The best shows to see in London right now: From Six the Musical to ABBA Voyage
Calling all theatre lovers! A night at the theatre has never felt more important. With the dark winter nights that feel like they start at 4pm, and icy temperatures that just keep getting colder, nothing sounds better than cosying up in an auditorium and being immersed in a night of live music.
As a self-confessed slave to Sondheim, former performer, and all-round theatre fanatic, me and my fellow colleagues at HELLO! are here to arm you with a glittering list of shows and performances you need to see right now in London - and it's not all in the West End.
Whether it's an immersive experience like ABBA Voyage, an off-West End production at Upstairs at the Gatehouse or our favourite ex-wives causing a storm at the Vaudeville, we are here to review London's best performances so you never miss out on the latest productions.
Operation Mincemeat
When I first sat down to watch Operation Mincemeat I didn't know what to expect. Having not seen the film, I was approaching the show with completely fresh eyes and I couldn't believe the lasting impression the performance left on me.
The current landscape of musical theatre in London feels hyperfocused on jukebox musicals. While they are the money makers, on the whole, they can feel incredibly predictable and repetitive– the antithesis of Operation Mincemeat.
A story situated in the throws of WW2, Operation Mincemeat had the familiarity and warmth of a legit musical whilst also feeling fresh and pacy, which was down to its use of classic techniques such as Brecht-inspired multi-rolling and gender-swapping the characters. As well as Jacques Lecoq-esque physical theatre, all of which added an intellectual dimension to the piece.
When it came to the multi-rolling and gender-swapping of characters, it was a lot to take in at first, but it was an easy adjustment due to the actors' undisputable talent. Particularly, Christian Andrews' performance as Hester Leggatt, who left everyone in tears at the end of Dear Bill. Emily Barber was also a standout in her role as the blood-boilingly smarmy Etonian, Ewen Montague.
With all the chopping and changing, it would be easy for audiences not to follow the narrative but the cast and creative team have done an exceptional job of prioritising the narrative in a way that is clear and understandable. The set, slick changes of costume and props all helped aid in this.
All in all, the show more than fulfilled my expectations, and I urge anyone and everyone to go and see it. It is a rare occasion that the West End is graced with such a brilliant new musical truly worth its salt, such as this one.
Where: The Fortune Theatre
When: Until 25th January 2025
Tickets: ATG Tickets
Reviewed by: Isabelle Casey, Reporter
Mean Girls
Get in loser, we're going to The Savoy Theatre! Mean Girls has officially opened on the West End after much anticipation and it certainly did not disappoint.
The musical adaptation of Tina Fey's 2004 cult rom-com tells the cautionary tale of high schooler Cady Heron and North Shore High's dreaded clique, The Plastics. The cast is led by Charlie Burns in the role originated by Lindsay Lohan, alongside Georgina Castle as queen bee Regina George, Elèna Gyasi as the sycophantic Gretchen Weiners, and Grace Mouat as the hilariously ditsy Karen Smith.
The concern with any musical adaptation is that it will feel like an unfulfilling parody of the original but this was certainly not the case. New life was breathed into this new iteration with dazzling musical numbers, a pitch-perfect cast, and the most stunning array of costumes - I couldn't get enough of Regina's pink sparkly sock boots.
Having brought the show over from Broadway, Tina Fey cleverly incorporated aspects of British humour into the show which was a huge hit with the audience who spent large portions of the night in fits of giggles. Tom Xander was particularly entertaining as Damian Hubbard with his dry wit and George Michael-induced dance breaks.
Ultimately, the show captured all the noughties nostalgia without ever feeling stale. The cast had huge shoes to fill between the original movie and the 2024 adaptation starring Reneé Rapp and Angourie Rice but London's roster exceeded my expectations. I have to admit, it was fetch!
Where: The Savoy Theatre, London
When: From 26 June 2024
Tickets: www.atgtickets.com/shows/mean-girls/savoy-theatre/
Reviewed by: Katie Daly, Junior Lifestyle Writer
Mrs Doubtfire the Musical
Help is on the way dear! And all the way into 2025 as Mrs Doubtfire the Musical celebrates its first anniversary on the West End and opens bookings for another joyful year. I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 'Nanniversary' performance of this incredible show at The Shaftesbury Theatre and I can honestly say it was one of the best West End shows I have ever seen.
