its West End run, Waitress returns to the UK for a tour around the country. With a cast yet to be announced, thank God there is another chance to see this special little pie show.
WHEN?
Kicking off on Saturday 1st May in Bradford, it works its way around the UK and Ireland going into 2022.
WHERE?
For full dates, venues and tickets see https://www.waitressthemusical.co.uk/
WHAT?
Following its acclaimed West End run, Heathers was due to embark on a UK tour this year. Dates have been rescheduled several times but it is currently due to kick off in May.
WHEN?
The first date still on sale at the moment is in Edinburgh from Tuesday 4th May with dates around the country until Saturday 25th September.
WHERE?
Full dates and tickets from atgtickets.com
WHAT?
Returning to London ahead of a UK tour is a new production of Anything Goes. Starring Megan Mullallly and Robert Lindsay, catch it in a limited season before it moves around the UK.
WHEN?
Opening on Saturday 8th May for a limited run until Sunday 22nd August.
WHERE?
Playing the Barbican Centre, tickets are from https://www.barbican.org.uk/
WHAT?
The long awaited musical adaptation of the classic film Back To The Future premiered in Manchester for 3 short weeks before the pandemic forced it to close early. A vsual spectacular, it makes its way to the West End in 2021.
WHEN?
Opening on Friday 14th May, it is currently booking until Sunday 26th September but will be extended furrther, with another 3 months already available for group bookings
WHERE?
Playing the Adelphi Theatre, tickets are from lwtheatres.co.uk
WHAT?
One of the biggest shows in the world, Hamilton, managed to keep its legacy alive this year by rush releasing the professionally filmed version of the show, allowing millions more to discover its genius. Now you can be back in the room where it happens after 14 long months.
WHEN?
The show has announced it is planning to re-open on Saturday 15th May, currently booking until Sunday 13th February 2022 but this show isn't going anywhere in the near future
WHERE?
At the Victoria Palace, tickets are from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
Due to open in 2020, a new musical adaptation of 101 Dalmatians has been created by Zinnie Harris and Douglas Hodge. Expect puppetry and maguc from the show set in the heart of Regent's Park.
WHEN?
Running from Saturday 15th May until Sunday 20th June
WHERE?
At the beautiful Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, tickets from openairtheatre.com
WHAT?
2021 looks set to be a big year for Disney musicals. Their most recent West End opening Mary Poppins is due to re-open with Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp reprising their roles as Mary and Bert.
WHEN?
Returning on Saturday 22nd May the show is currently booking until Sunday 13th February 2022. If rumours are to be believed, it may not extend past that as a revival of Oliver is rumoured to be taking over at the venue in 2022.
WHERE?
Playing the Prince Edward Theatre in Soho, tickets are from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
Another Disney show making its long awaited UK return next year is Beauty and the Beast. Kicking off with a UK tour, this new production will feature new costumes and choreography. Following the UK tour, there are rumours of a West End transfer but nothing has been confirmed as yet.
WHEN?
Kicking off at Curve Leicester on Tuesday 25th May, the show tours the country until 27th November.
WHERE?
Full dates, venues and tickets from https://www.beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk/
WHAT?
Delayed from its planned 2020 opening, this new production of Harper Lee's classic To Kill A Mockingbird has won rave reviews from its Broadway run and now makes its way over here.
WHEN?
THursday 27th May - Saturday 6th November
WHERE?
Playing the Gielgud Theatre, tickets from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
A new jukebox musical based on the story of Bob Marley is due to have its world premiere in 2021. Get Up Stand Up features all of his timeless classics
WHEN?
Opening on Friday 28th May it is currently booking until Sunday 19th December
WHERE?
Taking over Six at the Lyric Theatre, tickets are from nimaxtheatres.com
WHAT?
Les Miserables enjoyed a short run of its staged concert inbetween lockdowns and is due to continue that run until February 28th when restrictions allow it to. The full staged production is due to re-open 3 months after to a full capacity
WHEN?
Re-opening on Saturday 29th May, it is booking until Sunday 3rd October for the time being
WHERE?
