Again! Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch… Again! God, I hope I get it… Originally devised, directed, and choreographed by Michael Bennett with a score by Marvin Hamlisch, the 1975 musical *A Chorus Line* returns to London this summer in a fresh production directed by Nikolai Foster and starring Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer.

Cooper plays Zach, the domineering director-choreographer casting the chorus for a new Broadway musical who puts the hopefuls through the wringer – physically and...

Learn all about the history of 'A Chorus Line' in London and New York

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The iconic musical plays at Sadler's Wells this summer in an exciting new production starring Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer.

A musical version of a chick flick? With spectacular fashion shows, epic backstabbing and a diva who’ll chill your soul, it could well be groundbreaking. *The Devil Wears Prada* struts into the West End this autumn. With an original score by Elton John and a cast led by Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry, start planning your outfit for the most stylish show in town! 

Based on the bestselling novel by Lauren Weisberger and the film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, protagonist Andrea “Andy”...

Everything you need to know about 'The Devil Wears Prada' in the West End

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Elton John's musical version of the hit novel and film arrives at London's Dominion Theatre this autumn, starring Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry.


We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to shows in London, and it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s opening – we all have busy lives and it isn’t possible to fit everything in. Fortunately, second chances do sometimes arise!

A whole host of plays and musicals are being reprised in the West End this spring and summer, from celebrated musicals to classic drama and exciting contemporary writing. If it’s a show you’ve loved before, different cast members and venues can provide a whole...

Catch these incredible theatre shows as they return to the stage in London

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From *Sister Act* and *Hadestown* to *Standing at the Sky's Edge*, there's a wealth of fantastic shows coming into town – so don't miss out!

Make a joyful noise! West End favourite [Lee Mead](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/lee-mead) will join the cast of [*Sister Act*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28926-sister-act) at the [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/dominion-theatre) this June.

Mead is best known for his West End performances in *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde*, [*Wicked*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked-tickets), and, most...

Lee Mead to join 'Sister Act' West End cast

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The London theatre veteran will join Ruth Jones, Alexandra Burke, and more in the musical based on the hit movie, which currently stars Beverley Knight.

The magic returns! [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro-tickets), the stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's beloved same-named Studio Ghibli movie, will transfer to the West End in 2025. The [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) will host the 34-week run from 8 March to 2 November 2025. Opening night is 20 March.

*My Neighbour Totoro* follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the...

'My Neighbour Totoro' sets West End transfer

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Following two seasons at the Barbican Centre, the acclaimed play adapted from the classic Studio Ghibli film will play a 34-week run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

All hail Macbeth! *Macbeth*, starring [David Tennant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/david-tennant) in the title role and Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth, will play in the West End this autumn, with performances running at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 1 October to 14 December.

The production comes to the West End from a critically acclaimed premiere at the Donmar Warehouse in fall 2023, with the entire original cast returning. Alongside Tennant (*Doctor Who*) and Jumbo (*The Good...

David Tennant and Cush Jumbo-led 'Macbeth' to transfer to the West End

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The critically acclaimed production played the Donmar Warehouse in 2023, also starring Tennant and Jumbo, and will now have a two-month run in the West End.

Truth is, no one can do what he does. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, Elton John has been one of the world’s most successful pop stars and songwriters since he released “Your Song” in 1970. 

Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin, some of his greatest hits include “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Man”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “I’m Still Standing”, “Are You Ready for Love”, and, of course, “Candle in the Wind”, which was revised as a tribute to Princess Diana following her death and became a...

Explore the fantastic stage musicals of Elton John ahead of The Devil Wears Prada

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Follow our guide to the shows composed by legendary pop star Elton John, including *The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Tammy Faye*, and the forthcoming West End musical *The Devil Wears Prada*.  

Revivals of musicals are often every bit as revelatory as new takes on classic plays. In recent years, Daniel Fish’s *Oklahoma!* imbued the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein classic with a chillingly contemporary significance without changing a word, and Jamie Lloyd’s stripped back *Sunset Boulevard* recently swept the Olivier Awards.

