Cry Baby The Musical at the Arcola Theatre

Following a Tony Award-winning run on Broadway, Cry-Baby The Musical is making its highly anticipated UK premiere at the Arcola Theatre.

Set in 1954 Baltimore, this electrifying rock and roll musical follows the irresistible bad boy, Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, and his gang, the Drapes, as they battle against rival groups and fall into the throes of forbidden love. With an infectious score featuring rock and roll hits like "The Anti-Polio Picnic" and "Girl, Can I Kiss You with Tongue," this toe-tapping show explores teenage rebellion, rivalries, and high school romance.

Allison, a straight-laced rich girl, falls for Cry-Baby and the Drapes, ditching her "Square" boyfriend Baldwin. As tensions rise and hearts break, Cry-Baby promises to bring a whirlwind of fun, rebellious energy, and unforgettable characters to the stage.

• Show Details

• Venue: Arcola Theatre
• Performance Dates: 3 March – 12 April 2025
• Run Time: TBC
• Age Recommendation: Recommended for ages 12+
• Includes Interval

• Critical Acclaim

• Cry-Baby The Musical received four Tony Award nominations in 2008, including Best Musical and Best Choreography.
• “Campy, cynical and fabulously well-crafted. And funny. Madly, outrageously funny.” – The Wall Street Journal
• “Pleasantly demented… true to the cheerful subversion of a John Waters movie.” – Newsday
• “A musical at its most artful… teaching kids how to French kiss and break out of jail in the process.” – VICE

• Important Information

• This production is set in the high-energy world of rock and roll, offering a nostalgic throwback to the rebellious spirit of the 1950s.
• All ticket purchases are final. No refunds.