Casting has been announced for [*Heathers the Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/11652-heathers-the-musical), which returns to the West End later this month. The show will open at @sohoplace for a limited run.

Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe's musical about dangerous high school cliques was last seen in the West End in 2021.

The show will star Jenna Innes (*Les Misérables*), who returns as Veronica Sawyer. She is joined by Keelan McAuley (*Clueless, Grease*) as JD.

The titular...

Casting announced for 'Heathers the Musical' at @sohoplace

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ITV’s *I Have a Dream* finalist Esme Bowdler, Sedona Sky, and Daisy Twells are the musical's titular Heathers. Jenna Innes returns to the show as Veronica Sawyer.

Summer in London means one thing: it's musicals season! Sure, we have fantastic musical theatre in the capital all year round, but the sunnier months always seem to be a particularly exciting time for big song-and-dance shows – ideal for filling the school holidays with [family trips to spectacular productions](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids).

You’ll find plenty of blockbuster West End entertainment this summer, thanks to the likes of *[Kiss, Me...

Top West End musicals to see this summer

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This essential list features all the musicals, from *Kiss Me, Kate* to *Hello, Dolly!*, that are perfect for a summer trip to the West End, whatever the weather.

Wilkommen! Four new actors will join the [*Cabaret*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23939-cabaret-tickets) West End cast, beginning performances on 3 June at the [Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/playhouse-theatre).

*Heartstopper* star Rhea Norwood will make her professional stage debut as Sally Bowles alongside *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie* and *Bad Education* star Layton Williams as The Emcee. Norwood and Williams will perform in...

'Cabaret' sets new West End cast, including Rhea Norwood

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*Heartstopper* star Norwood and *Bad Education*'s Layton Williams are among the new actors joining the seven-time Olivier Award-winning musical revival.

The world premiere of *My Neighbour Totoro* triumphed at the 2023 Olivier Awards, winning six categories out of its nine nominations at the ceremony. It’s a good time for the Studio Ghibli stage adaptation, too, as *My Neighbour Totoro* will open in the West End next year, with performances at the [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) from 8 March.

Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* follows Satsuki and Mei,...

Here's why 'My Neighbour Totoro' deserved all the Oliviers

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Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* will return to London later next year, opening at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Next year, the [Royal Shakespeare Company’s](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/royal-shakespeare-company) triumphant 2022 stage adaptation of [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro) heads to the West End's [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) for a third run due to enormous popular demand. The show won six Olivier Awards and broke the Barbican’s box office record for the most tickets...

What to expect from London shows based on Studio Ghibli films

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Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985. They are known for creating imaginative movies, including *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Spirited Away*.

A stage adaptation of television comedy *Inside No 9* will arrive in the West End next year. The show opens for a 12-week run at Wyndham's Theatre from 18 January 2025.

The TV show's original writers and performers Steve Pemberton (*The Pillowman*) and Reece Shearsmith (*A Very Expensive Poison*) will star in the West End show, titled *Stage/Fright*, which will blend original material with familiar characters from the series. 

Speaking about the announcement, Pemberton and Shearsmith said:...

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's 'Inside No 9' to be adapted for the West End 

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The TV show's original creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith will star in the West End adaptation when it opens next year. 

The hit musical comedy *Titanique* has confirmed plans for a West End run later this year. The show is currently performing at Off-Broadway venue the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The musical, which is co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022.

The parody of James Cameron's Oscar-winning *Titanic* film features a raft of Celine Dion’s iconic songs including “My Heart Will...

'Titanique' confirms planned West End run

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The musical has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022. It is currently at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The British writer James Graham is on an incredible run at the moment. He just won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for *Dear England*, a fantastic drama about football manager Gareth Southgate, which enticed new audiences into theatre, and the musical *Tammy Faye*, for which he supplied the book, is opening on Broadway this autumn.

He’s also a prolific screenwriter, with recent hits including the crime series *Sherwood* and the dystopian drama *The Way*. Graham has that rare combination of...

Learn more about James Graham’s career ahead of 'Boys from the Blackstuff'

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From plays *Dear England* and *This House* to TV hits like *Sherwood*, Graham is unstoppable – and now his *Boys from the Blackstuff* is coming to the West End.

The bright lights of West End theatres are always appealing, but there are also a number of exciting Off-West End venues in the capital, such as the small but mighty [Bush Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/bush-theatre), which is nestled in west London.

This theatre has always punched above its weight, launching the careers of hugely successful writers such as James Graham and Lucy Kirkwood, as well as actors like Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Andrew Scott, and Phoebe...

A complete guide to the Bush Theatre

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Get to know this exciting new-writing venue in west London, which has launched the careers of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Victoria Wood, among others.

