Forbidden Broadway

What Is Forbidden Broadway?

Forbidden Broadway is a long-running American satirical revue that takes gleeful aim at the biggest and most beloved musicals of the stage. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the show has been sending up Broadway and West End classics since the early 1980s, earning a devoted following among theatre lovers who enjoy a healthy dose of wit alongside their showbiz spectacle. Rather than telling a single story, Forbidden Broadway is a fast-paced collection of sketches and parody songs, reworking the most recognisable numbers from hit musicals into sharp, affectionate and often merciless comedic routines. If you have seen a few musicals, you will find plenty to laugh at. If you have seen a great many, you will be in stitches from start to finish.

Why Is Forbidden Broadway Worth Seeing?

What makes Forbidden Broadway so enjoyable is the genuine love for theatre that underpins even its sharpest barbs. This is not mockery for mockery's sake; it is the kind of comedy that only comes from people who know their subject inside out. The performances require enormous versatility, with a small cast switching between dozens of characters, vocal styles and costumes at a relentless pace. The writing is clever, the timing is precise, and the production packs more laughs into its running time than most full-scale musicals manage across an entire evening. For theatregoers who have spent years watching the West End, seeing their favourite shows gently skewered is a particular delight.

What Are the Practical Details for Visiting?

Forbidden Broadway runs for approximately 100 minutes with no interval, so it is worth arriving in good time and perhaps enjoying a drink beforehand. The show is suited to adults and older teenagers who have some familiarity with musical theatre, as the humour relies heavily on recognising the source material being parodied. Younger children or those new to musicals may find some of the references difficult to follow. There is no specific age restriction listed, but parental discretion is advised based on your family's experience with theatre. Ticket prices and availability may vary depending on the booking period and seat location; check the official booking page for the most accurate information.

Where Did Forbidden Broadway Play in London?

The London production of Forbidden Broadway was staged at the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand, one of the West End's most charming and historic venues. The Vaudeville dates back to 1870 and has a beautiful Victorian interior with excellent sightlines from most seats. It sits in the heart of theatreland, within easy walking distance of Charing Cross and Embankment stations, and is surrounded by restaurants, bars and other major venues. For visitors exploring London's theatre district, the Strand and Covent Garden area make an ideal base for an evening out.

Similar Shows You Might Enjoy

If you enjoyed the satirical energy of Forbidden Broadway, or if you are looking for something in a similar spirit, there are several other productions worth exploring. Fans of sharp theatrical comedy often enjoy The Play That Goes Wrong, a brilliantly constructed farce that celebrates and sends up the conventions of the stage. Those drawn to musical parody and wit may also want to look at Something Rotten, which pokes fun at the very form of the musical itself. For audiences who love the revue format and enjoy short, punchy theatrical pieces rather than a single sustained narrative, Six offers another example of inventive, high-energy musical storytelling that rewards an audience with a sense of theatrical history.