Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re stuck for gift ideas why not go the tried and tested route of gifting a west end show? London’s West End is a surefire way to treat your dad to an unforgettable night at the theatre.

I’ve gathered a list of some of the best shows that will be sure to delight audiences of almost all ages and most of these play on a Sunday matinee as well so you can treat him on actual fathers day. The shows have been grouped by what is the most important things for you and him. Is it the jokes, the songs or the spectacle? Luckily we have it all!

For the humor

The Comedy of Spies – Noel Coward Theatre

Chances are if either of you are into theatre you would have already seen mischief’s biggest hit the play that goes wrong. They’ve been around for 10 years now in the west end. If you want to catch the most long-running comedy in London you can find them at the Duchess Theatre. Their newest show though is on a strictly limited run until the 5 September and it’s very different to their goes wrong show as the play does go completely right yet still full of the farcical and absurdist humor Mischief are known for.

The Book of Mormon – Prince of Wales Theatre

If you would prefer to see a musical but one that’s just as funny. The Book of Mormon is really the only choice. If your dad is a fan of south park this will be perfect as it was written by the same creators. And it has it all, shocking jokes, spectacular music numbers and a healthy does of controversy. Although this might be better if you’re a bit older as it does have a age recommendation of 16+.

For the Songs

MJ the musical – Prince Edward Theatre

This was the show I gifted my dad last year and it was one of the most memorable nights. I think anyone who was alive for Michael Jackson’s heyday would remember the iconic songs and dance he created. And this show really does all the dance and music justice. With gorgeous set pieces for iconic songs like Thriller and Billie Jean. It is an uplifting informative story which continues to be very popular especially with the recent cast change.

Just for one day – Shaftesbury Theatre

It’s been 40 years since the live aid musical and there has never been another quite like it. To see the world untie for a good cause. And so many rock icons agree to come together for a charity concert is a true feat. It tells the story of Bob Geldof and how he got people to come together and create the fundraiser for the famine in Ethiopia. The show features songs from all the artists that performed at Live Aid. Such as David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Bob Dyland, Queen and more. Whether your dad remembers the event or simply loves the music from these artists, Just for One Day will be a great gift

TINA – Aldywch Theatre

The final jukebox I have on the list is Tina: The Tina Turner musical. This show tells the story of her life and using her greatest hits such as What’s Love got to do with it and The Best. It is a joyous uplifting celebration of her life. For fans of Tina this is the best way to honor her legacy while have a full party to her best songs. The show has also announced it will be closing in September. So if it’s on the list why not go for father’s day to ensure you don’t miss it.

For the Spectacle

The Lion King – The Lyceum Theatre

One the whole family can enjoy The Lion King performs a matinee on Father’s day which will be the perfect time. The Lion King has been one of the most popular musicals in the world. The grand sets, intricate puppetry and creative costumes bring the story to life. The story of Simba’s journey to reclaim his throne from his uncle Scar has been playing now for 25 years.

My Master Builder – Wyndham’s Theatre

Celebrities in the West End have become more common this year than ever before. With Imelda Staunton leading Mrs Warrens Profession, Martin Freeman in the Fifth Step. But the biggest buzz was on Ewan McGregor finally returning to the west end after 17 years. The star wars star is leading the Ibsen play My Master Builder alongside Elizabeth Debicki and Kate Fleetwood. The play is a gripping drama about love loyalty and betrayal. Although not a conventional fun and humorous pick the excitement of seeing McGregor live on stage again after so long would make this an unforgettable experience.

Back to the Future – Adelphi Theatre

And finally one more 80’s classic, Back to the Future the musical is a faithful adaptation of the beloved sci-fi film. With a all new original score and some of the most ambitious and impressive special effects in London. You would seldom find anyone who leaves this theatre that isn’t blown away by the production. The show tells the story of Marty Mcfly and his eccentric friend Doc whose just discovered the miracles of time travel. Shenanigans ensue when Marty has to help his parents fall in love. While also trying to get back to the present. Full of humor and dance this is a great father’s day gift idea and one we have truly fly exclusive discounts on!

I hope this father’s day gift ideas theatre gift guide has been useful and helped you decide what to do for Father’s day this year! To book cheap tickets head to theatrebookings now!

