IF/THEN: THE CONCERT Returns To London With Stellar Cast And New Date

Picture this, you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure which direction to take, knowing every choice may affect the rest of your life. That very sense of life-altering possibility forms the beating heart of IF/THEN: THE CONCERT, which is set to grace the stage at London’s Savoy Theatre next month. The production, featuring a top-tier cast led by Kerry Ellis and Adam Garcia, has just revealed an extra date and some exciting new names, including the celebrated John Owen-Jones. If you’re a fan of sweeping musical numbers, high-stakes storytelling, and a dash of real-life “what if?” scenarios, then this production ought to be top of your list.

A Fresh Look At Modern Musical Theatre

With music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, IF/THEN first arrived on Broadway in 2014, garnering a loyal fan base drawn to its blend of contemporary pop-rock tunes and a modern storyline. The show makes clever use of parallel realities, following Elizabeth, a newly divorced 38-year-old who returns to New York City. One small decision—whether she goes by her old nickname Liz or tries on a new identity as Beth—splits her future into two distinct life paths. Across these alternating universes, she forms new relationships, confronts career twists, and grapples with motherhood and romance in ways that feel both momentous and deeply personal.

When IF/THEN premiered, audiences and critics praised it for shining a realistic spotlight on the complexities of adult life. With a contemporary urban setting, it differs from the more traditional musicals that might feature dancing chimney sweeps or eighteenth-century revolutionaries. Instead, it asks viewers to reflect on their own lived experiences: the people they meet by chance, the paths they choose (or don’t), and how it all shapes who they become. The universal resonance of this theme is part of what makes the show’s concert staging so highly anticipated.

London’s Savoy Theatre

Set on the Strand, the Savoy Theatre has a rich history as one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks. It has hosted everything from lavish musicals to innovative new plays. For IF/THEN: THE CONCERT, the Savoy’s atmosphere and excellent acoustics should bring out the best in the production’s score, allowing the cast to showcase vocal fireworks without sacrificing the story’s emotional core.

Concert stagings typically strip back some of the theatrical frills and elaborate sets that come with a full production. Instead, the focus narrows squarely on the music, dialogue, and performances. This format is ideal for a show like IF/THEN, which relies heavily on introspective, character-driven songs to convey Elizabeth’s emotional journey. Audience members can expect an immersive experience, with each number highlighting the show’s central theme: that one chance encounter or decision can transform a life in unimaginable ways.

A Star-Studded Cast With A New Twist

Leading the cast as Elizabeth is Kerry Ellis, whose powerhouse vocals have electrified audiences in shows such as Wicked and Oliver!. Ellis is known for her versatility and depth, which should prove invaluable in portraying Elizabeth’s dual life paths. Joining her is Adam Garcia (renowned for roles in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and also known in Australian theatre circles for productions like Saturday Night Fever), taking on the role of Josh, who becomes a significant figure in one of Elizabeth’s parallel journeys. As a performer with a strong dance background and a global following, Garcia promises to bring both charm and pathos to a part that underscores the story’s romantic core.

But that’s not all. David Hunter has been announced as Lucas, a friend whose own choices and relationships intersect with Elizabeth’s in surprising ways. Preeya Kalidas, who stole the spotlight in EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE, is set to play Kate, a sharp-witted and energetic ally to Elizabeth in her new city life. Also joining the mix are Jenny Fitzpatrick (OLIVER!) as Anne, Tim Howar (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) and, in a newly revealed twist, John Owen-Jones taking on the role of Stephen. Owen-Jones’s arrival adds a splash of star power, given his illustrious track record in major musicals such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.

Additional cast members include Carl Man as David, Joni Ayton-Kent (THE WATCH) as Elena, and an ensemble featuring Kayleigh Thadani, Sario Solomon, Christian Maynard, Lauren Hall, Danny Becker, and M-Jae Cleopatra Isaac. With that level of talent on stage, it’s safe to expect a seamless blend of vocals, character interplay, and stage presence—crucial elements for a musical that hinges on authentic emotional beats and a richly layered score.

Expanding Its Reach

Due to mounting excitement and early demand, IF/THEN: THE CONCERT will now have two dates at the Savoy Theatre: the first on 10 February, followed by an additional performance on 17 February. The second show will also incorporate BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation, making the production more accessible to a broader audience. By prioritising inclusivity, the creative team signals a commitment to welcoming as many theatregoers as possible. Such efforts not only widen the show’s appeal but also reflect a growing movement within the performing arts to break down barriers and ensure that theatre remains an experience for everyone.

