The coming-of-age rock musical made its U.K. debut at the Lyric Hammersmith on Jan. 23. It played an extended run and transferred to the West End's Novello Theatre March 21. Spring Awakening officially opened at the Novello March 26.
Despite earning critical praise for its U.K. bow, the musical, which was originally booking through Oct. 31, has now announced a May 30 closing.
"It is with overwhelming regret that we have had to announce the closure of Spring Awakening," producers of the musical said in a statement. "We remain incredibly proud of the production and the remarkable cast members who have put their hearts and souls into every performance. Despite the most positive critical response to a theatrical production in recent years, the enthusiasm of the media, accessible ticket pricing and the incredible response audiences give the show each night, simply not enough tickets are being sold. We are grateful to all of the people who have supported the show and to those who have worked so tirelessly and passionately throughout the run. We also salute all of those involved who have made efforts in the last few days in an attempt to avoid this unfortunate outcome. We simply urge everyone to see this wonderful musical, and its extraordinary cast, before it finishes."
The U.K. bow of Spring Awakening marked the professional debut for the majority of its cast, which includes Aneurin Barnard (Melchior), Lucy Barker (Ilse), Natasha Barnes (Anna), Chris Barton (Swing), Jamie Blackley (Hanschen), Hayley Gallivan (Martha), Natalie Garner (swing), Mona Goodwin (swing), Evelyn Hoskins (Thea), Edd Judge (Otto), Harry McEntire (Ernst), Jamie Muscato (swing), Gemma O'Duffy (swing), Iwan Rheon (Moritz), Jos Slovick (Georg), Richard Southgate (swing) and Charlotte Wakefield (Wendla). All of the adult roles are played by Sian Thomas and Richard Cordery. Andrew McDonald and Yvonne O'Grady understudy.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik penned the score to the musical with book and lyrics by Steven Sater. The duo earned Tony Awards for their musical, which allows the repressed teens of Frank Wedekind's 1891 play to break free from life in a series of explosive rock songs performed directly to the audience. Tony-winning Broadway director Michael Mayer, choreographer Bill T. Jones and original Spring Awakening creative team members re-created their work from the Broadway production.
To book tickets call 0844 482 5171 or visit SpringAwakeningUK.