The best way to relive a musical you saw and loved is with an official cast recording. And if it’s with the cast you’ve just seen it can be even more magical. Sadly cast recordings are expensive to produce for shows that have limited runs and long-running shows will seldom make new ones. However with another announcement of a new cast recording fans have been clamoring for. I’ve rounded up some of the most exciting cast recordings from the West End in the last year.

Next to Normal

Next To Normal was only in the West end for 3 months yet has had a huge lasting effect on audiences and the industry. The pro-shot was recently released on PBS in America and has sparked a huge wave of love for this production. Subsequently it was announced that the official West End cast recording will be out May 30th 2025. It will star Caissie Levy in the lead role of Diane, Jack Wolfe as Gabe, Jamie Parker as Dan, Eleanor Worthington-cox as Natalie, Trevor Dion Nicholas as Dr and Jack as Henry

Next to Normal was first played in Broadway back in 2009 led By Alice Ripley and had a remastered cast recording put out last year. However due to the changes to the script, staging and casting a cast recording was very much in demand. As the new cast had a very different take on the characters and therefore the songs. For example Aaron Tveit played Gabe as a vengeful spirit intent on causing havoc in his families lives. Whereas Jack Wolfe’s take was more of a lost golden boy who just wanted his families love and acknowledgment. This greatly influenced how many of the songs sounded and now more people will be able to enjoy this new take.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Following their well-deserved Olivier Win for Best New Musical, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button got a full cast recording. The album recorded live at the Ambassadors Theatre. Darren Clark said they wanted to have a live recording there “surrounded by old storm lanterns and weathered harbourside timbers, with everyone playing and singing together”. Therefore they could capture the feeling that making music together brings. This seems to be a common sentiment regarding live albums as it’s the closest you can come to to preserving the energy of a live show.

The recording features all original West End cast members starring John Dagleish as Benjamin Button and Clare Foster as ELowen Keene.

Just For One Day

Another hugely anticipated release is the Just For One Day cast recording set to release on the 11 July 2025. The Live Aid musical recently transferred to the West End following a successful run at the Old Vic. Before the West End run started they hosted a special press event at Wembley Stadium. Jo Whiley then revealed the original cast recording is on it’s way. This jukevox musical features songs from David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Elton John and Queen to name a few. This is exciting news as the msucial remixed and created fun medleys which made even old classics feel new and different.

The original cast includes Julie Atherton, Ashley Campbell, Jackie Clune, James Hameed, Naomi Katiyo, Hope Kenna, Emily Ooi, Rhys Wilkinson, Jason Battersby, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Olly Dobson, Kerry Enright, Jo Foster, Collette Guitart, Eddie Mann, AJ Lewis, Rachel Moran, Jack Shalloo etc.

Hadestown

A recent drop was the Hadestown Cast recording featuring Live From London on Dec 6th 2024. This was announced back in August 2024 when Donal Finn and Grace Hodgett-Young had their final show. Turns out the final show was what was recorded for this Live Album. Hadestown has already had a few cast albums which is quite rare for a successful show. But with the nature of the show and how each iteration there are tweaks to the lyrics and nuances it makes sense to have each stage memorialized.

The West Cast production was also hugely praised for encouraging actors to use their own accents in the role. With the particularly striking Trinidadian Hermes played expertly by Melanie La Barrie who won a Whatsonstage award for the role. This direction means every cast change and swing performance changes the show in ways you cant expect. This adds to the re-watchability of Hadestown as fans go see them “sing it again.” Fans were disappointed when it was announced to only be a highlights album. Notable numbers missed were Flowers, Our Lady of the Underground and Doubt Comes In. Hopefully given the whole show was recorded there is a chance for a extended version in the future! In the meantime book your tickets here to watch the amazing new 2025 cast in action.

Starlight Express

A final honorable mention of a newish cast recording is the starlight express cast album that dropped November 8th 2024. This Andrew Lloyd Webber classic is about a child’s train set that comes to life. They then competes to see who can become the fastest engine in the world. The show is infamously performed on roller skates in the Wembley Troubadour theatre. The cast album also featured Hydrogen, the new track added to this revival. Andrew Lloyd Webber said in a statement: “Starlight Express’ return to London has been an absolute joy for me. I knew immediately that we needed a cast album to capture this brilliant show.”

Book now on theatrebookings to see these shows in person before reliving the magic with their official cast recording!

