Beetlejuice Review at Prince Edward Theatre London

Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice… I am probably the only person in the whole universe who has never seen, read or listened to anything related to Beetlejuice – I remember going to the West End Halloween Concert in 2024 and thinking to myself that that’s one curious piece of stripey suit Shanay Holmes decided to wear, therefore I did not understand the hype that followed the announcement of the London production of this iconic musical, based on the 1988 movie and now playing at Prince Edward Theatre. Needless to say, when the opportunity to review the show arose, I thought that’s gonna be interesting! And believe me, it was! I had the time of my (after)life!

Just a wonderful story about a girl who lost her mum and tries to make her peace with that, whilst navigating regular teenage life issues – a mother-in-law, annoying ‘housemates’, and a dad who moved on too fast… sounds cheesy and emotional, doesn’t it? Thanks to Eddie Perfect and his lyrics, that’s not true!

WELCOME TO A SHOW ABOUT DEATH! You’ll die laughing!

The casting choices were great – with all the doubts I had about comedian Beetlejuice and Lydia cast through a social media open call, I couldn’t have been more mistaken! Hannah Nordberg in the role of Lydia is absolutely outstanding, and David Fynn’s performance as Beetlejuice is second to none. I was amazed by Hannah’s vocals and acting and how she immediately takes over the stage and gets all the attention – she is the one to follow! David Fynn provides the laughs, he interacts with the audience, he sings, he dances – and all of it while dead! I loved how some of his lines were updated and changed to suit West End audiences (Paddington
mentioned!).

I have to highlight Chelsea Halfpenny and David Hunter (Barbara and Adam) – probably the most real characters of the whole show, and a reminder that even on the way to the Netherworld, there are good people! I would go again just to watch these two one more time. Also, we can’t really get a bad show with Aimie Atkinson wearing a high hairdo; it’s basically scientifically proven! It was so refreshing to see her in such a chaotic and slightly silly role. I couldn’t shake the impression that she’s genuinely having the most fun of all whilst playing Delia!

I am impressed at the pacing of the show, as it doesn’t slow down for even a bit and it’s full of cues, changes, jumps and running. Both acts are extremely well engineered and it requires extreme talent and focus from both cast and creative teams to deliver such an exceptional show every night.

The colourful set and great lighting hits you the second you enter the auditorium. David Korins (set design) and Kenneth Posner (lighting design) deserve all the recognition they can get – the magic they created truly carries the audience through the show and if not for the plot, it is
definitely worth seeing the show for their work. The most colourful approach to death with the best lighting design in the West End (I said what I said!) combined with illusion and special effects (created by Michael Weber and Jeremy Chernick) leaves an audience in complete awe and I actually heard people whispering ‘how did they do that?’ – total magic of live theatre!

Beautiful, colourful, impressive costumes did not slow down any of the big dance numbers and together with the set and the lighting (have I mentioned how great the lighting was?), created an amazing, unforgettable experience.

If I had to find the negative sides of the show, I’d have to pick on the language – it definitely requires some parental guidance due to the amount of swear words and the sexuality of certain scenes. Also, how can a dead creature casually hanging around with a Sandworm be terrified by Paddington?! Just get a marmalade sandwich and move on Mr. Juice!

Overall, I consider Beetlejuice in my personal top-10 musicals I have ever seen and a wonderful way to spend a night out! With amazing vocals, great casting choices, catchy tunes and great technicality behind all of it, it truly is one of the best currently open shows in the West End. I came in with a lot of doubts and was almost convinced I wouldn’t like it, and I was right – I don’t like it, I love it!

Where I Sat

The theatre has three levels and both Grand and Dress Circle are heavily ranked – so if you decide to sit higher up, you better not be scared of heights! I was sitting in the Stalls J7, and it felt way more central than I expected looking at the plan. Average legroom, seat wide enough I could shift around during the performance. Unexpected downside – in-floor vents/fans are installed all along this row, so my feet got cold (could’ve avoided it if I read the seat review earlier and wore socks…). The Stalls are gently ranked, so if there’s someone tall in front of you, your view will be
obstructed. I would definitely sit there again though! And I will see the show again, that’s for sure!

Have You Seen Beetlejuice?

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Reviewed by Aleksandra Zielińska for SeatPlan, June 2026.