Sunset Boulevard
See Nicole Scherzinger as a faded Hollywood star with Sunset Boulevard musical tickets
The glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood comes to the West End in a thrilling revival of Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, based on the film of the same name, is a luminous story about a silent film star who banks on a last chance for success. This strictly limited 16-week season at the Savoy Theatre is directed by Olivier Award-winner Jamie Lloyd and promises to make the story feel modern and dynamic – and as undeniably mesmerising as ever.
Faded silent film star Norma Desmond wonders when everything started to go wrong. At the Hollywood studios new starlets are filling in the roles she used to play, while she sits in her dilapidated mansion on Sunset Boulevard and dreams of a magnificent return to the spotlight. A struggling screenwriter might hold the key, but their passionate, dangerous relationship threatens to spiral out of control…
Singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger stars as the immortal Norma Desmond in this exciting revival of the Sunset Boulevard musical. She is best-known as a leading member of chart-topping US girl group The Pussycat Dolls, but has previously made her West End debut in another Lloyd Webber classic, which earned great acclaim from audiences and critics: her performance as Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium earned her an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical.
On Monday evenings and other selected performances, Rachel Tucker (Wicked; Come From Away) stars as Norma Desmond.
Scherzinger now follows in the footsteps of some huge musical theatre names as Norma Desmond in the Sunset Boulevard musical. The role has previously been played by Patti LuPone in 1993 at the Adelphi Theatre and Glenn Close on numerous occasions including in Los Angeles and on Broadway from 1993-4 and at the London Coliseum in 2016.
This is a captivating story about the intoxicating effect of fame and adoration, with songs by Lloyd Webber including “As If We Never Said Goodbye”, “The Perfect Year” and “With One Look”. It is based on the famous 1950 film of the same name, and was adapted for the stage by Lloyd Webber, lyricist Don Black (Tell Me on a Sunday; Aspects of Love) and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement; The Father). It premiered in 1993 at the Adelphi Theatre London starring Patti LuPone as Norma Desmond, and the ultimate stage diva playing an ultimate Hollywood diva made the Sunset Boulevard musical an instant success!
Lloyd Webber is one of the biggest names in musical theatre, with an almost 60-year long career that has seen him mastermind countless classics. His most famous and loved works include The Phantom of the Opera – still going strong in London over 35 years since its premiere – Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Several of his songs have achieved recognition outside of their original musicals, such as “Memory” (Cats) and “Love Changes Everything” (Aspects of Love).
In this new revival of his Sunset Boulevard musical, Lloyd Webber’s huge legacy combines with the exciting modern generation of theatre creatives to stunning effect. Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Jamie Lloyd directs; Lloyd is highly acclaimed for his minimalist approach to revivals of classic plays and musicals, and his commitment to making theatre accessible for young and new audiences. His previous work includes Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Betrayal in London and on Broadway starring Tom Hiddleston, and Cyrano de Bergerac starring James McAvoy.
Rediscover what makes this story of cynical showbiz tragedy and romance so popular as the Sunset Boulevard musical returns to London in September 2023. A star cast, phenomenal music and a story that stands the test of time makes this a highlight of the theatrical calendar that shouldn’t be missed.
Child friendly?
The Sunset Boulevard musical is recommended for ages 12+.