Ooh! This is interesting! We were literally just talking about Sidney Poitier last night and what awards he was nominated for, and which he had won. He did not win, nor was he even nominated for his part in To Sir With Love although it was not an unawarded film.
So today I hear that a musical version of To Sir With Love starring none other than Lulu (who was actually in the actual film), is coming to London, for two nights only.
Producers Kris Lythgoe and Darren Bell are proud to announce TO SIR, WITH LOVE – A New Musical, with two concert performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Monday, 24 November 2025. – yes another school night outing!
This newly reimagined stage adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite’s powerful memoir features music and lyrics by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi, with direction by acclaimed American director Sheldon Epps. It also includes the original Mark London and Don Black title song which was sung by Lulu back in the day.
In a full-circle moment, British music icon, actress and Grammy nominee Lulu joins the cast, returning to the story that launched her global career in the beloved 1967 film opposite he legendary Sidney Poitier.
Wayne Brady will make his West End debut as Rick Braithwaite, the role originated in film by Sidney Poitier. If you don’t recognise the name that will be because you haven’t been to a show on Broadway! On Broadway, he’s appeared as The Wiz in The Wiz, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Lola in Kinky Boots and most recently this year returned to Broadway as Harold Ziegler in Moulin Rouge! If you do recognise his name it may be from one of his TV credits which include being a regular on Whose Line is it Anyway? a recurring role in How I Met Your Mother, Black Lightning, The Good Fight and American Gigolo.
TO SIR WITH LOVE is an autobiographical story that is every bit as relevant then, as it is today. Rick Braithwaite is more than just a Cambridge-educated engineer and a former RAF fighter pilot; he’s a man battling societal prejudices at every turn. Refusing to bow to adversity, he engages his students not as troublesome youths but as emerging adults who must soon navigate a world where they’ll stand or fall on their own merits. Through a balance of grit and grace, he aims to prepare them for more than just exams; he prepares them for life.
The story explores race, class, resilience, and the power of respect.
Theatre Breaks have ticket and hotel packages available for To Sir With Love, but tickets are very limited, so don’t wait too long to book.
