With film producers and theatre makers constantly inspiring each other, the West End offers myriad opportunities to catch your favourite stories live on stage, says Jo Caird
From screen to stage
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
A major new production of CS Lewis’ classic tale, loved by readers as well as viewers of many fantastic TV and film adaptations over the years. Join the Pevensey children for adventures in the magical kingdom of Narnia. Wed-Sat 7pm; Thu & Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 5.30pm | Tickets from £15 | Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, WC2B 5PW. www.lionwitchonstage.com
Mary Poppins
The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny is flying high, bringing dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs to the West End. The show has won 44 major theatre awards, including the Tony, Olivier and Evening Standard Awards. Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat 7.30pm; Wed 7pm; Thu & Sat-Sun 2.30pm | Tickets from £20 | Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS. www.marypoppinsonstage.co.uk
The Lion King
This adaptation of the Disney animated classic, which features the music of Elton John and Tim Rice, has been lauded for its groundbreakingly imaginative costume, mask and puppetry design. Herds of gazelle, shimmering grassland and vibrant jungle scenes offer an evocative backdrop to the journey of Simba from lion cub to king of the Pridelands. Tue-Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat-Sun 2.30pm | Tickets from £23.50 | Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7RQ. www.thelionking.co.uk
Frozen the Musical
The Disney hit has transformed into a spectacular musical production, featuring classics such as Let it Go as well as new surprises that even the biggest fans won’t expect. The icy world of sisters Elsa and Anna is packed with visual thrills but is guaranteed to warm your heart. Wed-Sat 7pm; Thu & Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 5.30pm | Tickets from £20 | Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, WC2B 5JF. www.frozenthemusical.co.uk
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Romantic comedy musical with an energetic rock score, based on the Hollywood blockbuster starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, about the most unconventional of love stories. The show came to London following a box office record-breaking Broadway run. Tue-Sat 7.30pm; Wed, Sat-Sun 2.30pm | Tickets from £20 | Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, Strand, WC2R 0ET. www.prettywomanthemusical.com
Matilda the Musical
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic novel, this story of a young girl able to create magic with her extraordinary brain is soon to be released as a film. Spectacular choreography, clever songwriting from Tim Minchin and jaw-dropping performances from some of the most talented young performers you’ll find. Tue-Fri 7pm; Wed 2pm; Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sun 3pm | Tickets from £20 | Cambridge Theatre, Earlham St, WC2H 9HU. www.uk.matildathemusical.com
From stage to screen
Mamma Mia! The Musical
This jukebox musical based on the songs of ABBA opened in the West End more than 22 years ago and is still delighting audiences with its fun summer vibe. It’s since been turned into two feature films, 2008’s Mamma Mia! and the 2018 sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Mon & Wed-Sat 7.30pm; Thu & Sat 3pm; Sun 2.30pm | Tickets from £17.50 | Novello Theatre,
Aldwych, WC2B 4LD. www.mamma-mia.com
The Woman in Black
This gripping stage play about a young lawyer’s journey to a remote village to settle the affairs of his late client has had audiences gasping and screaming out loud since it first opened 30 years ago. It was made into a horror-thriller film starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2012. Tue-Sat 8pm; Tue & Thu 3pm; Sat 4pm | Tickets from £21.50 | Fortune Theatre, Russell Street, WC2B 5HH. www.thewomaninblack.com
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Step into the Jazz Age and prepare for an intimate new production of Kander and Ebb’s sensuous classic – which won seven awards at the Olivier Awards 2022 including Best Musical Revival. Arrive early to make the most of the immersive environment of the Kit Kat Club. Mon-Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat 2pm | Tickets from £30 | Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Ave, WC2N 5DE. www.kitkat.club
The Phantom of the Opera
Set in 1881, this gloriously melodramatic musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber tells the story of a mysterious masked man living beneath the Paris Opera House who becomes obsessed with beautiful soprano Christine Daaé. The 2004 film adaptation starred Gerard Butler in the title role and was shot at Pinewood Studios, just outside London. Mon-Sat 7.30pm; Thu & Sat 2.30pm | Tickets from £22.50 | Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, St. James’s, SW1Y 4QL. www.uk.thephantomoftheopera.com
Jersey Boys
Award-winning musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, who rose to fame in the 1960s. Featuring hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man, the show was adapted into a feature film in 2014, directed and produced by Clint Eastwood. Mon & Wed-Sat 7.30pm; Thu & Sat 2.30pm; Sun 4pm | Tickets from £25 | Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, SW1A 2DY. www.jerseyboysmusical.co.uk
Les Misérables
The world’s longest-running musical takes place mostly in Paris in 1832, but its themes – justice, love, loyalty – are so universal that it speaks to the experiences of audiences today. Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe were among the all-star cast of the 2012 film adaptation. Tue-Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat-Sun 2.30pm | Tickets from £22.50 | Sondheim Theatre, 51 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6BA . www.lesmis.com
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