The Notebook musical comes to the West End: tickets go on sale today
Nicholas Sparks's love story arrives at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre in 2027, and booking opens today, Friday 23 October.
If your weekend plans include a sofa, a blanket and a long look at your diary for next spring, here is something to book. The stage musical of The Notebook is making its UK debut in the West End, and tickets go on sale today, Friday 23 October, according to the Evening Standard.
The story, for those who need reminding
The show is adapted from Nicholas Sparks's debut novel and the 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. It follows Allie and Noah, two lovers torn apart by class divisions who later find each other again and have to work out what they still feel.
Sparks, who wrote the novel, said he could not have predicted when he published it 30 years ago that the story would have “such a lasting impact around the globe”, according to the Standard. He added that he was thrilled to share this latest evolution of the story with audiences in London.
A new name above the door
The venue is part of the story too. The musical will play at the Judi Dench Theatre, which is currently known as the Shaftesbury Theatre. The Standard reports that the theatre will be officially renamed in February next year, in honour of Dame Judi Dench's seven-decade contribution to British theatre and the performing arts.
That makes The Notebook the first musical at the newly named house. Ingrid Michaelson, who wrote the score and lyrics, said it was “such an honour” and “beyond thrilling” to hold that spot.
Who is behind it
The musical is co-directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, with choreography by Katie Spelman. Michaelson is a singer-songwriter known for tracks including The Way I Am and Girls Chase Boys.
She told the Standard that what makes a musical special to her is its collaborative nature, and that she could not imagine a better team of people to have built the show.
What we do not know yet
Casting has not been announced. For a story so tied to two names on a film poster, that is the question most people will be asking, so it is worth keeping an eye on the official announcements before deciding where to sit.
Booking early has its logic, though. Previews begin in March, the official opening night is in April, and opening dates for a show with a built-in audience tend to fill the diary quickly. The Standard gives no ticket prices, so check them at the point of booking.
Why it suits a Friday
This is a plan for later, not a thing to do this weekend, but it is a good one to sort now. A date in the diary for spring gives you something to look forward to, and it makes a tidy gift for anyone who still knows the film by heart. If you want to be in the building when the theatre carries its new name, early previews are the first chance.
Know before you go
- Show: The Notebook, the musical
- Venue: Judi Dench Theatre (currently the Shaftesbury Theatre), West End. The renaming becomes official in February 2027
- Previews from: 10 March 2027
- Opens: 13 April 2027
- Tickets: on sale from today, Friday 23 October
- Cast: yet to be announced
Sources: Evening Standard
