After a three-year spellbinding run, Disney’s Frozen takes its final bow in London’s West End on September 8, 2024, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Since its opening on August 27, 2021, followed by an official premiere on September 8 of the same year, the production has captivated over 2.8 million theatregoers. However, the magic isn’t entirely over—as a live stage film of the West End production is set to stream soon on Disney+, bringing the enchanting tale to even more fans worldwide.
The production, which received four Olivier Award nominations including Best New Musical, has been lauded for its stunning visuals and powerful performances. Director Michael Grandage reflected on the journey, stating, “It has been a joy to be part of the Frozen journey in London. Working with the team at Disney, the brilliant creative team, and the incredible cast have made this one of my happiest theatre experiences.” He also noted the significance of opening the show post-pandemic, welcoming back audiences—many of whom were experiencing live theatre for the first time—and cultivating a lifelong love for the stage.
Thomas Schumacher, Disney Theatrical Group’s Chief Creative Officer, expressed pride in the production’s achievements and London’s reception: “I am enormously proud of everything the team achieved with Frozen and of London’s warm embrace of it. This production was specially created for the West End, and it was an honor to reopen Madeleine and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beautifully refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where the majesty of the production met the majesty of the space.”
The West End cast includes Samantha Barks as Elsa, Laura Dawkes as Anna, Jammy Kasongo as Kristoff, Craig Gallivan as Olaf, Oliver Ormson as Hans, Richard Frame as Duke of Weselton, and Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall alternating as Sven.
Based on the 2013 animated Disney film, Frozen features music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with a book by Jennifer Lee. The musical originally debuted on Broadway in March 2018, earning Tony Award nominations for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. Although the Broadway production was closed permanently in May 2020 due to the pandemic, its legacy continues in this West End adaptation.
Directed by Michael Grandage, with choreography by Rob Ashford, set and costume design by Christopher Oram, and music supervision and arrangements by Stephen Oremus, Frozen brought a winter wonderland to life on stage. As the West End lights dim on Frozen, its impact endures, promising to inspire audiences anew through its upcoming Disney+ release.