It has been a busy year, with a wealth of big West End theatre-related news stories coming out in 2023.

From major show announcements, including Starlight Express, Burlesque The Musical, Spirited Away and the Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular; to big casting announcements for musicals including Guys and Dolls, Les Miserables and the UK tour of Jesus Christ Superstar; to tragic moments such as the exit of Haydn Gwynne from Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, and her death a few weeks later; to major theatrical events such as the Royal Variety Performance 2023, and ITV’s big TV talent competition Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream.

So here’s our annual ranking of the Top 10 news stories that were the most read on WestEndTheatre.com in 2023, in terms of numbers of unique visitors. The most read is Number One!

Also check out our lists of the London Theatre Critic’s Picks of 2023.

Most read news stories of 2023 on WestEndTheatre.com

Les Miserables London new cast announced including Lucie Jones, Josh Piterman, Stewart Clarke
Les Miserables London new cast announced including Lucie Jones, Josh Piterman, Stewart Clarke
Cameron Mackintosh has announced a new cast for his production of Les Miserables at the Sondheim theatre in London.
Royal Variety Performance 2023 performers revealed & How to Watch, including Cher, Hannah Waddingham, Samantha Barks, Beverley Knight, Mel C, Disney 100 & more + First-look photos [Updated]
Royal Variety Performance 2023 at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo credit ITV
Royal Variety Performance 2023 performers revealed & How to Watch, including Cher, Hannah Waddingham, Samantha Barks, Beverley Knight, Mel C, Disney 100 & more + First-look photos [Updated]
The Royal Variety Charity has announced performers for its annual Royal Variety Performance.
Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular tour announced
Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular tour announced
Cameron Mackintosh has announced a World Tour of Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular, opening with European dates, plus UK dates in September 2024.
Spirited Away to open at the London Coliseum in April 2024
SPIRITED AWAY. Kanna Hashimoto in original production
Spirited Away to open at the London Coliseum in April 2024
Spirited Away to open at the London Coliseum
Burlesque The Musical is coming to London’s West End
Burlesque - Movie. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures
Burlesque The Musical is coming to London’s West End
Movie and stage director Steven Antin has confirmed that his movie BURLESQUE is getting a stage adaptation, with Christina Aguilera set to Executive Produce.
Guys & Dolls announces casting for the Bridge Theatre
Guys & Dolls - Casting
Guys & Dolls announces casting for the Bridge Theatre
Nicholas Hytner's new immersive production of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre has announced casting for the show.
Jesus Christ Superstar 2023 UK tour – full cast announced
Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour - Ian McIntosh, Shem Omari James, Hannah Richardson. Photo by Mark Senior
Jesus Christ Superstar 2023 UK tour – full cast announced
Full casting announced for Jesus Christ Superstar 2023-2024 UK tour
Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends delayed; Haydn Gwynne exits
Haydn Gwynne
Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends delayed; Haydn Gwynne exits
Hadyn Gwynne withdraws from Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends due to personal circumstances -show opening delayed by 4 days
Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream – First look at the contestants in the new ITV talent show
Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream - The contestants. Photos - ITV : Thames
Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream – First look at the contestants in the new ITV talent show
ITV has revealed a sneak peek of their brand new talent show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream.
Starlight Express to return to London in 2024
Starlight Express 2024
Starlight Express to return to London in 2024
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS will return to London in 2024.


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Main photo: Best of 2023 - News Stories

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