22 West End Shows to See in 2022 – Part Two

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2022 – the year your theatre addiction gets back on track following two years of painful withdrawal. Theatreland has so many incredible shows in store for us this year, from world premieres to reworkings of our all-time favourites. If you missed part one of our roundup, you can catch up here.

6. Back To The Future, The Musical – Adelphi Theatre

This pop-culture classic has been given a new outing with this major musical adaptation of the ever-popular 1985 film. The musical sticks to the plot of the first – and most popular – Back to the Future film, with Marty McFly zipping back to 1955 in Doc Brown’s time machine. There’s original music for the stage adaptation alongside classics from the film’s soundtrack, including The Power of Love and Earth Angel.

7. Jersey Boys – Trafalgar Theatre

There are two exciting reasons to see Jersey Boys in its return to London. First, everyone leaves the theatre feeling pumped with life and with a big goofy grin on their face after watching Jersey Boys. Second, this revival of the favourite jukebox musical is the first production to play at the newly restored Trafalgar Theatre. The previous Trafalgar Studios have been torn up and the original multi-tier proscenium arch auditorium is back. Check it out – just a moment’s walk from Trafalgar Square.

8. Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Piccadilly Theatre

The one has been enticing London theatre-goers for the last couple of years. We were promised Moulin Rouge and my-oh-my have we had to be patient. The musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning film, features an original score peppered with modern pop anthems… A style that seems to be in vogue this year! The current run is expected to end in May 2022.

9. SIX The Musical – Vaudeville Theatre

The sassy “historemix” that is SIX has absolutely wowed audiences since it opened at the Arts Theatre. The musical went to become the Arts Theatre’s longest ever run and has now relocated to the Vaudeville Theatre. Experience the story of Henry VIII’s wives in a way you’ve never seen before. This musical works on so many levels and is a perfect choice for an inspiring night out.

10. The Phantom of the Opera – Her Majesty’s Theatre

There’s nothing new about The Phantom of the Opera in London – it’s been performing for 35 straight years! And that says everything! If you’ve never seen this theatreland stalwart, make 2022 the year you do. And if you have enjoyed Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s haunting love story before, this year is the year to revisit the classic, as it’s enjoyed a new set spruce up over the pandemic and looks better than ever.

11. Les Misérables – Sondheim Theatre

We can’t mention Phantom without also giving a nod to the other longstanding bastion of West End theatre. Les Misérables transformed temporarily into a concert version whilst Cameron Mackintosh refurbished (and renamed) the Sondheim Theatre. Now, the full production returns to the stage with some small updates and a redesigned set. Yes the monstrously huge rotating barricades have gone… but you’ll have to go and see the show to find out what’s there instead!