Top new musicals to see in the UK

There will always be another op'nin', another show…here are some exciting musicals never seen professionally in the UK!

Tammy Faye

James Graham, Elton John and Jake Shears tackle the iconic evangelical preacher in this new musical, which will run in north London for a premiere season. The cast is really quite something – Andrew Rannells, Katie Brayben and Zubin Varla. Find out more here. Almeida, runs to 3 December

42 Balloons

We love it when a new musical pops up in the West End, and Jack Godfrey's musical, based on the true story of a man wanting to reach for the skies (from a lawn chair) might be the next big thing. You'll have to check out its West End performances next month! Vaudeville Theatre from 14 November.

Saving Grace

It's not that easy, growing green – as the film Saving Grace proved. Now it's set for the stage, with KT Tunstall and April de Angelis on writing duties. Riverside Studios, from 22 November.

Newsies

Though the ArtsEd production was hailed as a brilliant ushering in of new talent, the official UK premiere of the show is now on its way – and it's coming in the round! So with flying news boys, top notch choreography (from Matt Cole) and a malleable space that will surely hold a few surprises…. there're so many reasons to seize tickets (on sale now). Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 29 November.

Mandela

A bio-musical based on one of the most significant men in the last couple of centuries has certainly got us excited. With a book by Laiona Michelle, music and lyrics by Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky, the show recently announced some top-notch casting – Broadway Hamilton star Michael Luwoye will play the title role of Nelson Mandela, with Danielle Fiamanya (currently understudy Elsa in Frozen) as Winnie Mandela. Young Vic, from 29 November to 4 February 2023.

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

There are few things that would get us excited about another staging of A Christmas Carol, and Dolly Parton's creative presence is one of them. Though the singer isn't appearing in the show, she's lending her endless talents to creating what is surely going to be a festive treat. Southbank Centre, from 8 December 2022 to 8 January 2023.

Claus The Musical

Is it too early to start talking about next Christmas? You bet your festive baubles it's not! The Lowry in Salford has big plans for 2022 with a world premiere up its sleeves. Claus the Musical is adapted by Simon Warne from the 1902 book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L Frank Baum (also responsible for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, of course). The show features music and lyrics by Andy Collyer, direction by Kate Golledge and lashings of ho-ho-holiday spirit.
The Lowry, from 14 December 2022

Sylvia

It had a workshop run back in 2018 but Sylvia is now getting the full stage treatment! The show, led by Beverley Knight, explores the endeavours of the Pankhurst family as they campaign for the right to vote amongst women. The Old Vic, from 27 January 2023

Ain't Too Proud

Another Tony Award-winning musical primed to land in the UK, expect some choreography wonder with Ain't Too Proud, based on the chart-topping career of The Temptations. You'll leave humming tunes all the way to Leicester Square tube station and beyond. Prince Edward Theatre, from 31 March 2023

Winnie the Pooh

An off-Broadway fan favourite, Pooh bear and his plethora of puppeteer-ed pals are coming to the UK for a musical outing like no other. Dates and venues are being announced a few at a time, so be sure to check venues near you. UK premiere in 2023

The Spongebob Musical

The tour has been revealed piece by piece over the last few weeks but the Broadway hit is finally coming to the UK. Featuring a fab score and some iconic animated characters on stage, this is likely to delight children of all ages. UK premiere tour in 2023

Next to Normal

The theatre community celebrated en masse when it was revealed that the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical is finally coming to the UK as part of the Donmar Warehouse's season plans. Now who do you want to see cast? Donmar Warehouse, from 12 August 2023

Jagged Little Pill

The Tony Award-winning hit closed rather unceremoniously on Broadway in December 2021, but it's said to be blitzing its way into the West End! Alanis Morrissette's unforgettable tunes are the foundation for the narrative, penned by Diablo Cody (Tully). Announced for winter 2022, updates to follow

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