The acclaimed screen and stage actor Ben Whishaw is back in town, starring in the premiere of Margaret Perry’s *[Bluets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39930-bluets)* at the Royal Court. The play is an adaptation of Maggie Nelson’s book and follows someone obsessed with the colour blue – taking in artists like Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday as they navigate a devastating heartbreak.

Whishaw is joined in *Bluets* by *House of the Dragon* star Emma D’Arcy and *The Girl Before*’s Kayla...

Learn more about Ben Whishaw's career ahead of 'Bluets' at the Royal Court

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The James Bond and *Paddington* actor is co-starring in this new adaptation of Maggie Nelson's book *Bluets* with Emma D'Arcy and Kayla Meikle.

James Norton is coming back to the small screen and the stage in 2023, and on New Year's Day, Norton will reprise his performance as ex-convict Tommy Lee Royce in the third season of *Happy Valley*. Tune in to watch the latest in the crime drama unfold at 9 pm on BBC One. 

Norton is also about to enter the rehearsal room for *A Little Life*, director Ivo van Hove's latest production based on Hanya Yanagihara bestselling novel. Norton plays the central character Jude, who is the glue that holds his group of friends together. However, as their lives diverge after university, Jude's problems become increasingly complex. Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt also star. [Learn more about the West End cast of *A Little Life*.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/meet-the-a-little-life-cast-in-the-west-end)

Norton earned a BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of ex-convict Tommy Lee Royce in the award-winning series *Happy Valley*, which returns almost six years after the season two finale. He stars alongside Sarah Lancashire as police sergeant Catherine Cawood and Siobhan Finneran as her sister Clare in the series. 

*A Little Life* will start performances in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 25 March 2023. [Book *A Little Life* tickets on London Theatre today.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27090-a-little-life)

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*Photo credit: James Norton (Photo by Justine Matthew)*

Tune in: Watch 'A Little Life' star James Norton in 'Happy Valley'

James Norton - Photo by Justine Matthew

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Genre: Play

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See Hanya Yanagihara’s epic novel, *A Little Life*, come to life in Ivo van Hove's visionary West End adaptation. *A Little Life* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

Four boys who lived together in college all move to New York City to find a brighter future. Willem aspires to be an actor, JB dreams of becoming a painter, Malcolm wants to change the New York City skyline as an architect, and Jude aims to become a lawyer. 

Although Jude has a high-flying career, his traumatic childhood experiences continue to haunt him. And when he only opens up to Willem, a friendship rift starts. When secrets come to light, the foursome finally learns what it means to love, even if it affects their lives.

Hanya Yanaighara received unanimous praise for her 2015 novel. *A Little Life* won the Kirkus Prize for Fiction, as well as a Booker Prize nomination, and a National Book Award for Fiction. With Koen Tachelet and Ivo van Hove collaborating with the author, expect Yanagihara's epic story to transform the future of plays. After Dutch-speaking performances in Amsterdam and Edinburgh, you can now see *A Little Life* in London.

__Please note - Performances between 8th - 9th July are being filmed and there will be cameras on stage, including a cameraman on stage for short periods in select scenes. By attending you acknowledge that you may be filmed, and your image may be used in the film. Please be aware your view may be restricted due to camera equipment.__

### Who is in *A Little Life*?

James Norton leads as Jude St. Francis. He’s previously appeared in *Happy Valley* and *Grantchester.* *Bridgerton*’s Luke Thompson plays Willem, alongside *It’s a Sin*’s Omari Douglas as JB, and *The Witcher*’s Zach Wyatt as Malcolm. [Meet the *A Little Life* London cast. ](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/meet-the-a-little-life-cast-in-the-west-end)

Tickets to *A Little Life* are available now. Book your *A Little Life* tickets on London Theatre today.

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Four college friends move to New York City, but what happens when past mysteries and alluring relationships change their world? Ivo van Hove directs an all-star cast in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life at the Savoy Theatre. Get *A Little Life* tickets on London Theatre.

How do you transform a novel into a piece of theatre? Call on Ivo van Hove. The Belgian director previously helmed a *Brokeback Mountain* opera, *Network* starring Bryan Cranston, and *All About Eve* with Gillian Anderson. Van Hove brings his avant-garde vision to a highly lauded text, and the end result is sensational.

The *A Little Life* play premiered at Toneelgroep Amsterdam in 2018. The original play features Dutch-speaking characters, with English subtitles. However, the West End production is an all-English adaptation. Regardless of the language, *A Little Life* on stage adds depth to the complex and multi-layered characters. Once you’ve met them, you’ll never want to say goodbye.

