West End Weekly (16 May 2026): Jesus Christ Superstar, Totoro, Heathers & more

Welcome to this week’s edition of West End Weekly!

It has been a truly epic week for the London stage, with major casting news and long-awaited returns dominating the headlines.

First up, the “Space Man” himself, Sam Ryder, is extending his Superstar dominance over the West End. Following his highly anticipated run at the London Palladium, Sam Ryder will continue to lead Tim Sheader’s powerhouse revival of Jesus Christ Superstar as it moves to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for an extended autumn and Christmas season. If you want a preview of those high notes, catch Sam performing on Britain’s Got Talent tonight on ITV!

But as one star rises, another prepares for its final bow. The magical world of My Neighbour Totoro has confirmed it will close at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in early 2027 – marking your final chance to catch this Studio Ghibli masterpiece in the West End.

Meanwhile, “Corn Nuts” rejoice! Heathers The Musical is making its summer homecoming at the brand-new The Arts at Marble Arch, and the Bridge Theatre has just unveiled a stellar lineup for its bold new take on The Oresteia, starring Mary-Louise Parker and David Morrissey.

Finally, if you’re looking for a bargain, the clock is ticking. You have just 48 hours left to snag a deal in LOVEtheatre Week, with over 50 shows offering fantastic savings.

From rock operas to Greek tragedies, here is the latest from the West End.

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Jesus Christ Superstar extends London run starring Sam Ryder

The hugely anticipated revival of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder is extending its West End journey. Following its summer season at the London Palladium, Tim Sheader’s acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock musical will transfer to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for an autumn and Christmas run.

Also, don’t miss Sam performing a song from Jesus Christ Superstar, tonight on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

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Final 48 hours to save in LOVEtheatre Week

The clock is ticking on LOVEtheatre Week, with fantastic savings on more than 50 London and West End shows. From blockbuster musicals to powerful plays and must-see entertainment, book now before the sale ends tomorrow.

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My Neighbour Totoro to close in the West End

The multi-award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro has announced its final West End extension, with the production confirmed to close at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 10 January 2027.

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Heathers The Musical is back in London this summer

Westerberg High is back as Heathers The Musical returns to the West End this summer, taking over the brand-new The Arts at Marble Arch theatre. Fans can expect the cult hit’s razor-sharp humour, iconic songs and darkly funny high school drama.

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Star cast announced for The Oresteia

Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds), David Morrissey (Sherwood), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon) and Rosie Sheehy (Pillion) lead the cast of Simon Stone’s bold new take on The Oresteia, opening at the Bridge Theatre in July 2026.

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News Headlines

Danielle Steers & Morgan Gregory to star in Hot Mess at The Other Palace - More >

An Ideal Husband reviews at the Lyric Hammersmith - More >

Secret Cinema to present Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure in London - More >

Burlesque The Musical in London to star Cassidy Janson - More >

Singin’ in the Rain to return to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London - More >

Maureen Lipman in Allegra – First-look tour photos prior to the West End - More >

Arthur Miller’s The Price extends at Marylebone Theatre starring Henry Goodman - More >

First-look: High Society London rehearsals starring Helen George, Felicity Kendal, Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden & Carly Mercedes Dyer - More >

Relics cast announced for the Lyric Hammersmith in London including Sally Phillips - More >

First look rehearsal photos of Beetlejuice in the West End - More >

Shows Opening & Closing

Shows Opening:

War Horse: Starts 16 May
High Society: Starts 19 May
Beetlejuice: Starts 20 May
Are You Watching?: Starts 29 May
Sinatra The Musical: Starts 3 June
Glengarry Glen Ross: Starts 4 June
The Truth: Starts 9 June
Cyrano de Bergerac: Starts 13 June

More new openings >

Shows Closing:

Heart Wall: 16 may
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: 23 May
Please Please Me: Ends 29 May
Into the Woods: Ends 30 May
Dracula: Ends 31 May
Teeth N Smiles: Ends 6 June
Les Liaisons Dangereuses: Ends 6 June
Sherlock Holmes: Ends 6 June
The Price: Ends 7 June
Inter Alia: Ends 20 June
Romeo & Juliet: Ends 20 June

More shows closing >

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Main photo: West End Weekly (16 May 2026) - My Neighbour Totoro (Photo Manuel Harlan), Heathers, Sam Ryder in Jesus Christ Superstar (Photo Jack Robinson)