There has been a huge amount written about shows to see in 2024 but as regular readers of mine will know I’m very passionate about amateur theatre. For this reason I have put together my top 5 amateur musicals to see in 2024 in the London area. I would also love to hear from you see which other amateur shows you are excited about seeing in 2024.

Sedos- The Colour Purple – The Bridewell Theatre – 20th – 30th November 2024

There are not many amateur groups that could even consider putting on a production of the Colour Purple quite simply due to their lack of diversity within the society however within recent years Sedos (along with other London societies) have been trying to address this problem. Clearly they have bene making strides in the right direction as an all black production teams mounts this show.

The musical itself is about to have a big year with the film version of the musical being released in the UK at the end of January and this production is the perfect chance to see it on stage in London!

You can read previous reviews of Sedos’ shows including Titanic, The Effect and Sunshine of Leith.

Artform – The Hunchback of Notre Dame – The Bob Hope Theatre – 10th – 13th April

Artform have recently moved from the Catford Broadway Theatre to the Bob Hope Theatre and their production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame is their biggest show since they reformed 10 years ago. Artform have a good reputation for quality productions and having seen another amateur production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame last year I can’t wait to see the show again, with its soaring score and heartwarming book it has potential to be a very special show.

To book tickets visit the Bob Hope Theatres website here.

Centre Stage- The Little Mermaid – London Oratory School – 9th – 13th April

Centre Stage are on a roll at the moment, fresh off the back of their wonderful production of Holiday Inn they are putting on The Little Mermaid. This is a show that somehow seemed to skip the West End and has been released straight to amateurs in the UK so I am so excited to see this production and the show on stage for the first time. It includes all of the songs you expect such as ‘Part of Your World,’ ‘Under The Sea’ and ‘Kiss The Girl.’

You can read previous reviews of Centre Stage’s shows including Holiday Inn, Cats and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. To find out more and purchase tickets then visit their website here.

West Wickham Operatic Society – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Churchill Theatre – 13th – 16th November

Charlie and the Chocolate factory has only just been released to amateurs and West Wickham Operatic Society are one of the first societies to announce that they are putting on the show. Performing it at the Churchill Theatre, no doubt with a huge set West Wickham Operatic Society will be back doing what it does best, big budget shows that many other amateur companies could only dream of.

Tickets will be available through the Churchill Theatre here.

Bromley Players – 9 to 5 – The Bob Hope Theatre – 17th – 20th April

I am possibly slightly biased in including this one in my list as I am in the cast however Bromley Players do have a good reputation for high quality shows with good production values.

For those that don’t know they show the music and lyrics are by Dolly Parton and the show enjoyed recent success on both the West End and on tour. Based on the seminal 1980 hit movie, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

Bromley Players are also seeking to make amateur theatre as accessible as possible and the performance on the 18th April will be BSL interpreted and there is a relaxed performance at 11am on the 20th April. You can book tickets and find out more on the Bob Hope Theatres website.

I hope this list of 5 amateur musicals to see in 2024 was useful! Please do continue to see amateur theatre in your local area, it is often a great chance to see shows for a fraction of the price or discover gems that you otherwise may not see!

Remember if you would like Musical Theatre Musings to review your show please just email me on sarah@musicaltheatremusings.co.uk.

If you like this article you might also like my article about why amateur theatre should be reviewed.