## What to Watch For: 

- Hanya Yanagihara’s 2015 novel is her most successful to date, winningthe Kirkus Prize for Fiction.
- She’s not a one-trick pony though, as she’s also published *The People in the Trees* and *To Paradise*.
- In a 2019 survey conducted by The Guardian, *A Little Life* placed in the top 100 books of the 21st century.
- The Olivier-nominated actor Zubin Varla stars. He’s previously appeared in *Fun Home* and *Tammy Faye.* 

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Buy tickets for A Little Life - Savoy Theatre at the Savoy Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Plays with Box Office.

A Little Life - Savoy Theatre Tickets | Box Office

“It’s not worth making art at all if the only thing you want is for everyone to like it,” a program note from author Hanya Yanagihara reads in the program for *A Little Life*, the almost-four-hour emotional marathon of a show based on her best-selling novel, playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre. However, love it or hate it, no one will forget *A Little Life*, and that’s what makes a great theatrical experience.

Just like with her widely acclaimed book, the show will also have its critics, and even the diehard fans (of which there are many) will have to come to terms with their connection to the material, which largely centers on graphic sexual trauma, self-harm, and child abuse. 

It’s not an easy show to recommend, because it’s not an easy show to watch, as master director Ivo van Hove has taken the seemingly neverending climactic moments of the over 700-page book and translated them into a series of connected vignettes, each subsequently more difficult to witness than the last, mimicking Yanagihara’s semi-nonlinear timeline which deals in character studies and flashbacks. 

Van Hove has conceived the production, alongside Yanagihara and co-adaptor Koen Tachelet, with fervent loyalty to the story about four college friends who find their New York City lives veering off in different directions as they mine the depths of their friend Jude’s unknowable past. While the book has pages to breathe between critical scenes, van Hove’s production paces quickly through the crucial moments, giving less time to develop character relationships and intimacies and focusing squarely on the underlying trauma of it all. 

Some passages are lifted verbatim from the novel, an effective device, particularly as monologues. The newly minted Olivier winner Zubin Varla is compelling in these moments as Harold, Jude’s professor-turned-father, and brings Yanagihara’s text about parenthood and love to soaring life. These character explorations and reflections are where the production reaches out and grabs the audience by the heart and doesn’t let go. 

The tight-knit ensemble, led by the captivating James Norton, keeps the audience engaged as the unthinkable events unfold. Norton has the hardest job among them, anchoring the story as Jude St. Francis, an abandoned orphan whose trauma-filled past still haunts him as he navigates an outwardly successful adulthood. Norton’s performance threads the needle between Jude’s joy and sorrow, and he pours himself into the immensely physical and psychological aspects of the role, giving his absolute all to the performance.  

Luke Thompson plays the beating heart of the piece: Jude’s best friend and confidant Willem. Thompson must usher the character from apathetic party boy to deeply intellectual and empathetic partner, and he is present and rooted in the show’s message of love throughout. 

Omari Douglas is doing some career-best work as JB, the tortured artist whose ego inhibits him at times, while Zach Thompson rounds out the foursome in the small-yet-memorable role, the architect Malcom. Elliot Cowan finds a way to weave charisma with horror in the difficult assignment of playing a trifecta of Jude’s abusers, and Emilio Doorgasingh brings a deep heart to Jude’s loyal doctor Andy. 

One of the van Hove’s main interpretations of the novel is in how he incorporates Ana, the social worker who guides Jude in a time of crisis. Ana comes in and goes from Jude’s life very quickly, but in the production, she serves as a sort of narrator and empathetic guide for Jude and the audience through the difficult moments. Nathalie Armin’s performance augments the poetic role. 

The entire production feels immersive throughout the space with audience members sitting onstage, Jan Versweyveld’s moody lighting and looming video projections of NYC streets, and Eric Sleichim’s haunting sound design and score, played by a quartet of talented string players. 

However, what comes out of *A Little Life* is not the excessive trauma and graphic abuse, but rather, how amid these terrors, the characters remain steadfast in their dedication to one another, searching for common ground and belonging even while struggling with trust and intimacy. Their friendship at all costs grounds the story and the experience. We should all be so lucky to find their loyalty and love. 

*A Little Life is playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre through 18 June before moving to the Savoy Theatre on 4 July through 5 August. [Book A Little Life West End tickets at the Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27090-a-little-life). [Book A Little Life tickets at the Savoy Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28044-a-little-life-savoy)*

‘A Little Life’ West End review - An emotional, unforgettable show

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Read our four-star review of Ivo van Hove’s crushing and poignant adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara’s best-selling novel, starring James Norton and Luke Thompson. 

