2019 Must See Musicals

Come From Away at Phoenix Theatre
Since attending the press launch event I have had this cast recording on repeat. It tells of the true story on 9/11 when American airspace closed and a small town of Gander welcomed 8,000 stranded air passengers. The show opens for previews on 30th January and opens on 18th February. The below video is a little snippet of Rachel Tucker performing at the launch event.
Waitress at Adelphi Theatre

I am already very excited about this show, having got preview tickets from Mr Musical Theatre Musings for Xmas. It is another Broadway transfer and it tells of Jenna who falls pregnant as a result of a drunken night with her abusive husband. Waitress is based on the film of the same name with original music by Sara Bareilles. It is starring Katherine McPhee as Jenna who played the role on Broadway alongside Laura Baldwin of Eugenius and Big Fish fame, David Hunter from Kinky Boots and Marisha Wallace from Dreamgirls. The show opens for previews on the 8th February and its opening night is the 6th March 2019.
Dear Evan Hansen at the Noel Coward Theatre
Continuing on the Broadway transfer theme is Dear Evan Hansen. It won 6 Tony awards and tells of Evan, a teenager who due to a misunderstanding following a suicide of a boy at his school becomes a viral sensation. Opening in November this is going to get a fair few plays on my Spotify until then.
9 to 5 at the Savoy Theatre

9 to 5 has been around for a while, even available on the amateur circuit but 2019 sees its first foray into the West End. It opens for previews on 28th January. Celebrity casting has Louise Redknapp as Violet, Brian Conley as Franklin, Amber Davies as Judy and Natalie McQueen as Doralee.
Follies at National Theatre
I have a confession…..I didn’t see this the first time round!!! Fret not however it is returning to the National Theatre from the 14th February with the show officially opening on the 19th February.
Only Fools and Horses at Theatre Royal Haymarket

I have another confession…..I have found a musical I actually don’t want to see although I’m sure I will end up seeing it out of sheer curiosity!!! Based on the hit TV series I have no idea how they will make a stage version of it! It also has musical contributions from Chas n Dave on top of beloved theme tunes as you have never heard them before! It opens for previews from the 9th February and press night is on 19th February.
Aspects of Love at Southwark Playhouse
I had to include this show in my musicals to see in 2019. I tend to adore anything that Aria Entertainment produce and Aspects of Love is their next show to hit the London stage. It already received great reviews from its run at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle who also directed Aria Entertainment’s Pippin which also transferred from Hope Mill Theatre to Southwark Playhouse. It runs from the 7th January until the 9th February.
The Worst Little Warehouse In London at Kings Head Theatre

I actually caught this production when I was at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. It is running for 1 week only from the 21st – 26th May at the Kings Head Theatre. To find out more about the show read my full review but it is a hilarious cabaret which shows what happens when 2 performers take on the personalities of 12 different housemates.
MT Fest at The Other Palace
MT Fest is a festival of new musical theatre shows running from 11th – 23rd February at The Other Palace. There is a total of 8 shows, some are new commissions, others are reworked Broadway shows. Shows include Nerds which tells the tale of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, AA which is by Richard Thomas of Jerry Springer fame and But I’m A Cheerleader.
Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre always produces top notch shows and I’m excited about this one. I really enjoy the score of Evita and this combined with the electric atmosphere of Regent’s Park promises to be an exciting combination.
2019 is shaping up to be a great year for musical theatre…. and this is just with the openings we know about now! Watch this space for reviews on the above shows and more.