We’re almost halfway through the year and it’s been an exciting year of theatre so far in London’s West End. Over 5 brand new shows have opened and 11 have closed. I thought I would take this opportunity to reminisce and round – up the best west end shows we were saddest to see go and the ones we’re excited are staying.

Olivier Award Winners

Firstly it would be unwise to not mention the Olivier’s that took place a month ago. Best new musical winner, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, saw a huge boost in popularity beyond it’s already dedicated fan base. A home-grown British triumph which extended their run earlier this year and is now booking until August 30th. Alongside this musical, the play that got the most love was Mark Rosenblatt’s Giant starring John Lithgow as Roald Dahl. With Lithgow’s performance being a standout and securing him the Best Actor Award. The show transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre in April and is playing until the 2nd of August.

Shows closing soon

Some surprising closes this year starts with the shocking announcement that Tina will be ending in September after 7 years. Despite long running success and when it’s run ends it will be the longest show to stay at the Aldwych Theatre. Many people are eagerly awaiting the news of what will be taking up home in the Aldwych instead. It’s not all sad news though as it will be heading off on tour next year. In the meantime, don’t miss your chance to see this uplifting show this summer!

Alongside this, Mean Girls which was even more successful here than on it’s previous Broadway run announced a closing date of 8th June. Despite attracting an audience of 350,000 and garnering an Olivier nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Tom Xander as Damien. This is potentially to make way for the Burlesque Musical and subsequently Paddington the Musical, the Savoy is a very sought after theatre. The musical still has a huge life ahead as a tour in 2026 has already been announced. Make sure you sit with them before then with our exclusively discounted tickets!

New Plays

It’s been the year for plays it seem as a litany of new thought-provoking plays landed. A personal favorite, Kyoto that tackles the key issue of climate change in a human and nuanced way. A newly opened exciting piece is My Master Builder currently on at the Wyndhams Theatre. Starring Ewan McGregor as a genius architect, this spin on Ibsen classic is where you want to be for an exciting night of drama. Set on the eve of July 4th whilst Elena throws a party for her husband Henry Solness. Unbeknownst to him she has also invited Mathilde a former student of Henry’s with who he had a short affair. McGregor’s co-leads are Kate Fleetwood and Elizabeth Debicki. Fleetwood in particular brings a level of passion and real pain to Elena that steals any scene she’s in.

New Musicals

The musicals are not far behind. Just For One Day also recently opened following a successful run at The Old Vic. The Live Aid Musical have just started previews with a special gala performance on the 13th July to honor the 40th anniversary. It is already booking till Jan 2026 and will hopefully be appearing on some best west end shows lists. The latter half of the year is when more musicals will start appearing like The Producers and Disney’s Hercules.

Frozen’s closing last year was a huge loss but soon the West End will have two Disney musicals again with Hercules attracting a new audience at the Drury Lane theater and The Lion King still going strong at the Lyceum after 26 years. With the popularity of all Disney properties it’s always wise to book in advance to ensure the best seats for great prices.

Shows on their way to be classics

It can sometimes feel like theres two categories of shows that get the most attention. The long running classics like Les Miserables or Hamilton and the new shows that have just opened. But not enough attention to the best West End shows that have been successfully delighting audiences for years but haven’t yet become a classic.

Hadestown transferred to the West End in feb 2024 from Broadway and it going strong at the Lyric Theatre. When the original Broadway cast was announced, every ticket for that month sold in just a few hours. And now, with their new cast they are selling well. It will hopefully be a staple on Shaftesbury Avenue for years to come. Back to the Future, although closing on broadway a few months ago, has been going strong at the Adelphi for almost 4 years now. This Tony-winnning musical promises a fun night out with the most outstanding stage production currently found on the West End.

Transfers from Broadway seems to be the trend as MJ the Musical is booking until march 2026 already. Although Tony-award winner Myles Frost has left, the titular role Jamaal Fields-Green replaced him and is garnering positive reviews for his nuanced portrayal of MJ‘s vulnerability and artistry.

Six

Some could argue Six is already a classic having now run at the Vaudeville Theatre since it first opened in July 2019. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s hit debut has attracted a dedicated fan base and played successfully to audiences from New York to Sydney.

With talented swings and stunts such as the Japanese queens coming over for a week this is a musical you can watch again and again. The proshot with the original cast was released last month and has further incentivized people to watch this glamorous production. As the performers bring so much of themselves into the role it truly does feel new each time you go. The fact it sells out practiculary every night says it all. If you want last minute exclusive seats book with us here or in person on the day!