I am a die-hard musicals fan and Mrs Doubtfire is one of my favourite films so I was both excited and apprehensive, unsure of whether the musical version could live up to the adored 1993 hit starring Robin Williams and Sally Field. I was blown away by how funny the show was, like belly laugh funny, and also so moving at points.
The show gets a 10 out of 10 for production value - incredible sets, costumes, and musical numbers which breathed life into a modernised version of the 90s classic. Gabriel Vick put on a stunning performance as the much-loved Scottish nanny, doing a host of voices, impressions, and accents throughout the show which were wholly believable and highly amusing.
The child stars of the show, Herbie Byers and Felicity Walton, were the definition of professional and West End veteran Cameron Blakely put on a standout performance as Frank Hillard that had the audience in stitches.
I could not recommend this show more highly and being able to enjoy it on this special night in the presence of Strictly pros and TV stars, including Ainsley Harriott and Julia Bradbury, was the icing on top of the cake.
Where: Shaftesbury Theatre, London
When: Booking until 16 February 2025
Tickets: mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk
Reviewed by: Katie Daly, Junior Lifestyle Writer
Back to the Future: The Musical
If you're searching for a jaw-dropping West End musical, look no further than 'Back to the Future'. This production, currently lighting up the the Adelphi Theatre, is a triumph of theatrical ingenuity and a must-see for both fans of the iconic film and newcomers. I was thinking it would be good (I'd heard some reviews) and expecting that my kids would love it. But I was completely unprepared for how blown away I would be by this performance.
From the moment the curtains rise, it's clear that this show is something extraordinary. The production team has masterfully transformed the beloved 1985 movie into a live extravaganza that captures the magic and excitement of time travel in the most incredible ways. The stage comes alive with an electrifying blend of sound, lighting, and special effects that are literally out of this world.
The plot follows the familiar and much-loved journey of Marty McFly, a teenager who inadvertently travels back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric Dr. Emmett Brown. With the help of Doc Brown, Marty must navigate the past to ensure his parents fall in love, all in break-neck speed so he can return to the future. The translation of this well-loved story to the stage is so well done, it'll beat your wildest expectations, and the who works for kids, teens and parents alike.
One of the standout elements of this production is the sound design. The musical numbers are an auditory feast, not to mention the sounds and lights that bring the whole time travel to life. It's a fully immersive spectacle that takes the audience with the stars on their dash through time.
And then there are the special effects. The production team has pulled out all the stops. The DeLorean is a character in its own right, literally taking off and flying right before your eyes.The creativity and technical prowess of this musical showcases the very best of what modern West End theatre has to offer. It's a show that delights in every aspect, from its stunning sound and lighting to its groundbreaking special effects and outstanding performances. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the film or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, this musical promises a journey through time that you won't want to miss. I was left awed. Great Scott, it's incredible!
Where: Adelphi Theatre, London
When: Booking until December 2024
Tickets: Back to the Future
Reviewed by: Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer
Hadestown
I went way down into Hadestown on the show's opening night - and what a night it was! Hadestown has been around for much longer than you might think, first premiering in 2018 at the National Theatre before moving to Broadway and enjoying big success ever since. As such, I was buzzing for the show's debut on the West End, having long wanted to watch it for myself.
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The show is unique. The story is based on the Greek tragedy of lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as the story of Hades and Persephone. In this updated version, Hades is the owner of an underground factory which Eurydice turns to due to her extreme poverty, leading Orpheus to go down to find her and bring her home. After a slow start, the show picks up steam around halfway through Act 1 with the welcome introduction of the deliciously evil Hades, and by the act 1 finale, I was hooked.
You can't help but think that the characters have maybe put much of these troubles on themselves, like Orpheus wouldn't have had to go to Hadestown to find Eurydice if he'd looked up from his desk just once while composing his spring song, while Eurydice can only apologise for the things that she did when she was hungry. Either way, the staging in glorious, the performances are wonderful - Dónal Finn has a voice like Freddy Mercury and the Fates are a highlight - going from cheeky banter to dramatically grave at a moment's notice.
Where: Lyric Theatre, London
When: Booking until December 2024
Tickets: Hadestown
Reviewed by: Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
SIX
Listen up, let me tell you a story! I went to the press night for the new cast of SIX and here is what I thought.
The show has reached stratospheric levels of popularity with each queen cast in the show acquiring their own cohort of superfans. Whenever there is a cast change I can't even imagine the pressure on the newbies to diversify their role and give it a different spin to the queen before them.
