10 Exciting New Shows in London in 2023
A new year means a packed calendar of new shows in London to enjoy, and 2023 is shaping up to be an incredible time for theatre in the capital. Expect the return of some very exciting musicals and writing that will transport you all around the world from the comfort of your seat. There’s never been a better time to visit London and immerse yourself in a new play or musical.
Below, we have listed our pick of the most hyped, must-see plays and best new musicals in London in 2023. Get excited, but most importantly get booking so you don’t miss out on the shows everyone will be talking about!
Below, we have listed our pick of the most hyped, must-see plays and best new musicals in London in 2023. Get excited, but most importantly get booking so you don’t miss out on the shows everyone will be talking about!
1. A Little Life: James Norton in the Pulitzer-shortlisted novel on stage
It's a book that has inspired love, discomfort and debate, and now Hanya Yanagihara's epic story comes to the West End, directed by the visionary Ivo van Hove. This complex tale of friendship and trauma has already sold out at the Pinter Theatre, and James Norton and Omari Douglas will transfer with the show to the Savoy later this summer.
from £208.30
2. A Strange Loop: the hit Broadway show bursts into London
It had everyone talking during its Tony Award-winning Broadway season, and now Michael R. Jackson's audacious musical is coming to London for a one-time-only season at the Barbican Theatre. Take a walk through the mind of young, Black, queer creative Usher, brought to life onstage by a hilariously straight-talking ensemble.
from £23.80
3. The Time Traveller's Wife: an enchanting new British musical
Audrey Niffenegger's story of a couple torn apart by time but united in love has captivated readers since its release in 2003, and now comes to the West End stage. Joss Stone and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) pen soulful original songs for this new British musical that promises to surprise and move in equal measure.
from £29.80
4. We Will Rock You: Queen's epic rock musical is bigger than ever
Exclusive Prices![We Will Rock You London]()
![We Will Rock You London]()
Queen and Ben Elton's smash-hit rock musical is ready to blow the roof off the West End when it returns to London for a strictly limited summer season. This epic show has been seen by 20 million people worldwide, and is pure spectacle. Get ready for live performances of "Killer Queen", "Radio Ga Ga", "Bohemian Rhapsody" and more in this global phenomenon.
from £25.00
5. Aspects of Love: Michael Ball stars in the Lloyd Webber romance
Exclusive Prices![Aspects of Love London]()
![Aspects of Love London]()
West End favourite Michael Ball returns to a show that made him famous - and earned him a Number Two hit in the charts with “Love Changes Everything”. This 21st century reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical about complex romantic entanglements sees Ball take on the role of Uncle George, 30 years after he played young lover Alex.
from £20.00
6. Groundhog Day: the musical you'll want to see again and again
Audiences have been keeping their fingers crossed for this excellent musical adaptation of the classic Bill Murray film to return to London’s Old Vic Theatre, and 2023 is delivering! The mind behind Matilda the Musical, comedian Tim Minchin, brings his quirky style to the stage show. It was buried beneath 5 star reviews during its world premiere and definitely one of the hottest tickets to book right now.
from £26.20
7. Mrs. Doubtfire: say "yoo-hoo" to this hilarious musical comedy
Based on the classic film starring Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire the musical arrives in London after acclaimed runs on Broadway and in Manchester. Expect the story you know and love with brand new songs including "Make Me a Woman" and "I Want to Be There." This is definitely one to book tickets to, poppets!
from £26.80
8. Ain’t Too Proud: sharp moves and sweet melodies in London
Motown fans, get ready for Broadway hit Ain’t Too Proud, which will soon be filling the Prince Edward Theatre with the snappy sounds of The Temptations. The Tony Award-winning jukebox musical charts the life and times of the rock ‘n’ roll icons to the tune of their greatest hits including “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”.
from £29.80
9. Crazy For You: a sublime revival of the Gershwin musical
Exclusive Prices![Crazy For You London]()
![Crazy For You London]()
Chichester Festival Theatre has a solid reputation for producing 5* musical revivals that soon make their way to the West End and Crazy For You is no exception. This 30th anniversary production of the exuberant showbiz musical stars Charlie Stemp and is directed by Susan Stroman (The Producers). Your toes will be tapping away when this joyful show opens in London!
from £30.00
10. Patriots: an edge-of-your seat thriller about Russian oligarchs
The Crown creator Peter Morgan’s excellent, gripping play about Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky’s rise and fall from favour in post-Soviet Russia thrilled audiences during its premiere at the Almeida Theatre. It transfers to the West End in May 2023, with star Tom Hollander returning as Berezovsky. This is political intrigue and drama at its best.
from £23.80
London Theatre Rumours
At SeatPlan we keep our ear to the ground to bring you the latest news of upcoming shows in London. We have gathered together all the industry whisperings on new West End musicals and plays coming in 2023 and beyond, so set an Alert for your most anticipated shows, and we will let you know when they’re confirmed.Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill, inspired by Alanis Morissette’s iconic album, was rumoured to open in London in late 2022, but this appears to have been pushed back to 2023.
Other rumoured new London musicals that are transferring from Broadway include Mean Girls, Tootsie and Beetlejuice. Anais Mitchell’s Greek myth-inspired Hadestown is confirmed to be returning to London in 2024, after wowing NYC audiences. A venue and dates are to be confirmed.
We love to see big stars on stage in London. Sadly Imelda Staunton in Hello, Dolly! has been delayed until 2024, but in the meantime keep an eye out for news on new West End plays with starry casts, such as Helen Mirren in Greek tragedy Oedipus.
For families, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of David Walliams’ book The Boy in the Dress is reportedly looking for a West End home, and Emma Thompson is developing Nanny McPhee the Musical.
Birmingham Rep’s UK premiere of Shakespeare spoof Something Rotten! is still planned, and we’d be astonished if a West End run doesn’t follow.
Derren Brown’s mind-bending version of H.G. Wells’ sci-fi story The Invisible Man was rumoured to be opening in 2022, but has been delayed.
Exciting film adaptations include It’s a Wonderful Life with music by Paul McCartney and book by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot). Ealing Comedy favourite Kind Hearts and Coronets has also been picked up for a stage adaptation, by Stephen Fry.
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