Beetlejuice the Musical: Soho’s Wild New West End Hit
A Ghoulish New Neighbour in the Heart of Soho
If you’ve strolled through Soho lately, you may have noticed the buzz surrounding the Prince Edward Theatre, where Beetlejuice the Musical has set up its haunted haunt. For locals who know this stretch of the West End like the back of their hand, it’s another reminder of why our neighbourhood remains the beating heart of London’s theatre scene. Just a short walk from the tourist crowds gathering near Trafalgar Square, Soho offers something different: a dense cluster of theatres, late-night eateries, and independent bars that make an evening out feel like an event in itself. The Prince Edward has long been a fixture here, previously home to hits like Miss Saigon, and its latest tenant is proving just as divisive as it is popular. Local business owners around Old Compton Street and Greek Street have reported a noticeable uptick in pre and post-show footfall, with restaurants extending their evening hours to catch the theatre crowd. For residents, it’s a familiar rhythm — but one worth celebrating, as Soho’s identity as London’s entertainment engine room continues to thrive amid rising costs for independent venues across the capital.
The Verdict: Talented Cast, Messy Execution
Critics reviewing Beetlejuice the Musical are largely singing from the same hymn sheet: the cast is exceptional, but the show occasionally trips over its own ambition. Hannah Nordberg, taking on the role of gothic teenager Lydia Deetz, has earned near-universal praise for grounding the production emotionally even as chaos unfolds around her. David Fynn’s turn as the titular demon is a masterclass in high-energy performance, though several reviewers felt the jokes leaned too hard into crassness at the expense of the story’s heart. The show’s visual spectacle — puppetry, illusions, and Burton-esque staging — has been widely applauded, with critics from The Guardian and The Telegraph both highlighting its hallucinogenic flair. However, the music has drawn more mixed reactions, described by some as forgettable, while a handful of awkward scene transitions involving mid-performance curtains left audiences feeling briefly disconnected from the action. For local theatregoers, it adds up to an entertaining but imperfect night out — one that prioritises spectacle over subtlety.
What Local Theatregoers Should Know
For residents debating whether to grab tickets, Beetlejuice the Musical is best approached as a visually dazzling, high-energy experience rather than a deeply moving one. Families and theatre fans looking for a fun night out — rather than a profound emotional journey — are likely to leave satisfied. Given its popularity, booking ahead is strongly advised, especially for weekend performances when Soho’s theatre district gets particularly busy. Combine your visit with dinner in the surrounding streets, or extend your evening with a walk toward the Thames, past landmarks like Tower Bridge, for a full London night out. Local theatre groups and community forums have already begun discussing the production, with some praising its bold visuals as a boost for London’s post-pandemic arts recovery. Keep an eye on ticket pricing and any extended booking windows, as strong audience demand could see the show’s run extended. Whether you’re a devoted West End regular or an occasional visitor, Beetlejuice the Musical is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about additions to London’s ever-evolving theatre landscape this season.
Source: Beetlejuice the Musical Reviews: entertaining but too over the top
