From Sydney to the West End: My Broadway Dreams in the UK
When I left Sydney for London, I knew I was trading endless sunshine and beaches for unpredictable weather and a bustling city life. But what truly excited me was the West End—its vibrant theatre scene felt like an open invitation to dive headfirst into a world of stories, music, and spectacle.
I’ve always been a musical theatre lover. Back in Australia, I used to save up for months to catch touring productions or plan trips to Melbourne just to see the latest shows. So, living in the UK feels like a dream come true. Every weekend, I find myself in a new theatre, soaking up the magic. Yet, despite how much I adore the West End, I can’t help but long for Broadway’s influence to cross the Atlantic more often.
There’s something about Broadway productions that feels so daring and larger-than-life. They’re bold, they’re electric, and I find myself constantly scrolling through theatre news, hoping to see announcements of transfers to the UK. As we step into 2025, I’ve already got a wishlist of shows I’d love to see make their way across the pond.
1. Parade
I saw Parade years ago, but this latest revival has been on my radar since it opened on Broadway. It’s such a powerful, haunting piece of theatre, and the buzz around Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond’s performances has me crossing all my fingers and toes for a UK transfer.
2. Beetlejuice
How has Beetlejuice not made it to the West End yet? It’s everything we love: quirky, fun, and with a killer score that sticks in your head for days. With the success of the film’s sequel, it feels like the perfect time for Warner Bros to finally pull the trigger. Just imagine walking down Shaftesbury Avenue and seeing Beetlejuice lit up in neon—it gives me chills just thinking about it.
3. Kimberly Akimbo
This show is pure heart. It’s the kind of story that makes you laugh and cry at the same time, and its themes of finding joy in the face of adversity are so relatable. I think UK audiences would embrace it with open arms.
4. Hell’s Kitchen
Who wouldn’t want to see Alicia Keys’ life story brought to life on stage? The music alone would make it worth it, but the raw grit of her Manhattan upbringing makes it feel universal. I can already imagine humming “Girl on Fire” all the way home.
5. Maybe Happy Ending
This little gem stole my heart when I first heard about it. A love story about obsolete robots sounds quirky, but it’s really about connection, humanity, and finding meaning in the simplest moments. I think it would captivate audiences here just as it has in New York.
6. Death Becomes Her
When I heard this cult classic was being adapted for the stage, I couldn’t stop smiling. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard are phenomenal, and the dark humour of the original film feels like it would fit perfectly with British audiences. Camp, clever, and a little outrageous—it’s got West End hit written all over it.
7. Spamalot
Who doesn’t love Spamalot? I grew up on Monty Python’s absurd humour, and it’s been far too long since this gem graced the West End. If we could somehow get Hannah Waddingham back as the Lady of the Lake, I’d be first in line for tickets.
8. Oh, Mary!
This one intrigues me. It’s so deeply rooted in American history, but I think that’s part of its charm. Watching a UK audience engage with Cole Escola’s irreverent comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln would be fascinating. Plus, I love a play that challenges expectations.
9. Stereophonic
I used to play bass in a band during my uni days, so the gritty realism of Stereophonic really resonates with me. It’s raw, emotional, and unflinchingly honest about the music industry. I think audiences here would absolutely eat it up.
10. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
This one feels like destiny. It’s London’s story, and bringing Broadway’s latest revival to its spiritual home would be perfect. I’d love to see Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford reprise their roles here, but even without them, it’s a show that belongs in London.
Living in London has been an amazing adventure, and the West End has given me so many unforgettable moments. But there’s something special about the idea of Broadway and the West End sharing more stories. Theatre is universal, after all, and I can’t help but hope 2025 brings some of these Broadway gems to my new home.
For now, I’ll keep an eye on the announcements and continue to dream about what’s to come. If Broadway wants to share its magic, we’re ready and waiting.
