It’s the most wonderful time of the year to book your Boxing Day theatre tickets. Enjoy a final trip to the West End this Christmas at seasonal shows, or plan your 2025 theatre with affordable tickets to shows across London. Save money on London’s most popular shows in our Boxing Day Sale, where you can snap up tickets to many shows for just £15. 

Book [Boxing Day tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/boxing-day) on LondonTheatre.co.uk

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All the shows in our Boxing Day Sale 2024

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Save up to 40% on the West End’s most popular shows in our Boxing Day Sale, from *Mean Girls* to *Guys and Dolls*. You can get tickets to many shows for just £15. 

The best way to start off your new year is with plenty of new shows! Happily, London is as busy as ever when it comes to great plays, musicals, comedy, cabaret and more, so you can find loads of enticing options in the West End and beyond in January 2025. 

Noel Streatfeild’s children's classic [*Ballet Shoes*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/43183-ballet-shoes) is continuing the festive cheer long into 2025 at the National Theatre, while [*The...

Top theatre to see in London in January

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Find out the best shows to see in London in January 2025, including exciting new plays, big West End musicals, and Hollywood A-listers coming to town.

The original cast members of the National Theatre and Broadway production of [*Hadestown*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets) will reprise their roles for a limited run in the West End next year. They will take over at the Lyric Theatre from 11 February to 9 March 2025. 

Reeve Carney (*Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark*) will return as Orpheus, André De Shields (*The Full Monty, Warp!, The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehaving*) as Hermes, Amber Gray (*Eureka Day, Here We Are, Natasha,...

Original 'Hadestown' lead cast to star in West End production

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Reeve Carney will return as Orpheus, André De Shields as Hermes, Amber Gray as Persephone, Eva Noblezada as Eurydice, and Patrick Page as Hades.

Initial casting has been set for the return of the Olivier Award-winning play [*Dear England*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/43212-dear-england), written by James Graham. The show will return to the National Theatre in London for a 10-week run in March 2025.

Gwilym Lee, who has starred in a number of Shakespeare's plays, as well as the Queen biopic *Bohemian Rhapsody* (2018), will play the lead role of football manager Gareth Southgate, as he attempts to coach the England men's team to...

'Dear England' sets lead casting for National Theatre return

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Gwilym Lee will play the lead role of football manager Gareth Southgate, taking over from Joseph Fiennes who received an Olivier nod for his performance.

[*Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37379-come-alive) has extended performances at the Empress Museum in London until September 2025.

Inspired by the world of *The Greatest Showman*, *Come Alive!* features Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs from the 2017 film, with an original storyline, all within a 700-seat Big Top venue. There's also an immersive pre-show experience, with on-site food options, multiple bars, and circus...

'Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular' tickets now available through September 2025

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*Come Alive!* features Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs from the 2017 film — such as "This is Me" and "Rewrite the Stars" — with an original storyline.

The London transfer of Olivier Award winner James Graham's play [*Punch*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/41716-punch), about the true story of a one-punch crime, has been extended by two weeks at the Young Vic. Performances will now run until 26 April.

Graham (*Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, Sherwood*) brought Jacob Dunne’s moving memoir *Right From Wrong* to the Nottingham Playhouse stage earlier this year. It tells the story of teenager Jacob Dunne, who punches someone one...

James Graham's 'Punch' tickets now available through end of April 2025

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Graham's play is based on Jacob Dunne’s moving memoir *Right From Wrong* and tells his story of a one-punch crime, which has fatal consequences. 

Nobody puts baby in the corner! First-look artist impressions have been released of new west-London venue Capital Theatre, which will open with a production of [*Dirty Dancing*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/43487-dirty-dancing) in October 2025. 

Housed within Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush, the permanent new theatre venue will hold 620 seats, set over 35,000 square feet, with no customer more than nine rows from the performance stage area.

The auditorium has been designed and...

First look inside London's new Capital Theatre ahead of 'Dirty Dancing'

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Check out these images inside west London's new venue Capital Theatre, which opens with a production of *Dirty Dancing* next autumn.

Casting has been announced for [*The Gift*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/43087-the-gift), which opens at the Park Theatre in London on 22 January.

Nicholas Burns (*Nathan Barley, Benidorm, Black Mirror*) will take on the lead role of Colin. He is joined by Laura Haddock (*Downton Abbey: A New Era, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Inbetweeners Movie*) as Lisa and Alex Price (*Father Brown*, originated Draco Malfoy in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* in the West End and on Broadway) as...

Casting announced for 'The Gift' at Park Theatre

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*The Gift* is a comedy that follows Colin after he receives an unexpected cake box from his favourite patisserie, only to find that what's inside is very much not a cake.

