Staying home: West End songs about staying indoors

Take a listen to these songs from acclaimed musicals, all about being indoors and finding a moment to take your own personal space.

Lockdowns had us all staying indoors, making new routines which revolved around the home. You’re listening to the same songs on the radio and breaking the song repetition is proving a struggle. But, if you’re looking for a musical theatre fix while staying home, take a listen to these songs from acclaimed musicals, all about being indoors and finding a moment to take your own personal space.

“Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables

Sung by Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, “Bring Him Home” is a musical soliloquy where Valjean begs with God to preserve the life of Marius, wishing for him to stay alive in order to bring him home to Cosette. “Bring Him Home” was writen specifically for Colm Wilkinson.

“Home” from The Wiz

“Home” is sung by Dorothy in The Wiz as she reflects on the adventures and lessons learned while in Oz, just before she returns to Kansas. Looking for a world where there’s love, happiness and rainbows, Dorothy realises she can’t relive the journey she’s had down the yellow brick road. “Home” is performed by Diana Ross in the 1978 film.

“Home” from Beauty and the Beast

When the realisation hits that Belle is now a prisoner in a castle, she sings “Home” to herself. It’s a comforting song with a message that home is where the heart is, so you’re never too far away from friends, family and normal life. After this number, Belle meets other characters in the castle, including Cogsworth and Lumiere and the rest is history…

“A House is Not a Home” from Promises Promises

Promises, Promises follows Chuck, a junior executive whose dreams of making it big in the corporate world are quickened when he rents his apartment to others. But, as one of Chuck’s mistresses Beth realises what he’s doing, she sings “A House is Not a Home” wistfully reflecting on her recent decisions.

“Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue” from Fun Home

Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir was adapted for stage, detailing life-changing aspects in her childhood and early adult life. “Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue” is one of the first songs in the show, as Alison’s parents prep their house for a special visit. Will the house match up to her dad, Bruce’s standards? Fun Home received five Tony Awards, with the musical’s London premiere nominated for three Olivier Awards.

“Consider Yourself” from Oliver

Oliver Twist’s left the workhouse, but he’s abandoned on the streets with nowhere to go. That’s until he meets the Artful Dodger on the streets of London, who’ll take him to Fagin’s, where he’ll be taught how to pick a pocket or two. “Consider Yourself” at home with this catchy, well-known tune from Oliver and be part of the family.

“Our House” from Our House

A Madness jukebox musical called Our House wouldn’t be complete without “Our House”. The musical sees Joe Casey, a 16 year old whose life is split in two after one night. Balancing the fates of ‘Good Joe’ and ‘Bad Joe’, the two stories are pulled together for one happy ending.