Book tickets for the shows mentioned above here!

For Cheap Theatre Tickets and more theatre news, head to Theatre Bookings today.

Burlesque which is transferring to the west end this July has announced it’s lead cast and creative team. Burlesque was a musical drama film from 2009 about a small town girl Ali Rose who moves to Los Angeles and after a series of unsuccessful auditions comes across a burlesque club. There she meets Tess the owner of the struggling Burlesque club.

The show was first seen on stage in Manchester and Glasgow last year written for the stage by Steve Antin. Antin was the director of the film the show is based on. With songs from Christina Aguilera (who played the main character Ali on screen) Sia and Diane Warren. Jess Folley and Todrick Hall also added additional songs.

Furthermore the transfer will star Jess Folley as Ali and Todrick Hall as Sean. The role of Tess will be played by Orfeh who will be making her much anticipated West End debut. Orfeh is a Broadway legend and was Tony-nominated for playing Paulette in the Legally Blonde musical.

Lastly joining the lead Burlesque cast is George Maguire as Vince, Paul Jacob Frendch as Jackson and Asha Parker Wallace as Nikki. The creative team have also been announced with Nate Bertone (set designer), Ben Harrison (Sound Designer), Chris Poon (musical Director) and Rory Beaton (lighting designer).

Don’t miss your chance to see this much anticipated West End transfer and book your cheap tickets here!

Playing at the London Palladium this summer, Evita has shared a first look with these new rehearsal photos. Furthermore, this new Jamie LLoyd directed revival stars Rachel Zegler (Snow White, Romeo & Juliet) in the titular role of Eva.

The production is playing a strictly limited run from the the 14th of June to the 6th of September. Meanwhile in the new rehearsal photos released we can see Zegler take her central role backed by an exciting supporting cast. Opposite Zegler is Diego Andres Rodriguez (Sunset Blvd) as Che and James Olivas (Kinky Boots, Encore!) as Juan Peron.

They will be joined by Aaron Lee Lambert (Hamilton, Sister Act) as Agustin Magaldi and Bella Brown (Hadestown, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends) as The Mistress. Bella Brown will also take on the role of alternate Eva performing as Eva on the following dates:

• 14th July
• 28th July
• 11th August
• 25th August

Lastly, the Ensemble of Evita includes Carl Au, Gabriela Benedetti, Shakara Brown, Damian Buhagiar, Kyeirah D’Marni, Sally Frith, DeAngelo Jones, Lucas Koch, Natasha Leaver, Michael Lin, Dianté Lodge, Louis Mackrodt, Mireia Mambo, Mia Mullarkey, Perry O’Dea, Alysha Sontae, Monica Swayne, Jon Tsouras and Harrison Wilde, with Myla Carmen, Barney Hudson, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs and Regan Bailey Walker as Swings. Auora Breslin, Lois Haidar, Siena Merilind-Wu and Ffion Rosalie Williams share the role of The Child.

Now that rehearsals are in full swing it’s time to get excited for Jamie Lloyd’s fresh new twist on this classic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical telling the story of Argentina’s first lady Eva Perón.

Book tickets for Evita here and for more theatre news check out our blog!

Wanting something fresh? We have created a listed of all the New Musicals currently in the West End. These shows have all opened within the last 6 months and are still currently playing. So, whether you’re a theatre novice or a theatre regular and want something fresh here’s the latest on what’s new in the West End.

Just For One Day – Opened Yesterday!

This is the newest musical in the West End as it’s first performance was yesterday. It previously ran off West End and was so popular, it has made a West End transfer to The Shaftesbury Theatre. The musical‘s also known as the Live Aid musical. This is the first of three new musicals in our blog today which are Jukebox musicals. It features songs from the iconic artists who performed at the historic event of Live Aid. This includes songs by David Bowie who’s song Just For One Day is the title of the New Musical. You can also expect hit songs by Bob Dylan, Elton John, and Bryan Adams. Not to mention Queen, The Police, Bryan Adams and Paul McCartney.

The story is set 40 years on from the event. A musical fundraiser which took place simultaneously in London and Phillidelphia. The event brought 1.5 billion people together to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia. Each of these people have a story to tell and this new musical does just that.

Who is Cast in Just For One Day?

