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Watching a West End musical or London Theatre show is firmly on my bucketlist for 2019. I’ve seen countless theatre performances at the likes of Cardiff’s New Theatre and Sherman Theatre, but I’ve actually never seen a musical before – let alone in London’s West End. Something about the idea of watching my favourite movies come to life on stage in the bright lights of London’s so-called ‘Theatreland’ fills me with a sense of awe. Second only to New York’s famed Broadway theatre, the West End is a real hot spot for any tourist visiting London.
So, without further ado, I’ve teamed up with Encore Tickets to share my West End wishlist for 2019. Let’s get this show on the road…
Mary Poppins
No matter how old you are, the sight of Mary Poppins descending from the heavens onto Cherry Tree Lane on her iconic parrot-handle parasol is bound to conjure up a wave of nostalgia.
Originally released in 1964, the Mary Poppins film was revamped and released as a West End musical for the first time in 2004. Following on from the release of movie sequel, Mary Poppins Returns last year, 2019 sees Mary Poppins the Musical making a big comeback in the West End. If you haven’t been to see this time-old treasured classic yet, now is the perfect time to tick it off your West End wish list.
For 2019, Zizi Strallen stars in the leading role of Mary Poppins, while cockney charmer, Bert is played by Charlie Stemp.
Mary Poppins the Musical is based at London’s Prince Edward Theatre, with bookings being taken up until 29th March 2020. Prices start from just £26.
The Lion King
Back in 1994, at the age of five, my mum took me down to the old Monico cinema in Rhiwbina, near Cardiff to watch my first ever movie on the big screen. It was Disney’s latest blockbuster movie, The Lion King and I can still remember bawling my eyes out when Scar killed Simba’s dad, Mufasa.
Now, 25 years on, I’m thinking of taking my mum to see her first ever musical for Mother’s Day. Of course, it’s only right that I take her to see the multi-award winning The Lion King musical!
Simba’s transformation from doe-eyed cub to King of Pride Rock is brought to life by a soundtrack featuring popular hits, ‘The Circle of Life’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’. The stellar cast includes Nick Afoa as Simba, Janique Charles as Nala and Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as ‘mutated’ mandrill, Rafiki, to name just a few.
Catch The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre in Westminster up until 29th September 2019. Tickets are priced from £42.
Matilda the Musical
Currently celebrating its seventh year in the West End, Matilda the Musical remains firmly in the limelight for 2019. In fact, the musical take on Roald Dahl’s iconic 1988 children’s book has proven so popular, the Broadway adaptation has won no less than seven Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards!
Allow yourself to become enchanted by the uplifting tale of this gifted little girl (played by child actors Isobel Hubble and Francesca McKeown, joined by Sarah Munday and Olivia Wells) who joins forces with the lovely Miss Honey (played by Gina Beck) in taking a brave stand against her doubtful parents and the damning wrath of Miss Trunchbull (played Hayden Tee).
Catch Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre, London up until 24th May 2020, with prices beginning at £26.
Which musicals are on your West End wishlist for 2019? Tell me your top choices in the comment box below.
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I really want to see Mary Poppins now it’s out. The Lion King is so great x
me too. I always loved the film – the musical must be magical!
I really want to see The Lion King and Matilda too – both stories I absolutely adore so would love to see them on stage.
Me too! I feel like I need to treat myself to a West End show next time I’m in London.
Me too. I loved the films and Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ was one of my favourite books as a child too. The Lion King is just so nostalgic for me because it was the first movie I saw in the cinema 🙂
I really want to watch Matilda but I’m not sure if my little one will let me stay there till the show ends.
Aww, how old is he/she? Could you get a baby sitter if they’re not quite old enough to watch a musical yet? I think they can be quite fun for kids but it does depend on age.
I have always wanted to see The Lion King on stage, it sounds fascinating. The new movie also looks good x
I know what you mean. I was captivated by the movie as a child; no doubt I’d be the same with the musical now I’m an adult!
Sebastian is really keen to see Matilda we saw georges marvellous medicine and he loved it
Aww, I’d love to see George’s Marvellous Medicine too – sounds like that would be fun to watch as well.