Several Hollywood actors are returning to the West End stage this year
BY BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org
Actors often first hone their craft on stage, where theater serves as a stepping stone toward a more lucrative career in film. While the glamor of Hollywood may be the ultimate destination for some, not every actor is satisfied with a career spent in the spotlight of Los Angeles. In fact, some crave a break from the intense spotlight of film altogether. Actors are increasingly setting up base across the Atlantic, choosing to showcase their talents far from the camera lens.
The past year, theater has seen several big names return to their humble beginnings or make their debut on London’s West End stage. Here’s a look at just some of the actors who are proving that they can truly do it all:
Many Marvel fans flocked to London this summer to watch their favourite superhero return to the West End stage. Known predominantly for his iconic role as Peter Parker in the latest Spiderman series, Tom Holland starred as Romeo in a new adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Duke of York Theatre. Despite its localized display, the production gained the status of a global event, becoming a complete sell-out months before its opening night on May 11.
However, Holland is not new to the West End stage. In fact, it was where he got his start. At just 12 years old, Holland starred as Billy Elliot in the iconic “Billy Elliot the Musical,” a role that launched his career. Returning for the first time after 15 years, having cemented his place as both a film and theater star, Holland’s performance as Romeo marked a full-circle moment for himself and fans.
From “Love Rosie” to her leading role in “Emily in Paris,” Lily Collins made her West End debut in the comedic drama “Barcelona.” The production, which ran from October 2024 through early 2025, saw Collins leave behind her signature brown locks, opting for a blonde transformation where she played Irene — a painfully American real estate agent who’s vacationing in Spain.
Ironically, her character’s experience mirrors Collins’ own as an American abroad in a European city. What begins as an innocent one-night stand with a local Spaniard quickly escalates into a dangerous and tangled narrative. Teaming up with “Money Heist” star Pedro Alonso, the two-person show captivated the audience with its blend of the personal and the political, bringing a combination of comedy, sexuality and darkness to live theater.
Rising star Daisy Edgar-Jones recently appeared in the West End’s “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Edgar-Jones’ more recent roles in award-winning films “Where the Crawdads Sing,” and the “Twisters” sequel, where she appeared alongside Glen Powell, is likely where she attained her global recognition. However, true fans of the actress will recognize her as Marianne Sheridan from the on-screen adaptation of Sally Rooney’s “Normal People.”
After a long stint in the United States, Edgar-Jones returned home for Rebecca Frecknell’s revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” over the winter period. Having graced both Broadway and the West End multiple times, the play centers on a troubled Southern family struggling to cope with a crisis, their relationships riddled with lies and secrets. For “Normal People” fans, this wasn’t Edgar-Jones’ first time grappling with a complex, dysfunctional family dynamic. However, her recent portrayal of a wife, rather than the teenage Marianne, showcased her maturity and evolution as an actress.
Another A-list actor to emerge from the world of Sally Rooney’s work is Paul Mescal. Taking on the infamously misunderstood Connell Waldron, Mescal can also trace his rise to fame back to the hit TV series “Normal People,” where he played Edgar-Jones’ love interest. Like Edgar-Jones, Mescal has since made his mark on the film industry, starring in award-winning independent movies like “Aftersun” as well as the Hollywood blockbuster “Gladiator II.”
Tennessee Williams’ play, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” recently returned to the West End for a brief three weeks at the Noël Coward Theatre in London, where Mescal reprised his turn as Stanley. This short run will be met by a slightly longer Broadway showing, as the production is set to move to New York later this year.
This isn’t the first time Mescal has stepped into the world of live performance. Even prior to his breakout role in “Normal People,” Mescal had already made a name for himself in theater. Across the United Kingdom, he has performed in productions including “The Great Gatsby” and “The Plough and the Stars,” while extending his hand to musicals such as “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables.”
The trend of Hollywood A-listers moving to the stage continues to grow. After his recent performance in “Wicked,” it’s no surprise that Jonathan Bailey is now showcasing his theatrical talents to a live audience. The “Bridgerton” heartthrob is currently the lead in West End production of “Richard II,” where he effortlessly channels his charisma and wit into the character of notable King of England from the 14th century.
Looking ahead, the intersection of film and theater remains a popular one, with many more actors set to appear in West End and Broadway productions this summer and fall. So if you haven’t managed to see your favorite star perform in person just yet, you still have the chance to catch them in action.
Written by: Beth Munro-Morris — arts@theaggie.org
