The Mel Brooks musical has finally made it’s triumphant return to the West End after a sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. The Producers was in previews at the Garrick and now after it’s press night the review are in. In this review round-up we will go over what the different publications are saying and how the show was received. Spoiler alert, it’s glowing reviews across the board.

The Standard

“At 99 years old, and amid countless other achievements. Mel Brooks can congratulate himself on having the funniest show in London.”

“In a time of polarisation and performative outrage, this show is a hymn to tolerance and the ability to laugh with others and at oneself.”

“…has grown in swagger and finesse since it premiered at the Menier last December.Now, I honestly can’t find fault with it.”

“Truly we are not worthy. The line Bialystok quotes from a review of Springtime for Hitler also sums up The Producers. “It was shocking, outrageous and insulting – and I loved every minute of it.”

Nick Curtis

The Telegraph – ★★★★

“A carnival of wisecracks and witty tunes, the show is all about a Broadway producer’s outrageous bid to engineer a dead-cert flop. By mounting a worst-taste extravaganza in praise of Hitler.”

“It’s still a winningly funny proposition for a new generation – and Marber pulls out all the stops to raise the Garrick roof.”

“The verbal wit is matched with visual élan. Choreographer Lorin Latarro honours the Fiddler-ish pastiche of Bialystock’s opening number with preposterously prancing shtetl figures”

Dominic Cavendish

London Theatre – ★★★★★

“…it delivers one belly laugh after another. And still, there is so much more to this production than good, old-fashioned tomfoolery.”

“Cheekily played by Nyman, he is packed full of shameless tricks and bravado.”

“Joanna Woodward is scene-stealing as the Swedish secretary Ulla in what otherwise is very much a boys’ show. But its humour never falters.”

“It is in these big, boisterous chorus numbers that The Producers is at its best. But there are countless small delights, too”

“What a joy it is to revel in Marber’s never-ending silliness. If you want non-stop giggles, gloriously provocative jokes and an easy escape from everyday misery, there’s no better place to be right now than the Garrick. This is an absolute hoot.”

Anya Ryan

The Stage – ★★★★

“He saturates this slick musical comedy with a wealth of physical gags, exquisitely timed double takes and an expertly judged sense of the absurd that enhances the show’s momentum.”

“Add to this Scott Pask’s clever composite set and Paul Farnsworth’s inventive, colourful costume designs, and the production seems to have found its natural home in the West End.”

“Its success relies in no small part on the hugely entertaining double act at its heart.”

“There isn’t a moment where the pace drops in Marber’s production, and there’s even time for a love story”

Paul Vale

Whatsonstage – ★★★★★

“After all, the genius of Mel Brooks’ comedy musical lies as much in its skewering of the ludicrousness of fascist ideology as its satire of showbiz.”

“But it’s not all about the set pieces. It’s anchored by a pair of outstanding performances from Andy Nymn and Marc Antolin…”

“It’s a treat for the ears too, with the band, situated atop a platform at the back of the stage, equally luxurious under the baton of Matthew Samer.”

“The Producers has come back to the West End just at the right time, offering a giant slab of feel-good escapism and genuine hilarity when such things feel in short supply.”

“Whether you’re a fan of the 1967 screen original or a newcomer, it’s got plenty of pleasures to flaunt.”

Theo Bosanquet

What did reviewers think of The Producers

The Producers review round-up shows the musical was very well-received and has garnered praise from critics on all corners. In general the show was praised for how it adapted into the bigger space at the Garrick and how it handled/tackled more senstive topics regarding fascism and showbiz. The cast were highly acclaimed for both the lead performancew as well as the supporting.

The show is currently playing until february 2026, don’t miss your chance to see this hilarious musical at the Garrick Theatre. Book tickets to The Producers now!

The complete company for ELF the Musical has been announced for it’s 10-week run at the Aldwych Theatre. The show is the first to take over the Aldwych after Tina closes this weekend after 7 years. And starts on the 28th October and will run until the 3rd of January. The show will be lead by three main leads. Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones as Buddy, Jovie and Waltar Hobbs. This is excitingly the first time real life theatre couple Carrie Hope Fletcher and Joel Montague will star in a show together. Joel has just finished his run as George Wilson in The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum. While Fletcher is most well-known for her roles in Heathers and Les Miserable. The entire Elf complete cast has also been listed.

