Great theatre exists all over the world, from one corner to the other, stages are laden with show tunes and talent. And whilst you may see your choice of theatre on national tours, or in sadly lesser known theatre districts, there is no denying that the two most famous Theatre districts are Broadway and the West End. New York and London play host to some of the biggest shows in the world, and other the last couple of years, we have seen a number of Broadway shows make the jump over to London’s theatre land.
There are always rumours flying around of Broadway shows coming to the West End or vice versa, and whilst some rumours prove stronger than others, there’s nothing to stop me hoping that certain shows might make the move sooner rather than later. So, here we go, here are the five Broadway shows that I would most like to see come to London, in no particular order
Newsies
Newsies is a Disney musical that proved extremely popular during it’s time on Broadway between 2012 and 2014 and following national US Tours. Inspired by the real life story of the newsboy strike of 1899, this musical is full to the rafters with lovable characters, memorable songs and some of the most high energy, high action dance numbers you could ever imagine.
There was a rumour of this one coming to the West End a few years ago, but it disappeared into nothingness with the claim that it couldn’t possibly be cast. That sounds silly really, there’s loads of talent in London and I can think of loads of people that could do this dance heavy show. For example, Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat star Jac Yarrow was talent spotted during an art’s school production of Newsies, and performers such as Charlie Stemp are more than capable of handling a role in this show, along with a number of the incredible male cast members of Half A Sixpence. It could be cast, in my opinion, so here’s hoping that we see this one in London one day.
Anastasia
Call me old fashioned, but I am a sucker for a good old princess story and Anastasia may be one of the most magical. The tale of a long lost princess learning of her past, with stories of mystery and romance woven in for good measure, it’s just lovely and the music is simply enchanting.
Featuring a large cast and requiring a large stage, this big and bold Broadway musical may seem a difficult fit for London but I feel that it could be well suited to the stage at the Dominion Theatre perhaps. And if we can have a show as big as 42nd Street in the West End then why can’t we have Anastasia.
Finding Neverland
Another Broadway show that was rumoured to be making the move to London was Finding Neverland, but sadly this is yet another example of a rumour mill running out before anything comes from it. It was so close at one point that people were able to sign up to hear more information, but a theatre was never confirmed and the show disappeared again although it still tours the US.
Telling the story of JM Barrie and the creation of his famous story Peter Pan, this magical musical mixes real life with fantasy and is set to a wonderful soundtrack of some simply lovely songs. I would really love to see this one in London one day.
Beauty and the Beast
Like I said, I love princess stories and I really do love Disney. The stage adaptation of this classic played on Broadway between April 1994 and September 1999 and played in London at the Dominion theatre between 1997 and 1999. If it’s played in the west end before, then surely the door is open for it to come back one day. I would love to see the incredible costumes and hear the famous music played by a live orchestra.
Moulin Rouge
Okay, so this one is much more than a rumour, with a London Transfer of Moulin Rouge scheduled to open in the West End in 2021, and I can’t wait. The music is incredible, a wonderful blend of popular songs seamlessly flowing through the plot. Whilst we can all hope that the New York cast come to London with the show, I am sure that no matter who is cast, this show is going to be a huge hit and a massive crowd pleaser.
Whilst I wonder how they are going to fit the huge set and cast into the rather petite Piccadilly Theatre, I can’t wait to see this one.