With the announcement that MJ the Musical will moonwalk out of the West End on 28 February 2026, attention now turns to what might take its place at the Prince Edward Theatre. One of London’s most prestigious venues, and owned by impresario Cameron Mackintosh through his Delfont Mackintosh Theatres group, this grand London playhouse is typically reserved for high-profile, big-budget productions.
The Prince Edward Theatre doesn’t change tenants lightly. As the jewel in the crown of Cameron Mackintosh’s theatre empire and one of the largest and best-equipped houses in the West End, it demands a show with scale, polish, and serious box office ambition.
Whether it’s a returning classic, a brand-new blockbuster, or a Broadway import with buzz, one thing is clear: whatever follows MJ the Musical will need to bring the wow factor. And in a London theatre scene bursting with contenders, the battle for the Prince Edward spotlight is just beginning.
Let’s take a look at some of the contenders who might be vying for a Prince Edward Theatre run.
Beetlejuice The Musical (Melbourne production). Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder1. Beetlejuice
The cult Broadway smash — with its wildly irreverent humour, jaw-dropping set design, and a die-hard fanbase — is ripe for a West End transfer. Already playing to packed houses in Australia and heading back to Broadway in October, Beetlejuice brings visual spectacle and chaotic charm in equal measure. With the Prince Edward’s technical prowess, it could be the perfect haunted house for this hilariously unhinged musical.
Death Becomes Her – Broadway. Photo by Matthew Murphy2. Death Becomes Her
This glossy new Broadway musical — adapted from the 1992 cult film starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis — has glamour, wit, and plenty of Broadway buzz. With show-stopping West End leads like Broadway’s Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her could be a deliciously campy addition to the London theatre scene. Its mix of Hollywood satire, black comedy, and visual flair would make it a fabulous fit for the Prince Edward’s grand proscenium.
3. Miss Saigon
Could it be time for Miss Saigon to return? Last seen in the West End in 2016, this Cameron Mackintosh juggernaut remains one of his most iconic properties. A new revival, perhaps with a reimagined design or bold directorial vision, would carry both nostalgia and undeniable box office appeal. And yes, that legendary helicopter is still in storage.
However, it’s unlikely in the short term, as Miss Saigon is about to embark on a major new UK tour until at least August 2026. Still, depending on the Prince Edward’s future scheduling, a London return later in the decade shouldn’t be ruled out.
Burlesque The Musical – Savoy Theatre London. Todrick Hall, Jess Folley, George Maguire, Paul Jacob French, Asha Parker Wallace. Photo by Pamela Raith4. Burlesque The Musical
Currently lighting up the Savoy Theatre in a limited summer season until 6 September, Burlesque The Musical has opened to good reviews and standing ovations. With songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Darren Warren, and new stars of the show Todrick Hall and Jess Folley, plus a fierce new book, this glitzy, high-energy production is already generating West End buzz (not always for the right reasons, but you can’t have everything).
Its current run may be short, but the show’s momentum — and audience appetite — suggests this won’t be the last we see of it. Could the Prince Edward offer a larger, longer-term home? With its blend of pop power, dazzling choreography, and unapologetic spectacle, could Burlesque strut its way into one of the West End’s biggest stages for a second act?
More about Burlesque The Musical
Mary Poppins UK Tour – Stefanie Jones, Jack Chambers, Florence Swann as Jane, William Stafford as Michael. Photo by Matt Crockett5. Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is synonymous with the Prince Edward Theatre. It’s where her stage musical journey started, and where she most recently flew in and out of London, closing in early 2023 after a successful revival co-produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney. While a return might seem a little soon, the show’s UK tour wraps in January 2026 — rather convenient timing for a possible West End reappearance?
Given the show’s enduring popularity and the theatre’s deep association with the musical, a short – or seasonal – return could be a magical placeholder between larger productions. And in the world of West End family musicals, you can never underestimate the staying power of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
More about Mary Poppins – including UK tour
6. The Greatest Showman
Disney’s long-awaited stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman is finally stepping into the spotlight, with a tryout production confirmed for Bristol in spring 2026. All (unconfirmed) signs point to a major West End launch at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, currently home to Disney’s Hercules, and previously to Frozen.
However, Disney also has history with the Prince Edward Theatre, having staged Aladdin and, with Cameron Mackintosh, Mary Poppins. So what if timelines shift, and Hercules extends its heroic run? Or if The Greatest Showman is fast-tracked following a triumphant Bristol debut? An alternative venue might be needed… could the Prince Edward step in as a stylish contender?
Disney already commands a strong West End presence, with The Lion King still roaring at the Lyceum and Hercules drawing crowds at Drury Lane. If The Greatest Showman joins the roster, it would mark Disney’s third major London musical.
With its soaring anthems, heartfelt storytelling, and visual extravagance, The Greatest Showman would be a perfect match for the Prince Edward’s scale and spectacle. Drury Lane may be the intended destination, but if schedules collide, a surprise detour to Soho could still steal the spotlight.
More about The Greatest Showman The New Musical
Nanny McPhee – The movie starring Emma Thompson (2005), Working Title Films7. Nanny McPhee
Written by and starring Emma Thompson in its original film incarnation, Nanny McPhee has quietly been developing into a stage musical, with Thompson herself reportedly penning the book and lyrics. A magical story with heart and humour, it could charm audiences in much the same way Matilda and Mary Poppins have done. If it’s ready in time, this could be a winning family show for the Prince Edward.
The Witches at the National Theatre. Photo by Marc Brenner8. The Witches
Another long-shot West End arrival could be the National Theatre’s musical version of The Witches. Based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved book, Lyndsey Turner directed the National Theatre run, and the show boasts songs by Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812) and a book by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood (Succession). Since the National’s Christmas 2023 run, the show has gone rather quiet. But if it’s still in the cauldron, the Prince Edward could give it a lavish commercial platform for a West End premiere.
The Great Gatsby. Jamie Muscato & Frances Mayli McCann. Photo by Johan Persson9. The Great Gatsby
Currently dazzling audiences at the London Coliseum, The Great Gatsby musical is in its final weeks of a limited summer run, closing on 7 September. Direct from Broadway, this glittering production is a full-throttle celebration of 1920s decadence, with lavish costumes, spectacular sets, and electrifying performances. With all that razzle-dazzle already built, could Gatsby downsize (the Coliseum is one of London’s biggest stages) and reappear for a second act? A stylish limited return at the Prince Edward might just keep the party going.
MJ The Musical is booking at the Prince Edward Theatre London until 28 February 2026.
Get tickets to MJ The Musical on westendtheatre.com
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📷 Main photo: What’s next for the Prince Edward Theatre in London (Photo (c) Delfont Mackintosh Theatres)
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