This summer, *Starlight Express* makes a spectacular return in a specially designed auditorium. There’s star casting aplenty as Imelda Staunton leads *Hello, Dolly!*...

Experience London shows in a new light with tickets to West End musical revivals

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Relive all the joy of classic West End musicals as they return to London in 2024, including *Hello, Dolly!*, *Starlight Express*, and *Kiss Me, Kate*.

The [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium) will show a *Robin Hood* pantomime in December, continuing its annual tradition of presenting a panto each Christmas season. Performances will run from 7 December 2024 to 12 January 2025.

The star-studded cast includes [Julian Clary](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/julian-clary) as Robin Hood, Jane McDonald as Maid Marion, Paul Zerdin as Will Scarlet, [Nigel...

Jane McDonald, Julian Clary to lead 'Robin Hood' panto in December

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Numerous award-winning West End actors will join the ninth annual panto at the historic venue, with performances running from December 2024 to January 2025.

*2:22 — A Ghost Story* is set to return to London’s West End for a strictly limited 10-week. The play will open at the Gielgud Theatre on 25 May.

The play premiered at the Noël Coward Theatre in 2020, and featured Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser, and Jake Wood. A number of famous faces have gone on to star in the production, including Giovanna Fletcher, Tom Felton, Laura Whitmore, Cheryl, and Sophia Bush, among others. This run at the Gielgud marks the play's seventh West End season. ...

'2:22 — A Ghost Story' to return to the West End

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A number of famous faces have starred in *2:22 — A Ghost Story*, including Giovanna Fletcher, Tom Felton, Laura Whitmore, Cheryl, and Sophia Bush. 

The planned upcoming production of <a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> at the <a href="/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a>, which was set to open at the theatre starring <a href="/actor-profile/michael-ball">Michael Ball</a> in April, will now play the venue from September.Starring cast members Ball, Paul Merton, Rita Simons, Marisha Wallace and Lizzie Bea who were all set to appear in the original run, the musical will now open on 8th September, with previews beginning on 1st September and the run ending on 8th November.Ticket holders will have the option to move their tickets as a priority until Monday, 4th May. On Tuesday, 5th May, all new tickets will be made available to purchase.Producer Adam Spiegel said: "We are pleased that, with the support of everyone at the London Coliseum, we are able today to announce rescheduled dates for Hairspray. I would also like to thank everyone who has worked to ensure the season is able to take place later in the year, and when we are able to do so, we look forward to welcoming audiences and bringing people together again in a way only the theatre can."Ball will return to the role of Edna Turnblad, for which he won an Olivier Award for best actor in a musical, and will be joined by Merton, who makes his West End debut in the show.The production is directed by Jack O'Brien, choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, and features the songs&nbsp;"Good Morning, Baltimore", "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" and "You Can't Stop the Beat".<a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a>&nbsp;is at the <a href="/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a> from 1st September.

Hairspray rescheduled to play London Coliseum from September

Hairspray

West End

Welcome to the '60s! Don't miss your final chance to see this big-hearted hit in the West End

Coliseum: Entry Requirements 

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Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

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"*Hairspray* is a great big hug of a show. With its catchy ‘60s songs and explosive dancing, it’s a joyful welcome back to musical theatre audiences." (LondonTheatre.co.uk)

*Hairspray* follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, an aspiring dancer who wins a part on a local TV show, The Corny Collins Show, and becomes an overnight sensation. The musical has somewhat of a tradition of casting newcomers in the lead role, such as in the case of Jones in London, but also in the film versions of the story - Ricki Lake made her film debut in the original 1988 movie.

Michael Ball reprised his role as Edna Turnblad at the London Coliseum. Ball starred in this record-setting production of *Hairspray* in the West End in 2010. Opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 11th October 2007, Ball played Edna Turnblad alongside a cast that included Tracie Bennett, Ben James-Ellis, Rachael Wooding, Leanne Jones. *Hairspray* received 11 Olivier Award nominations, which was a record for the time, and won awards for best musical, as well as best actor and actress in a musical (for Ball and Jones). 