Craige Els originated the role of Bob Geldof and is staying on for the West End transfer. Julie Atherton and Tim Mahendranare joining him in the cast as as Margaret Thatcher as Harvey Goldsmith respectively. Kelly Agbowu plays Marsha with Jason Battersby as David, Jordan Cambridge-Taylor as Stevie and Eloise Davies as Maria. Also cast is James Hameed as Khalil, Fayth Ifil as Jemma, Melissa Jacques as Suzanne, Hope Kenna as Young Suzanne and AJ Lewis as Kai. Freddie Love as Skye, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Amara, Jack Michael Stacey as Tim, Emily Ooi as Ellie and Ashley Samuels as Jim. Lastly Jake Small plays John Kennedy; Tamara Tare as Alicia and George Ure as Midge Ure (no relation).

The swings are Sadie-Jean Shirley, Kerry Enright, Evan Fox Harrison, Esme Laudat, Eddie Mann, Jaye Marshall, Lukin Simmonds and Dyd Wynford.

The show has the express permission and support of Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Charitable Trust. In fact, 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to the charity, in keeping with the spirit of the original event.

Just For One Day opens tonight at The Shaftesbury Theatre and is booking until 10th January 2026.

Book New Musicals Ahead of Time To Save Money!

The Great Gatsby Musical – Opened on 11th April

This is one of the new musicals which has transferred over from Broadway. The show opened just one month ago at The London Coliseum. The Great Gastby Musical has original music and lyrics by Jason Howland (Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (Amelie) with a book by Kait Kerrigan. The musical is based on the classic F.Scott Fitzgerald novel of the same name.

Told through the narrator Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby tells the story of Jay Gatsby. An elegant and wealthy man in the roaring 20s in prohibition America. It follows Gatsby’s glamorous life and tragic love story. Carraway becomes lightly involved in Gatsby’s life and is an observer to the events that unfold.

The star studded cast features Corbin Blue from Disney’s High School Musical and Love Island’s Amber Davies as Jordan.

Also starring in this glitzy show is Jamie Muscato (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Jay Gatsby, and Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie & Clyde The Musical) as Daisy Buchanan. Joel Montague (Hamilton) plays George Wilson with John Owen-Jones (Les Misérables) as Meyer Wolfsheim, Jon Robyns (Phantom of the Opera) as Tom Buchanan and Rachel Tucker (Wicked) as Myrtle Wilson.

Furthermore the remaining cast are George Crawford (Waitress), Jordan Crouch (Anything Goes), Kiara Dario (Miss Saigon), Frances Dee (Matilda), Aimée Fisher (Waitress), Tom Andrew Hargreaves (Pretty Woman), Alyn Hawke (Come From Away), Ediz Mahmut (Hadestown), Jamel Matthias (Why Am I So Single?), Nevé McGuiness-Dyce (Starlight Express), Rose Ouellette (The Wizard of Oz), Sophie Pourret (Guys and Dolls), William Richardson (Les Misérables) and Lily Wang (Burlesque) as ensemble. As well as swings Liv Alexander (Cabaret), Taylor Alman (Greatest Days), Lauren Hampton (Mamma Mia!), Jared Irving (Aladdin), Samuel John-Humphreys (Sister Act) and Millie Mayhew (Wicked).

The Great Gatsby is playing at The London Coliseum for a limited run until 7th September 2025.

The Choir of Man – Opened on 12th March

This musical may be one of the new musicals in the West End time-wise, but it has in fact already been on the West End! The show was closed for a while whilst the Arts Theatre underwent some renovations. The show is now back! With a fresh new cast, it has had rave reviews since its reopening back in March.

The show is great if you love a pub as the show is set in one. In this pub, a wildly talented group of instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and sensational singers come together. The show is an uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome. Also, the show runs for an hour and a half with no interval so is great if you’re trying out musical theatre for the first time.

The Choir Of Man is one of the new musicals, which is a jukebox musical. However, what makes this show really interesting is the fact that the actors also play instruments live on stage. It is overflowing with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Adele, Guns & Roses,Katy Perry and many more!

The cast includes Jason Brock (Thriller Live) as The Romantic, Benji Lord (Dreamboats and Petticoats) as the Joker, David Booth (The Threepenny Opera) as The Bore, Paul McArthur (Tracks) as The Poet, Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away) as The Barman. The swings as Alex Mallalieu (As You Like It) and Toby Francis (High Fidelity).

