Abu Dhabi theatre: The best musicals and plays to book now

All of the Broadway and West End productions coming to Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi’s theatre scene is flourishing. It began with the arrival of Hamilton at Etihad Arena in January, and now culture vultures in the capital can’t get enough of musicals, performances and productions. From Broadway breakouts like Chicago The Musical to West End sensations like Matilda The Musical, these are the top theatre shows to see in Abu Dhabi this year.

Sister Act The Musical: 6 to 8 June 2024

Rejoice, Sister Act: The Musical is coming to The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. The show is based on the much-loved 1992 film, Sister Act, which starred Whoopie Goldberg and follows Deloris Van Cartier. After she witnesses a crime, she seeks refuge in a convent. The former nightclub singer has to disguise herself as a nun – with hilarious results. On the way, she transforms the choir from a traditional group to singing sensations. Sister Act: The Musical will be performed by Abu Dhabi’s Choral Group. Established in 1977, the group brings together 15 nationalities and has put on more than 75 shows. Tickets start from AED 52.50 and are on sale now.

 GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information. 

Matilda The Musical: 20 to 23 June 2024

If the characters Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull and Mr Wormwood mean anything to you, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that Matilda The Musical is coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Matilda The Musical first hit the stage in 2010 and premiered in William Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon, England. The script was written by the great British playwright Dennis Kelly, and the music and lyrics were penned by Australian comedian Tim Minchin. The show is filled with catchy songs – try getting Revolting Children out of your head. Plus, the larger-than-life characters, combined with heartfelt as well as hilarious moments, make it the perfect family-friendly show. Tickets start from AED 150 and are on sale now.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.

Chicago The Musical: 12 to 22 September 2024

Abu Dhabi, you’re in for a musical marvel. Chicago The Musical is bringing glitz and glam to the capital. Set during the 1920s, Chicago looks at the idea of celebrity criminals. The story follows two murderers, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who find themselves in jail together. Roxie is a housewife, and Velma is a vaudevillian performer. The songs include All That Jazz, When You’re Good to Mama, and Mister Cellophane. In 2022, Chicago was turned into a film production starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere. Tickets start from AED 200 and are on sale now.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information. 

Life Of Pi: 15 to 17 November 2024

Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi is gearing up to be the ultimate entertainment hub. Taking place from 15 to 17 November, you’ll get a chance to embark on a journey filled with adventure, hope, and breathtaking visuals as Life of Pi hits the stage in the capital. For those unversed in Life of Pi, it’s a novel that took the world by storm, selling over 15 million copies globally. The story is an epic saga of survival and resilience that resonates with audiences of all ages. The book, play and movie follow Pi as he’s stranded in the Pacific Ocean on a boat with a few companions – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger. Tickets start from AED 200 and are on sale now.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.