Based on Tim Burton’s iconic film of 1988, Beetlejuice bursts onto the West End in musical form with an all-star cast and presents a unique and thrilling piece of theatre. This eagerly awaited stage adaptation has been highly anticipated since its US debut in 2018 and does not disappoint.
This is the story of Beetlejuice, the title character: a pale-faced ghoul dressed head to toe in a black-and-white suit, complete with outrageous green hair, trapped between the real world and the afterlife, affectionately known as “The Netherworld”. Beetlejuice has one goal: to be seen and no longer feel invisible. His plan to achieve that involves killing a seemingly ordinary couple and haunting the new occupants of their home. However, it is not until he meets Lydia, the daughter now living in the house where the story is set, that the plot truly begins to unfold.
Before the show commences, the audience is immersed in the strange new world that is representative of Tim Burton’s work, with the lighting and sound reflective of what’s to come. Ghoulish lighting, spotlights and later strobe lighting capture the essence of the film and the crux of the story, drawing you in from the first moment. The set is spectacular, and without it the production would not feel nearly as immersive. Big pieces such as the house, the attic and the roof are detailed and well thought out, providing the perfect backdrop and ambiance for the comedy and action on stage. The props are a real highlight of the production and feel essential to bringing the show to life. Particularly once the house becomes “haunted”, the oversized heads and arms, along with the giant snake, are incredibly effective and make for genuine show-stopping moments on stage. Whilst the set has of course taken elements from the film’s aesthetic, it feels fresh and unique. Projection work is used at appropriate times, and to aid transitions between scenes, but it does not overshadow the practical staging and the value of the set.
What this show does particularly well is its script and pacing. Writers Scott Brown and Anthony King have done a tremendous job shaping the story and adapting it for the stage, particularly for the British audience. One of the show’s strongest elements is its portrayal of Beetlejuice as a more layered character which allows you to feel sympathy for him, while still finding him deeply unlikeable. His frequent breaking of the fourth wall, occasionally mirrored by other characters, adds a playful, pantomime-like quality that feels both fun and inventive. David Fynn shines in this role and is perfectly cast. Bringing his own unique twist to the character, he creates a performance the audience cannot get enough of. He embodies the material so naturally that at times it genuinely feels as though he could be improvising. He is a delight to watch and more than does justice to such an iconic character.
Hannah Nordberg is a standout, portraying Lydia’s complex character with ease and confidence. From Lydia’s grief over the loss of her mother and the upheaval in her life, to the more carefree and playful side she shows around Beetlejuice and the Maitlands, Nordberg captures every part of the character with real depth. Paired with a powerful belt, impressive range and a beautifully rich tone, she commands the stage and holds her own among the more experienced cast. She is hugely impressive in this role, drives the musical numbers and is certainly one to watch in future performances.
Aimie Atkinson as Delia is hilarious and endlessly entertaining, bringing a fresh, modern spin to the character that earns huge laughs from the audience. Her duet with Nordberg is a particularly lovely moment, blending comedy with genuine warmth and heart. David Hunter as Adam Maitland and Chelsea Halfpenny as Barbara Maitland make an excellent pairing, striking the perfect balance between adorably awkward and genuinely endearing. Their comedic chemistry is fantastic throughout, with Hunter especially capturing Adam’s lovable geekiness brilliantly. The ensemble and supporting cast also bring incredible energy and enthusiasm to every scene. There are a few standout scene-stealers, particularly Vanessa Aurora Sierra and Richard Frame, but what shines through most is the commitment across the entire cast with it evident that everyone puts their heart into the production, and that energy is felt from start to finish.
Overall, this production takes an already familiar story and makes it feel even more outrageous and entertaining. Despite many audience members being familiar with the film, this adaptation keeps you guessing until the very end, delivering an abundance of comedy and drama that leaves you feeling thoroughly fulfilled. With huge, flamboyant musical numbers, impressive visuals throughout and impactful theatrical props, this show feels vibrant and theatrical from start to finish. The cast bring a real enthusiasm that stays true to each character, fully embodying their roles and making this a wildly engaging and memorable production.
Reviewer: Maani Way
Reviewed: 28th May 2026
North West End UK Rating: