Will the West End be open as "normal" in May 2021?
With West End theatres beginning to open up once again, will the West End be open as "normal" in May 2021? There's signs suggesting that West End performances to full capacity will resume in the first half of next year. As well as this, there's an extensive line-up of productions either returning to the capital, or making their world premiere in London in 2021.
Les Miserables to return in May 2021
Ahead of the return of Les Miserables: The All-Star Staged Concert, producer Cameron Mackintosh has spoken of plans for the original musical to return next year. Currently, he's projecting a return for Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre from 29 May 2021.
Mary Poppins to return in May 2021
Go fly a kite with joy, as Mary Poppins is planning to return to the Prince Edward Theatre in spring 2021. Currently, performances of Mary Poppins are scheduled from 22 May 2021. The Mary Poppins cast will star Zizi Strallen as the titular nanny, alongside Charlie Stemp as Bert.
The Phantom of the Opera to return in June 2021
Andrew Lloyd Webber has confirmed that The Phantom of the Opera will return at Her Majesty's Theatre next year. The production will return in June 2021, starring Killian Donnelly in the titular role.
In an interview with The Telegraph, he remarked that news of the UK government approving vaccines has assured plans that The Phantom of the Opera can resume performances next year. It's one of the longest-running musicals in London; prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the musical had enjoyed a continuous run since 1989.
West End smash hits returning in 2021
Tina the Musical, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are all expected to return before summer 2021. Exact performance dates are currently unknown, but they're all aiming for a return in the first half of 2021.
What new West End shows are opening in spring 2021?
Lots of shows have projected West End openings in spring and summer 2021. Brand new productions will receive their West End premiere in the capital, as well as long-awaited revivals. Here's a rundown of all West End shows which are expected to open in 2021.
The feel-good musical with hits like "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry" will be the first show to open at Trafalgar Theatre. Performances begin on 14 April, ahead of an official opening on 21 Apr. 2021. Jersey Boys tickets are on sale now.
David Tennant returns to the West End in a revival of C. P. Taylor's leading Holocaust drama. Performances begin at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 21 April, ahead of a press night on 27 Apr. 2021. Good tickets are on sale now.
After two postponements, Hairspray will finally open at the London Coliseum. Michael Ball reprises his performance as Edna from 22 April, ahead of an official opening on 29 Apr. 2021. Hairspray tickets are on sale now.
After a world premiere in Manchester, Back to the Future comes to the Adelphi Theatre. Feel "The Power of Love" from 14 May 2021, with Back to the Future tickets on sale now.
Carrie Hope Fletcher stars as the titular character in Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical. Performances begin at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 30 April, with a press night on 19 May 2021. Cinderella tickets are on sale now.
Megan Mullally plays Reno Sweeney in the upcoming West End revival. Performances are at the Barbican from 8 May, with an opening night on 20 May 2021. Anything Goes tickets are on sale now.
Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical
The world premiere of Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical will take place at the Lyric Theatre, starring Arinze Kene as the eponymous Jamaican artist. Performances start on 28 May 2021, with Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical tickets on sale now.
Photo credit: Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre (Photo by Johan Persson)
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