The Notebook musical will open London’s renamed Judi Dench Theatre
The Notebook musical will receive its UK premiere at London’s newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre, currently the Shaftesbury Theatre. Previews begin on 10 March 2027 and the official opening follows on 13 April. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’s novel, the production reunites the creative team from its Broadway staging. London casting will be announced later.
Arts··Night
London previews start in March 2027
The Notebook musical is set for its UK premiere at London’s newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre. The West End venue is currently known as the Shaftesbury Theatre, and this is the first production announced under its new name. Previews start on 10 March 2027, ahead of an official opening on 13 April. The announced performance calendar extends to 11 December 2027.[1], [2]
London casting has not yet been announced. The production comes from Broadway, where it played at New York’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. It adapts Nicholas Sparks’s debut novel, whose publication reaches its 30th anniversary this year. The novel also received a film adaptation.[1], [2]
Allie and Noah’s love story moves from novel to stage
The Notebook centres on Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds whose relationship spans decades. Ingrid Michaelson wrote the music and lyrics, and Bekah Brunstetter wrote the stage book. Michael Greif and Schele Williams share directing duties, with choreography by Katie Spelman. Michaelson described revisiting the work with Brunstetter, Greif, Williams and the creative team for the London production.[1]
Sparks said that he had not expected such a lasting international response when he published the novel. He welcomed the chance to bring this version to London audiences. Brunstetter described the pleasure of adapting the story for the stage and working with Michaelson to expand it through songs. She described it as a love story speaking to many aspects of life, and said that she and Michaelson had enjoyed developing it into a musical. Brunstetter also welcomed the prospect of returning to the rehearsal room with the team and rediscovering the work for the London audience.[1]
The creative team reunites for the London production
Carmel Dean handles music supervision and arrangements. David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis design the scenery, while Paloma Young designs costumes. Ben Stanton designs lighting and Nevin Steinberg for sound. Mia Neal provides hair and wig design. John Clancy and Dean share orchestration duties. Jim Henson is music director, and Jill Green Casting handles casting. The producers are Kevin McCollum, Kurt Deutsch and Jamie Wilson Productions.[1]
