West End Shows Extend Runs

Producer Cameron Mackintosh has extended the booking periods for four of his major productions—*Les Misérables*, *The Phantom of the Opera*, *Hamilton*, and *Oliver!*—until March 2027. This move ensures audiences can see these blockbuster shows in London, the only place in the UK where all four will be playing. The extensions mark significant milestones for these long-running musicals. *Les Misérables* celebrated its 40th anniversary in the West End in October 2025 and is now in its 41st year. Meanwhile, Andrew Lloyd Webber's *The Phantom of the Opera* is rapidly approaching its own 40th anniversary on October 9, 2026. Lin-Manuel Miranda's *Hamilton* will celebrate its 10th birthday in the West End in 2027. The show, which details the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, is currently booking at the Victoria Palace Theatre until October 3, 2026. The current cast features Alex Sawyer in the title role. The newest of the quartet, a reconceived production of Lionel Bart's *Oliver!*, is heading into its third year. Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, the revival at the Gielgud Theatre stars Simon Lipkin as Fagin and Ava Brennan as Nancy and is now booking until March 14, 2027. In contrast to the long runs of these classics, the new musical *Rosie* will have its West End debut for a one-night-only, semi-staged gala performance. The event is scheduled for March 17, 2026, at the Adelphi Theatre. *Rosie: The Musical* tells the true story of Rosie Boote, who journeys from an Irish convent to the London stage in the Edwardian era. The musical, which has been in development for over a decade, features a book, music, and lyrics by Chris Broom. The title role will be played by Lucy Thomas, a former contestant on *The Voice Kids*. The gala performance will be directed and choreographed by Cressida Carré and features a cast of stage veterans including Sally Ann Triplett and Madalena Alberto. A studio cast album for the show has already garnered millions of streams online.