Broadway has been on fire this year, with a slate of new musicals and star-led dramas winning over critics, awards and audiences.
The big question for UK theatre fans is: which of these shows could be heading across the Atlantic in 2026 and premiering in the West End?
Okay, there have been a fair share of flops on Broadway too, with shows such as the Stephen Schwartz and Kristin Chenoweth musical The Queen of Versailles not attracting enough of an audience to make Broadway’s terrifying economics work.
But the hits have been notable – from camp comedy and cult classics to political thrillers and soul-stirring music. So, here’s our top picks for Broadway productions that we are desperate to see light up the West End.
Death Becomes Her
Life’s a bitch. Then you die. Or not.
Based on the iconic 1992 film, Death Becomes Her is a wickedly funny musical comedy that feels tailor-made for London audiences. Packed with razor-sharp humour, outrageous glamour and supernatural chaos, the show follows frenemies Madeline and Helen as they drink a mysterious potion promising eternal youth – with grotesque and hilarious consequences. On Broadway, the show opened with Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard – You can read the Broadway reviews here.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Gattelli, with a riotous book by Marco Pennette and a fizzing score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, this is big, brash musical theatre at its most deliciously camp. If the West End loves anything, it’s a dark comedy with fabulous women at its centre – and Death Becomes Her has West End smash-hit written all over it.
Maybe Happy Ending
One of Broadway’s most beautiful love stories
Winner of the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical, Maybe Happy Ending has become one of Broadway’s most talked-about new shows – and it’s easy to see why. An intimate, visually arresting new musical that blends futuristic storytelling with deeply human emotion.
Set in a near-future Seoul, the story follows Oliver and Claire, two outdated helper-bots left behind by a world that’s moved on. When they meet, an unexpected connection blossoms into something tender, funny and heartbreakingly real.
With book, music and lyrics by Will Aronson and Hue Park, and direction by Michael Arden, this is smart, soulful theatre that would feel right at home in some of London’s more intimate West End spaces. Thoughtful, romantic and quietly devastating – we want it here, now.
In terms of casting, maybe pop sensation Laufey’s dream of starring in Maybe Happy Ending could manifest itself in London?
Buena Vista Social Club
Feel the rhythm of Havana on the West End stage
Inspired by true events and the legendary GRAMMY Award-winning album, Buena Vista Social Club brings the sound of Cuba to thrilling theatrical life. Set between 1950s Havana and the decades-later recording sessions that reunited the musicians, the show tells a powerful story of loss, resilience and second chances.
With a live Afro-Cuban band on stage and music that makes it impossible to sit still to, this is a rich, immersive musical experience unlike anything currently in London. Given the West End’s love for music-driven storytelling, and our audiences’ appetite for something vibrant and global, Buena Vista Social Club feels like a natural fit.
More about Buena Vista Social Club
Good Night, and Good Luck
George Clooney. Live. On a West End stage.
Broadway plays don’t get much bigger than this. On Broadway, Good Night, and Good Luck saw George Clooney make a commanding return to the stage in a gripping adaptation of his Oscar-nominated film, directed by David Cromer.
Set in 1950s America, the play follows legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow as he takes on Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the Red Scare. Stylish, tense and politically urgent, it’s a reminder of the power of the press – and the courage required to speak truth to power.
Following a record-breaking Broadway run, which was also filmed for CNN, this is exactly the kind of prestige, star-led drama the West End thrives on. George Clooney has already teased a possible West End run for the play. Yes please.
More about Good Night, and Good Luck
The Outsiders
The battle lines are deep in 1960s Tulsa
After winning big on Broadway, The Outsiders feels primed for a London transfer. Based on S. E. Hinton’s much-loved novel (and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film), this muscular, emotionally charged musical explores class, loyalty and brotherhood in 1960s Tulsa.
With a folk-rock score by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine, and direction by Danya Taymor, the show pulses with youthful energy and raw emotion. Fans of Spring Awakening and Next to Normal would flock to this one, and its themes of identity and belonging feel just as relevant on this side of the Atlantic.
The Lost Boys
Sleep all day. Party all night.
Before it even opens on Broadway, The Lost Boys is already one of the most intriguing new musicals on the 2026 slate. Based on the 1987 cult vampire film, this dark, sexy horror-comedy musical promises blood, rebellion and an electrifying rock score.
Directed by Michael Arden, with music by The Rescues, the show blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural thrills. Given London’s love for gothic storytelling and cult adaptations (Bat Out of Hell, anyone?), this could become a future West End midnight favourite.
Hell’s Kitchen
Alicia Keys’ story, centre stage
Blending autobiography with a powerful coming-of-age narrative, Hell’s Kitchen features the music of Alicia Keys in a vibrant, emotionally rich new musical. Set in 1990s New York, the show follows a 17-year-old girl growing up in Manhattan Plaza as she finds her voice through music, love and resilience.
With direction by Michael Greif and choreography by Camille A. Brown, this is big-hearted, contemporary musical theatre that speaks to universal experiences. With its chart-topping songs and deeply personal storytelling, Hell’s Kitchen feels destined for a major West End run.
Which Broadway show do you want to see in London?
From cult classics to Tony-winning triumphs, Broadway is bursting with productions that feel ready for a West End transfer. Now all we need are the announcements!
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