Further casting has been announced for the UK premiere of *Here We Are*, which opens at the National Theatre in London on 23 April 2025.

Inspired by two of Luis Buñuel’s films – *The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie* and *The Exterminating Angel* – *Here We Are* is the final musical by Stephen Sondheim. It follows a group of guests at a dinner party, as they realise they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

Joining this new production are Chumisa Dornford-May (*Natasha, Pierre & The Great...

Further casting announced for final Sondheim musical 'Here We Are'

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Inspired by two of Luis Buñuel’s films, *Here We Are* is the final musical by Stephen Sondheim and follows a group of guests at a dinner party.

Irish actor Paul Mescal is one of the biggest success stories of recent years. Born in 1996 in Maynooth, north County Kildare, Mescal initially aspired to be a footballer but discovered acting after an injury. He trained at Dublin’s Lir Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career as a stage actor.

Mescal’s mainstream breakthrough came in 2020 when he was cast as diffident student Connell Waldron in the television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel *Normal People* opposite Daisy Edgar-Jones....

Learn more about Paul Mescal's career ahead of 'A Streetcar Named Desire'

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The *Normal People* and *Gladiator II* star reprises his role as Stanley Kowalski at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End for three weeks in February.

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Find out more about Paul Mescal theatre roles in London.

Paul Mescal - Stars on Stage | London Theatre

Tickets for the rescheduled dates of <a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> at the <a href="/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a> are now on sale. Originally scheduled to begin a four-month engagement in April, the musical will receive its West End revival from 1st September for two months.The <a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> company will remain the same as previously billed, including <a href="/actor-profile/michael-ball">Michael Ball</a> who reprises his 2007 Olivier Award-winning performance as Edna Turnblad. He's joined by West End newcomer Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad, alongside Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Maybelle, Paul Merton as Wilbur Turnblad and Rita Simons as Velma von Tussle.<a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> will begin performances on 1st September, ahead of an official opening on 8th September with&nbsp;performances to 8th November.The full cast stars Jonny Amies, Georgia Anderson, Kimani Arthur, Dermot Canavan, Lori Haley Fox, Mari McGinlay, Ashley Samuels, Michael Vinsen and Imogen Bailey, Pearce Barron, Jordan Benjamin, Nicholas Collier, Joel Cooper, Luke George, Christopher Gopaul, Winny Herbert, Chris Howell, Lily Laight, Hannah Grace Lawson, Madeleine Lawton, Holly Liburd, Will Luckett, Mireia Mambo, Kody Mortimer, Robyn Rose, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Kibong Tanji, Amy West and Natalie Woods.Set in 1960s Baltimore, the musical follows Tracy Turnblad, who after successfully auditioning for The Corny Collins Show becomes a local sensation. But, with different political views to her community and challenging the status quo, she has to overcome prejudice to win the viewers' hearts and take the crown.The production is directed by Jack O'Brien, choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, and features songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman including "Good Morning, Baltimore", "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" and "You Can't Stop the Beat".<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> is at the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a> from 1st September.<a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray tickets </a>are available now.&nbsp;

Hairspray tickets for rescheduled dates now on sale, starring Michael Ball

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Hairspray

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"*Hairspray* is a great big hug of a show. With its catchy ‘60s songs and explosive dancing, it’s a joyful welcome back to musical theatre audiences." (LondonTheatre.co.uk)

*Hairspray* follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, an aspiring dancer who wins a part on a local TV show, The Corny Collins Show, and becomes an overnight sensation. The musical has somewhat of a tradition of casting newcomers in the lead role, such as in the case of Jones in London, but also in the film versions of the story - Ricki Lake made her film debut in the original 1988 movie.

Michael Ball reprised his role as Edna Turnblad at the London Coliseum. Ball starred in this record-setting production of *Hairspray* in the West End in 2010. Opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 11th October 2007, Ball played Edna Turnblad alongside a cast that included Tracie Bennett, Ben James-Ellis, Rachael Wooding, Leanne Jones. *Hairspray* received 11 Olivier Award nominations, which was a record for the time, and won awards for best musical, as well as best actor and actress in a musical (for Ball and Jones). 

Although the *Hairspray* musical is not directly based on a true story, dance shows were common. In 1957, The Buddy Deane Show premiered in Baltimore, with white teenagers freely dancing to music and recreating dance moves. Segregation in the filming of the Buddy Deane Show was rife, with monthly nights allowing black church groups the opportunity to dance on air. In 1963, Baltimore teenagers staged an attack to integrate the races together.