Cast-wise, the creative team mixed things up a lot whilst still staying true to the identifiable traits of the characters and naturally, several things stood out for me.
Janiq Charles as Katherine Parr was an exceptional choice. Casting a Trinidadian actress in this role was a decision that should have been made sooner. Her rich vocals had a velvety depth I haven't heard vocally in that role before (and I've seen the show three times…). Not to mention the fact that I couldn't stop watching her throughout the performance, she is a captivating performer and her stage presence is impeccable.
Kayleigh McKnight arguably has one of the most iconic songs in the whole show, 'Heart of Stone',and having heard the song performed countless times. I was so impressed with her vocal choices and how she switched it up - and I mean up - because she wasn't just flooring the audience with her crystal-clear belt. Kayleigh also showed off her impressive soprano range in her vocal add-libs which were a very welcome change of pace.
All in all, I had a great evening - it's hard not to with such an uplifting tracklist! What I will say though, as the show keeps going I couldn't help but feel the slightly OTT, 'panto-like' elements of the production being slightly more elevated. Whether it was the pressure of press night, I don't know but overall, it's certainly a solid cast and brilliant show.
Where: The Vaudeville Theatre
When: Now until 23 April 2025
Tickets: SIX the Musical
Reviewed by: Isabelle Casey, Reporter
ABBA Voyage
"SOS, they didn't play Super Trouper!" was my immediate criticism as I left the custom-built arena. But other than depriving me of my favourite ABBA number, you can't walk away from ABBA Voyage without feeling impressed, even if it's just by how realistic the band appear.
The experience does exactly what it says on the tin and gives you as close to an authentic concert from the famed Eurovision band as you could want. I was in the standing area rather than the stadium seating towards the back, and I'm glad we were, not only for dancing purposes but also because I think it helped us to feel fully immersed in the experience.
The seating was very far back, and although I suppose it would help to take in the entirety of the spectacle, I do think it wouldn't have been the experience it was had I not been on the floor.
The live backing singers and band were exquisite and really got the energy going in the room, another reason why being near the front was a good choice as you could feel the energy they were giving off.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
When: Now until 25 November 2024
Tickets: ABBA Voyage
Guys & Dolls
Nicholas Hytner's reimagining of Guys & Dolls is a joyful masterpiece chock-full of laughs, sequins and romance to boot. Visually, it's a delight. Technicolour neon lights jostle for attention from above, while the moving platforms allow for a constantly evolving set reminiscent of the buzzing streets of New York. One minute the 'Guys' are pounding the noisy pavements, the next, a leather-clad Miss Adelaide is swinging her hips in the luminescent Hot Box Club.
The show follows crook Nathan Detroit (Owain Arthur) and his relationship with his fiancee of 14 years, showgirl Miss Adelaide (Timmika Ramsay). Their love story runs in tandem with the unlikely romance between gambler Sky Masterson and Salvation Army missionary Sarah Brown (Celinde Schoenmaker). Sky is challenged to find $1,000 to finance Nathan's crap game by taking Sarah to the cacophonous streets of Havana. But instead sparks start to fly and they slowly fall in love…
The beauty of The Bridge Theatre is that there doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. Because the stalls are arranged in a square-like formation, you're pretty much guaranteed a reasonable eyeful of the unfurling action. For Immersive ticket holders, the viewing experience is as good as it gets in the West End. Standing spectators are encouraged to inch their way around the moving platforms, allowing for a more intimate, one-of-a-kind experience. But be prepared, the cast aren't afraid to occasionally enlist the help of nearby playgoers in some of their dance sequences…
With former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips at the helm of the choreography alongside James Cousins, the West End show delivers some seriously high-octane dance routines. Despite the limited floor space, the cast deftly twirl and kick their way through the sequences which feel decidedly modern. As for the musical element, the cast deliver some spine-tingling moments, with Celinde and Timmika arguably leading the pack with their outstanding vocals. Memorable songs include 'A Bushel and a Peck', 'Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat' and 'If I Were A Bell'.
While the immersive element is quite unlike anything in the West End currently, the ebb and flow of standing ticket holders can be slightly off putting if you're easily distracted. But for all this, it's undoubtedly worth the hype and merits a five-star review.
Where: The Bridge Theatre
When: Until 31 August 2024
Tickets: Guys & Dolls
Reviewed by: Phoebe Tatham, News & Features Writer