The returning cast members are Rob Godfrey (The Choir of Man – Sydney Opera House) as The Beast, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, international productions) as The Maestro, and George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as The Handyman alongside Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You) as The Hardman. Lastly, David Shute and Tom Carter-Miles have also returned as swings.

You can see which New Musicals were nominated for Olivier Awards here.

Clueless – Opened 15th February

The show has been a hit since it opened just after Valentine’s day. It follows Cher, a Californian fashionista who is at the top of her social circle. She often does good deeds to prove she is a good person. When new student joins, Cher decides to take her under her wing and make her the new, most popular girl in school. Her ex-stepbrother Josh faces her with the question of is she matchmaking or meddling? This show is based on the hit 90s film of the same name. It is one of the many new musicals currently in the west end which is based on a film.

The musical adaptation is written by Amy Heckerling who is in fact the films original writer and director. The musical has new songs written by pop star KT Tunstall. She has encapsulated the 90s vibe of the show with the songs she has written for the adaptation.

The cast includes Emma Flynn (Beautiful) as Cher and Keelan McAuley (Grease) as Josh. Also starring in the show are Chyna-Rose Frederick as Dionne, Romona Lewis-Malley as Tai, Isaac J Lewis as Christian, Rabi Kondé as Murray, Blake Jordan as Travis and Max Mirza as Elton.

Emily Florence plays Amber whilst Ryan O’Donnell and Imelda Warren-Green play multiple featured roles.

The full ensemble features Sophie Elmes, Jacob Fisher, Aoife Kenny, Josh Latunji, James Lim, Ernest Stroud and Grace Eleanor Thomas. Lastly, the swings are Dylan Gordon-Jones, Lucas Lluna, Lucy Rice and Rachel Seirian.

Audiences are loving this new musical so much that is has recently extended into March 2026. Clueless is currently playing at The Trafalgar Theatre.

Book New Musicals and discounted tickets now with Theatre Bookings.

We’ve collated a handy list of West End Shows with Olivier Award Nominations for 2025. The Olivier Awards this year are celebrating their 40th Anniversary since they took Laurence Olivier’s name. For many performers, an Olivier is the highest theatrical honour you could ever receive. This years awards are hosted by two highly acclaimed performers of our time: Billy Porter and Beverely Knight! Billy Porter is currently in one of the biggest West End Shows at the moment, Cabaret. Beverely Knight, perhaps better known as a music artist has only recently stepped off stage from her lead role in Sister Act last year. In fact, Knight is the recipient of an Olivier Award herself back in 2023.

The curtain up for the awards is on 6th April at the Royal Albert Hall. Many of the shows nominated are still playing in London. Book tickets to one of these West End Shows and see for yourself what you think of the nominated shows.

Here’s The List of Nominated West End Shows

The Show With The Most Nominations

Giant – Play
The Harold Pinter Theatre now booking from 26th April – 2nd August 2025.

• Mark Rosenblatt – Best Play
• John Lithgow – Best Actor
• Elliot Levey – Best Actor in a Supporting Role
• Romola Garai – Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• Nicholas Hytner – Best Director

Giant is transferring to the Harold Pinter following its sold-out run at The Royal Court Theatre. John Lithgow (The Crown, Conclave) plays Roald Dahl who is dealing with a scandal some of his writing has caused. This provocative play is Mark Rosenblatt’s writing debut. Director Nicholas Hytner is no stranger to West End Shows, he has directed a countless amount and was actually the director of the beloved National Theatre for 12 years. Elliot Levey is a previous Olivier Award Winner for his role in Cabaret. This year he is nominated for a second time in the category of Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Romola Garai has also been nominated as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Interestingly, she has been nominated twice within the same category at this years awards.

West End Shows With 4 Nominations

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Years
• Oliver!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Musical
The Ambassadors Theatre now booking until 20th August 2025.

• Outstanding Musical Contribution – Darren Clark for music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements and Mark Aspinall for musical direction, music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements
• Clare Foster – Best Actress in a Musical
• John Dagliesh – Best Actor in a Musical
• Best New Musical

You may remember the Hollywood Blockbuster of the same name however this West End Show is based on the iconic short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The show is reimagined in a Cornish fishing village by award-winning writing team Jethro Compton and Darren Clark. Under the light of a full moon, something most curious occurs… Benjamin Button is born old. He is bound to the fate of growing younger each day. The show opened in October 2024 and due to its success, has recently announced an extension into August this year. John Dagliesh (Sunny Afternoon) has won this category before in 2014 and Clare Foster (Crazy For You) is also a previous Olivier Award Nominee.

