London’s theatre scene is a playground of creativity, brimming with award-winning costumes, era-defining music and historic venues. At its heart are the stars of the West End. We sat down with leading cast members from some of the biggest productions to uncover the magic behind the curtain – from must-see moments in My Neighbour Totoro to the best seats and post-show hangouts at Starlight Express.
Whether you’re planning your next theatre trip or just looking for a peek backstage, read on to uncover Georgie and Charlotte's West End cast interviews and insider tips from the stars behind the performances.
Cast-approved theatre tips and London recommendations
Starlight Express
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre (until April 2026)
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier Award-winning Starlight Express blends high-speed skating with musical theatre in this thrilling production. Cast members race, spin and sing on roller skates through an immersive track that surrounds the audience, creating a dazzling spectacle of movement, sound and light.
We spoke to Scott Hayward (Rusty) and Lara Vina Uzacatia (Swing), who bring infectious energy to this reimagined production, featuring gender-swapped roles, refreshed design and cutting-edge sound.
You perform on roller skates – how much of this show is theatre and how much is sport?
Lara: 50/50. You can’t do one without the other. We had no skate experience, so we literally spent three months in a warehouse training for hours a day – it was intense, but in the best way possible.
Starlight Express: Insider tip for seeing the show
Scott: Don’t focus on one area – there’s action everywhere. Sitting inside the tracks or in the pods offers an exhilarating experience, but even the back rows deliver stunning views of the lighting and 3D sound design. Come twice if you can and sit somewhere different for a completely new perspective.
Lara’s London tip: Where to eat before the show
Lara: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre isn’t in the West End, so plan ahead if there’s an event at Wembley Stadium. Before the show, stop by Studio Five Restaurant for a delicious mix of European and Asian cuisine.
Don’t miss out – experience the magic of Starlight Express.
My Neighbour Totoro
Gillian Lynne Theatre (until August 2026)
Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro has been reimagined in a breathtaking Royal Shakespeare Company stage adaptation that celebrates imagination, childhood and the power of nature. With awe-inspiring visuals, Joe Hisaishi’s striking score and unforgettable stagecraft, this magical production enchants audiences of all ages.
Dai Tabuchi (Tatsuo/Kazego Puppeteer) and Jacqueline Tate (Granny Ogaki/Kazego Puppeteer) are part of the remarkable cast animating the show’s intricate puppetry – from tiny soot sprites to the towering, lovable Totoro.
What do audiences need to know before seeing the show?
Dai: Come with an open heart and prepare to be surprised – it’s full of magic and wonder. You don’t need to see the film before – many haven’t – but it’s fascinating to watch scenes from the animation play out on stage.
My Neighbour Totoro: Cast tip for the show
Dai: Keep an eye out for the moment when the Kusakabe family leave their home; it’s one of the most visually enchanting moments.
Insider London tips from the stars
Jacqueline: Take advantage of the theatre’s Covent Garden location. Walk the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge and stop by Borough Market and Tate Modern.
Dai: I love going to the parks in London – Regent’s Park is my favourite. After the show, unwind at one of Covent Garden’s welcoming Irish pubs or wine bars.
Step into a world of imagination at My Neighbour Totoro.
Choir of Man
Arts Theatre (until January 2026)
Set in a working pub, Choir of Man is a nine-man show that blends incredible vocals, live music and high-energy choreography. Levi Tyrell Johnson (Hard Man) and Aled Pennock (Bore) lead the cast with humour, heart and infectious energy in a production that combines concert and party elements. From timeless classics to chart-toppers, every song celebrates friendship, community and the joy of music.
Choir of Man: Insider tip for seeing the show
Levi: It’s a story about nine guys in a pub – that’s all you need to know. Arrive early – doors open one hour before curtain – to grab a pint from the working on-stage bar and chat with the cast.
London tip from the cast
Levi: Grab a bite at Goodwich in Leicester Square – a cast favourite for hearty katsu bowls under £10.