The musical, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, features well-known songs such as "Good Morning Baltimore", "Big, Blonde and Beautiful", "I Can Hear the Bells" and "You Can't Stop the Beat". 

## Hairspray in London

Following its world premiere on Broadway in 2002, *Hairspray* made its transfer over the Atlantic to the West End in 2007 when it opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Starring Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad, the production - directed by Jack O'Brien - also starred Mel Smith, Tracie Bennett and newcomer to the stage, Leanne Jones in the role of Tracy. 

*Hairspray* was nominated for eleven Olivier Awards, which set a record at the time, and won the award for best musical, plus best actor and actress in a musical for Michael Ball and Leanne Jones. The show ran for over 1,000 performances during which time cast changes included Brian Conley, Phil Jupitus and Sharon D Clarke, before it closed on 28th March 2010. 

## Hairspray soundtrack

Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman's score contains some of musical theatre's most uplifting tracks, none less than the opening number "Good Morning, Baltimore" and the show's closer "You Can't Stop The Beat". Other numbers include "I Can Hear the Bells", "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs" and "I Know Where I've Been."

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Hairspray Tickets | Michael Ball | Londontheatre.co.uk

*Hairspray* follows Tracy Turnblad as she realises her dream of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show.” Once she's earned her place, Tracy discovers that racial segregation taking place on the show doesn’t fit into the world she envisions. Using her newfound fame, Tracy takes to the streets to fight for equality with her friends Penny, Seaweed, and Motormouth Maybelle, going against critics who try to stop her. Along the way she finds love in teen heartthrob Link Larkin and her mother Edna Turnblad discovers a newfound confidence to join her daughter. Enjoy a new lease of life at *Hairspray* and book *Hairspray* tickets now.

The *Hairspray* musical has been hugely successful, winning three Olivier Awards during its original run. Now, *Hairspray* returns to London for a limited engagement at the London Coliseum. The feel-good musical will restore your faith in humanity. See *Hairspray* in London, and don't miss the hit musical that inspired the film with original London cast member Michael Ball reprising his acclaimed role as Edna Turnblad.

## What to Watch For
- *Hairspray* on Broadway used over 150 wigs, but Tracy only wears three wigs throughout the show – one at the beginning, one when she joins “The Corny Collins Show,” and the finale wig.
- “The Corny Collins Show” is based on “The Buddy Deane Show” which aired in Baltimore from 1957 to 1964 and also featured segregated teenagers showing off the latest dance moves.
- The composer and lyricist team for *Hairspray* are Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Together, they were responsible for many of the songs in the TV hit show “Smash.”
- The 2007 film adaptation of *Hairspray* is one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time.

Hairspray [16216] - LON - TodayTix

On a night of jubilation for English football fans, there was ample cause for celebration in the West End, too. Theatre came roaring back with a bright and big-hearted musical, ecstatically received by the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a> audience.As star <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/michael-ball">Michael Ball </a>pointed out in a post-show speech, we're not there yet: that audience was 1,000 instead of 3,000, with social distancing and capacity caps still in place. It was a smaller band, too, looking lonely in the cavernous pit. All of which exacerbated a mismatch between this genial but modest production and the enormous venue.&nbsp;Yet thanks to a phenomenally hard-working ensemble, dynamically delivering Jerry Mitchell's witty, inventive choreography, it did capture the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> spirit — capped by the irresistible final number, "You Can't Stop the Beat," which had everyone up and dancing together. You don't get that with a streamed show in your living room.&nbsp;The big draw of this revival — originally due to run last year — is Ball reprising his Olivier-winning turn as Edna Turnblad, laundress mother of the dance-crazy Tracy, who has yet to embrace '60s liberation. Ball has total command of the material, landing one-liners with aplomb, forming an endearing bond with Lizzie Bea's Tracy, and relishing this multifaceted drag role. He can both work a feathered hem and threaten to throw a punch.&nbsp;It's a performance that shifts into panto at times, especially when Ball ad libs to crack up Les Dennis, playing husband Wilbur. Dennis is a jolly presence, but vocally underpowered and clearly busking it during the dance numbers.Overall, Jack O'Brien's production needs more tonal consistency. Rita Simons and Georgia Anderson play the Von Tussles as cartoon villains — enjoyably so in the latter case, giving us a very funny, shrill Amber. But that's slightly at odds with more grounded work elsewhere, particularly from Bea as Tracy and Ashley Samuels as Seaweed J Stubbs. This show is a tricky balancing act: relishing its zany, colourful fun, without losing the heartfelt story at the centre.However, Bea is a delight as the plus-sized, giant-haired Tracy, determined to follow her dreams of dancing on her favourite TV show. She could make more of the comic possibilities, but gets great mileage out of Tracy's unbridled lust for crooner Link (a suitably appealing Jonny Amies).&nbsp;Michael Vinsen's Corny Collins amusingly lives up to his name, shiny trousers and all (glorious costumes by William Ivey Long), while, as Penny, Mari McGinlay proves to be an adept physical comedian. There's also a scene-stealing turn by Kimani Arthur as Little Inez, while Ashley Samuels makes Seaweed a genuinely exciting dancer — and imbues those smooth moves with real meaning, too.But the knockout performance comes from Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Maybelle, whose "I Know Where I've Been" begins as an intimate, bluesy number, sung to her children, and builds to a great cry, testifying about her experiences and beseeching the heavens for progress.While Mark O'Donnell, Thomas Meehan, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman's show does minimise social injustice with its overly neat ending, in some ways it feels startlingly contemporary. There's an activist protagonist using her platform to enact change, a joke about how rigging the justice system to win a contest is "un-American" that plays differently in 2021, and the lyrics of "I Know Where I've Been" still confront us"&nbsp;"Just to sit still would be a sin" is the challenge issued by the Black Lives Matter movement to be more than a passive ally.Yet, ultimately, Hairspray is a great big hug of a show. With its catchy '60s songs and explosive dancing, it's a joyful welcome back to musical theatre audiences — and to a re-emerging West End.<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/hairspray">Hairspray is running through 30 September at the London Coliseum. Book Hairspray tickets in the West End on London Theatre today.</a>Photo credit: Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad and Jonny Amies as Link Larkin (Photo by Tristram Kenton)<div>&nbsp;</div>

