Jersey Boys, the hit musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, has been a hugely popular show in London’s West End since it first opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in 2008. So is it still running in London in 2023? Let’s take a look at the facts.
The Original London Production
Jersey Boys opened in London on March 18, 2008, following successful Broadway and touring productions in the United States. The Jersey Boys London production was an immediate hit with audiences and critics alike.
The original London cast included Ryan Molloy as Frankie Valli, Stephen Ashfield as Bob Gaudio, Glenn Carter as Tommy DeVito, and Philip Bulcock as Nick Massi. The production was directed by Des McAnuff, who also directed the Broadway production, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
Jersey Boys received fantastic reviews during its London run. The Evening Standard praised it as “a glorious evening”, while The Guardian called it “a smash hit show…as fresh and frank as it was in New York.”
Thanks to its popularity with London theatre-goers, Jersey Boys quickly recouped its costs and settled in for an open-ended West End run.
West End Success
Jersey Boys remained a West End sensation throughout its initial run. The show received multiple Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical. While it failed to take home the top prize, it did win the Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical for Ryan Molloy’s performance as Frankie Valli.
The success of Jersey Boys saw the Prince Edward Theatre on Old Compton Street become the show’s long-term London home. Jersey Boys completed over 3,000 performances at the venue before finally closing in March 2014 after a six year run.
Over 1.5 million people attended Jersey Boys during its original London run, with the show establishing itself as a modern West End hit. Its popularity even survived cast changes, as the principal actors moved on and were replaced over the years. The show proved critic-proof and maintained excellent word of mouth and audience demand throughout its six year residence.
UK Tours
In addition to the ongoing West End production, Jersey Boys launched touring productions across the UK beginning in 2014. Major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Southampton and Plymouth hosted their own productions of the show.
Jersey Boys returned to London briefly in 2015 for a limited 12 week run at the Piccadilly Theatre, proving the show still had life in it. This surprised many who assumed it had closed for good in the West End in 2014. The Piccadilly Theatre run allowed new audiences to enjoy Jersey Boys while establishing that the show still retained its magic and widespread appeal.
West End Return
In July 2017, Jersey Boys made another triumphant return to London’s West End. The show reopened at the Piccadilly Theatre – the same venue it had played in 2015.
A new cast was assembled for the revival, led by Ryan Molloy reprising his Olivier-winning role as Frankie Valli. The return of Molloy into the iconic part was a clever move, instantly connecting the revival to the original production that London audiences fell in love with.
The reviews for the Jersey Boys revival were excellent, with critics welcoming the show back enthusiastically. Mark Shenton of The Stage described it as “a glorious return to the West End”, praising both the production and Molloy’s sensitive performance that combined vocal fireworks with emotional heart.
Jersey Boys once again quickly found its feet at the Piccadilly Theatre, proving the show still had a loyal following eager to see it again. The revival managed over 600 performances before closing in March 2019.
Total West End Run
Combining its multiple West End engagements between 2008-2019, Jersey Boys racked up an impressive total run in London:
- Prince Edward Theatre (2008-2014) – 3,025 performances
- Piccadilly Theatre (2015) – 85 performances
- Piccadilly Theatre (2017-2019) – 615 performances
Across all three of its West End engagements, Jersey Boys played over 3,700 performances in London. From its debut to its final curtain, it entertained nearly 2 million audience members and established itself as a modern London theatre classic.
UK Tour Continues
Even after Jersey Boys closed in the West End, the touring production has continued traveling across the UK. The latest UK tour launched in 2021 and is currently booked through to July 2023.
The tour visits major cities like Liverpool, Edinburgh, York, Oxford, Hull and more. It features a revamped production with new direction and choreography. The cast includes Ben Joyce as Frankie Valli and Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio.
So while Jersey Boys is no longer running in the West End, British audiences still have a chance to enjoy the show on tour across the UK.
Could It Return?
Given the enduring popularity of Jersey Boys, there’s always the possibility the show could return to London’s West End sometime in the future.
Its multiple past West End engagements prove that London audiences positively respond to the show. Jersey Boys has already demonstrated successful form in the West End across various theatres, casts and revival productions.
The show remains a popular title around the world with professional and amateur productions. The core jukebox musical concept continues to draw in audiences. The soundtrack of Four Seasons hits appeals across generations.
So there’s certainly potential for further revivals down the road. The right timing and theatre availability could see Jersey Boys mount yet another West End comeback.
It’s worth noting the show has never undertaken a UK tour immediately after closing in the West End before. The current tour suggests the producers feel there’s still strong UK demand for the show post-West End.
The producers also have the option of launching a brand new UK tour production after the current one ends. This could keep Jersey Boys touring until the timing is right for another West End return.
What Are Its Chances?
Evaluating the specific chances of Jersey Boys returning to the West End anytime soon:
- The show closed fairly recently in 2019, so a swift revival seems unlikely.
- A UK tour is already planned through mid-2023, reducing demand for an immediate West End return.
- The booking landscape is competitive for venues like the Piccadilly.
- A 2024 return would mark 10 years since its original 2014 closure.
Given these factors, the most likely return window for Jersey Boys in London would be 2024-2025. This allows a respectable gap since the last West End run, while capitalizing on the show’s milestone anniversary.
The producers may also want to develop a fresh new production to entice past London patrons. While the show remains popular, some novelty is required to attract repeat business.
Opening at a larger venue than the compact Piccadilly Theatre might also be wise, if availability allows. Previous London runs were across 1,200+ seat theatres.
Conclusion
To summarize – while Jersey Boys is not currently playing in London’s West End, it remains a hugely popular show with a proven record of success in the city. The show played several multi-year West End engagements between 2008-2019, racking up over 3,700 performances.
The enduring popularity of Jersey Boys means further West End revivals are very possible. The most likely timeframe would be 2024-2025, capitalizing on its 10 year London anniversary. But given the right circumstances, an earlier comeback couldn’t be ruled out.
For now, the only way UK fans can enjoy Jersey Boys is by catching the touring production visiting cities through 2023. But with its London theatre pedigree, it surely won’t be too long before Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are back where they truly belong – taking Broadway and West End by storm all over again.