Returning to its long running home of the Sondheim Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, tickets are from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
Things looked a bit uncertain for the future of The Phantom of the Opera for a minute due to the refurbishment of its long running venue and some not very helpful comments from Cameron Mackintosh. However it has now been confirmed that it is returning with Killian Donnelly putting the iconic mask on in a new production of the classic.
WHEN?
Returning on Saturday 5th June it is booking until Sunday 24th October at the moment
WHERE?
At its home of Her Majesty's Theatre in Haymarket, tickets are from lwtheatres.co.uk
WHAT?
Another long running show re-opening in June is the feel good ABBA jukebox musical Mamma Mia. With an as yet announced cast, prepare yourself for an evening of joy.
WHEN?
Re-opening on Monday 7th June, it is currently booking until Saturday 2nd October
WHERE?
At the Novello Theatre, tickets are from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
Tom stoppard's new play Leopoldsadt continues its delayed run after winning best new play at this years Olivier awards
WHEN? Returning Saturday 12th June, it is running until Saturday 4th September
WHERE?
At the Wyndhams Theatre, tickets from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
After a sellout limited season in 2019, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was due to return in 2020 with Jac Yarrow putting on the famous coat once more alongside Jason Donovan as Pharaoh. That has now been pushed back to 2021 with both stars returning once more.
WHEN?
Playing a limited season from Thursday 1st July until Sunday 5th September
WHERE?
Back at the iconic London Palladium, tickets are from lwtheatres.co.uk
WHAT?
The hilarious Book of Mormon continues its run in the West End after a 17 month hiatus. After all that has changed since it was last performed, I think we could all use a good laugh.
WHEN?
Returning on Monday 12th July it is currently booking until Saturday 18th December
WHERE?
At the Prince of Wales Theatre, tickets are from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
Whoopi Goldberg reprising her role as Deloris in the stage adaptation of Sister Act was one of the most nticipated events of 2020. That has now been delayed to 2021 but will happen with Jennifer Saunders starring alongside her as Mother Superior. Following a run in London, Brnda Edwards will don the habit for a UK tour.
WHEN?
It plays a limited season in London from Tuesday 20th July until Sunday 29th August before beginning a UK tour on Tuesday 7th September with dates going until May 2022.
WHERE?
Tickets for its run at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith are available from https://eventimapollo.com with tickets for the tour from https://www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour/
WHAT?
Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic Carousel is revived for a season at Open Air Theatre. Featuring the classic 'You'll Never Walk Alone' casting is to be announced.
WHEN?
Playing a limited season from Friday 30th July until Saturday 18th September
WHERE?
At the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, tickets are from openairtheatre.com
WHAT?
Surely one of the most exciting touring productions next year is the world premiere of the Disney classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks. With magic promised on stage, a UK tour has been announced with a West End run set to follow in 2022.
WHEN?
Kicking off in Newcastle on Saturday 14th August, it takes in venues around the country until January 2022.
WHERE?
Tickets are on sale from bedknobsonstage.com
WHAT?
Another brand new jukebox musical is heading your way in 2021 as The Osmonds focuses on Donny, Jimmy and the entire famous family through their hits such as 'Crazy Horses' and 'Love Me For A Reason'.
WHEN?
Kicking off at New Wimbeldon Theatre on Thursday 26th August, the show tours the country into 2022.
WHERE?
Full dates and tickets from https://theosmondsmusical.co.uk/
WHAT?
Movies being adapted into musicals are all the rage these days and the latest to get the musical treatment is the Julia Roberts classic My Best Friends Wedding. Starring Alexandra Burke and featuring classic songs by Burt Bacharach, it has its world premiere as a UK tour in 2021.
WHEN?
Starting in Manchester on Monday 20th September, it tours the UK until May 2022 with a stop in London in October 2021.
WHERE?
Full dates and tickets from https://bestfriendsweddingmusical.com/
WHAT?
The award winning novel The Life of Pi was first turned into an Academy award winning movie. It is now heading to the stage with a premiere production in London.
WHEN?
Debuting on Sunday 26th September, it runs until Sunday 9th January 2022
WHERE?
At the Wyndhams Theatre, tickets are from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
WHAT?
