It’s the royal reunion we’ve all been waiting for!! The Six Queens reunite for the first time this year.
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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!
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.
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!
The brand new play by playwright Liz Duffy Adams directed by Daniel Evans, Born with Teeth opens last night at the Wyndham Theatre. The show will be in the West End for 11 weeks only. Here are some of the rehearsal pictures. As official production shots likely won’t be out until the official opening night on September 2nd.
The Play was written by Liz Duffy Adams and is based on the idea of William Shakespere and Christopher Marlowe collaborating on the history plays of Henry VI. Both literary icons this play is a explosive duel between the two full of witiness, word and power play. Ncuti Gatwa stars as Kit Marlowe and Edward Bluemel is Will Shakespere. Bluemel is known for his work in Killing Eve and made his West End debut back in 2017. This will be Gatwa’s West End debut and he is most know for playing the fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. They have worked together before on the Netflix comedy show Sex Education.
Born with Teeth opens with a huge standing ovation and word of mouth has been very positive with many people praising the performances. Alongside the dynamic and smart book.
Book to see Born With Teeth at the Wyndham Theatre playing until 1st November 2025.
The new stars of Cabaret have been announced and we couldn’t be more excited! Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada will be gracing the London stages once more. This time as the Emcee and Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. After we already saw them for a month earlier this year as the OBC of Hadestown took over the Lyric Theatre.
Eva having just finished her run as Sally Bowles in the Broadway production. Shared a teaser video on Sunday before the official announcement came out. Stating she was not ready to leave yet and if she could bring a special guest. Fans immediately suspected it to be Reeve. As the two have starred in the same show before and recently got engaged in London.
This revival of Cabaret started in 2029 starring Eddie Redmayne and has since proven extremely successful recently hitting 2000 performances worldwide. The structure of the casting has always centered the two main stars which Hannah Dodd and Rob Madge currently in the role. Other stars who have stepped on stage in these roles include Billy Porter, Marisha Wallace, Cara Delevinge and Adam Lambert. This will be Reeve’s debut as the Emcee and Eva is repising her role which gained widespread praise.
The new stars of Cabaret is scheduled to start on September 22nd and conclude their run January 24th. Please note they will not be performing October 22nd to November 5th.
In light of so many show closures and new openings. I thought this would be an interesting time to look back at some of the true long runners of the industry and how they have stayed so popular in such a competitive environment. This list will also show the true history of the West End as the theatre hub officially started with Theatre Royal Drury Lane opening all the way back in 1663. During this time the West End has grown to 39 theatres from massive playhouses like the Apollo Victoria with a capacity of over 2000 to small intimate venues like the Arts theatre with only a 350 capacity. There has been countless shows playing at a near constant turnaround but these are the 6 shows that are the longest-running west end shows.
The Mousetrap – 73 years
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie is the longest running show in the entire world. Starting all the way back in 1952 the show has become a bit of a legend. And many tourists and locals flock to it daily to see how this murder mystery secret has been kept for all these years. Based on the classic Agatha Christie novel the Mousetrap tells the story of this unlikely group of characters. Who become trapped in a hotel during a snow storm before one mysteriously turns up dead. We then follow along the investigation and the audience is kept guessing over whodunit. The play also famously ends with the cast telling the audience to help them keep the secret.
Tickets for the show are always very hot but everyday they release cheap front row seats in the stalls. Visit us at our ticket booth in Leicester square for £27 seats on the day.
Les Miserable – 30 years
Les Miserable is the longest running musical in the world playing now in the West End for 30 years. The show has played over 15,000 performances. It is now celebrating it’s 30th anniversary with a special cast from alumni of the show. The musical follows Jean Valjean, a french peasant, who is released on parole after 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. Over decades we follow him on his new life searching for redemption as the revolutionary period in France commences. The musical is the most awarded show in the world with some of the most famous songs being “I dreamed a dream”, “Do you hear the people sing” and “At the end of the day”.
The Phantom of the Opera – 29 years
The Phantom of the Opera is the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about the tragic story of Christine Daae, who becomes the obsession of the mysterious musical genius. Who live below the Paris Opera House, The Phantom. The show has been seen by 20 million people an is praised for it’s grandeur and simplicity. It also tackles the classic themes of love and obession, which means it connects well with international audiences as well. The show includes the iconic titular song “The Phantom of the Opera” and other classics like “Music of the Night” and “All I Ask of You”.
Mamma Mia – 26 years
Mamma Mia is the first and only jukebox musical on this list composed by Catherine Johnson. And based on the songs by ABBA the Swedish group. The musical is named after the 1975 chart topper “Mamma Mia! and the original band members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were involved in the entire process. The musical features all of Abba’s greatest hits like “Super trouper”, “Dancing Queen”, “Knowing me, Knowing you” and “Voulez-Vous”. It has also been adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried in 2008. The story follows Sophie who is looking for her real father to attend her wedding. Guaranteed to be a fun night filled with joyous songs the show has drawn over 70 million people worldwide.
