Amy Winehouse Musical in the Works for West End Stage

An Amy Winehouse musical is officially in development for the West End, Variety has exclusively learned, with veteran Broadway producer Catherine Schreiber attached and casting already underway.

Schreiber's credits include "Cabaret," "Rent" and the stage adaptation of "High School Musical." One source described the project as "the worst kept secret in theater." The production remains in early days.

Winehouse's father, Mitch Winehouse, who oversees the late singer's estate, is also believed to be involved. That detail matters: estate participation usually secures the rights to the catalogue, which means the musical will likely feature some of her best-known songs.

What songs would it use?

Winehouse released only two studio albums before her death in 2011 at age 27. Even so, they produced numerous iconic tracks, including "Back to Black," "Valerie" and "Rehab." That's a compact but potent songbook for a stage show.

It's still unclear what shape the show will take. Two models dominate the jukebox musical (a show built around an existing pop catalogue) format:

• Biographical, like "Tina – The Tina Turner Musical," which dramatizes the artist's life directly.
• Original story, like "Mamma Mia!", which uses ABBA's songs to score a plot unrelated to the band itself.

Why now?

The idea isn't new. Mitch Winehouse reportedly discussed a stage musical as far back as 2017. What's changed is Schreiber's involvement, which suggests the project may finally come to fruition after years of speculation.

A biopic, also titled "Back to Black," reached cinemas two years ago to mixed reviews. It starred Marisa Abela of "Industry" as Winehouse and was directed by Sam Taylor Johnson. The stage show would be the first major theatrical treatment of the singer's catalog and life.

What does this change for the West End?

Jukebox musicals have become West End staples in recent years, spanning "Mamma Mia!," "Tina" and the more recent "MJ the Musical." But the format carries real risk. The Chaka Khan musical "I'm Every Woman," which opened in London earlier this year, received less than stellar reviews — proof that a beloved catalog alone doesn't guarantee a hit.

Winehouse's story carries additional weight. She died young, publicly and under intense scrutiny, and the estate's involvement signals the family will shape how that story gets told. How the creative team handles that material — and which of the two jukebox models they choose — will likely determine whether the show lands closer to "Tina" or "I'm Every Woman."

Representatives for Schreiber and Mitch Winehouse did not respond to requests for comment by press time. No timeline, venue or creative team beyond Schreiber has been announced.