Baz Luhrman will have two musicals playing in the UK next year with a new tour of his Strictly Ballroom taking place. The cast is fittingly led by Strictly star Kevin Clifton and directed by Craig Revel Horwood.
WHEN?
The tour begins in Plymouth on Monday 27th September and has dates around the UK until June 2022.
WHERE?
Full listings and tickets at https://strictlyballroomtour.co.uk
WHAT?
The Broadway smash Something Rotten! gets its long awaited and now long delayed UK premiere in Birmingham.
WHEN?
Running from Thursday 7th - Saturday 30th October
WHERE?
At Birmingham Repertory Theatre, tickets from https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/
WHAT?
Beverley Knight returns to the stage in the world premiere of a new musical The Drifters Girl about the woman behind the legendary band. Featuring songs like 'Stand By Me' and 'Saturday Night At The Movies' this is one of the most exciting shows of the year.
WHEN?
Premiering in Newcastle ahead of its West End run, it plays a limited season from Saturday 9th - 23rd October before moving to London on Thursday 4th November until 26th March 2022.
WHERE?
At the Newcastle Theatre Royal and then the Garrick Theatre in London, tickets are from thedriftersgirl.com
WHAT?
Mischief Comedy's West End run of their latest show went a bit wrong but Magic Goes Wrong will make its long awaited return over 18 months after it was last seen. Featuring a mix of comedy, magic and of course a whole lot of mischief.
WHEN?
Returning on Thursday 21st October and booking until Sunday 27th February 2022
WHERE?
At the Vaudeville Theatre, tickets are from nimaxtheatres.com
WHAT?
It might seem too early to talk about next Christmas but here we are - White Christmas will be going on a UK tour around the last quarter of the year to get us all in the festive spirit.
WHEN?
Starting in Woking on 28th October, it ends in Edinburgh on January 2nd 2022.
WHERE?
Full listings and tickets are from https://www.whitechristmasthemusical.co.uk/
WHAT?
Based on the novel from Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane was first staged at National Theatre in 2019. Returning for a run in the West End this looks set to be a stunner of a show when it opens
WHEN?
Opening on Saturday 23rd October it is booking until Saturday 12th February 2022.
WHERE?
Playing at the Duke of Yorks Theatre, tickets are from atgtickets.com
WHAT?
Brand new play based on Dan Brown's classic novel The Da Vinci Code, recently turned into a movie franchise starring Tom Hanks. See the bloickbuster story come to life in front of your eyes.
WHEN?
Kicking off in Richmond on Monday 1st November, it moves around the country until July 2022.
WHERE?
Full dates and tickets from davincicodeonstage.com
So that's 40 of the best shows to look out for in the West End and across the country next year - but that's not all.
These are just the show who have confirmed opening and re-opening dates but there's so much more to come:
Baz Luhrmann's legendary movie has been a sensation on Broadway. It was due to make its way to London opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in March 2021. It is still due to open here next year but the date has not yet been announced.
There are still more West End shows that haven't confirmed their re-opening dates. These are the current dates they are taking bookings from but they should be taken with a pinch of salt as, unlike shows like Phantom, Hamilton and Les Mis, they have not offocially annoiunced these as their re-opening dates:
The Prince of Egypt - Thursday 11th February, Dominion Theatre
Wicked - Monday 1st March, Victoria Apollo
Pretty Woman - Monday 1st March, Piccadilly Theatre
&Juliet - Friday 12th March, Shaftesbury Theatre
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Thursday 18th March, Palace Theatre
Six - Tuesday 27th April, The Arts Theatre (playing a socially distanced season at the Lyric beforehand)
Only Fools and Horses - Wednesday 28th April, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Matilda - Tuesday 4th May, Cambridge Theatre
Tina - Thursday 3rd June
Still to confirm dates:
Come From Away
Dear Evan Hansen
The Lion King
The Mousetrap
With the Savoy, Other Palace, Playhouse and Criterion all remaining empty for the moment the chances are we will also get some show announcements to fill these spaces before theatres do re-open.
Let's keep everything crossed that all of these amazing shows can open on time and we can enjoy an incredibly stagey year fiull of theatre trips to make up for 2020's drought.