The Notebook Musical to premiere at newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre

The Notebook is set to have it’s UK premiere in March 2027 at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre, the first show taking the stage since the name change. The stage adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ beloved romance novel and film, features music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.

The Notebook – A New Musical, based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, will receive its UK premiere in London’s West End in March 2027. The first production to open at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre, currently the Shaftesbury Theatre, the musical will begin previews from 10 March, and is booking until 11 December 2027.

Of the news, author Nicholas Sparks said today, “I couldn’t have predicted when I published The Notebook 30 years ago that this story would have such a lasting impact around the globe. The worldwide response has been incredible, and I’m thrilled to share this latest evolution of the story with audiences in London.”

Songwriter Ingrid Michaelson also shared comments on the announcement, stating that, “the thing that makes a musical so special for me is the collaborative nature of it, and I can’t imagine a better team of people to have built The Notebook. Getting to revisit and revitalise the piece with Bekah, Michael, Schele and the rest of the team for this new production in London is such an honour, and for our musical to be the first at the newly named Judi Dench Theatre is beyond thrilling.”

Find out more about The Notebook – A New Musical here

Watch: The Notebook comes to London

About the show

The musical arrives as Sparks’ debut novel celebrates 30 years since publication. The book and film, loved by millions, follow Allie and Noah, born into two different worlds, pulled apart but always finding a way back, in a love story that lasts a lifetime: dancing in the rain, the almost kiss and keeping the faith every single day.

This beautifully romantic and life-affirming new show is a joyous, funny and deeply moving exploration of the power of enduring love and what we’ll do to keep it.

The creative team is led by directors Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (The Wiz, Aida), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Moulin Rouge). The music and lyrics are by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, and the book is by Bekah Brunstetter (This Is Us).

Casting has not yet been announced.