The Lion King – 26 years
The Lion King is the most successful Disney musical based on original animated film. The show debuted 1997 three years after the film and was an instant success. It feature actors in animal costumes as well as giant hollow puppets. The show won many awards including best musical at the Tony’s but also won Best Costume across the board. For it’s revolutionary use of puppets and animal costumes. The show blends a beloved story with captivating visuals and universally loved music to create a show that has been simultaneously running in the West End and Broadway for over 20 years. It is also the first show on the list to delight audiences across the ocean for this long. As it’s still playing after Phantom, Mamma Mia and Les Mis closed on Broadway.
Wicked – 19 years
Wicked has been running for 18 years at the Apollo Victoria theatre in London and shows no sign of lowing down after the film came out last year to massive commercial success and praise from critics. The musical is loosely based on the book by Gregory Maguire. It tells the unheard story of the Wicked Witch of the West from the classic story The Wizard of Oz. The show has been seen by over 12 million people in London alone. And has won awards all over the world including three tony’s and a Grammy for Best Musical Album. The film Wicked: For Good adapts the second half of the stage show and is due to be released this November.
Honorable Mention: Starlight Express – 18 + 1 years
Starlight Express is an honorable mention for this list as the revival currently playing isn’t the same production as the one that ran for 18 years but it is notable as one of the few cases of a long runner closing and then coming back. Starlight Express is another Andrew Lloyd Webber show and is about a child’s train-set coming to life in his dreams and competing to become the fastest engine in the world. Playing in the specially built Troubadour Theatre the show famously has all the actors on rollerskates. The theatre is split into Platforms, carriages and the locomotive for a immersive experience.
Book in advance with theatrebookings for great prices to these shows!
The Producers, by Mel Brooks, full cast has now been announced. The show is to begin previews at the Garrick Theatre on the 30th of August after Mrs Warren’s Professions closes on the 15th. With the official opening on the 15th of September. But we now have the full cast list and a bit more information about this West End transfer.
The Producers is based on the cult film by Mel Brooks. Which was his first film to win the academy award for Best original Screenplay. Overall the story follows two producers who down-on-their-luck decide to create the biggest flop in theatre history. Hilarity will ensue however, when ironically the show is beloved by the audience and opens to thunderous applause. Packed with Mel Brooks signature humor the Producers guarantees to be a hilarious night out.
After announcing the principal cast in March. With most actors from the London transfer reprising their roles for the West End run. This includes Andy Nyman as Max Bialystock, Marc Antolin as Leo Bloom, Trevor Ashley as Roger de Bris. Raj Ghatak as Carmen Ghia, Harry Morrison as Franz Liebkind and Joanna Woodward as Ulla.
The cast is completed by Alex Lodge, Kelsei-Rae Marshall, Megan Armstrong, Olly Christopher, Gabrielle Cocca. Nolan Edwards, Michael Franks, Matt Gillett. Esme Kennedy, Sinead Kenny, Josh Kiernan , Kate Parr, Emma Robotham-Hunt, Pierce Rogan, Hollie Jane Stephens, Jermaine Woods and Ryan Pidgen. Furthermore Ryan Pidgen will be Max’s standby and Matt Gillett is the Resident Director. Additionally with Gabrielle Cocca and Josh Kiernan as Dance Captain and Vice respectively.
Book tickets in advance to see The Producers at the Garrick theatre now! The midweek performances usually have the best availability.
The musical phenomenon Six is being re-released in cinemas in August following the original run in April of this year. The proshot was filmed back in 2022 and featured the original six queens from the Edinburgh fringe production. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the release and it was first shown in cinemas this year. After a successful run they’ve announced that Six the musical movie will be heading back to cinemas for a final time this August.
The film stars Jarnia Richard Noel as Catherine of Aragon, Millie O’Connell as Anne Boleyn, Natalie Paris as Jane Seymour, Alexia McIntosh as Anne of Cleeves, Aimie Atkinson as Katherine Howard and Maiya Ouansah-Breed as Catherine Parr. The show was written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss and continues to run in the West End and Broadway. Alongside multiple tours all over the world. In total it’s attracted over 3.5 million viewers globally since its debut in 2017. Currently playing at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End it’s often one of the hardest tickets to find. Due to the smaller venue and immense popularity. If you’re looking for last minute Six tickets. Pay our booth in Leicester square a visit as we often get exclusive returns on the weekends.
Film Record
The film official titles Six the Musical Live! broke box office records for the highest opening fay figure for a musical ever. It also played on the widest screen count in the UK for an event cinema release. It has also become the third highest gross for an event cinema release ever. The film starts with the history of the musical before the pro shot itself. Make sure to check out local cinemas for dates and time. The last date will be the 25th of August.
Book tickets in advance to see SIX live at the Vaudeville Theatre! Or come visit us at Leicester Square Box Office for last minute tickets to this magnificent show!