The Years – Play
The Harold Pinter Theatre now booking until 19th April 2025.

• Best Play
• Thijs van Vuure – Best Sound Design
• Romola Garai – Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• Gina McKee – Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Based on Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s groundbreaking masterpiece and memoires, The Years is an unapologetic portrait of a woman shaped by her rapidly-changing world. Writer, mother, student, activist, wife, daughter, lover, grandmother… each vivid version of Annie is told through a series of snapshots. Weaving together memory and history, an ordinary life is marked by a changing body and a changing society. The Actresses in a Supporting Role take half the nominations in this category and it is Romola Garai’s second nomination in this category also.

Oliver! – Musical
The Gielgud Theatre, booking in the West End until 29th March 2026.

• Matthew Bourne – Best Theatre Choreography
• Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs – Best Lighting Design
• Best Musical Revival
• Simon Lipkin – Best Actor in a Musical

This classic musical written by Lionel Bart is based on Charles Dickens Novel, Oliver Twist. It follows orphaned Oliver in his fight for survival in Victorian London. The show stopping hits such as Consider Yourself and Food Glorious Food have been choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Matthew Bourne currently has the joint most amount of Olivier Awards, this year could see him take the lead! Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls) plays Fagin who takes Oliver in and teaches him the skills of pick-pocketing. This role sees him nominated for Best Actor in a Musical.

West End Shows with 3 Nominations

• MJ The Musical
• Starlight Express
• Titanique

MJ The Musical – Musical
The Prince Edward Theatre, currently booking in the West End until 26th March 2026.

• Best New Musical
• Myles Frost – Best Actor in a Musical
• Christopher Wheeldon – Best Theatre Choreography

This show is already Tony Award winning for its run on Broadway. In fact, winners Myles Frost and Christopher Wheeldon moved to the UK to open the London version of the show. I would consider this one of our best selling shows here at Theatre Bookings so it’s only natural that the show has been nominated for Best New Musical. The show follows Michael Jacksons life, particularly getting ready for the Dangerous World Tour. You can expect to hear some of his greatest hits in this musical.

Starlight Express
The Troubadour Theatre, Wembley Park, currently booking in the West End until 1st March 2026.

• Best Musical Revival
• Gabriella Slade – Best Costume Design
• Howard Hudson – Best Lighting Design

As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’. The show has reopened in the UK after being closed in the West End for 20 Years. A big draw for this show is the impresive visuals which has seen it nominated in two design categories at this year’s Olivier Awards. All of the performers are on rollerskates in the purpose built theatre, creating the speed and illusion of the performers themselves being trains.

Titanique – Musical
The Criterion Theatre, currently booking in the West End until 8th June 2025.

• Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play
• Layton Williams – Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
• Lauren Drew – Best Actress in a Musical

Titanique is a parody of the classic Titanic film. Celine Dion famously sings the theme tune to the film and who better to tell us the story of what happened that night other than… Celine Dion herself… played by Lauren Drew (Six). This musical is another jukebox musical featuring all Celine Dion songs. It has proved to be a laugh out loud hit earning it the nomination of Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play. To give you an idea of the style of the show, star Layton Williams (Cabaret) has achieved his first ever Olivier Nomination for his role of… The Iceberg!

The Show with 2 Nominations

Kyoto – Play
The Soho Place Theatre, now booking until 3rd May 2025.

• Jorge Bosch – Best Actor in a Supporting Role
• Best New Play

Kyoto is a new political thriller is now playing in London’s West End. Brought to you by the RSC fresh from a critically acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon, this timely show has secured itself two nominations this year.

Set at the Kyoto Conference Centre, 11 December 1997, the nations of the world are in deadlock. 11 hours have passed since the UN’s landmark climate conference should have ended. Time is running out and agreement feels a world away. The greatest obstacle: American oil lobbyist and master strategist, Don Pearlman. Jorge Bosch who has the nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Actor plays Raul Estrada-Oyuela, the Argentine chair of the Kyoto talks.

Finally, Shows With A Single Nomination

• Mean Girls
• The Devil Wears Prada

Mean Girls – Musical
The Savoy Theatre, currently booking in the West End until 8th June 2025.