Entire Company

Aled Jones will also star as Walter Hobbs and the rest of the cast has also been announced. They will be joined by Rosanna Hyland , Martyn Ellis, Lucinda Lawrence, Dermot Canavan as Emily Hobbs, Santa/Mr Greenway, Deb and Store Manager respectively. The Elf complete cast further consists of Mollie Cleere, Farirayi Garaba, Sophie Pourret, Lucy Rice, Biancha Szynal, Kyle Cox, Zack Guest, Ryan Jupp, Dominic Lamb and Danny Nattrass. The swings will be Sophie Camble, Amy Punter, Samuel John Humphreys and Michael Tyler.

Elf the Musical has had quite a history on the West End. With the last production running at the Dominion Theatre in 2022 and 2023 during the festive season. Each time the show has broken box office records and been a resounding success. While this will be the same production due to the new space new sets have been designed to fit the Aldwych Theatre. The production is presented by Temple Live Entertainment.

Book your tickets now to see Elf this Christmas!

With the London Tube Strikes set to go ahead from the 7th – 11th Sep, West End shows have sent out warnings to theatre goers that their journey to the show might face delays and disruptions.

London Underground staff will be striking all next week. Due to talks breaking down between the RMT union and Transport for London. The dispute is in regards to pay, fatigue and the long working week.

As of today all West End shows are going ahead as normal at their usual times. Most theatres are in the Central London area near Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Station where the Elizabeth Line should continue to run unaffected. There’s also a good network of buses in the area. However with the extra traffic and stress on the bus system theater-goers are advised to leave plenty of buffer time for their journey.

We normally advise aiming to arrive 30mins early in order to relax and enjoy the facilities, merch etc. For this week an hour early will be safest as West End Shows do typically start very on time. Some productions won’t let late-comers in till the interval. The three shows that could prove more difficult to attend are Starlight Express as Wembley Troubadour Theatre. Hamilton at Victoria Palace and Wicked at Apollo Victoria. As all other theatres are in the West End zone in Central London.

Stadium concerts have been postponed due to the strikes with Coldplay and Post Malone rescheduling their shows. Stage shows should be proceeding as scheduled.

Despite the London Tube Strikes at theatrebookings we still offer great prices to all shows on the West End. Book to see a show this week and take advantage of the cheaper pricing now that summer is over.

Disney’s Hercules has announced a Halloween special on 31st October at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

This Halloween, it’s a Hades takeover! The show will start at the later time of 8pm. Also, guests are invited to dress in their best spooky seasonal clothes or costumes. Why not dress to honour one of his fellow Disney villains? That will make Hades extra impressed .

The Hercules Halloween, Hades takeover begins with music, mayhem and photo opportunities, before the shows begins. What’s more, this special performance includes a surprise third-act of the show. The details of this bonus act are yet to be unveiled.

Lastly, the bar will have a selection of Hades’ favourite, Halloween-themed cocktails. This is alongside the trading card game company Lorcana running giveaways and special prizes.

Hercules is the latest Disney musical to open in the West End. Stephen Carlile (The Lion King) plays Hades, The King of the Underworld. Luke Brady plays his arch nemesis, Hercules. Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett play the bumbling idiots who never cease to disappoint Hades, Bob and Charles respectively. Also, Mae Ann Jorolan plays Meg with Trevor Dion Nicholas as Phil. The muses are  Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), and Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore).

Book tickets now for Disney’s Hercules playing at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Book tickets on 31st October to enjoy the Hercules Halloween special and prepare for an evening that would make Hades proud!

For more discounted tickets and theatre news, head to Theatre Bookings.

Hamilton have just celebrated their 10 year anniversary and it has officially been in the West End for almost 8 years. Although many love to joke about how the idea of Hamilton playing in London is ironic and funny. The show remains one of the most successful and hottest tickets in the West End. The Hamilton musical is one of the few that has never needed stunt casting and has still filled the Victoria Palace Theatre night after night.

History

Although stunt casting was never needed this doesn’t mean the show hasn’t produced famous people. The original Broadway cast of Hamilton is particulary acclaimed with Lin himself playing the titular role of Hamilton. Leslie Odom Jr. who is actually returning to the role for a limited run starred as Aaron Burr. And many other members went on to become stars in the theatre and acting world. Such as Jonathon Groff, Ariana Debose and Anthony Ramos. The original cast also reunited for a speical performace at this years Tony’s to celebrate Hamilton turning 10.

Hamilton was written by Lin Manuel Miranda back in 2015 and it quickly went on to become a global phenomenon. The show blends a unique mix of rap and singing with Lin’s signature word-play and quick wit. The story is one we should theoretically all be familiar with. As we learn of the life of Alexander Hamilton one of the USA founding fathers. Hamilton is characterized as the underdog “rag-tag” immigrant who through his wit and knowledge went on to help lay the foundation of the USA as we know it today. The story also highlights his wife Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. And her and her sister Angelica’s roles in Hamilton’s life and his legacy. The show has grown a very dedicated fan base. But beyond that has cemented itself as one of the most popular, awarded and well-known musicals of the modern era.

Why is Hamilton so Popular?

The show won the Pulitzer prize for best drama and racked up a record-breaking 16 Tony nominations. Of which it won 11. The score was critically acclaimed and was called a “eye-popping debut” by Billboard. Who also gave it a perfect 5-out-of-5 review. The show is unique in it’s concept and execution standing out from the traditional musicals we were seeing. Although it could seem like a difficult show to get into with the complicated history of America’s independence. And the founding fathers. Hamilton manages to give a condensed engaging history lesson by following his journey. And his interactions with other important figures like George Washington, Aaron Burr etc.. By telling the journey to independence in a modern, hip and fascinating way the show manages to connect with young audiences. As well as non-American audiences who might not have known the history prior.

The show has also been praised for it’s blind casting. Despite the real life figures being predominately white Hamilton has historically cast people of colour in almost all roles. This highlights minority communities and immigrants in America and in the acting space where people of color are notoriously underrepresented. This is also an empowering concept as it allows minorities to reclaim and be recognized for their part in the beginning of America.

The enduring success

Beyond this Hamilton’s success does boil down to one very simple thing. It’s just very entertaining. The songs are catchy and meaningful with clever lyrics that are impossible to process in one viewing. So you’re incentivized to listen to the soundtrack. The actors are amazing and deliver powerhouse vocals and show-stopping performances. The choreography is interesting and fully utilities the ensemble. And it’s an exciting story that encompasses all the themes that make great stories. Friendship, love, rebellion, war, rivalries and death. There’s comedic moments and dramatic moments and nothing overshadows the other. With the central rivalry of Hamilton and Burr who are both fleshed out and complex characters. Alongside Eliza and Angelic Schuyler who are given new voices to reclaim their part of history. It’s no wonder this show has hit levels of popularity rarely seen in the musical world.

How to get tickets!

Tickets for Hamilton musical are hard to come by. The best way to ensure fair prices and good availability is to book in advance. It plays every week from Monday – Saturday and the week day performances will normally be cheaper. The theatre has a decent rake and even seats on the top floor(upper circle) doesn’t feel too far away from the action. Booking online with theatrebookings will ensure you get the seats you want at a reasonable price.

It’s the royal reunion we’ve all been waiting for!! The Six Queens reunite for the first time this year.

The original queens of Six will be reuniting at the Arts Theatre. Which was the original West End home for Six when it first transferred. It has now found a more permanent home in the Vaudeville Theatre. Arts is currently home to the Choir of Man. Another musical that started out at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The OG cast includes Aimiee Atkinson(Katherine Howard), Millie O’Connell(Anne Boleyn), Maiya Quansah-Breed(Catherine Parr), Jarneia Richard-Noel(Catherine Aragon), Natalie Paris(Jane Seymour), Alexia McIntosh(Anne of Cleeves) and Grace Mouat(Swing, Dance Captain).

The concert will feature songs from the different productions the 7 women have been in. That have shaped their careers as well as stories and original songs. The actresses have gone on to appear in shows like Saving Mozart, Mean Girls, Death Note, & Juliet, 13 going on 30, The Cher Show, 42nd Street and more.

Six queens reunite on the 1st of December. This will also celebrate the rerelease of Six in UK cinemas following it’s record breaking run in April.

Book tickets to see the concert on the Arts Theatre website and book tickets to see the current extraordinary cast of Six with us!

The residents of the Windsor Gardens are here! The Paddington cast is finally out!

