Who should replace Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry in The Devil Wears Prada this autumn?
Published on 31 July 2026
Summary
- Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry will leave the West End musical this autumn
- We asked theatre fans who should inherit two of Runway’s most important roles
- The responses included West End favourites, screen stars and some inspired drag choices
Following our announcement that Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry have confirmed that they’ll be leaving The Devil Wears Prada this autumn, leaving two pairs of impossibly stylish shoes to fill. Williams will deliver her final performance as Miranda Priestly on 19 September 2026, with Henry following as Nigel on 17 October.
We asked our followers on Facebook, Instagram and Reddit to dream cast their replacements, but before the suggestions began, there was an enormous outpouring of love for the departing stars. Many fans simply refused to contemplate the musical without them, declaring Williams and Henry the forever “Queen and King of Runway” and praising the current cast as perfect. (We'll be sure to pass those messages on to Miranda. We're certain she'll be... deeply moved.)
When it came to possible replacements, Hannah Waddingham and Mazz Murray dominated the conversation. Before becoming an Emmy-winning star of Ted Lasso, Waddingham built an acclaimed musical theatre career in productions including Spamalot, Into the Woods, The Wizard of Oz and Kiss Me, Kate. Murray, meanwhile, became a massive fa-famoured when spent six years leading the West End cast of MAMMA MIA! as Donna Sheridan.
Fans imagined Hannah Waddingham opposite several potential Nigels, including her Ted Lasso co-star Jason Sudeikis and West End performers Jamie Muscato and Tosh Wanogho-Maud.
Current Miranda alternate Debbie Kurup also received considerable support, with several fans calling for her to take over permanently. Other Miranda suggestions included Christine Baranski, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Alex Kingston, Sharon D Clarke, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Elaine Paige, Ruthie Henshall, Golda Rosheuvel, Tracie Bennett, Rachel Tucker, Lea Salonga, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Claire Sweeney, Patti LuPone, Michelle Visage, Jane McDonald and Willemijn Verkaik.
Suggested Nigels included Giles Terera, Gavin Lee, Victor Garber, Charlie Stemp, Conrad Ricamora, John Barrowman and Mark Seibert.
Some fans returned to the original film, nominating Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, while others put forward some inspired alternatives, including drag favourites Trixie Mattel and Katya, and musical theatre cosplayer Lady Fabala.
Who would make your dream Miranda and Nigel?
The Devil Wears Prada is playing at the Dominion Theatre and recently extended to 6 February 2027. Book your tickets today
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.