Why Original American Musicals in London Prove So Successful

Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson

For anyone that has ventured across the Atlantic, there is a notable cultural divide between the UK and the US. It is not subtle in any way, with everything from commonly spoken phrases to driving on the other side of the road underlining the fact that these two corners of the world are very different. And yet, when it comes to musicals in London and New York, there are many examples of shared successes, suggesting that there is considerable common ground when it comes to what their respective audiences find entertaining.

The translation of humour and drama is, in fact, long established, and the list of transatlantic triumphs is extremely long, not just on the stage but in film and music too. But with theatre goers generally recognised as more discerning, it is notable just how well stage productions have done. The demand for tickets for jersey boys, for example, has been remarkable, with two years of success already enjoyed in the West End.

When it comes to adaptations of former animation hit films, such as the lion king, tickets have sold extremely well also, though this is a very different genre. Nevertheless, there are reasons why they have succeeded to the degree they have.

For some shows, it is not hard to understand why audiences have flocked to their productions. Chicago, for example, is one of the most famous musicals in the world, with a 2002 film adaptation contributing to a reinvigorating boost in interest. The film, which starred Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger, was nominated for 13 Oscars, winning six, bringing the musical to the attention of millions of people who might not otherwise have had much interest in a theatre show.

Of course, it was already well established in the theatre world, having originally opened on Broadway in 1975 with an initial run of more than two years. It transferred to the West End in 1979, winning critical acclaim but it was almost 20 years before the show was revived on either side of the Atlantic. Since returning to the West End in 1996, opening first at the Adelphi Theatre before moving to the Cambridge Theatre in 2006, it has not stopped running.

And the reason for its outstanding success can be put down to two factors. The first is, of course, the popularisation of the musical through the success of the film, which attracted a new generation of fans. The second is the general love of the big musical production, which offers the promise of a greater and more memorable theatre experience for any theatre goer.

The musical jersey boys is a different type of show, however, and began its life in San Diego in 2004. And yet, it has also proved to be a major draw for audiences in London. The reason is primarily the interest the content of the show has, with the musical depicting the story of the pop group of the 1950s and 1960s, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Understandably, the success of the group four decades earlier, ensured a root interest even in London, with Frankie Valli fans set to attend the show from the start. The quality of the show, its music, direction and production, earned it an Olivier award for its debut West End season in 2008.

Finally, the third success story comes from the lion king, but there is little mystery in its success. The fact is that the lion king tickets are as sought after by parents looking to treat their children to a family night out as they are by adults that loved the original 1994 film animation. The multi Oscar winning film was adapted for the stage in 1997, becoming an instant success after opening first in Minneapolis. Its Broadway record was no less impressive, and has been running there since November 1997.

The popularity of the film in the UK may have ensured it would be a success when it crossed the Atlantic in 1999, but the popularity of its music and of its composer, Elton John, has also had an influence.

Clearly, while tickets for jersey boys may well be desired by fans of Frankie Valli, and the lion king be loved by fans of the animation, it is clear that the shared interested of UK and US audiences ensures successful musicals in New York can also be successful musicals in London.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson - musicals in London with London Tickets, where you can find tickets for jersey boys.

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