The new Musical Paddington has just announced their principle cast. For when they open at the start of November in the Savoy Theatre. The show has been massively anticipated and is expected to be the next big hit in the West End. The initial casting news means rehearsals are officially beginning and we couldn’t be more excited for this talent filled cast.

The musical will star Adrian Der Gregorian as Mr Brown and Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs Brown. Timi Akinyosade as Tony, Amy Booth-Steel as Lady Sloane. Tarinn Callender as Grant, Delilah Bennett-Cardy as Judy Brown, Tom Edden as Mr Curry. Furthermore Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Millicent Clyde, Teddy Kempner as Mr Gruber and Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird. The role of Jonathon Brown will be shared by Joseph Bramley, Leo Collon, Stevie Hare and Jaspar Rowse.

Although the casting plans and designer for Paddington Bear himself has not yet been announced.

The production will be based on the 2014 film Paddington. With new choreography, songs and all the classsic hallmarks of the iconic character.

Book tickets to see Paddington the Musical now, booking until 25 May 2026 at the Savoy Theatre.

Hadestown London is quickly turning into a staple in the West End as they near their second anniversary. If you’ve considered taking the trip to the underworld before and haven’t yet. Maybe this blog post will change your mind. We will discuss the history of the show beyond the West End. And why it has captured London’s heart as well.

Hadestown Origin

The show was a conceptual album by Anaïs Mitchell and was staged in Vermont all the way back in 2006. The album then came out in 2010. The first larger scale production was Off-Broadway in 2016 where 15 additional songs were written. It then premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop. It then ran for a year at the National Theatre in London before making its official Broadway debut in 2019. Where it picked up 8 Tony’s including the Tony for Best Musical.

It continues to play successfully in the Walter Kerr Theatre and recently celebrated 2000 performances and is moving it’s way up the long-running Broadway show list. The show then returned to London, this time at the Lyric Theatre, in the West End spring of 2024. The show has been widely praised by critics and has grown a devoted fan base due it’s music, casts and meaning. Although the first song let’s you know the show ill be a tragedy it has a uplifting and positive message and theme.

Why is it a Phenomenon?

Although musicals based on ancient Greek myths isn’t uncommon with Disney’s Hercules just landing in the West End and Percy Jackson closing a few months ago. Hadestown stands out as being an original musical not based on a film/book about a lesser known myth. The show conceptualizes the Underworld as Hadestown a play on the corporate capitalist playground where Hades rules as the overbearing boss. The visuals are striking with the red carnation as a ever [resent symbol of love and grief. You don’t need to be familiar with Greek mythology or Orpheus’s story to understand and empathize with the show. If anything it can be even more impactful. The show cleverly uses lighting and a turntable to create show stopping moments such as Wait for Me the penultimate song of Act 1 and one we’ve seen staged at the Olivier’s, Tony’s and West End Live.

In the West End

The West End run featured a diverse talented cast led by Dónal Finn as Orpheus, Grace Hodgett-Young as Eurydice, Melanie La Barrie as Hermes, Zachary James as Hades and Gloria Ontiri (Saving Mozart) as Persephone. Other notable cast members include Bella Brown (EVITA) and Allie Daniels as Fate 1 and 3. The cast was very well-received with high priase for how the show allowed actors to use their natural accents. Which made each iteration of the character feel wholly original. This resulted in fans often going back multiple times to see different covers in the role. As well as creating nicknames such as “Corkeus” for Finn’s Irish Orpheus. The final performance of Hodgett-Young and Finn was recorded and a selection of songs were released in a live album.

Broadway OBC takeover

Earlier this year it was announced that the 5 principles of the original Broadway Cast would be returning for 1 month to the West End production in order to eventually film a pro shot. This included Eva Noblezada, Reeve Carney, Andre de Shields, Amber Gray and Patrick Page. The presale for the month began a few days after the announcement and every seat was sold in a matter of hours. Unfortunately when it was due to start Patrick Page was unable to perform due to a leg injury. Phillip Boykin from the Broadway show stepped up and reprise his Hades. Page did still perform on the days they filmed the pro-shot and changes were made to the show to fit his walking aid.

How to book tickets to Hadestown?