Direction And Musical Staging

Helming the production is Bill Buckhurst, known for his work on the West End productions of SISTER ACT and THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE. Buckhurst’s experience with large-scale musical pieces, as well as more intimate stagings, should serve him well in this concert format. There’s a delicate balance between letting the songs speak for themselves and giving the cast enough room to convey the storyline convincingly. If Buckhurst’s track record is any indication, the show will hit that sweet spot of emotional depth without losing the pace that modern musicals demand.

Adding to the creative synergy is Olivier Award nominee Alistair David, responsible for the musical staging. David’s credits include KISS ME, KATE and SHOW BOAT, both of which feature intricate choreography that supports the narrative. While a concert version typically minimises elaborate dance sequences, a thoughtful approach to movement helps keep the staging vibrant and engaging. This creative team’s collective expertise should ensure that the story’s dual realities will come across clearly, all while delivering crowd-pleasing performance elements.

One unique feature of IF/THEN is its inventive storytelling approach. The plot pivots around Elizabeth’s decision whether to answer her phone or follow a friend on a spur-of-the-moment outing—simple actions that launch the twin timelines. In one universe, she pursues a high-powered career in city planning and fosters a deep friendship with Lucas. In the other, her choice to explore her romantic life leads her down an entirely different path involving motherhood and marriage.

This structure mirrors the sliding-doors concept: how one small action can resonate through your future like ripples in a pond. It’s easy for any of us to think back on pivotal moments—call them fateful phone calls, chance meetings, or last-minute changed plans—and wonder how differently life might have turned out had we made the other choice. IF/THEN transforms that question into a live musical tapestry, set against the backdrop of a bustling modern metropolis.

A Score That Mirrors Life’s Ups And Downs

Those who have seen or listened to IF/THEN know the show’s songs can be both anthemic and achingly intimate. Tracks like Here I Go or Some Other Me explore the characters’ doubts and longings, while pieces such as *What the ***?capture Elizabeth’s frustrations as she tries to navigate decisions and lost opportunities. Composer Tom Kitt (NEXT TO NORMAL) excels at combining contemporary pop-rock rhythms with the swirling complexities of emotional conflict, while lyricist Brian Yorkey has a knack for weaving introspective dialogue into catchy melodies.

Concert audiences can expect a musical ride through moments of heartache, humour, optimism, and existential questioning. If previous stagings are anything to go by, at least one or two numbers will trigger tears, while others might inspire well-earned laughter. Overall, the music cements the show as a modern piece that resonates with all who’ve faced the life choices that lead us into new chapters—often in surprising ways.

Making Theatre Accessible For All

The introduction of a BSL-interpreted performance is a testament to the industry’s growing emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. In recent years, West End productions have ramped up efforts to offer accessible performances, whether that means captioning, BSL interpretations, or audio description. This heightened accessibility ensures that people with different needs or hearing abilities can enjoy musicals in real time, witnessing the same stories and dramatic beats as everyone else.

By including BSL interpretation on 17 February, the team behind IF/THEN: THE CONCERT invites a wider audience to explore the show’s parallel worlds. It’s a step that not only enriches the cultural fabric of London theatre but also reflects the spirit of collaboration and belonging that musicals so often celebrate.

Producing the show is no small feat. Coordination between cast, creative team, and venue has been carefully orchestrated, with Michael England (LES MISÉRABLES, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) at the helm as music director. The production also benefits from casting by Pearson Casting, who have evidently succeeded in bringing together a mix of established stars like Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones, as well as emerging talents. This well-rounded company has all the ingredients for a concert that underscores both the emotional intensity and the fun of live performance.

IF/THEN: THE CONCERT offers something all too rare on the London stage: a modern musical fable that simultaneously entertains and challenges the audience to reevaluate those small, everyday choices. When you take your seat at the Savoy Theatre, you’ll not only witness a top-flight cast belting out soaring anthems—you’ll also confront your own “what if?” moments. It’s an invitation to reflect on the paths you’ve taken and the ones you never knew were possible, wrapped in a beautifully scored story of love, ambition, friendship, and, above all, hope.

If you’re curious about fate, free will, and the life-changing power of a single decision, book your tickets for IF/THEN: THE CONCERT. With two performance dates, a top-notch creative team, and a story that will leave you pondering your own crossroads, it’s bound to be a highlight of your theatrical calendar. After all, when it comes to the magic of musical theatre, sometimes all it takes is one night, one choice, one show—an if and then—to set your life on a new course.