A number of casting updates have come in for major West End shows, including the forthcoming revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Stranger Things stage prequel Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and the brand new production of Beetlejuice The Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Stranger Things to star Paddy Bever
Stranger Things in the West End is getting a new Henry Creel.
Producers of Stranger Things: The First Shadow have revealed Henry Creel is set to be played by Coronation Street‘s Paddy Bever from 12 June 2026.
From the Coronation Street cobbles, playing Max Turner, to the cornfields of 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, Paddy comes into the show as the lead character, replacing Jack Christou.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow has also extended its run at the Phoenix Theatre in London, and is now booking until 20 December 2026.
Book tickets to Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Simon Russell Beale moves to Drury Lane
One of the stars set to play King Herod in the forthcoming reboot of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium has announced a change of venue.
Acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale was set to play Herod in July at the London Palladium, but will now move his dates to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, playing Herod from 7 to 12 December 2026.
Stepping in for Russell Beale’s dates at the London Palladium is Richard Armitage, who is extending his dates, and now playing the role from 13 July to 1 August, and 8 August.
The role of Herod is being played by a star-studded line-up of actors, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson (20 June – 11 July), Boy George (3 – 15 August – not 8 August), Layton Williams (17 – 29 August) and Julian Clary (31 August – 5 September).
- Book tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium
- Book tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Beetlejuice casting update
The hauntingly good Broadway musical Beetlejuice is now playing at the West End’s Prince Edward Theatre in London.
The show stars Olivier Award nominee David Fynn (School of Rock) in the title role of the ghost-with-the-most, alongside Hannah Nordberg (Euphoria) as the gothic Lydia Deetz.
Producers of the show have now announced the Standby for Lydia, with recent acting graduate Daisy Harrison joining the cast.
The cast also features West End favourites David Hunter, Chelsea Halfpenny, Alasdair Harvey, and Aimie Atkinson.
Book tickets to Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre in London
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Paddy Bever interview: inside Henry Creel’s journey from boy to monster in Stranger Things: The First Shadow
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