Stagey cast recordings to enjoy this spring

If you’re looking for a cast recording to enjoy while doing a spot of spring cleaning or taking a walk in the much-missed sunshine, we’ve got you covered.

There are plenty of blooming good musicals opening up and down the country throughout spring, and you can prepare to welcome them by familiarising yourself with the cast recordings! Here are some of our picks.

Remember to let us know on social media which are your favourites!

My Neighbour Totoro

Playing at the Gillian Lynne theatre to 2 November

Joe Hisaishi’s wonderful score features in the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro, performed by an orchestra and sung by Ai Ninomiya. While the production doesn’t yet have a cast recording, you can listen to the original Studio Ghibli film soundtrack. With the play making its second return to the capital, this time in the West End, it’s all aboard the Cat Bus!

Bat Out of Hell

Touring the UK now

Like a bat out of hell.. it’s back! The much-loved musical features Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s iconic songs, and this reimagined tour describes itself as presenting an “arena-style” show with an eight-piece rock band on stage and multi-level platforms.

Muriel’s Wedding

Playing at Curve, Leicester from 10 April to 10 May

Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall have written a deliciously tangy score for the stage adaptation of Muriel’s Wedding! You can listen to one of the “Amazing” tracks performed by cast members, Megan Ellis and Annabel Marlow, who’ll be playing BFFs Muriel and Rhonda in the UK premiere in Leicester.

The Great Gatsby

Playing at London Coliseum from 11 April to 7 September

You don’t want to be the only one at the party who doesn’t know the words when the new musical rolls into town. The cast recording features Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada who originated the roles of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan in the Marc Bruni-directed bonanza. But, in case you missed it, Jamie Muscato and Frances Mayli McCann will lead the show in London.

Here We Are

Playing at National Theatre from 23 April to 28 June

Here we are, at last! Stephen Sondheim’s final musical arrives in London this spring, following a successful run in New York. The piece follows a group of guests who find themselves unable to leave a dinner party. Original stars Tracie Bennett and Denis O’Hare (Tartuffe) feature on the recording, and are reprising their roles at the National Theatre, so it’s the perfect chance to acquaint yourself!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Tour opens first at Edinburgh Playhouse from 25 April to 14 June

The world tour kicks off this spring, and casting has now been revealed. They’ll be performing an assortment of pop hits presented in a variety of medleys and new arrangements. You can-can-can listen to original stars (including Aaron Tveit) in advance, then tell everybody which is “Your Song”. IYKYK.

Shucked

Playing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 10 May to 14 June

Our sister site TheaterMania called it a “shucking good time” when it premiered on Broadway, now new musical Shucked will receive its open-air and UK premiere at the very same time. The cast recording does a pretty great, toe-tapping job of laying out the story of a young woman from Cob County who leaves her small town in pursuit of saving it. But, you will know the punchline to a few corny jokes before you get to Regent’s Park.

Fiddler on the Roof

Playing at London’s Barbican Theatre from 24 May to 19 July before touring

Is it your “Tradition” to listen to a cast recording before seeing a show? If so, you’re spoilt for choice with Fiddler on the Roof! While the cast of the most recent revival, which is returning to London before heading on tour, doesn’t have its own cast recording – yet – you can catch many of them reprising their Olivier Award-nominated roles.

Stereophonic

Playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 24 May to 20 September

It broke records as the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time last year (winning five), and now David Adjmi’s play (with songs) is coming to the West End. The Fleetwood Mac-esque tale sees a band recording a make-or-break album in a Californian music studio, and features music by Will Butler from Arcade Fire. Get your ticket to the “Masquerade”!

Tickets are on sale below.