When it comes to theatre, there are the big shows we all know and love such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King. These have been around for years and have been watched by huge audiences across the globe. Then there are the lesser known but highly entertaining productions, many of which are based on TV shows and translate perfectly to a stage environment. Here’s our list of TV programmes that are perfect for the theatre.
Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, Only Fools and Horses The Musical is back for a 2024/2025 UK tour. Direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run in London’s West End, this production is a great example of a smooth shift from TV to theatre. Featuring Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad, as well as show staples Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil and Mickey Pearce, Only Fools and Horses is a nostalgic masterpiece. If you’re looking for ‘days out near me’ that’ll make you laugh, be sure to book your Only Fools tickets today.
Some TV shows are as comforting as a warm hug - and Friends is one of them. First launched in September 1994, Friends has developed a huge global following, with fans across the generations enjoying the warm-hearted and hilarious adventures of Phoebe, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Joey and Chandler. Due to the show’s popularity, Friendsical - The Musical Parody was brought to the stage, poking fun and delving into the hit adventures of the Manhattan-based pals.
If you were a TV addict in the nineties, you’re sure to have seen Absolutely Fabulous - or Ab Fab for short. Forget the Kardashians or the Real Housewives of wherever, Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone were the original divas, getting into all sorts of pickles and causing havoc with their illegal habits and outrageous personalities. Absolutely Fabulous Onstage, was brought to the theatre, but a new tribute to this iconic duo would surely be welcomed by fans.
From TV to opera, The Handmaid’s Tale has already made its stage debut. But what about a really gutsy, honest and emotional play? Documenting the dissonant brutality of the Republic of Gilead where women have been entirely stripped of their freedom and rights, The Handmaid’s Tale on stage would be an epic watch.
The West End stage is no stranger to dark comedies and Netflix’s latest creepy series, ‘You,’ has the potential to find its place in the theatre world. This psychological thriller follows young and attractive writer Beck through the eyes of her stalker, Joe Goldberg. While narrator Joe first comes across as an intelligent and well-spoken ‘all-American’ kind of guy, the unsettling truth soon starts to unravel. Joe is much more disturbed than anyone could have imagined, and a theatre play or musical would be able to capture the suspense beautifully.
If you’re looking for ‘family days out near me’ be sure to browse what’s on at the theatre. Family fun days complete with a West End show will be highly memorable and with many different show genres available, you’re sure to find something to suit everyone.