Although the *Hairspray* musical is not directly based on a true story, dance shows were common. In 1957, The Buddy Deane Show premiered in Baltimore, with white teenagers freely dancing to music and recreating dance moves. Segregation in the filming of the Buddy Deane Show was rife, with monthly nights allowing black church groups the opportunity to dance on air. In 1963, Baltimore teenagers staged an attack to integrate the races together.

The musical, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, features well-known songs such as "Good Morning Baltimore", "Big, Blonde and Beautiful", "I Can Hear the Bells" and "You Can't Stop the Beat". 

## Hairspray in London

Following its world premiere on Broadway in 2002, *Hairspray* made its transfer over the Atlantic to the West End in 2007 when it opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Starring Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad, the production - directed by Jack O'Brien - also starred Mel Smith, Tracie Bennett and newcomer to the stage, Leanne Jones in the role of Tracy. 

*Hairspray* was nominated for eleven Olivier Awards, which set a record at the time, and won the award for best musical, plus best actor and actress in a musical for Michael Ball and Leanne Jones. The show ran for over 1,000 performances during which time cast changes included Brian Conley, Phil Jupitus and Sharon D Clarke, before it closed on 28th March 2010. 

## Hairspray soundtrack

Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman's score contains some of musical theatre's most uplifting tracks, none less than the opening number "Good Morning, Baltimore" and the show's closer "You Can't Stop The Beat". Other numbers include "I Can Hear the Bells", "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs" and "I Know Where I've Been."

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Hairspray Tickets | Michael Ball | Londontheatre.co.uk

*Hairspray* follows Tracy Turnblad as she realises her dream of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show.” Once she's earned her place, Tracy discovers that racial segregation taking place on the show doesn’t fit into the world she envisions. Using her newfound fame, Tracy takes to the streets to fight for equality with her friends Penny, Seaweed, and Motormouth Maybelle, going against critics who try to stop her. Along the way she finds love in teen heartthrob Link Larkin and her mother Edna Turnblad discovers a newfound confidence to join her daughter. Enjoy a new lease of life at *Hairspray* and book *Hairspray* tickets now.

The *Hairspray* musical has been hugely successful, winning three Olivier Awards during its original run. Now, *Hairspray* returns to London for a limited engagement at the London Coliseum. The feel-good musical will restore your faith in humanity. See *Hairspray* in London, and don't miss the hit musical that inspired the film with original London cast member Michael Ball reprising his acclaimed role as Edna Turnblad.

## What to Watch For
- *Hairspray* on Broadway used over 150 wigs, but Tracy only wears three wigs throughout the show – one at the beginning, one when she joins “The Corny Collins Show,” and the finale wig.
- “The Corny Collins Show” is based on “The Buddy Deane Show” which aired in Baltimore from 1957 to 1964 and also featured segregated teenagers showing off the latest dance moves.
- The composer and lyricist team for *Hairspray* are Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Together, they were responsible for many of the songs in the TV hit show “Smash.”
- The 2007 film adaptation of *Hairspray* is one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time.

