New musicals confirmed for 2024

As we hurtle through 2024, it’s time to take a closer look at 20 new musicals coming our way over the coming months.

Every entry on our list is a show that has not previously been staged in the UK and still yet to open (a few excellent shows are currently in previews or running!) – whether it’s a world premiere production or a transfer from Broadway.

Let’s see then what new musical gems are in store…

Opening Night

Sheridan Smith returning to the London stage is always an event in itself, but for new musical Opening Night, Smith is teaming up with book writer and director Ivo van Hove (A Little Life) and songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The cast also includes the stellar line-up of Hadley Fraser, Shira Haas, Nicola Hughes, Amy Lennox and John Marquez. The production will undoubtedly transform John Cassavetes’ 1977 film about an alcoholic actress, who is concerned about aging and haunted by the ghost of one of her deceased fans, into a hot-ticket theatrical venture. Gielgud Theatre, from 6 March to 27 July

MJ The Musical

We were already excited about the UK premiere of MJ The Musical beforehand, but the news that the London production would be led by Myles Frost, reprising his Tony Award-winning performance as Michael Jackson, has us moonwalking with joy. The show, penned by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (The Secret Life of Bees), is set during rehearsals for the 1992 Dangerous world tour and will be startin’ somethin’ in the West End next spring! Prince Edward Theatre, from 6 March

The Odyssey

Targeting a demographic of young theatergoers aged between eight and 13, Nina Segal’s new adaptation of Homer’s classic tale promises a heroic journey alongside Telemachus, stormy seas, mystical creatures, dangerous monsters, enchanting sirens and even two talking sheep! In addition, it will feature a 60s soul and pop-infused score by Naomi Hammerton… bring on the muses, we say! Unicorn Theatre, from 17 March to 21 April

London Tide

Although technically billed as a “play with songs”, we’re not going to split hairs about London Tide – the National Theatre’s upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend. Penned by Ben Power (The Lehman Trilogy) and featuring songs by Power and PJ Harvey (All About Eve), the show’s plot unfolds amid a raging storm, during which a body is discovered in the River Thames. Time will tell if the National will have another musical hit on its hands, like the recent adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches. National’s Lyttelton Theatre, from 10 April to 22 June

42 Balloons

Although previously staged in concert format, the Lowry will host the first full-scale production of 42 Balloons this spring. Jack Godfrey’s musical is inspired by the extraordinary true story of a truck driver named Larry Walters who, with the assistance of his girlfriend Carol, flew 16,000 feet above Los Angeles using just a lawn chair and 42 helium-filled weather balloons in the summer of 1982. Featuring an ’80s-inspired score, the show will see Charlie McCullagh (Bonnie and Clyde) and Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress) reprising their roles as Larry and Carol, respectively, from the concert stagings. The Lowry, from 18 April to 19 May

Frankie Goes to Bollywood

Rifco artistic director Pravesh Kumar’s musical, which features a score by Niraj Chag and Tasha Taylor Johnson, follows a British South Asian woman who is catapulted into the largest film industry in the world. Alongside celebrating the vibrancy and larger-than-life characters of Bollywood, the piece will also shine a light on the darker side of the business such as nepotism and the objectification of women. Watford Palace Theatre, from 25 April to 11 May, and on tour from 15 May

Here You Come Again

A new Dolly Parton musical is heading to these shores this summer with all her iconic hits in tow! The show has been adapted for UK audiences by Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street) after the original book by Bruce Vilanch, director Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio (who also reprises the role of Parton here) and it follows a die-hard fan whose fantasy version of the globally loved country star gets him through troubling times. Leeds Playhouse, from 11 May to 8 June

Passing Strange

The first of two new musicals being staged at the Young Vic this year is Passing Strange, a late 00s Broadway hit that is finally coming to the UK. The narrative follows a young Black musician on a journey through 1980s Amsterdam and Berlin, exploring themes of identity and rebellion through a fusion of musical genres. It won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, so expect some smashing storytelling. Young Vic, from 14 May to 6 July

Mean Girls

Surely this will be the most fetch musical of 2024?! Having premiered in Washington DC in 2017 (ahead of a 2018 Broadway transfer), the wait is finally over for Mean Girls to cross the pond and grace the West End stage. With a book by Tina Fey herself and fan-favourite numbers such as “Revenge Party” and “Apex Predator”, we can’t wait to welcome The Plastics to London. Savoy Theatre, from 5 June

Burlesque The Musical

This year, Manchester will host the world premiere of Burlesque The Musical! Boasting tunes from the likes of Christina Aguilera (who starred in the original 2010 movie and serves as executive producer of the stage adaptation), as well as Sia, Diane Warren, Jess Folley and Todrick Hall (who also star!), the show follows a small-town girl named Ali Rose who moves to Los Angeles and stumbles upon a struggling nightspot and a new adopted family. In the iconic words of Cher: “Welcome to Burlesque”! Manchester Opera House, from 13 to 29 June, then Glasgow King’s Theatre and back to Manchester Opera House. 

Fangirls

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Sonia Friedman will present the UK premiere of Australian-born musical Fangirls this summer. The pop-infused piece focuses on Edna, a 14-year-old misfit in love with Harry, a member of the world’s biggest boy band. It was penned by Yve Blake following hundreds of interviews with real-life fangirls. Will the show be able to generate its own diehard UK fandom? Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, from 13 July to 24 August

The Devil Wears Prada

Gird your loins, theatre fans! On the (high) heels of its 2022 world premiere in Chicago, The Devil Wears Prada will be heading to these shores. Featuring a score by Elton John (Tammy Faye) and Shaina Taub (Suffs), director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell’s (Kinky Boots) production will bring us the story of Andy and her tenure at a well-established fashion magazine under an infamously iconic boss – played by none other than Vanessa Williams. Theatre Royal Plymouth, from 6 July to 17 August, and Dominion Theatre from 24 October

Why Am I So Single?

A second album is famously hard to get right, but Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss are aiming to pull an Adele with their new show, Why Am I So Single?, which is set to land direct into the West End in late August. Following two rising star musical writers trying to write their second big musical (get your meta hats on!), the show sounded incredible in a series of workshops last summer – so we know it’s going to cause a riotous stir when it has its official world premiere. Garrick Theatre, from 27 August

A Face in the Crowd

Who knew that, in the space of one year, we’d get two new musicals based on award-winning films featuring original music by Elvis Costello? Bit of a niche thing to happen twice, but we’re mightily excited by A Face in the Crowd, set to be Kwame Kwei-Armah’s last show at the Young Vic. Book is by the ever-excellent Sarah Ruhl, so expect a high quality experience to round out Kwei-Armah’s time at the venue. Young Vic, 10 September to 9 November

Now That’s What I Call A Musical

It’s hard to believe that the iconic compilation album series known as Now That’s What I Call Music! celebrated its 40th anniversary last year! And what better way to mark the occasion than the announcement of a new British musical inspired by the pop culture mainstay? Directed and choreographed by Strictly‘s Craig Revel Horwood, the show will revolve around two schoolfriends in 1989 (and their subsequent reunion 20 years later), alongside a barrage of pop bangers from the likes of Whitney Houston, Wham!, Blondie, Spandau Ballet and more! UK and Ireland tour from 6 September

Becoming Nancy 

Jerry Mitchell is going to have a busy time on this side of the Atlantic! Not only is he directing Prada, but he’s also bringing passion project Becoming Nancy to the UK this autumn. Set in 1979, Becoming Nancy follows David Starr, a brilliant sixth former with a penchant for pop idols like Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush. It has music by Stiles and Drewe, who are always worth a listen! Birmingham Rep, from 2 October to 2 November

Here and Now 

Steps songs? In a musical? What more would anyone need to hear in order to be salivating over the prospect of hearing some late ’90s/early ’00s bangers performed to a brand-new story – set inside a supermarket where all manner of romantic hijinks are afoot. A second musical set to premiere in Birmingham and only running for a few weeks, it’ll be a tragedy if this doesn’t tour across the nation and find a longer life. Alexandra Theatre, from 9 to 24 November 

Tickets for a selection of these listed shows are available below.