• Tom Xander – Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Based on the hit Film by Tina Fey, Mean Girls has been a hit of a show. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist mom, but high school is a whole new level of savage. Cady befriends Damian and Janice and they devise a plan to take down the Mean Girls of the school: The Plastics. Tom Xander plays Damian and his comedic timing and powerful vocals have secured him a nomination at this years awards.

The Devil Wears Prada – Musical
The Dominion Theatre, currently booking in the West End until 3rd January 2026.

• Amy Di Bartolemeo – Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Another musical based on a blockbuster film, The Devil Wears Prada has been so successful it recently announced its extension all the way through to 2026! The show follows Andy an aspiring journalist who lands a job as a junior assistant to the Editor in Chief at a huge fashion magazine. She has a slight rivalry in this cut-throat world with Emily played by Amy Di Bartolomeo (SIX). This is the role that has Bartolomeo nominated at this years awards. In the film Emily never got to go to Paris and get the recognition she deserved. Who knows, maybe this award can get justice for Emily!

That’s the round-up for nominated West End Shows, book all your cheap West End Shows with us here at Theatre Bookings.

The West End production of Back to the Future extends its run until January 2026. The show is now booking all the way until 3 January 2026 at the Adelphi Theatre.

Back to the Future opened at the Adelphi Theatre in September 2021. The show is currently in its 4th year in London. This year it is also the 40th anniversary of the original film.

The London run has also announced a new lead star that will join the show next month. American actor Caden Brauch will be playing Marty McFly from 10 February 2025. He takes over from Vasco Emauz, the current Marty McFly, who leaves on 8 February.

The current West End cast includes Cory English as Doctor Emmett Brown, with Sarah Goggin as Lorraine Baines, Lee Ormsby as Strickland and alternate Doctor Emmett Brown, Orlando Gibbs as George McFly, Patricia Wilkins as Linda McFly, C.J. Borger as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry, Alex Runicles as Biff Tannen, Talia Palamathanan as Jennifer Parker, Ellis Kirk as alternate Marty McFly and Liam McHugh as Dave McFly.

Back to the Future has a book by Bob Gale, with original music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. The musical also features additional hits from the original film. This includes iconic songs like The Power of Love and

Book your Back to the Future tickets online via the Theatre Bookings website or at our box office in Leicester Square. Back to the Future is currently playing at the Adelphi Theatre and is now booking until 3 January 2026.

Keep up to date with all things London theatre with the Theatre Bookings Blog.

The new film adaptation of the popular stage musical Wicked has just made history. The film has become the highest grossing film adaptation of a stage musical of all time. It has overtaken the movie version of the West End show MAMMA MIA!

Wicked film makes history

The movie has already made approximately $634.4 million, with this figure still rising. The movie is now available to watch un the UK on Prime Video and Apple TV.

The Wicked film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Johnathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.

The film has also beaten out other popular movie musicals including The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia 2 and The Little Mermaid. Wicked Part Two comes out on 21 November 2025.

Wicked is currently playing on the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Book your Wicked tickets now online via the Theatre Bookings website or at our box office in Leicester Square.

Book your Wicked tickets with Theatre Bookings

Keep up to date with all things London theatre with the Theatre Bookings blog.

Wicked first opened in London in 2006 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and has remained a fan favourite ever since. In April this year, the show celebrated becoming the 10th longest-running show in West End history with its 6,762nd performance.

The musical acts as both a prequel and a sequel to the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz. It tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good.

Wicked is loosely based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire that was published in 1995. A book that was in turn based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and of course the 1939 film adaptation.

Wicked tickets are available now

The West End production of the musical came after the success of the Broadway production that opened in 2003, which won three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for the original cast album. The London production is brought together by the same team. However, the show has been tailored slightly for a British audience. The minor changes include the dialogue, choreography, some special effects, and the accent.

Wicked has been seen by over 12 million people in London and is already the 8th longest-running musical in West End history. The London production received five Olivier Award nominations. The show then went on the win the Olivier Audience Award for Most Popular Show in 2010.

Wicked is currently playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and plays performances Tuesday-Sunday. With evening performances at 7:30pm Tuesday-Saturday and matinees at 2.30pm Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book your Wicked tickets now online via the Theatre Bookings website or at our box office in Leicester Square.

The film is released tomorrow 22 November 2024 and stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. The second part will premiere on 21 November 2025.