The Notebook

The Notebook musical in London: UK premiere at the Judi Dench Theatre

The Notebook, the new musical based on the best selling novel by Nicholas Sparks and the iconic film loved by millions, receives its UK premiere in the West End in 2027. It will be the first production to open at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre, the West End house currently known as the Shaftesbury Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday 10 March 2027, opening night is Tuesday 13 April 2027, and the run is booking until Saturday 11 December 2027.

The premiere marks 30 years since Sparks published his debut novel. Tickets start from £20, with standing at £15. Keep this The Notebook musical London page saved, as we will add the cast and running time as soon as they are announced.

The Notebook story: Allie and Noah on stage in the West End

Meet Allie and Noah. Born into two different worlds, pulled apart, but always finding a way back, theirs is a love story that lasts a lifetime. The producers describe The Notebook as a joyous, funny and deeply moving new musical about the power of enduring love and what we will do to keep it: a story of dancing in the rain, the almost kiss and keeping the faith every single day.

Sparks, whose novels have sold more than 130 million copies, says he is thrilled to share this latest evolution of the story with audiences in London.

The Notebook music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson, book by Bekah Brunstetter

The score is by Ingrid Michaelson, the multi platinum, Emmy and Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, and the Original Broadway Cast Recording earned a Grammy nomination. The book is by Bekah Brunstetter, a writer and producer on NBC's This Is Us.

The musical played Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, and you can read our four star review of The Notebook on Broadway or visit our Broadway archive page. Michaelson calls opening the newly named Judi Dench Theatre "beyond thrilling".

The Notebook London cast and creative team

Casting for the West End production will be announced shortly, and we will list every name and role here as soon as it is confirmed.

The production is directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams. Greif is a five time Tony Award nominee for Best Direction of a Musical, for RENT, Grey Gardens, Next to Normal, Dear Evan Hansen and Hell's Kitchen. Williams directed the 2024 Broadway revival of The Wiz and Aida for Disney Theatrical Group. Choreography is by Katie Spelman, whose associate choreographer credits include Moulin Rouge! on Broadway.

Music supervision is by Carmel Dean, set design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costumes by Paloma Young, lighting by Ben Stanton and sound by Nevin Steinberg, with casting by Jill Green Casting.

The Notebook is presented by Kevin McCollum, Kurt Deutsch and Jamie Wilson Productions. Jamie Wilson Productions programmes the theatre with Alchemation, and its recent West End shows include The Devil Wears Prada, Avenue Q and Mrs Doubtfire.

The Notebook dates, times and running time

Previews start on Wednesday 10 March 2027 at 7pm, and opening night is Tuesday 13 April 2027 at 7pm. From then on, performances are Monday to Wednesday at 7pm and Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday at 2pm and Saturday at 2.30pm. The running time is to be announced by the producers.

Who is The Notebook musical for?

The theatre lists The Notebook for ages 6 and over. It is a romantic night out for fans of the novel and the film, and a natural date night. Access performances are planned for 2027: a captioned performance on Thursday 9 September at 7.30pm, an audio described performance with a touch tour on Saturday 18 September at 2.30pm, and a BSL signed performance on Thursday 23 September at 7.30pm.

Visiting the Judi Dench Theatre for The Notebook

The theatre is at 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP, and the nearest Tube stations are Holborn, Tottenham Court Road and Covent Garden. The largest independent theatre in the West End takes the name of Dame Judi Dench in February 2027, the first West End theatre named after an actress. Read our guide to the theatre's history and visiting before you go.

More West End musicals to love while you wait for The Notebook

For more romance and big songs in London, see Dirty Dancing, The Great Gatsby and SIX.