Yesterday Musical: The Beatles’ Songs Confirmed for Danny Boyle’s West End Production

The Beatles’ music has officially been approved for a new West End stage adaptation of Yesterday, the hit 2019 film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis.

The announcement marks a major milestone for the upcoming musical, which will bring the film’s much-loved story and iconic Beatles songs to the London stage.

Producer Emma Freud, who is developing the production alongside her husband Richard Curtis, described securing the rights to the band's music as “a huge deal” in an interview with BBC News.

While the musical is still in development, the involvement of the film's original creative team and the approval to use The Beatles' catalogue offer an exciting glimpse of what's to come.

What do we know about the Yesterday West End musical?

The stage adaptation will reunite several key figures behind the original film. Danny Boyle is set to direct, with Richard Curtis adapting his screenplay for the theatre and Emma Freud involved in developing the production.

According to Freud, the creative team has already reached its 11th script draft and completed two workshops, with a third planned for October 2026.

The workshops are helping the team reimagine the story for live theatre, exploring how its music, characters and emotional moments can work on stage.

A West End theatre has reportedly already been selected, although its identity remains under wraps.

Will the musical feature The Beatles' original songs?

Yes. The Beatles' music has been approved for use in the stage production, marking a significant breakthrough for the creative team.

The original Yesterday film featured memorable renditions of Beatles classics including Hey Jude, Let It Be, Yesterday and Here Comes the Sun.

However, the official song list for the West End musical has not yet been revealed. Audiences will have to wait to discover which favourites make it into the stage adaptation and how they will be incorporated into the story.

What is Yesterday about?

For those unfamiliar with the film, Yesterday follows Jack Malik, a struggling singer-songwriter whose life changes after a mysterious worldwide blackout.

When he wakes up, he discovers something extraordinary: nobody else seems to remember The Beatles or their music.

Jack begins performing the band's legendary songs as his own, quickly finding the fame and recognition he had always dreamed of. But his newfound success comes at a personal cost, forcing him to confront questions about love, honesty and what truly matters.

The 2019 romantic musical comedy starred Himesh Patel as Jack Malik, alongside Lily James as Ellie, and featured an appearance from Ed Sheeran.

The stage adaptation will retain the central premise while reworking the storytelling for a live audience.

As Freud explained to the BBC, the aim is to make the production feel “theatrical rather than filmic”, suggesting that audiences can expect more than a straightforward recreation of the movie.

When will Yesterday open in the West End?

An official opening date has not yet been announced.

Although a theatre has reportedly been chosen, the production remains in development, with further workshops taking place before full details are revealed.

There is currently no confirmed performance schedule or ticket release date.

Who will star in the Yesterday musical?

Casting for the West End production has not yet been officially announced.

While Himesh Patel and Lily James brought Jack and Ellie's story to life on screen, there has been no confirmation that either actor will appear in the stage adaptation.

The casting announcement will be one of the next developments to watch as the production moves closer to the stage.

What happens next for the Yesterday musical?

With The Beatles' songs now approved and the original film's creative team involved, Yesterday is taking shape as a notable forthcoming West End production.

The next major announcements are expected to reveal the theatre, cast, opening dates and ticket information.

For fans of The Beatles, the original film and West End musicals, the prospect of hearing some of the world's most recognisable songs woven into Jack Malik's story on stage is certainly something to look forward to.

Looking for more West End theatre news? Explore the latest show announcements, upcoming productions and London theatre updates on InYouGo.