Beetlejuice musical review and star rating: ★★★
Screaming is rare, but it happened at the West End premiere of Beetlejuice: The Musical, where the audience’s visceral reactions echoed the chaos of Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic. The show, which debuted on Broadway in 2022, arrives in London with a polished production but a mixed critical reception. While its technical execution dazzles, the musical’s over-the-top energy and lack of memorable melodies leave some audiences disengaged.
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice remains a cornerstone of 1980s pop culture and the musical adaptation by composer Eddie Perfect aims to translate its surreal aesthetic into a stage format. The story follows Lydia Deetz, a goth teenager who summons a misfit ghost named Beetlejuice to help her family evict the obnoxious Maitlands. The adaptation retains the film’s dark humor and visual quirks, but the transition to musical theater has sparked debate about its effectiveness.
A Technically Flawless but Emotionally Disconnected Production
The Prince Edward Theatre’s $10 million revamp, which opened in 2023, provides a stunning backdrop for the show’s elaborate set designs and special effects. The 1,727-seat venue, known for its acoustics, hosts a cast of triple threats, including David Fynn as the titular Beetlejuice. However, critics note that the production’s high-octane energy often overshadows its narrative depth. “The show feels like a visual spectacle without a soul,” wrote The Guardian, highlighting the lack of “earworm” melodies and underdeveloped adult humor.
Chasity Crisp and Hannah Nordberg stand out in their roles as Juno and Lydia, offering sharper wit and emotional resonance. Yet, the musical’s reliance on rapid-fire skits—over 30 in total—leaves little room for character development. The 2.5-hour runtime, while ambitious, risks alienating viewers seeking a cohesive story.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
The Beetlejuice franchise has long been a cultural touchstone. The 2024 film sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, grossed $325 million globally, surpassing expectations but falling short of the original’s $233 million domestic haul. The musical’s West End run, however, faces a different challenge: balancing fan service with artistic innovation. According to Broadway World, the show has averaged 78% capacity since its May 2024 opening, suggesting strong but not overwhelming demand.
The Tim Burton exhibition at London’s Design Museum, which closed in 2024 after selling 32,000 advance tickets, underscored the director’s enduring appeal. Yet, the musical’s success hinges on whether it can transcend nostalgia and offer something fresh. As Variety noted, “The show is a love letter to fans, but it struggles to convince newcomers of its merits.”
The Beetlejuice musical plays at the Prince Edward Theatre until April 17, 2027.