Glasgow has developed a very rich cultural scene in recent years, seeing a boom in events like concerts, festivals and theatre shows. And is it any wonder with huge names like John Barrowman, Kevin Bridges, Lewis Capaldi and James McAvoy all hailing from this wonderful city?
Not to mention Glasgow is also home to some of the nation’s most impressive venues, including Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre and King’s Theatre. This makes it the perfect location for a budding musical theatre scene.
As 2022 is coming to an end, there are lots of exciting seasonal shows and magical musicals taking to the stage over the coming weeks. But with so many incredible productions to choose from, deciding which show you want to see can feel like an almost impossible task.
So let us help you narrow it down.
Below, we’ve put together a list of four of our favourite musical shows that you need to see in Glasgow this winter. You can check out ticket dates and venues below.
1. Shrek The Musical
Showing live at the King’s Theatre from January 2023 and playing right through until January 2024, there are plenty of opportunities for you to catch Shrek The Musical this winter and the next!
Brought to you by the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, directors Sam Holmes and Nick Winston have teamed up with designer Phillip Witcomb to bring this timeless deconstructed fairytale to life on stage.
The show is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that you know and love, as the unlikely hero, Shrek and his cooky sidekick, Donkey, embark on a fun-filled adventure that is sure to have you laughing throughout.
As well as our two protagonists, this side-splitting musical comedy also features all your favourite fairytale characters, along with the beautiful Princess Fiona and evil Lord Farquaad.
As you get lost in the narrative, you can sing along with some of the best songs from the film, including Welcome to Duloc and I’m a Believer. There is also a whole host of new songs created for the musical stage show, with music and lyrics by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire, respectively.
This musical extravaganza is suitable for both adults and children, making it the perfect family day out this winter.
2. The Bodyguard
Between January and February, visit the King’s Theatre in Glasgow to get lost in one of the world’s most timeless love stories.
That’s right; The Bodyguard is back on stage!
The musical features some big names, including ex-Pussycat Doll and multi-platinum Grammy-nominated star Melody Thornton, alongside Emmerdale and Hollyoaks’ very own Ayden Callaghan.
The story follows former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer as he embraces a new career as a bodyguard, protecting superstar Rachel Marron from her unknown stalker. This romantic, action-packed show sees two strong-willed characters fighting to be in charge but never imagining they’d ultimately fall for each other.
And, of course, the show features some of the most irresistible classics from Whitney Houston that will have you singing your heart out in your seat. Top of the tracklist is Queen of the Night, I Have Nothing, and I Will Always Love You.
3. Beauty and the Beast
No festive season is complete without a traditional panto, and until the end of December, you can enjoy the tale of Beauty and the Beast at the King’s Theatre.
This romantic panto like no other, finds beautiful Belle trapped in a cursed castle by a hideous beast. You can expect to see some of the magical characters from the movie, as well as some new ones, like Belle’s genius brother Shuggie.
Battling to make Belle see past his monstrous ways, the Beast is working against the clock to make her fall in love with him before the final petal falls from the enchanted rose.
But as this is a traditional pantomime, be prepared for unexpected twists and turns. Get ready to ooh and ahh along with the characters and get lost in this hypnotising tale of love against all odds.
So, if you’re in need of a little magic to kick start this festive season, it is never too early to bag yourself tickets to an enchanting panto.
4. The Snow Queen
Last but not least, we have The Snow Queen. Showing live at the Theatre Royal between December and January, the Scottish Ballet will perform their version of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale.
After its sell-out tour in 2019, the production of The Snow Queen has returned for another spectacular run in Glasgow, featuring breathtaking scores from the full Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
Its cold, icy backdrop makes this the perfect show for the winter months and follows our protagonist Gerda as she embarks on an adventure through the Snow Queen’s palace to rescue her best friend, Kay.
This is a tale of love, friendship, and innocence beautifully told through movement as a result of Christopher Hampson’s spectacular choreography.
This captivating story has been told for decades and was even said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Frozen, making this a wonderful show for both adults and children. This show is particularly special for ballet enthusiasts and anyone who loves the medium of dance.