The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals
The cult-favourite theatre company, StarKid, is crashing into the West End with The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals at the Apollo Theatre, running 14 – 30 May 2026.
Originally taking the internet by storm in 2018, this horror-comedy musical follows Paul Matthews, an ordinary guy, whose life is forever changed when the crash landing of an alien entity turns his tiny town of Hatchetfield into the most horrifying nightmare he can imagine… a fully staged musical.
The remounted version, directed by Lauren Lopez and written by Nick & Matt Lang with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim, promises even bigger chaos, sharper laughs, and more show-stopping musical mayhem than ever before. Featuring Jon Matteson, Joey Richter, Jeff Blim, Jaime Lyn Beatty, Mariah Rose Faith Casillas, Corey Dorris, and Lauren Lopez, this is a StarKid fan’s dream come true.
Since their first viral hit, StarKid have built a devoted fanbase with full-length musicals, viral videos, sequels, and an anthology series. Now, for the very first time, you can experience one of their most iconic shows live on the West End stage.
Get ready for catchy tunes, darkly comic chaos, and a musical that’s completely unlike anything you’ve seen before. StarKid is back – and the music has officially taken over.
Jon Matteson
Jon Matteson is an actor, writer, and comedian whose work spans theatre, film, and new media. He was most recently seen reprising his breakout role as Paul in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals: Reprised and is THRILLED to be performing this show at the West End! Jon has been performing with StarKid for many years now, where his credits include Black Friday, Nerdy Prudes Must Die, Nightmare Time (Seasons 1 & 2), Workin’ Boys, and Cinderella’s Castle. Beyond StarKid, Jon is the co-creator and performer of We’re All Gonna Die, a live TTRPG horror show at Dynasty Typewriter that blends narrative, improv, and audience interaction. The show—produced in collaboration with Smosh—has played to sold-out audiences and continues to grow. Jon’s screen credits include Chicago Fire (NBC), Royalties (Quibi), and independent films such as My Pet Brother and 24/7 and SIMMER. He spent nearly a decade performing improv in Chicago at The Second City, iO, and The Annoyance, before moving to Los Angeles, where he continues to create original work, including the adult animated series Teddy & Lon and the narrative actual-play series REALM.
Lauren Lopez
Jeff Blim
Jeff Blim is excited to reprise the reprise in the West End! As composer and lyricist, his credits include the Hatchetfield series (The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, Black Friday, Nerdy Prudes Must Die, Nightmare Time, Workin’ Boys) as well as The Trail to Oregon and Cinderella’s Castle. Jeff’s StarKid acting credits include Holy Musical B@man!, Twisted, Trail to Oregon, the Hatchetfield series, and Cinderella’s Castle. Television appearances include S.W.A.T., 9-1-1, VEEP, Royalties, and Chicago Med. Jeff is a dual graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music and a retired spreadsheet baseball player. @jeffblim4ever
Joey Richter
Joey Richter is, first and foremost, a proud graduate of the University of Michigan & can’t believe we’re bringing this show to the UK!! Founding member of StarKid with original production credits that include: the Very Potter Musical Trilogy, Starship, The Trail to Oregon! (Off Broadway), Firebringer, Nerdy Prudes Must Die, & Cinderella’s Castle. 1/3 of the Tin Can Brothers, the comedy group behind projects like Spies Are Forever, The Solve It Squad (Off Broadway, Edinburgh Fringe), Gross Prophets (Melbourne International Comedy Festival), the series/podcast Wayward Guide for the Untrained Eye, & the comedy game show, The Great Debate. Other Film/TV/Web credits include: Royalties (Roku), Henry Danger (Nickelodeon), Jessie (Disney), Glee (Fox), The Legend of Korra, Gkids’ Ride Your Wave, School of Thrones, I Ship It (CW Seed), Poe Party, & Headless. Does it all for the loves of his life: his chihuahua daughter Diane & partner Lauren (who he’s IMMENSELY proud of for killing her dual roles as director and actor in this show!)
Jaime Lyn Beatty
Corey Dorris
Corey Dorris (Bill) is ecstatic to help bring the apotheosis to London! He can be seen in all three Hatchetfield shows plus Nightmare Time. His Starkid credits also include: AVPS, MAMD, and Trail To Oregon. He has been on TV in scenes opposite Rob Lowe in The Grinder, opposite Jenna Ortega in Stuck In The Middle, and opposite Josh Hutcherson in Future Man. Corey is a Stage Raw Award winner and Ovation nominee for his work in the two person play, Dutch Masters at Rogue Machine Theatre; and is a graduate of The University of Michigan & The Juilliard School Drama Division.
Mariah Rose Faith Casillas
Lauren Lopez
Director
To book accessible performances for The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, please contact our Access team on 0330 333 4815 or access@nimaxtheatres.com.
Access performances at Nimax Theatres are now available to purchase online. You can purchase up to two tickets online for the below performances.
Access Seating:
For all performances, you can select up to two seats at our discounted access rate of 50% off per person. These include:
- Wheelchair park and companion seats
- End-of-aisle seating
- Central row seating
Step-free access to the Stalls is available via our platform stair lift.
If you’ll remain in your wheelchair choose wheelchair spaces. For all other access requriements including transferring, choose access tickets.
Upcoming Access Performances:
To make a wheelchair transfer booking, purchase more than two tickets or to discuss your seating requirements further, please contact our Access team on 0330 333 4815 or access@nimaxtheatres.com.
SOLD OUT! There will be a pre-show meet and greet with members of the cast on Friday 15, 22 and 29 May. Tickets for the Meet & Greet must be purchased along with a ticket for that evening’s performance. This will take place at the Apollo Theatre and a professional photographer will be there to take your photo with the cast.
Apollo Theatre
31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ
