Everything You Need to Know About One Day the Musical
Published on 1 July 2026
- One Day the Musical, based on David Nicholls' bestselling novel, is transferring to London's West End following its acclaimed Edinburgh premiere.
- Jamie Muscato returns as Dexter alongside Sharon Rose as Emma
- One Day the Musical will play at the Garrick Theatre from 17 November 2026 - 14 March 2027
The much-loved novel One Day by David Nicholls, which has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages, is coming to London's West End as a brand-new musical. And luckily for us, it will be performed in English!
Following a successful world premiere in Edinburgh, the show arrives at the Garrick Theatre this autumn, bringing Emma and Dexter's unforgettable story to the stage with an original score and an acclaimed creative team.
When and where is One Day the Musical happening?
One Day the Musical opens at the Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HH, from 17 November 2026 until 14 March 2027. With tickets already on sale for this limited West End run.
What is One Day the Musical about?
Based on David Nicholls' bestselling 2009 novel, the musical follows Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew after they meet on their graduation night on 15 July 1988. Every year on the same date, audiences catch up with the pair as their friendship evolves through love, heartbreak, ambition and life's unexpected twists.
Spanning two decades, the story explores missed chances, personal growth and the enduring connection between two people whose lives remain intertwined.
Which songs are in One Day the Musical?
The musical features 21 brand new songs by Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez (Johnnyswim), with additional lyrics by Freya Catrin Smith. In order, they are:
Act 1
- "One Day - Opening"
- "Blackbirds"
- "Make A Life Worth Living"
- "Loco Caliente"
- "Taj Mahal"
- "Em and Dex"
- "Night Swimming"
- "The Lifestyle"
- "Make A Life Worth Living (Reprise)"
- "Pick Up, Em"
- "Showbiz"
- "Em's One Day"
Act 2
- "It's My Day"
- "The Maze"
- "River Lights"
- "Showbiz (Reprise)"
- "You"
- "Em and Dex (Reprise)"
- "Blackbirds (Reprise)"
- "Dex's One Day"
- "It All Starts Here Today"
Who is in One Day the Musical?
Leading the West End production are Jamie Muscato as Dexter and Sharon Rose as Emma, both returning after starring in the Edinburgh premiere.
Jamie Muscato is known for performances in Cabaret, The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge! the Musical, while Sharon Rose has previously starred in Hamilton and the Olivier Award-winning Sylvia.
Additional casting is still to be announced.
Who are the creative team behind One Day the Musical
The stage adaptation has been written by David Greig, with music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez of Johnnyswim. Additional music is provided by Freya Catrin Smith, while Max Webster directs the production following acclaimed work on Life of Pi and The Importance of Being Earnest.
From Edinburgh to the West End
The musical premiered earlier this year at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre, a fitting location as Emma and Dexter first meet in the city. The original production was staged in the round to create a more intimate experience, and after its successful debut, it now transfers to London's West End.
Previous days
One Day has already enjoyed success on screen. The novel was adapted into the 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess before becoming a hugely popular Netflix series in 2024, featuring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall.
The television adaptation introduced the story to a new audience and was widely praised for capturing the emotion and depth of the original novel, and almost made us forget about Anne Hathaway's shocking 'Yorkshire' accent!
Should you See One Day the Musical?
Whether you're already a fan of the book or Netflix series, or discovering Emma and Dexter's story for the first time, One Day the Musical promises an emotional evening in the theatre. With experienced West End performers leading the cast, an original score and a creative team behind several acclaimed productions, it's one of the most anticipated new musicals of the 2026 West End season.
Key information
- Venue: Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HH
- Performance dates: 17 November 2026 – 14 March 2027
- Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
- Age guidance: 12+
- Performance schedule: Tuesday to Saturday evenings, with Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees.
