What’s better: the magic of the silver screen or the magic of the stage? What if you don’t have to choose? Luckily for all you film buffs out there, you can relive some of your favourite movies on the West End stage. Whether it’s a musical reimagining of a rom com or a stage adaptation of a blockbuster or a Disney classic brought to life onstage, London is full of an electrifying mix of theatrical versions of well-known and beloved films. Here are some that we think film lovers definitely shouldn’t miss.
The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre
Georgie Buckland and Matt Henry in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Image courtesy of production.
Based on the iconic 2006 film and the bestselling book by Lauren Weisberger, this sassy, glamorous musical takes you into the world of New York high fashion, where newcomer Andy stumbles through a new job at the cutthroat, uber-successful Runway magazine, ruled with an iron fist by the formidable and terrifying boss from hell, Miranda Priestley.
Why fans of the film are excited: The fabulous Vanessa Williams, who previously played Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty, takes on the iconic role of the formidable, sharp-tongued Miranda Priestley. It’s also a visual feast to see the glitz and glamour of the New York runway come to life onstage, with a dazzling array of designer outfits.
Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre
Brian Conley in BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL. Image courtesy of production.
Based on the 1985 sci fi comedy blockbuster starring Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd, teenage Marty McFly is transported to the 1950s in the time-travelling DeLorean invented by mad scientist Doc Brown, where he has to play matchmaker to his own parents to make sure he’s born.
Why fans of the film are excited: The musical employs dazzling special effects and clever stage magic to bring the thrilling story to life, including a fabulous flying DeLorean. Dive into the nostalgic era of the 1980s, and then again into the 1950s, as this cult classic plays out on the modern stage, with brand new songs to bring the quirky, hilarious story to life.
Back to the Future: The Musical Tickets
50 First Dates: The Musical at The Other Palace
Georgina Castle and Josh St Clair in 50 FIRST DATES: THE MUSICAL. Image courtesy of production.
The quirky, heartwarming 2004 rom com starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler won over audiences with its unique premise: charming womaniser Henry falls in love with sweet-natured Lucy, only to learn that she has a rare case of amnesia that causes her memory to reset every day, which means he has to win her heart over and over again.
Why fans of the film are excited: 50 First Dates is very much a nostalgic film of the early 2000s, and we’re intrigued to see how it’s going to be updated for a modern audience while keeping true to the soul of the story. It’s also packed with catchy new original songs that capture the humour and heart of Henry and Lucy’s unusual love story.
50 First Dates: The Musical Tickets
Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum
Johannes Radebe for Kinky Boots. Photo by Charlie Flint.
This classic 2005 British comedy was beloved by the queer community when it came out, and it was loosely inspired by the true story. Charlie Price inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory and meets Lola, a dazzling drag queen, who helps him develop a line of sturdy, stylish boots for drag queens, and also changes the way he sees himself.
Why fans of the film are excited: Kinky Boots is a queer classic, with uplifting themes of acceptance, open-mindedness and embracing differences that feel just as relevant and powerful today. Like the film, the musical is funny and heartwarming, with a soundtrack of catchy tunes by the iconic Cyndi Lauper.
Freaky Friday: The Musical
Artwork of FREAKY FRIDAY: THE MUSICAL. Image courtesy of production.
The 2003 Disney film starring Lindsey Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis was the ultimate body-swapping comedy, in which a squabbling mother and daughter who have nothing in common wake up one day in each other’s bodies. Now they have to set things right while learning to appreciate each other.
Why fans of the film are excited: Freaky Friday is another cult classic of the early 2000s, filled with quotable lines, madcap comedy, quirky characters, and a wild ride of a story. We’re excited to see how this plays out onstage, and what role music will play in the complicated mother-daughter relationship on display.
Freaky Friday: The Musical Tickets
High Noon at the Harold Pinter Theatre
Artwork of HIGH NOON. Image courtesy of production.
This 1952 classic film is one of the most popular in the Western genre. Town marshall Will Kane plans to retire with his bride-to-be Amy, but his hopes for a peaceful life are interrupted by the arrival of his old nemesis, the outlaw Frank Miller. With the town turning against him and Amy begging him to run, Will must face this showdown alone in the name of duty and honour.
Why fans of the film are excited: Westerns are a staple of American cinema, filled with gun-toting heroes and devilish outlaws, thrilling showdowns, and timeless themes of courage and honour. This play will sweep you into the dusty, forgotten world of a frontier town, where an all-star cast brings these iconic characters to life.
My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre
Victoria Chen and Ami Okumura Jones in MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO. Image courtesy of production.
Based on the 1988 animated film that became one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most beloved and charming classics, My Neighbour Totoro follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside while their mother suffers from an illness. There, they encounter the guardian of the magical woods, Totoro, and are swept into a world of ancient spirits.
Why fans of the film are excited: It’s a chance to see the magic of Studio Ghibli, with its dreamy landscapes and whimsical characters, comes to life on the stage, including the iconic Totoro himself, created by clever puppetry. It’s a poignant, enchanting story that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Top Hat at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
The cast of TOP HAT. Image courtesy of production.
Based on the 1935 screwball comedy starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this glittering, tap-dancing love story takes you back to 1930s London, where Broadway star and casanova Jerry falls in love with feisty model Dale. but a case of mistaken identity and a rival suitor throws a wrench in their happily ever after.
Why fans of the film are excited: Top Hat is one of the most iconic films of the Golden Age of Hollywood, beloved for the sizzling chemistry between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and we can’t wait to see how Jerry and Dale’s romance, filled with banter and flirting, plays out onstage, as well as how this production captures the fun of tap-dancing.
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje in THE LION KING. Image courtesy of production.
This 1994 animated classic is one of the most beloved and cherished films in Disney canon. Set in the sprawling African savannah, it follows young lion prince Simba, who flees his home when his evil uncle murders his father and takes the throne for himself. Now an adult, Simba returns to the Pridelands to win back his crown and find his place in the Circle of Life.
Why fans of the film are excited: Whether you grew up with the Disney film or are introducing your children to it, The Lion King is a musical that the whole family can enjoy. Clever puppetry brings the African savannah to breathtaking life, and recreates your favourite animal characters as you’ve never seen them before. The unforgettable soundtrack is filled with beloved songs from the film along with new original numbers.
