New York and London are world-known for their theatre offerings. The exchange of West End and Broadway productions are legendary, as are a number of West End productions that have been adapted into award-winning films.

West End productions that have been adapted into award-winning films:
Frost Nixon (2008) – Nominated for 5 Oscars and 5 Golden Globes, the Ron Howard film was based on a play that first premiered on the West End in 2006 and hit Broadway in 2007.

Mamma Mia! (2008) – Based on the hit songs of ABBA, a bride searches for her real father days before her wedding. Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, and Christine Baranski.

Billy Elliott (2000) – Nominated for 3 Oscars, Billy Elliot follows an 11 year-old boy who chooses ballet over boxing despite resistance from his father and brother, miners during the 1984 Miners Strike in England.

An Ideal Husband (1999) – Based on the comedic play written by Oscar Wilde in 1893 about politics, corruption, and blackmail in London, the film stars Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett and Julianne Moore and was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.

The Madness of King George (1995) – An inside look at the family and ministers of King George III as they prepare for the opening of Parliament in 1788, this Oscar winner stars Helen Mirren, Nigel Hawthorne and Rupert Everett.

Edward II (1991) – Based on the Elizabethan drama about King Edward II’s fall from power following an affair with a French knight and political unrest, the film stars Steven Waddington and Tilda Swinton.

A Man for All Seasons (1966) – Winner of 6 Oscars and 4 Golden Globes, including best picture and best actor, this film follows the struggle between Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII from the King’s divorce to More’s resignation. Starring Paul Scofield and Orson Welles.

From West End to Broadway
Many Broadway hits are British exports, including:

Cats
Les Misérables
The Phantom of the Opera
Billy Elliot
God of Carnage
The Norman Conquests
Boeing-Boeing
The Coast of Utopia
The History Boys
Frost/Nixon
Mary Stuart
The 39 Steps
Mamma Mia!
Mary Poppins

To learn more about why Broadway producers look to London for new shows, read the New York Times’ article “Broadway Banks on West End Pedigree.”

Broadway to West End
London also imports beloved Broadway shows such as:

Avenue Q
Chicago
Jersey Boys
Hairspray
Wicked

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