Features

5 long-running West End shows that are closing soon

This might be your last chance to see these shows

Alex Wood
London
Kinky Boots, 42nd Street, Motown, Bat Out of Hell and Dreamgirls
Kinky Boots, 42nd Street, Motown, Bat Out of Hell and Dreamgirls

Remember that West End show that you've been dying to see but never found the time? Well you better start searching because for these five shows time is very much running out! Here's a list of five long-running West End shows packing up their bags soon. While it's still 10 months off, Aladdin has also announced its closing date to make way for Mary Poppins – so worth keeping that on the radar!

5. Bat Out of Hell

Bat Out of Hell
Bat Out of Hell
© Specular

When the night is over, like a bat out of hell it'll be gone, gone, gone! After a sell-out run at London's Coliseum and a raging return at the Dominion, Jim Steinman's show is on its way out of the West End in January. Dominion Theatre, until 5 January 2019

4. Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls
© DeWynters

And we are telling you, it's going! Dreamgirls is on its way out of the West End after originally opening in 2016. Picking up five WhatsOnStage Award nominations in 2017 (winning one for Amber Riley) the show vacates the Savoy Theatre in time for 9 to 5. Though there may be a UK tour on the cards soon… Savoy Theatre, until 12 January 2019

3. 42nd Street

42nd Street
42nd Street
© Brinkhoff Moegenburg

It'll be tapping its way out of the West End after first opening back in 2017! With enough sequins and dance number to make any cynic fall in love with the world of Broadway, this is a show that'll have you humming its tunes for weeks on end. Bon voyage! Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, until 5 January 2019

2. Motown

l-r Anna Van Ruiten, Natalie Kassanga (Diana Ross) and Cherelle Williams (The Supremes) - Motown the Musical
l-r Anna Van Ruiten, Natalie Kassanga (Diana Ross) and Cherelle Williams (The Supremes) – Motown the Musical
©Tristram Kenton

Berry Gordy's classic cavalcade of chart-topping hits and story of the founding of Motown Records has been making audiences dance in the streets since it first premiered in March 2016. It has just embarked on a UK tour too, so while it'll be sad to see the show go, at least there'll be some Motown on our shores! Shaftesbury Theatre, until 20 April 2019

1. Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots
© Matt Crockett

Kinky Boots has also just kicked off its first ever UK tour, with the show first debuting in the West End back in September 2015. The riotous Olivier Award-winning Broadway import is a love-letter to teamwork and kinship, and it's been a valuable part of the West End scene for many years. Adelphi Theatre, until 12 January 2019