Although the OBC cast definitely sold out tickets faster than West End shows are used to. The current cast are also doing extremely well performing to packed theatres every night. The show often will only have a few seats left on the day so for the cheaper prices in the balcony and Upper Circle, booking in advance is your best bet. Hadestown will also have better availability on weekday evenings and the mid week matinee which is normally the Thursday.

Hadestown London is on at the Lyric Theatre which is one of the older theatres at a capacity of 915. As it’s quite a small theatre even the seats higher up offer a good view of the stage. There are some pillars towards the back of dress and upper circle so be sure to watch out for those when booking! Apparently for one of the seats the pillar is actually right in the leg room space so you have to watch the show completely leaning over!

At Theatre bookings we offer competitive prices and exclusive discounted seats for evening performances of Hadestown. These are available only in-person at our box office in Leicester Square. For normal tickets and to book in advance at good prices check out our website. The show is now booking until Feb 15th 2026.

So have you ever asked yourself what is the best way to book a West End show for cheap? Or where to find discounted west end tickets? Well you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post I’ll be sharing all the best ways to get great deals to the theatre and how to secure the best seats for reasonable prices.

Q. Where to buy cheap theatre tickets?

A. For special offers to West End shows, theatrebookings.com has a list of offers available. Sometimes to even the hottest shows in town like MJ the musical and Tina Turner! This list is constantly updated, so be sure to check in often to grab deals as they become available. If you’re not sure what you want to see and want to decide on the day visit us in our ticket booth in Leicester Square! We are conveniently located just opposite Leicester Square station before the entrance to the square and will have a special offer list on the window!

Q. How to get reasonable prices for theatre shows?

A. The answer to this might be obvious but it really is always a good option to book in advance. It’s a bit of a myth that waiting till the last second will secure you the cheapest tickets possible. While that can sometimes happen it’s only worth taking the risk if your a solo theatre goer who isn’t too fussed about which show to see. And of course nothing can be guaranteed. If you’re set on a show and date the best option is to book as far in advance as tickets prices will be set at their normal rates and dynamic pricing won’t apply. To book in advance and check prices theatrebookings.com has a very clear and easy to navigate system! We are also STAR certified so customers can rest assured there tickets are genuine and will be delivered promptly.

Q. How to ensure the discounted theatre tickets I buy are real?

A. For peace of mind book with theatrebookings as we are a member of S.T.A.R. and an official ticket agent. This also means the special offers we have are normally exclusive deals with shows and won’t be found elsewhere. S.T.A.R certification means we follow all consumer laws and will provide clear guidance and instruction in buying tickets.

Q. Who are official theatre ticket agents?

A. Theatre Bookings and our partners Leicester Square Box Office is an official ticket agent to buy theatre tickets. We are a member of S.T.A.R which is a ticket selling regulating service. That means you can trust us when buying tickets in London. Not only are we an accredited member but we are also a co-founding member of this regulatory body.

Book discounted West End tickets easily and securely with theatre bookings at our website or our box office in Leicester Square!

Give it up for our new Lady of the Underground! Nicola Roberts is Persephone from the 18th of September.

It’s just been announced that Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud will be returning to the stage as Persephone in Hadestown in the West End.

Moreover Roberts will be returning to the stage after 5 years after her West End debut at the Garrick Theatre “City of Angels”. She further commented on her new role, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown in London. This show is a true masterpiece, and I am honoured to be a part of such a talented and inspiring team. The role of Persephone has such depth and complexity, she feels light and sorrow, joy and darkness. Her songs are rich with emotion and an absolute joy to sing. And I’m excited to explore every facet of her character on stage. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to share this journey with audiences in London. Let’s take a trip to the underworld together!”

The Show

Hadestown was written by Anais Mitchell as a musical concept album. Based on the Ancient Greek Myths of Hades and Persephone and additionally Orpheus and Eruydice. The musical went on to win the Tony for Best new musical. And has been playing successfully on Broadway since 2020. Having recently celebrated 2000 performances. The show premiered it’s final version in the West End February last year and has been very positively received. The role of Persephone was originated by Gloria Ontiri in the West End and has since been played by Rachel Tucker and currently Victoria Hamilton-Barrett.

Book your tickets in advance to catch Nicola Roberts as Persephone in Hadestown! She is scheduled from the 18th of September to the 18th of January but no further so make sure to book while you can!