Here are just some of the great shows we have to look forward to next year:

1. A Chorus Line, London Palladium from 2 Feb
Back in the West End for the first time since the 70s, the award-winning A Chorus Line comes to London’s Palladium in February, starring John Partridge and Scarlett Strallen as Zach and Cassie, with Leigh Zimmerman playing Sheila and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt playing Diana. Altogether now: “One… singular sensation, every little step she takes…”

2. The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre from 26 Feb
Another multi-award winning show, The Book of Mormon is the first of two Broadway imports to hit the West End in 2013. This first will make its UK premiere at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s the story of two teenage Mormon missionaries trying to convert a Ugandan village. As it contains explicit language, this is a show for over 18s only: time will tell whether UK audiences love it as much as their US counterparts.

3. Once, Phoenix Theatre from 16 Mar
This year’s Tony Award for Best New Musical went to Once; and from March we can see it on our side of the pond at the Phoenix Theatre. Based on the 2006 Irish musical film of the same name, Once features an ensemble cast of actor/musicians and tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant and their shared love of music.

4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 18 May
Hot on the heels of Matilda comes a new Roald Dahl-based musical. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features a host of musical stars including music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, a book by the award-winning playwright David Greig and choreography by Peter Darling, the chap behind both Billy Elliot and Matilda. It’s directed by Skyfall director Sam Mendes, and stars Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka, and plays at the wonderful Theatre Royal Drury Lane from May. Sounds like a perfect recipe for success…

5. The Sound of Music, Open Air Theatre from 25 Jul
Finally for musicals in 2013, I’m really excited about a new production of The Sound of Music at the Open Air Theatre. Opening in July, this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is sure to be a real treat: the past few musicals from the Open Air Theatre have been amazing, including three winners of the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

If you prefer your shows without all that lovely singing and dancing, check out my tips for the top London plays coming in 2013.

What musicals are you looking forward to seeing in 2013? Let us know in the comments below.

Musical news to start: firstly, the sad news that Loserville will be leaving the West End early. The Elliot Davis and James Bourne musical based around teenage geeks in the 1970s was full of bouncy energy, but alas, it’s closing in early January instead of March. Rumour suggests it’s headed abroad, so fans of the show might be able to see it elsewhere…

However, there’s happier news of a new musical coming to the West End: The Tailor-Made Man runs at The Arts Theatre for eight weeks from February. The story of the gay MGM star William Haines refusing to marry another movie star to cover up his sexuality has been turned into a musical by Showstopper co-creator Adam Meggido. It will star former Steps popstrel Faye Tozer and West End regular Dylan Turner.

Finally this week, some fun Sadler’s Wells news. Two more productions have been announced for the venue’s 15th birthday season. From 7 August, you can see the 2008 production of West Side Story; and from May, innovative dance company ZooNation are bringing their 2011 hit Some Like It Hip Hop back to London, to Sadler’s Wells’ West End stage at the Peacock Theatre.

London Theatre Cast News:

• Daniel Lapaine, Kevin R McNally and Indira Varma will star in Conor McPherson’s new adaptation of The Dance Of Death, which plays as part of the final Donmar Trafalgar season next month
• American actors Gavin Creel and Jared Gertner will be leading the cast in the hit US musical The Book Of Mormon at London’s Prince of Wales theatre from February next year. The pair are currently starring in the show’s Los Angeles production
• Comedian Rufus Hound is taking over from Owain Arthur as Francis Henshall in the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket next year. He’s currently starring in the UK touring production, and will join the London cast from 4 February
• 60s singing star Mark Wynter is joining the cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats at Wyndham’s Theatre from next week, until 19 January

Have you enjoyed any great theatre in London recently? Let us know in the comments below.