Theatre Reviews - Rays of Adventure

Going to see a show is a great way to spend an evening in the UK. The West End in London has some world-class performances. Many other towns and cities across the UK have their own theatre and performances as well. Check out my top UK Theatre Reviews for some of my favourite theatre shows here.

No trip to the UK is complete without seeing a show at a theatre. My UK theatre reviews can help you plan a trip to a theatre in the UK. London’s world-famous West End attracts tourists from all over the world, and even people who live in or near London often go to see shows there. There’s a huge range of shows to see in London. West End musicals are one of my favourite types of shows to see. Highlights include Les Miserables, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and so many more. But there are also lots of plays, from Shakespeare plays at the Globe Theatre, to scary ghost stories and murder mysteries on stage, and of course the famous Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And there are classical music concerts as well, opera and ballet at iconic venues like the Royal Opera House and Royal Albert Hall. And so many more.

The UK also has a wide range of theatre shows in towns and cities around the country. Most towns and cities in the UK have at least one theatre, with the bigger cities often having several theatres. These often show touring West End musicals – so you can often watch a famous show when it tours to a different city. There are lots of different types of performances at these more local theatres. I often find it enjoyable to see a show in a city I’m visiting. For example, when touring the top sights in Bristol, check out what’s on at the Bristol Hippodrome. Or when exploring Cardiff for a weekend, look at the shows on in Cardiff. Going to the theatre is a great evening out in the UK.

My UK theatre reviews give more information about some of my favourite shows I’ve been to in the UK recently. I hope you find them useful, and hope they inspire you to explore more of the UK’s amazing theatre culture.

Educating Rita: Theatre Review
Educating Rita is a brilliant play, written by Willy Russell. With just two characters, it tells the story of two people and their struggles with internal battles. Here’s my Educating Rita theatre review.
Chicago the Musical: Theatre Review
Chicago is a famous musical, with a great jazz soundtrack and iconic dancing. It’s a must-see musical for any musical theatre fans. Here’s my Chicago the Musical theatre review.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Stage: Theatre Review
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on stage is a great, family-friendly musical. It’s based on the famous film, and it works great on stage as well. Here’s my Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on stage theatre review.
Cruel Intentions the Musical: Theatre Review
Cruel Intentions the Musical is a musical adaptation of the film, Cruel Intentions. It’s definitely an adult-themed show, but it’s fun and also has some nice romantic elements. Here’s my Cruel Intentions the Musical theatre review.
Operation Mincemeat the Musical: Theatre Review
Operation Mincemeat is a musical based on the true story from World War Two. It’s a fun musical, but tells a hugely important story. Here’s my Operation Mincemeat the Musical theatre review.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical: Theatre Review
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a stage musical based on the songs and life story of Tina Turner. It’s a high energy show, that also deals with sad, emotional times. Here’s my Tina: The Tina Turner Musical theatre review.
In the Mouth of the Wolf: Theatre Review
In the Mouth of the Wolf is a famous book by Michael Morpurgo. It has been adapted for stage, and is now a play as well. Here’s my In the Mouth of the Wolf theatre review.
NOW That’s What I Call a Musical: Theatre Review
NOW That’s What I Call a Musical is a fun show featuring some of the most iconic songs from the 1980s. It’s a great night out, with a good story and soundtrack. Here’s my NOW That’s What I Call a Musical theatre review.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat: Theatre Review
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is a fun, lively and colourful musical. It’s a great family-friendly show, and fun for adults as well. Here’s my Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat theatre review.
Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies: Theatre Review
Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies is a fun live music concert. It’s a great evening out. For any fans of Gareth Gates, or just popular movie songs, this show is a must. Here’s Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies theatre review.
Inside No. 9 Stage Fright: Theatre Review
Inside No. 9 Stage Fright is the stage version of the popular TV show, Inside No. 9. It’s a good show, with clever twists and lots of humour. But it’s also a bit confusing. Here’s my Inside No. 9 Stage Fright theatre review.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on stage: Theatre review
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on stage is a great theatre adaptation of the famous book by C. S. Lewis. It’s a great show, with impressive visual aspects. Here’s my The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on stage theatre review.
