If there’s anything that I’m particularly passionate about, it’s touring musical productions. Sure, West End shows get all the glory and awards but UK tours have come such a long way. They’re not sub-par and I should know, I see them more than anything else. It’s time to big up the 2024 tours and today I’ll be looking at the 11 musicals to see in Hull in 2024.
The Wizard of Oz
When: 24th-27th January
I didn’t get to see the production at the London Palladium so I’m going into the tour completely blind. However, I know this movie musical like the back of my hand. I’m excited to see a more modern, updated version though as I’ve never seen it on stage ever before. Having read some of the London reviews, I’m expecting some amazing sets and new songs along with an appearance from my favourite Jersey Boy, Benjamin Yates, as the Scarecrow!
Pretty Woman
When: 5th-10th February
When I saw the West End production, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, despite never watching the original film or the musical soundtrack. I really enjoyed the acting and songs mostly and thought that whilst the story was a bit outdated, everything was super slick. Elly Jay will be playing Vivian for the Hull stop and she was spectacular in the West End covering the role! Natalie Paris will 100% bring the vocals to the role of Kit too.
I Should Be So Lucky
When: 19th-24th February
Originally, I really didn’t think that this musical would be my sort of thing as I’m always 50-50 on jukebox musicals. However, having now seen the trailers and reading some of the reviews, I’m really excited to see this one. Will it be groundbreaking theatre and be around forever? Probably not but there’s space for all kinds of musicals and that includes the light-hearted, fun ones! It looks like a real ensemble piece and the cast looks like they’re having a blast on tour!
Shrek the Musical
When: 5th-10th March
Another show that I know very little about is Shrek, although I have seen the movies. Again, it looks like such a fun night out and the cast is stacked, especially for a tour. I’m always intrigued when films get adapted for the stage because they’re either brilliant or pretty bad. However, Shrek’s been around for some time now so I imagine it’s pretty good!
The Drifter’s Girl
When: 12th-16th March
Another show I was gutted to miss in the West End but I’m glad its tour is getting a chance! It’s another jukebox musical but because it’s more biographical like Jersey Boys, I think I’ll enjoy it. Beyond everything, I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible vocals of Carly Mercedes Dyer live! You know I love a female-led show too!
Grease
When: 7th-11th May
I mean it’s a classic but it definitely needed updating. I’m hoping that the newer production is grittier like the West End version (even though I didn’t get to see it). With it being directed by Nikolai Foster from Leicester Curve, I can imagine that it will be epic. I wish I lived closer so I could see all the new shows at the Curve as they look incredible!
Come From Away
When: 4th-8th June
Now this is the one I’ve been waiting for for years. I’ve seen it twice in London and it’s probably in my top 3 musicals of all time. The songs are phenomenal along with the cast and the plot speaks for itself. It’s incredibly educational too and has you feeling every emotion under the sun. I’ve always said that CFA has one of the most talented casts as each plays multiple roles, often switching within songs!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
When: 17th-22nd June
Having seen the previous tour with Layton Williams, it’s a spectacular show. I’ve always loved the themes of this show: individuality, diversity, and tolerance. Whilst it’s a musical about Jamie New, I love that it showcases multiple characters, with lots of solos for various characters. I’m looking forward to seeing Ivano Truco’s version of Jamie, which I’m sure will be incredible, as well as Kevin Clifton and Sam Bailey on the Hull stop.
& Juliet
When: 23rd-28th September
Another one of my all-time favourites, I was so happy to hear that & Juliet would be touring! I’ve never been a fan of Romeo & Juliet as a story but the idea of Juliet taking back her own story? Epic! Every song is a bop and I’ve always loved the costumes and staging too. I can’t wait to find out who’s in the cast but I’m sure they’ll be incredible. Hopefully, they keep it similar to the West End version, just on a touring stage!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
When: 29th October – 2nd November
One of the best movie musicals (despite Dick Van Dyke’s horrendous accent yet again), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is such a great family musical. The soundtrack has stood the test of time and the Childcatcher still remains the most terrifying movie villain of all time to me! That’s the only part that I’m not looking forward to! I’m sad that I won’t see Adam Garcia as he’s finishing his stint a couple of tour stops before Hull. However, I’m sure whoever steps in will do a grand job.
Hairspray
When: 18th-23rd November
It’s been a good few years since I’ve seen Hairspray on stage but it’s still one of the best musicals ever. Another musical that explores racism, intolerance, and hatred, making it even more important right now. I think the soundtrack is probably my most played of all time because I was obsessed with the movie musical! I still believe it’s the best-cast movie musical ever made.
And those are the 11 musicals to see in Hull in 2024, according to me! Please support tours and your local theatres by attending them. The West End isn’t the be-all and end-all of British theatre!
If you enjoyed my 11 musicals to see in Hull in 2024, you can find my theatre reviews on my blog here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram, where I’m always sharing stagey stuff.
