Everything you need to know about ‘BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL’ in London

A Cult Classic About the Whole Being Dead Thing

Tim Burton’s 1988 film is a zany, kooky horror-comedy starring Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton as the titular character. Married couple Barbara and Adam Maitland die tragically young, but that’s not going to stop them from haunting their old house - even when the Deetz family move in. Determined to get rid of the living intruders, the Maitlands hire the wickedly funny bio-exorcist Betelgeuse to help. But in a twist, they find themselves bonding with Lydia Deetz - a cynical, death-obsessed, Goth teenager. And Beetlejuice, who’s more dangerous than they anticipated, quickly becomes obsessed with the girl as well…

Beetlejuice quickly became a cult classic and transcended into a cultural phenomenon among fans of horror-comedy. It inspired an animated adaptation, a video game, and most recently a 2024 sequel called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice starring Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter and Beetlejuice’s next target.

The Ghost With the Most Takes to the Stage

The musical adaptation of Beetlejuice opened on Broadway in 2019, with a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, and music and lyrics by Australian comedian Eddie Perfect. It instantly won over audiences with its faithful recreation of the Burton film’s Gothic aesthetic and zany black comedy. Alex Brightman originated the role of Beetlejuice, with Sophia Anne Caruso as Lydia Deetz, and Rob McClure and Kerry Butler as Adam and Barbara Maitland.

Critics praised it as ‘feast for the eyes and soul' (Entertainment Weekly) and ‘screamingly good fun!' (Variety). Beetlejuice: The Musical was nominated for an impressive eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for star Alex Brightman.

The story is largely the same as the film, apart from a few key changes - instead of Lydia’s stepmother, Delia is her inept life coach who’s secretly having an affair with Charles Deetz. Lydia’s character is also given more focus, particularly her struggle to come to terms with her mother’s death.

US Tour production image of Beetlejuice The Musical. Photo provided by production.

Why should you watch Beetlejuice: The Musical?

If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s original film, you won’t want to miss this musical stage adaptation, which captures the heart and humour of the film in all its zany, over-the-top, darkly comedic glory, with a few added twists and tweaks, including a delightful soundtrack of original songs. Catch your favourite eccentric characters onstage in London for the first time, from the endearing ghostly couple Barbara and Adam to gloomy Goth girl Lydia to, of course, the iconic and mischievous poltergeist himself, Beetlejuice.

Even if you’re new to the story, you’ll fall in love with its quirky humour and a ghost story that’s equal parts chilling, tongue-in-cheek, and even heartwarming. Head-spinning costume and set design and stage magic will immerse you into the haunted, eccentric world of the story, with puppetry, illusions, and video elements conjuring up the story’s memorable supernatural moments, featuring levitation, fire, and of course, Beetlejuice riding a giant sandworm.

Eddie Perfect brings the magic and hilarity of Beetlejuice to life with a soundtrack of catchy, unforgettable songs, including ‘Say My Name’, where Beetlejuice tries to trick Lydia into conjuring him by saying his name three times; ‘The Whole 'Being Dead' Thing', a high-energy number where Beetlejuice mocks the absurdity of life and death, and ‘Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)’, sung by possessed guests at a dinner party gone horribly wrong.

Some Things You May Not Know About This Ghostly Classic

The lead role of Beetlejuice is an especially vocally challenging one. Alex Brightman developed a special technique called ‘ventricular fold phonation’ that allowed him to sing in the character’s signature raspy growl without damaging his voice. We can’t wait to see who takes over for him in the West End and how they put their own spin on this iconic role.

The musical is packed with Easter Eggs and sly references to other Tim Burton films, including Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Edward Scissorhands. Keep an eye on the set so you don’t miss these!

‘The Whole Being Dead Thing’ is probably the musical’s most famous song, having been performed during the Macy’s Parade, the Today Show, and the Tony Awards. The lyrics are altered slightly each time to fit the event or venue - at the Tony Awards, Beetlejuice sings, ‘Hey folks, I’m at the Tony’s, chilling with my Broadway homies.’ We’re sure the West End version of the song will feature its own reference to the musical’s new home in London.

Beetlejuice: The Musical lovingly pokes fun at other famous Broadway musicals, and we have no doubt this transfer will include fresh nods to recent West End shows in the same satirical vein.

US Tour production image of Beetlejuice The Musical. Photo provided by production.

Conjuring Beetlejuice to the West End

Beetlejuice: The Musical will be playing at the Prince Edward Theatre from May 2026. More details about the cast will be revealed soon, so watch this space for updates about this highly anticipated show. Until then, make sure you book in advance so you don’t miss the chance to see this spooky, funny, and utterly unique musical when it arrives to haunt London.