Aled: After the curtain falls, keep the music going at The Room Where It Happens on Greek Street in Soho, where there’s a late-night piano singalong of musical theatre classics.
Raise a glass and sing along at Choir of Man.
Magic Mike Live
The Hippodrome Casino (until June 2026)
Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live blends high-energy dance with jaw-dropping stagecraft in this interactive production. Inspired by the hit films, the show bursts with energy as performers deliver exciting routines in a feel-good spectacle that’s thrilled West End audiences since 2018.
We caught up with cast members Carles Escoms Ferrer and Espoir Alpha, whose showstopping performances power this crowd-pleasing production.
Are there any moments that always get a huge audience response?
Espoir: A big moment is when water comes out the ceiling – the water scene. That’s when everyone goes, oh wow that’s cool.
Magic Mike Live: Cast tip before you go
Carles: Come with an open mind – it’s a dance-led show with so much to take away. Be ready to enjoy yourself in a safe, welcoming space.
Carles London tip: Go-to food pick
Carles: The food trucks in Brixton are great for Caribbean food. I’ll get some then go to Brockwell Park to watch the sunset.
Catch the pure excitement of Magic Mike Live!
Back to the Future: The Musical
Adelphi Theatre (until April 2026)
Created by the original filmmakers, Back to the Future: The Musical reimagines the iconic 1985 blockbuster with sensational songs, beloved movie moments and a gripping storyline. Audiences are swept into a time-travelling adventure packed with jaw-dropping effects – including the legendary DeLorean – delivering a showcase of music, nostalgia and innovation.
Lee Ormsby (Doc Brown) is part of the powerhouse cast transforming the beloved film into a dazzling stage spectacle.
What's the one tech moment in the show that still gives you an adrenaline rush?
Lee: It’s got to be the first time that Doc Brown appears in the DeLorean. I’m in the car when it happens and everyone goes berserk – there’s huge cheers. The special effects are just mind-blowing.
Back to the Future: The Musical tip for seeing the show
Lee: The show has been put together by the original creative team, so it retains all the elements that make it so brilliant. But it also stands on its own – you don’t need to have seen the film to enjoy the show.
Lee’s London tip for tourists
Lee: If you’re a tourist, the hop-on hop-off bus is brilliant – you get to see the whole city on one tour bus. Make sure to take a closer look at the West End theatres, they’re the best you’ll see in the world.
Take a thrilling trip back in time with Back to the Future: The Musical.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Apollo Theatre (until January 2026)
Brought to life by Mischief Theatre, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is a festive comedy brimming with slapstick chaos and surprise twists. Chris Leask (Trevor) heads up the cast for a production packed with laughs, blunders and brilliantly unexpected moments. From signature physical comedy to expertly orchestrated onstage disasters, it’s a hilariously offbeat take on Dickens’ beloved Christmas tale – pulled off in true Mischief style.
What's harder, performing a flawless scene or one that's meant to go hilariously wrong?
Chris: Scenes that go wrong are harder to perform – we rehearse them right, then figure out how to make it wrong. Audiences are really smart and know when something goes unintentionally wrong, but we love it when things go off script. It’s fun and keeps us on our toes.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong: Insider tip for seeing the show
Chris: Expect everything to get completely destroyed. We’ve made quite a choice for Tiny Tim – it’s worth coming just to see that alone.
Chris’ London tip: The perfect day of dining out
Chris: Head to Dishoom for breakfast – I managed to spin a six on the dice and got the entire breakfast for free. In the evening, grab a cocktail at Cork & Bottle in Covent Garden – the staff are amazing and it’s a great vibe.
Brace yourself for laughs at Christmas Carol Goes Wrong.
Looking for more insider theatre tips and inspiration? Dive into our full line-up of West End theatre shows and discover what’s lighting up the stage in London.
All dates accurate at the time of publication in November 2025.