The rumour mill is going into overdrive with the news that Beetlejuice the Musical might be coming to London in 2021/22.
After a successful showing in Washington D.C, it opened to rave reviews at Winter Garden Theatre in April 2019.
Unfortunately the pandemic cut its run short and it will not return to the bright lights of Broadway. However, they are promising there’s more in store. I imagine that is an American tour but it’s surely inevitable it will debut in the West End soon.
I’ve seen the 1988 film more times I can count so I did not miss the opportunity to catch this cult classic when I was in New York!
And I can tell you IT WAS FREAKIN’ AWESOME.
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It’s showtime!
Inspired by the comedy horror film of the same name, Beetlejuice the musical is a lively as they come.
It tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange teenager, who moves into a haunted home. The ghostly couple want this new family out but need help from a devious demon, the one and only Beetlejuice. This leads to more havoc as he has his own dirty tricks to play.
The musical doesn’t follow the film exactly but it does fit in all of the characters you remember including the shrunken head guy, feisty receptionist, deceased NFL players and monster sandworm.
I myself am strange and unusual
You’re immersed in a world devised by Tim Burton, so you can already imagine the look and feel of the show.
The set is angular, quirky and always just a bit off – undeniably unsettling. Electric purples, striking blacks and gooey greens flood the stage. It’s a real (trick or) treat to see.
Everything is exaggerated. It’s a BIG musical in every sense. You’re getting your money’s worth trust me. But let’s talk about the main man himself.
Creepy old guy
Donning his signature monochrome stripy suit and neon green hair, this dishevelled character is a demon you hate to love. Beetlejuice, unlike in the film, has the most airtime, and rightly so as the most interesting character.
He’s rude, cheeky and desperate. He isn’t afraid to heckle the audience but is just as happy to play the nicey nice guy to get his own way. You’re begging him to be in every scene. For a dead guy he sure does know how to bring the show to life.
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That beautiful sound
The most famous song and scene in the film, Day-O, is honoured perfectly in this production. Shake, Senora is another iconic number in the show that’s associated with the movie, but they are not enough to make up a 2 hour musical.
Thankfully the original soundtrack to Beetlejuice is out of this (under)world. It’s pop rock at its best. The songs will get stuck in your head like the best kind of earwig and you’ll religiously play them on repeat. No Reason and Dead Mum are my absolute favourites.
You can listen to the soundtrack on Spotify.
Beetlejuice is a supernatural smash hit
The fact that the show has been nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, should tell you all you need to know. It’s devilishly good!
If we say Beetlejuice 3 times in a row, will it make this rumour come true?
I hope so. You all need to experience the comic craziness of this production. The West End needs shaking up and this is the musical to do it.
Go ahead Beetlejuice, make my millennium and come to the UK!