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On a night of jubilation for English football fans, there was ample cause for celebration in the West End, too. Theatre came roaring back with a bright and big-hearted musical, ecstatically received by the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a> audience.As star <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/michael-ball">Michael Ball </a>pointed out in a post-show speech, we're not there yet: that audience was 1,000 instead of 3,000, with social distancing and capacity caps still in place. It was a smaller band, too, looking lonely in the cavernous pit. All of which exacerbated a mismatch between this genial but modest production and the enormous venue.&nbsp;Yet thanks to a phenomenally hard-working ensemble, dynamically delivering Jerry Mitchell's witty, inventive choreography, it did capture the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> spirit — capped by the irresistible final number, "You Can't Stop the Beat," which had everyone up and dancing together. You don't get that with a streamed show in your living room.&nbsp;The big draw of this revival — originally due to run last year — is Ball reprising his Olivier-winning turn as Edna Turnblad, laundress mother of the dance-crazy Tracy, who has yet to embrace '60s liberation. Ball has total command of the material, landing one-liners with aplomb, forming an endearing bond with Lizzie Bea's Tracy, and relishing this multifaceted drag role. He can both work a feathered hem and threaten to throw a punch.&nbsp;It's a performance that shifts into panto at times, especially when Ball ad libs to crack up Les Dennis, playing husband Wilbur. Dennis is a jolly presence, but vocally underpowered and clearly busking it during the dance numbers.Overall, Jack O'Brien's production needs more tonal consistency. Rita Simons and Georgia Anderson play the Von Tussles as cartoon villains — enjoyably so in the latter case, giving us a very funny, shrill Amber. But that's slightly at odds with more grounded work elsewhere, particularly from Bea as Tracy and Ashley Samuels as Seaweed J Stubbs. This show is a tricky balancing act: relishing its zany, colourful fun, without losing the heartfelt story at the centre.However, Bea is a delight as the plus-sized, giant-haired Tracy, determined to follow her dreams of dancing on her favourite TV show. She could make more of the comic possibilities, but gets great mileage out of Tracy's unbridled lust for crooner Link (a suitably appealing Jonny Amies).&nbsp;Michael Vinsen's Corny Collins amusingly lives up to his name, shiny trousers and all (glorious costumes by William Ivey Long), while, as Penny, Mari McGinlay proves to be an adept physical comedian. There's also a scene-stealing turn by Kimani Arthur as Little Inez, while Ashley Samuels makes Seaweed a genuinely exciting dancer — and imbues those smooth moves with real meaning, too.But the knockout performance comes from Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Maybelle, whose "I Know Where I've Been" begins as an intimate, bluesy number, sung to her children, and builds to a great cry, testifying about her experiences and beseeching the heavens for progress.While Mark O'Donnell, Thomas Meehan, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman's show does minimise social injustice with its overly neat ending, in some ways it feels startlingly contemporary. There's an activist protagonist using her platform to enact change, a joke about how rigging the justice system to win a contest is "un-American" that plays differently in 2021, and the lyrics of "I Know Where I've Been" still confront us"&nbsp;"Just to sit still would be a sin" is the challenge issued by the Black Lives Matter movement to be more than a passive ally.Yet, ultimately, Hairspray is a great big hug of a show. With its catchy '60s songs and explosive dancing, it's a joyful welcome back to musical theatre audiences — and to a re-emerging West End.<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/hairspray">Hairspray is running through 30 September at the London Coliseum. Book Hairspray tickets in the West End on London Theatre today.</a>Photo credit: Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad and Jonny Amies as Link Larkin (Photo by Tristram Kenton)<div>&nbsp;</div>

'Hairspray' brings the beat and a big heart back to the West End

Photo credit: Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad and Jonny Amies as Link Larkin (Photo by Tristram Kenton)

Ages 5+. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the auditorium.

Nutcracker - English National Ballet - LON [24499]

Nutcracker - English National Ballet

On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London,
Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker as a present. Together, they discover a magical world where she battles with the MouseKing and meets a handsome stranger.

This production is recommended for ages 10+. Please note only children aged 5+ are allowed in the auditorium

Giselle - English National Ballet - LON [28336]

Giselle - English National Ballet

Giselle is a haunting story of innocence and betrayal – a timeless tale about the redemptive power of love.

The London Coliseum opened in 1904. When the Coliseum first opened, it was home to variety shows – chariot races even took place. The idea stood that if shows weren’t accessible to the general public, then it didn’t have a place at the London Coliseum. 

In 1968, the theatre became the home of Sadler’s Wells Opera (now the English National Opera), with the London Coliseum auditiorium redesigned to allow for a large orchestra. The London Coliseum has such a presence in the English opera calendar that it’s now the British home of operatic performances.

The London Coliseum has the widest proscenium arch in the West End, measuring at 55 feet wide.

## London Coliseum Seating Information

The London Coliseum seats 2,359 people across two levels - Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony. All seats offer an excellent view of the London Coliseum stage, so you can feel a part of the action.

Hairspray rescheduled to play London Coliseum from September

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