Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again – The Rise of Jukebox Musicals

Looking for a fun day out during the summer holidays? Well, I have the perfect solution! Jukebox musicals have recently skyrocketed in popularity, a unique way for audiences to experience their favourite songs onstage. Here’s my beginners guide to some of the best jukebox musicals the Westend has to offer! 

Mamma Mia 

Probably the most famous jukebox musical of them all and most popular, Mamma Mia remains supreme, with over 70 million people flocking to the theatres worldwide. The show is a sparkling celebration of ABBA’s music, following mother and daughter duo Donna and Sophie in a timeless tale of romance and friendship. Featuring iconic songs that you’ll know off by heart such as ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Super Trouper’ and ‘Waterloo’, Mamma Mia promises to deliver an outstanding performance that’ll leave you singing all the way home. ABBA songs performed in a Greek oasis? Need I say more! 

Moulin Rouge 

Moulin Rouge is tragic love story between bohemian poet Christian and cabaret actress Satine, set in 1899 Paris. Adapted to the stage from Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, Moulin Rouge premiered in 2018 and took the theatre world by storm. It was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards in 2020 and won ten, including Best Musical. Moulin Rouge is the perfect blend of hits from across the decades, ranging from ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ and ‘Lady Marmalade’ to modern day anthems such as ‘Firework’ and ‘Chandelier’. One of its most notable songs is ‘Elephant Love Medley’, a medley of the greatest love songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s. It features nineteen songs squeezed into five minutes of theatrical splendour. This musical is an immersive experience; the theatre is bathed in red lighting and even features Paris’ very own signature red windmill that will transport you back in time. 

Rock of Ages 

Originating on Broadway, Rock of Ages is jam-packed with classic rock by the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx and Whitesnake. Also a movie musical featuring Hollywood royalty Tom Cruise and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rock of Ages is an electric, feel-good show. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the show portrays the struggles of trying to make it big in Hollywood whilst rock ‘n’ roll sanctuary, the Sunset Strip, is under threat of demolition. Prepare to witness guitars being shredded and have your face melted! 

& Juliet 

& Juliet is certainly one for the English literature nerds out there! It is a fabulous reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, seeing Juliet abandon her famous ending and Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway take charge of the narrative, writing herself into the play. This modern twist on a well-known tale features the music of Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin. You may not know the name, but you’ll certainly know the music! & Juliet also tackles issues of LGBTQ+ acceptance, the show’s non-binary character May singing Britney Spears’ 2002 single ‘I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman’. Receiving five-star reviews across the board, The Independent claimed it to be “A gloriously silly, unexpectedly poignant production”. 

We Will Rock You 

As you can probably guess by the title, We Will Rock You is comprised of music by British rock band Queen. The musical depicts a dystopian world in which a group of rebels try to restore peace and harmony in a corporate world dominated by computers. Featuring the characters of Galileo, Scaramouche and Khashoggi, the rebels try to restore rock and roll to its previous glory by making a pilgrimage to Wembley Stadium to retrieve Brian May’s guitar. Although eccentric and utterly bonkers, this comical, witty show is guaranteed to entertain. 

Honourable mentions go to Jersey Boys, The Choir of Man and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, all outstanding jukebox musicals ingeniously curated from some of the world’s best-loved artists. Is it really any wonder that these musicals are thriving onstage? Be sure to not miss out!