'Hairspray' brings the beat and a big heart back to the West End

Photo credit: Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad and Jonny Amies as Link Larkin (Photo by Tristram Kenton)

Ages 5+. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the auditorium. Children under the age of 16 must be seated with an adult.

Nutcracker - English National Ballet - LON [24499]

Nutcracker - English National Ballet

A magical Christmas tradition for all the family – in a brand-new production for 2024. This festive season, join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. 


This production is recommended for ages 10+. Please note only children aged 5+ are allowed in the auditorium

Giselle - English National Ballet - LON [28336]

Giselle - English National Ballet

Giselle is a haunting story of innocence and betrayal – a timeless tale about the redemptive power of love.

The London Coliseum, located in the heart of London is the largest theatre in London's West End. Built by architect Frank Matcham and opening its doors for the first time in 1904, the theatre houses just under 2,359 seats, spread out over four levels. Stylistically, the design is Edwardian Baroque - known for its grandeur and detail-oriented style. A site of both historic and cultural importance, The Coliseum is famed for its variety of productions including musical comedies, variety shows, and classic dramas. Since 1968, it has been the London home of the English National Opera (ENO) and is also used by the English National Ballet during the Christmas period. Notably, The London Coliseum has a rich history, boasting a revolving stage and the first 'quadraphonic' sound system in Britain. Today, its programming is varied with everything from high-profile awards ceremonies, to film screenings, television broadcasts, and a selection of world-class operas, musicals, dance performances and concerts. Its motto is 'Pro Bono Publico' (For the public good).

## How to get to the venue
The London Coliseum is easily accessible by a variety of transport options. It is located at St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES. The nearest underground station is Leicester Square on the Northern and Piccadilly Lines whilst the Charing Cross station servicing the Northern, Bakerloo and the British Rail Lines is just a short walk away. Additionally, a variety of buses service the area including the routes 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 30, 53.

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The London Coliseum opened in 1904. When the Coliseum first opened, it was home to variety shows – chariot races even took place. The idea stood that if shows weren’t accessible to the general public, then it didn’t have a place at the London Coliseum. 

In 1968, the theatre became the home of Sadler’s Wells Opera (now the English National Opera), with the London Coliseum auditiorium redesigned to allow for a large orchestra. The London Coliseum has such a presence in the English opera calendar that it’s now the British home of operatic performances.

The London Coliseum has the widest proscenium arch in the West End, measuring at 55 feet wide.

## London Coliseum Seating Information

The London Coliseum seats 2,359 people across two levels - Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony. All seats offer an excellent view of the London Coliseum stage, so you can feel a part of the action.

London Coliseum - London Theatre

The London Coliseum, opened in 1904, originally hosted variety shows. It's now home to the English National Opera, seats 2,359 people and has the widest proscenium arch in the West End.

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The London Coliseum is the largest West End theatre, housing English National Opera and English National Ballet performances. Accessible from Leicester Square and Charing Cross stations.

Hairspray tickets for rescheduled dates now on sale, starring Michael Ball

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