The musicals and plays that closed during West End shutdown
As the West End looks to return after over a year dark, here are some shows that have closed during the lockdown.
All going to plan theatres in the West End and across the UK will be able to reopen in May.
But not every show that was running before lockdown will be returning – here’s a rundown of musicals and plays that won’t be back this year.
9 to 5: The Musical
9 to 5: The Musical prematurely ended its run in London’s West End in March. The musical had been due to play at the Savoy Theatre until at least May 2020 but the production was forced to cut its run short just after celebrating its first year of performances on February 17.
However there will be a brand new 9 to 5 The Musical tour going across the UK.
Meanwhile the Savoy Theatre will become the new home to Pretty Woman The Musical.
Waitress
Waitress The Musical closed its production in London’s West End during the shutdown. Waitress had been due to play its final performance at the Adelphi Theatre on July 4 but producers announced on March 27 that the show would not reopen.
A first ever UK tour of Waitress The Musical has been announced however dates are to be confirmed following the theatre shutdown.
This summer will see the Adelphi welcome Back to the Future the Musical.
Thriller Live
Thriller Live has closed at Lyric Theatre in London’s West End after 11 years. First opening in the West End in 2008, Thriller Live celebrates the music of The Jackson 5 and the solo work and life of Michael Jackson.
The hit musical revue had been due to play its final performance on Sunday April 26 2020 to allow for major refurbishment of the Lyric Theatre. With over 4,000 performances, Thriller Live became the longest running show at the Lyric Theatre and the 11th longest running musical in the West End.
From May, the Lyric will be home to SIX The Musical before Get Up, Stand Up – The Bob Marley Musical opens in October.
The Comedy about a Bank Robbery
Mischief Theatre’s play The Comedy about a Bank Robbery prematurely ended its run in March due to the theatre shutdown. The production had originally been booking until May having played for four years at the Criterion Theatre.
When theatres reopen, the Criterion Theatre will welcome a West End transfer of Amélie the Musical.