Dear Evan Hansen – the Musical: Theatre Review
Dear Evan Hansen – the Musical is a moving. heart-warming and emotional show. It deals with serious issues, but with warmth and humour, and some amazing music. Here’s my Dear Evan Hansen – the Musical theatre review.
Adam Kay ‘Undoctored’: Theatre and Book Review
Adam Kay is a writer and comedian, who used to be an NHS doctor. His new book ‘Undoctored’, is accompanied by a live theatre show. Here’s my Adam Kay ‘Undoctored’ theatre and book review.
War Horse: Theatre Review
War Horse is an absolutely outstanding play. It’s probably my favourite show to see on stage. It’s incredibly emotional, moving and powerful, with outstanding puppetry as well. Here’s my War Horse theatre review.
101 Dalmatians The Musical: Theatre Review
101 Dalmatians The Musical is a stage adaptation of the famous story. It’s a fun show, especially for kids, but it’s a bit weird. Here’s my 101 Dalmatians The Musical theatre review.
Starlight Express: Theatre Review
Starlight Express is a visually spectacular show – where the whole cast perform in great costumes, and on roller skates. It’s a great show for all ages. Here’s my Starlight Express theatre review.
Mary Poppins the Musical: Theatre Review
Mary Poppins the Musical is a musical theatre adaptation of the famous Disney film. It’s based on the Disney film, where a magical Nanny called Mary Poppins joins the Banks family. It’s a good show on stage, but a bit weird at times! Here’s my Mary Poppins the Musical theatre review.
Room 13: Theatre Review
Room 13 is a spooky, scary, ghost story play. It’s a new play, written for the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. And it was a great performance, full of spookiness. Here’s my Room 13 theatre review.
Grease the Musical: Theatre Review
Grease is one of the most famous musical films. But it originated as a stage musical, so it’s a great show to see on stage. There are quite a few differences to the film! Here’s my Grease the Musical theatre review, with the differences from the film explained.
Showstopper: The Improvised Musical: Review
Showstopper: The Improvised Musical is a really fun show. As its name suggests, it’s a completely improvised musical. Each show is different, based on audience suggestions. Here’s my Showstopper: The Improvised Musical review.
An Officer and a Gentleman – The Musical: Theatre Review
An Officer and a Gentleman – The Musical is a stage musical based on the 1982 film starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger. It’s a jukebox musical, featuring hit songs from the 1980s. It’s a fun show, but with some sad themes as well. Here’s my An Officer and a Gentleman – The Musical theatre review.
Ghost – The Musical: Theatre Review
Ghost – The Musical is a musical theatre adaptation of the famous film ‘Ghost’ from 1990, starring Patrick Swayze. Fans of the film of Ghost will enjoy this musical adaptation, which is fun but also has many emotional, moving moments. Here’s my Ghost – The Musical theatre review.
Lord of the Dance: Theatre Review
Lord of the Dance is a famous dance show that’s been performed across the world. It’s an Irish dance show, with a nice soundtrack and a nice (but slightly confusing) story. Here’s my Lord of the Dance theatre review.
Guys and Dolls: Theatre Review
Guys and Dolls is a classic musical that every musical theatre fan will have heard of. It’s currently having a revival at the Bridge Theatre in London, with a new immersive production. It’s a great show, and a really innovative production. Here’s my Guys and Dolls theatre review.
Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York): Theatre Review
Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) is a really fun, heart-warming musical. It’s a romantic comedy musical, with just two characters throughout. With great music, amazing acting and a beautiful story, this is a musical you’ll remember for a long time. Here’s my Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) theatre review.
A Child of Science: Theatre Review
A Child of Science is a new play, written by Gareth Farr. It’s a fictional story, but it’s based on the true events of scientists working on new IVF treatments. It’s a powerful, moving play but also enjoyable to watch. Here’s my A Child of Science Theatre Review.
The 39 Steps: Theatre Review
The 39 Steps is a fun and enjoyable 100-minute long play. Over 100 characters are played by 4 actors, but it’s done really well and isn’t confusing at all. Here’s my The 39 Steps theatre review.
Constellations: Theatre Review
Constellations is a 70 minute long, one-act play by Nick Payne. It features just two characters, and explores their relationship over time – in multiple parallel worlds. Here’s my Constellations theatre review.
2:22 A Ghost Story: Theatre Review
2:22 A Ghost Story is a new play that’s been really successful in the last few years. It’s sort of a ghost story – but maybe not what you’d expect from a ghost story. Here’s my 2:22 A Ghost Story theatre review.
Bonnie and Clyde Musical: Theatre Review
Bonnie and Clyde is a musical based on the true story of Bonnie and Clyde, a young couple who lived in the USA during the Great Depression and lived a life of crime. It’s a good show, with some romance as well as drama. Here’s my Bonnie and Clyde musical theatre review.
Come From Away: Theatre Review
Come From Away is one of my all-time favourite musicals. It tells the story of 38 planes, which were forced to land in Newfoundland, Canada following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It’s such a heartwarming, moving show. Here’s my Come From Away theatre review.
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch: Theatre Review
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch is a parody musical, telling the story of Ursula – the evil Sea Witch from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It’s an adult-only show, filled with innuendo and swearing. Here’s my Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch theatre review.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong: Theatre Review
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a fun comedy play. It’s about a theatre company who put on a production of Peter Pan – but during their show, things quickly start going wrong. It’s a hilarious two hours of everything that could possibly go wrong on stage. Here’s my Peter Pan Goes Wrong theatre review.
Starter for Ten Musical: Theatre Review
Starter for Ten is a new musical, based on the book by David Nicholls. It’s a good adaptation of a great story. Here’s my Starter for Ten Musical theatre review.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Theatre Review
Jesus Christ Superstar is a famous musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It’s maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but I still enjoyed it. Here’s my Jesus Christ Superstar theatre review.
Edward Scissorhands: Theatre Review
Edward Scissorhands is a ballet – but a modern ballet. It tells the story of a young man, called Edward, who has scissors as hands. It’s a surprisingly sweet and moving story. Here’s my Edward Scissorhands Theatre Review.
Stranger Sings: Theatre Review
Stranger Sings is a musical parody of the popular Netflix show, Stranger Things. It’s a fun performance, and enjoyable if you liked the Netflix show. Here’s my Stranger Sings theatre review.
Life of Pi: Theatre Review
Life of Pi is a stage adaptation of the famous novel by Yann Martel. It’s a great story, and the stage production is very impressive with the use of puppets to portray the animals. Here’s my Life of Pi theatre review.
Six The Musical: Theatre Review
Six The Musical is a fun, powerful and uplifting theatre show. It’s more of a concert than a musical with a story – but it’s still good fun to watch. Here’s my Six The Musical theatre review.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Theatre Review
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a fun, and sometimes emotionally moving, musical. It follows the story of 16-year-old Jamie as he navigates life through school with a secret dream of being a drag queen. Here’s my Everybody’s Talking About Jamie theatre review.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World: Theatre Review
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is a really fun, empowering musical suitable for children and adults. It’s got a great soundtrack and fun storyline. Here’s my Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World theatre review.
Sunset Boulevard: Theatre Review
Sunset Boulevard, starring Nicole Sherzinger, is an amazing, dramatic and moving theatre performance. It’s dark and gritty, and completely captivating. Here’s my Sunset Boulevard theatre review.
I’m Sorry Prime Minister I can’t Quite Remember: Theatre Review
For any fans of the TV show Yes Minister, there’s a new final chapter for the story. Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey are back in this new stage production. Here’s my ‘I’m Sorry Prime Minister I can’t Quite Remember’ theatre review.
Rebecca The Musical: Theatre Review
Rebecca The Musical is a fairly new musical, based on the famous classic book by Daphne Du Maurier. It’s on in London in 2023, the first time it’s been performed in the English language. Here’s my Rebecca The Musical: Theatre Review.
The Little Big Things Musical: Theatre Review
The Little Big Things is a new musical, playing at a modern theatre in Soho, London in 2023. I loved this musical – it was heart-warming and moving, with great music. Here’s my The Little Big Things Musical theatre review.
Aspects of Love: Theatre Review
Aspects of Love is one of the less well-known musicals from Andrew Lloyd Webber. It’s back in London in 2023 with a new production. Here’s my Aspects of Love theatre review.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical: Theatre Review
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical is based on the popular book by Roald Dahl, and the popular film as well. It’s a great family-friendly musical, with plenty for adults to enjoy as well. Here’s my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical theatre review.
Dirty Dancing On Stage: Theatre Review
Dirty Dancing on stage is an adaptation of the famous Dirty Dancing film. Any fans of the film will definitely enjoy this stage version, although some aspects might be questionable. Here’s my Dirty Dancing On Stage Theatre Review.
Groundhog Day The Musical: Theatre Review
Groundhog Day The Musical is based on the famous film that came out in 1993. If you like the film, you’ll love the musical on stage. Here’s my Groundhog Day The Musical: Theatre Review.
Greatest Days – The Take That Musical: Theatre Review
Greatest Days is a musical based on the music of the famous boy band, Take That. It uses an original story, filled with fun but also heartbreak, with the famous songs used throughout the musical. Here’s my Greatest Days – The Take That Musical Theatre Review.
Theatre Review: Strictly Ballroom The Musical
Strictly Ballroom The Musical is based on the popular film. It’s a great show to see on stage, with amazing dance routines throughout the whole show. Here’s my theatre review of Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
Heathers The Musical: Theatre Review
Heathers The Musical is based on the popular 1989 film. It’s about a group of girls at high school – but it’s definitely not your typical high school musical. It’s just quite weird. Here’s my Heathers The Musical theatre review.
Newsies The Musical: Theatre Review
Newsies The Musical is a fun, action-packed, visually spectacular show. With amazing dances and acrobatics, as well as great songs, this musical is an instant crowd-pleaser. Here’s my Newsies The Musical theatre review.
Fisherman’s Friends The Musical: Theatre Review
Fisherman’s Friends is a musical based on the true story of the singing fisherman from Cornwall. It’s a heart-warming, fun musical that leaves you with a warm, happy feeling in your heart. Here’s my Fisherman’s Friends The Musical Theatre Review.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club: Theatre Review
The musical Cabaret has opened a new production at the Kit Kat Club in London’s West End. This unique and iconic venue and production really brings this well known musical to a new audience. Here’s my Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club theatre review.
The Great British Bake Off Musical: Theatre Review
The Great British Bake Off musical is a new musical, hitting theatres in 2023. As anyone who has seen the famous TV show would expect, it’s a light-hearted fun musical that will inspire you to get baking! Here’s my The Great British Bake Off musical theatre review.
My Fair Lady: Theatre Review
My Fair Lady is a classic story with well-known songs. It’s been on tour in 2022 and 2023, with a new cast but still retaining all of the original charm. Here’s my My Fair Lady theatre review.
& Juliet: Theatre Review
& Juliet is a modern take on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. It’s fun and empowering, filled with positive vibes and energy. Here’s my & Juliet theatre review.
Bat Out Of Hell: Theatre Review
Bat out of Hell is a new-ish musical based on the music of Meat Loaf. The music is great, with a slightly unusual but fun storyline. Here’s my Bat out of Hell Theatre Review.
The Cher Show: Theatre Review
The Cher Show is a newer musical that’s based on the popular songs by Cher. It tells the story of Cher, from her childhood to her rise to fame. Here’s my The Cher Show theatre review.
Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of): Theatre Review
Pride And Prejudice (Sort Of) is a fun, modern comedy version of one of the most loved books of all time. For any Jane Austen fans, it’s a must-see. Here’s my Pride And Prejudice (Sort Of) Theatre Review.
Cirque The Greatest Show: Theatre Review
Cirque The Greatest Show is a blend of West End musical songs and circus acts. It’s an enjoyable night out at the theatre – maybe not ‘The Greatest Show’ like its name suggests, but still good fun. Here’s my Cirque The Greatest Show theatre review.