Born in London in 1985, James Norton is a BAFTA-nominated actor, best known for television shows such as *Happy Valley* and *Grantchester*. Norton will star in the West End premiere of [*A Little Life*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27090-a-little-life) at the [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre) in spring 2023. 

While Norton studied at the University of Cambridge, he took part in many theatre productions. He notably played Posthumus in a Trevor Nunn-directed production of *Cymbeline* for The Marlowe Society. Notable alumni include Stephen Fry, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, and Emma Corrin. Following his theology degree, Norton then enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. 

In 2010, Norton made his London debut in Laura Wade’s *Posh* at the Royal Court, playing the role of Miles Richards. He then played Henry in *That Face* at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

The following year, Norton played Captain Stanhope in R. C. Sheriff's World War One play, *Journey’s End*. After a three-month long UK tour, *Journey's End* took over the Duke of York’s Theatre in summer 2011. Shortly after, he reunited with Trevor Nunn for *The Lion in Winter* at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Norton also played Zack in *Belleville* at the Donmar Warehouse in 2017. 

In recent years, he’s best known for his television roles. He played villain Tommy Lee Royce in *Happy Valley*, picking up a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Reversely, he then played a crime solving vicar for four series of *Grantchester* on ITV. In 2018, Norton played Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss escaping a life of organised crime, in *McMafia*.

In 2023, Norton will play Jude in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's *A Little Life*. Ivo van Hove directs Norton, as well as Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt.

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Born in Southampton in 1988, Luke Thompson is best known for playing Benedict Bridgerton in the *Bridgerton* television series. The West End actor will star in *A Little Life* at the [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre).

After growing up in France, Thompson took a year out of education to train with the Year Out Drama Company. The Stratford-upon-Avon-based group focus on creating ensemble work.

After a year training, Thompson then attended the University of Bristol, graduating with an English and Drama degree. He then graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2013, studying alongside classmate [Jessie Buckley](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/jessie-buckley).

Thompson made his London debut in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* at Shakespeare’s Globe and quickly made an impression in the world — he earned an Evening Standard Award nomination for Best Newcomer. The same year, he also starred in *Blue Stockings* at the same theatre.

His affinity to Shakespeare's Globe continued: he played Mark Antony in *Julius Caesar* in 2014, and Ithocles in *The Broken Heart* at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2015. 

The Almeida Theatre became Thompson's next London theatre: he starred as Orestes in Robert Icke's *Oresteia* in 2015 and as Laertes in the Andrew Scott-led *Hamlet* in 2017. For the latter, he eventually reprised the role in the West End transfer.

He continued the Shakespeare trend by playing Edgar in the Ian McKellen-led *King Lear* at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2018. Coincidentally, his *Bridgerton* co-star, [Jonathan Bailey](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/jonathan-bailey), played Edgar at Chichester Festival Theatre that same year. Talk about brotherly love!

Away from the stage, Thompson is best known for playing Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton sibling, in the *Bridgerton* Netflix series. Many [West End actors feature in *Bridgerton*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/bridgerton-stars-who-got-their-start-in-west-end-theatre), including Golda Rosheuvel, Nicola Coughlan, and Regé-Jean Page. Thompson also features in Christopher Nolan's *Dunkirk* film.

In 2023, Norton will play Willem in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's *A Little Life*. Ivo van Hove directs Thompson, as well as [James Norton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/james-norton), Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt.

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Sunset Boulevard

Nicole Scherzinger returns to the West End this September, starring as the immortal Norma Desmond in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Sunset Boulevard, directed by Jamie Lloyd.

The Savoy Theatre opened on 21 Oct. 1929. The building was known for being the first public building to be lit entirely by electricity. 

When a fire ravaged the theatre in 1990, destroying the interior, it was meticulously restored by Sir William Whitfield to the original 1929 designs. The theatre reopened on 19 Jul. 1993.

The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company played several seasons at the theatre over the past 20 years, their last production being *HMS Pinafore* in 2003. 

The theatre has also housed several musicals, including *She Loves Me* in 1994 starring John Gordon Sinclair and Ruthie Henshall, and has played host to musicals exclusively since 2006. 

## Savoy Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels - Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle.

In the Stalls, the legroom throughout is very good, and the seating is well raked to ensure good views.

In the Dress Circle, the overhang of the Grand Circle affects the view from Row K onwards. The amount of legroom also decreases the further back you sit.

The Grand Circle feels rather far from the stage.

## Where is *Pretty Woman: The Musical* in London?

*Pretty Woman: The Musical* is at the Savoy Theatre in London. The Savoy Theatre is located on the Strand. It's close to West End theatres including the Adelphi Theatre and the Vaudeville Theatre.

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