Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
If you grew up watching movies like Mean Girls, Mrs. Doubtfire, or The Devil Wears Prada, you might be delighted to know that you can now see them live on the London stage. Yes, some of the most iconic films from the ’90s and ’00s have been turned into musicals, and they are taking over the West End with their catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and dazzling costumes. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or sing along, there is a movie musical for everyone in London. Here are some of the best ones to check out.
Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre The cult classic comedy about high school cliques and drama is now a hit musical, written by Tina Fey and featuring songs by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin. The musical follows Cady Heron, a new girl who gets involved with the Plastics, a group of mean and popular girls led by Regina George. The musical is full of hilarious moments, catchy songs, and empowering messages. It will make its UK premiere at the Savoy Theatre in June 2024, directed by Casey Nicholaw.
Mrs. Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre The beloved movie starring Robin Williams as a divorced dad who disguises himself as a Scottish nanny to see his kids is now a heartwarming musical, featuring a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, and music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick. The musical stars Gabriel Vick as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire, who goes through hilarious and touching situations to reconnect with his family. The musical is directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Lorin Latarro.
Elf, Dominion Theatre The festive comedy starring Will Ferrell as a human who thinks he is an elf is now a joyful musical, featuring a book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, and music and lyrics by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. The musical follows Buddy, who travels from the North Pole to New York to find his real father and spread some Christmas cheer. The musical stars Matthew Wolfenden as Buddy, Georgina Castle as Jovie, Tom Chambers as Walter Hobbs, and Rebecca Lock as Emily Hobbs. The musical is directed and choreographed by Morgan Young.
The Devil Wears Prada, Piccadilly Theatre The stylish comedy-drama starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway as a ruthless fashion editor and her naive assistant is now a glamorous musical, featuring a book by Paul Rudnick, music by Elton John, and lyrics by Shaina Taub. The musical follows Andy Sachs, who lands a job at Runway magazine, working for the demanding Miranda Priestly. The musical stars Beth Leavel as Miranda, Taylor Iman Jones as Andy, Ben Crawford as Nigel, and Ashley Park as Emily. The musical is directed by Anna D. Shapiro and choreographed by James Alsop.
Back to the Future, Adelphi Theatre The sci-fi adventure starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd as a teenager and a scientist who travel back in time is now a thrilling musical, featuring a book by Bob Gale and music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. The musical follows Marty McFly, who accidentally travels to 1955 in a DeLorean car, and has to make sure his parents fall in love to save his own existence. The musical stars Olly Dobson as Marty, Roger Bart as Doc Brown, Hugh Coles as George McFly, and Rosanna Hyland as Lorraine Baines. The musical is directed by John Rando and choreographed by Chris Bailey.
Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre The romantic musical starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as a cabaret performer and a writer who fall in love in Paris is now a spectacular musical, featuring a book by John Logan and music and lyrics by various artists. The musical follows Christian, who moves to the bohemian district of Montmartre and meets Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge. The musical features songs from the movie as well as new ones from contemporary artists. The musical stars Liisi LaFontaine as Satine, Aaron Tveit as Christian, Danny Burstein as Harold Zidler, and Sahr Ngaujah as Toulouse-Lautrec. The musical is directed by Alex Timbers and choreographed by Sonya Tayeh.
These are just some of the movie musicals that you can enjoy in London right now. There are more to come, such as 13 Going On 30 and Burlesque, which are in development. So, if you love movies and musicals, don’t miss this chance to relive your favorite stories on the London stage.
