The theatre productions voted as finalists for GLT Awards

Here are the six finalists for the Best Theatre Production award: 

1. 42nd street

Currently playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 42nd Street is famous for its tap-tastic dance routines and catchy tunes such as We’re in the Money and 42nd Street. Bonnie Langford was recently announced as the new Dorothy Brock, taking on the role as of this month, until the show closes in January 2019, ahead of a theatre refurbishment.

Synopsis: The story of 42nd Street follows Peggy Sawyer, a performer who aspires to be on Broadway. She manages to get a place on the chorus line with leading lady Dorothy Brock, a renowned diva, but due to an incident in rehearsal, Dorothy is forced to step down as principal, leaving Peggy to decide whether she is up to the task of taking her place.

2. Aladdin

Pictured: Aladdin (Photo credit: Johan-Persson & Disney)

Disney’s Aladdin currently staged at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, features the much-loved songs from the animated film, and follows the equally enjoyed characters such as the Genie, Jasmine and of course Aladdin. Songs you’ll want to sing along to include, A Whole New World, and Friend Like Me. It is currently booking until February 2019.

Synopsis: The musical follows the life of Aladdin, a peasant boy who dreams of bigger things. He stumbles upon a magical lamp, which holds a genie inside, willing to grant him three wishes.

3. Motown the Musical

Pictured: Motown The Musical (photo credit: Tristram Kenton).

Telling the story of Motown, this musical is sure to have you on your feet. Currently playing at Shaftesbury Theatre, the show is set to tour the UK from this October and will conclude its West End run next April. The musical includes songs such as Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine.

Synopsis: With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.

4. The Lion King

Pictured: The Lion King (photo credit: Johan Persson).

Another Disney musical, The Lion King is one of the West End’s most popular musicals. The show is playing at the Lyceum Theatre currently booking until February 2019, featuring great songs such as Circle of Life, and I Just Can’t Wait to be King.

Synopsis: The Lion King follows young lion Simba and his pride as he learns he is one day to become king. Meeting friends along the way, he soon learns how to become their noble leader.

5. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Pictured: Tina: The Tuna Turner Musical (photo credit: Manuel Harlan).

Following the real-life story of how Tina Turner shot to fame, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is currently playing at the Aldwych Theatre until February 2019. Adrienne Warren, starring as Tina recently told Group Leisure & Travel Magazine that it was her “dream role”.

Synopsis: From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them. This new stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race.

6. Wicked

Pictured: Wicked (photo credit: Matt Crockett).

Wicked, staged at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, is based on the Land of Oz from the popular musical The Wizard of Oz, and follows the life of Glinda the good and Elphaba the Wicked Witch. Featuring catchy and heartfelt songs such as Defying Gravity and For Good, this musical is a true feel good show. It is currently booking until May 2019.

Synopsis: Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Lead image: 42nd Street (Photo credit: Brinkhoff & Moegenburg).