The Notebook musical to open in the West End in 2027

The Notebook will make its UK premiere at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre in London’s West End.

The musical, based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, will be the first production to open at the theatre, currently known as the Shaftesbury Theatre. The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the book’s publication.

With music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter, the production is directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, with choreography by Katie Spelman.

The story follows Allie and Noah, who come from different backgrounds and are repeatedly separated before finding their way back to one another. The Notebook has previously been adapted into a film released in 2004, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The musical made its Broadway debut in 2024, with Michaelson receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Previews in London begin on 10 March 2027 with an opening night on 13 April, with the show currently booking until 11 December 2027. Tickets are on sale from £20, with 50,000 tickets available at £50 or under. Standing tickets are priced at £15.

Sparks said: “I couldn’t have predicted when I published The Notebook 30 years ago that this story would have such a lasting impact around the globe. The worldwide response has been incredible, and I’m thrilled to share this latest evolution of the story with audiences in London.”

Michaelson added: “The thing that makes a musical so special for me is the collaborative nature of it, and I can’t imagine a better team of people to have built The Notebook. Getting to revisit and revitalise the piece with Bekah, Michael, Schele and the rest of the team for this new production in London is such an honour, and for our musical to be the first at the newly named Judi Dench Theatre is beyond thrilling.”

Brunstetter said: “It’s been such a joy to adapt The Notebook for the stage – it’s such a timeless, universal love story that speaks to so many aspects of life. Ingrid and I have loved expanding the story so that it truly sings and reaches even more people. We can’t wait to get back in the room with our brilliant creative team and discover this musical all over again for the London audience.”

The creative team also includes music supervision and arrangements by Carmel Dean, scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, orchestrations by John Clancy and Dean, co-vocal arrangements by Michaelson and Dean, music direction by Jim Henson, and casting by Jill Green Casting.

The production is presented by Kevin McCollum, Kurt Deutsch and Jamie Wilson Productions. Casting for the London production will be announced shortly.