Sinatra The Musical – a new musical based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon – is to open in London in 2026.
Sinatra The Musical, which features over 20 timeless hits including That’s Life, One For My Baby, The Best Is Yet To Come & Come Fly With Me, is to begin performances at Aldwych Theatre, London on Wednesday 3 June 2026.
What is Sinatra The Musical about
It is New Year’s Eve, 1942, and a skinny 27-year-old Italian American singer is about to step onto the stage of New York’s Paramount Theatre and give a performance that will change music history.
As Frank Sinatra’s career suddenly skyrockets, he struggles with balancing the love of his wife, Nancy, against the demands and temptations of being the most popular singer in America.
But when he begins a torrid affair with movie goddess Ava Gardner, his records stop selling and the press turns against him, sending his career into a tailspin.
Driven by his devotion to his family, Sinatra employs his peerless artistry and dogged determination to stage the greatest comeback in showbiz history.
The Creative Team
Written by Joe DiPietro (Memphis the Musical, What’s New Pussycat?)
Directed and Choreographed by Kathleen Marshall (Top Hat, Anything Goes)
Set Design by Peter McKintosh (Top Hat, When We Are Married)
Music Supervisor – Gareth Valentine (My Fair Lady, 42nd Street)
Costume Designer – Jon Morrell
Lighting Designer – Bruno Poet
Sound Designer – Jonathan Deans
Video Designer – Akhila Krishnan
Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer – Campbell Young Associates
Orchestrators – Larry Blank & John Clayton
Arranger – Ian Eisendrath
Dance Arrangements – David Chase
Casting Director – David Grindrod, CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting
US Casting Director – Jim Carnahan
US Casting (Carnahan) – Jason Thinger
Associate Choreographer – Carol Lee Meadows
The Cast
Joel Harper-Jackson will play Frank Sinatra in Sinatra The Musical – the West End premiere of the new musical based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon.
He is joined by Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra.
Joel Harper-Jackson said: ‘Stepping into the shoes of Frank Sinatra is a privilege I don’t take lightly. There is only one Frank, and I’m committed to honouring his legacy with truth, respect and integrity. To collaborate with Kathleen Marshall, Joe DiPietro, Gareth Valentine, Universal Music and, of course, Tina Sinatra is an honour beyond words. Returning to the Aldwych Theatre, where I made my West End debut eleven years ago, feels like coming home. Frank was my grandad’s hero, so this role is deeply personal. Preparation has begun, and I’m so excited to start this journey.’
Sinatra The Musical was originally produced at The Birmingham Rep where it played a sell-out season in 2023.
Additional information about the West End production of Sinatra The Musical
When is Sinatra The Musical playing in London?
Sinatra The Musical is playing 3 June 2026 – 10 April 2027
What Theatre is Sinatra The Musical on at?
Sinatra The Musical is on at the Aldwych Theatre
