As the hours count down to HAMILTON's opening night, we've rounded up some of the best news stories about this fantastic show and how it really is changing the face of musical theatre. From the realisation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's epic vision to the racial politics of its casting, there's even room for a light-hearted look at cast members' favourite lyrics and our very own 'spy in the stalls' report of the first preview. Find out more about HAMILTON here.

HAMILTON is more than just a musical. As the West End premiere of Lin-Manuel Miranda's 11-time Tony Award-winning blockbuster raises interest further, learn more about the man behind the rap with this short extract from the newly released Alexander Hamilton: An Illustrated Biography by noted Hamilton scholar Richard Sylla. And be sure to enter our competition to win a copy too!

Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O'Bree attending the West End premiere (on 14 December 2017) of macabre musical masterpiece THE GRINNING MAN, which has transferred to Trafalgar Studios after its award-winning 2016 world premiere at Bristol Old Vic. In addition to capturing the creepy atmosphere and Trafalgar transformation, Perry caught up with show stars Louis Maskell, Sanne den Besten and Amanda Wilkin, as well as fellow #StageFave Hannah Waddingham, who recently recorded her own version of one of the show's songs...

As THE GRINNING MAN officially receives its West End premiere tonight (18 December 2017), let's catch up on celebrities recording their own signature takes on songs from the show... After the releases earlier this month of Alexander Armstrong, Louise Dearman and Harry Enfield's efforts, it's now the turn of Kelsey Grammer, Matt Lucas and Hannah Waddingham to put their own spins on this most gothic of new musicals...

Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O'Bree attending the London premiere (on 14 December 2017) of screen-to-stage adaptation NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL at the Eventim Apollo. What happened when he met Samantha Barks and other #StageFaves on the red carpet? Did he get into the festive spirit?

After success with their young amateurs’ productions including The Secret Garden and 13 at the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre, the British Theatre Academy (BTA) has announced its summer 2018 season, which will include a major London run of BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL as well as stagings of Spring Awakening and, not to be outdone with today’s big-budget West End announcement, Chicago.

This one has cult hit written all over it! The first four London dates of Edinburgh hit SIX THE MUSICAL, which turns the six wives of Henry VIII into pop princesses, have already nearly sold out. As an extra performance is added – and surely a transfer elsewhere – have a listen to this first professional recording from the show…

Stage-to-screen musical adaptation NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL officially gets its London premiere tonight (14 December 2017) at the Eventim Apollo, but if you didn't manage to book for its limited, wildly popular five dates here, start planning ahead now - producers have confirmed it'll return for an extended festive run next Christmas...

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas(aurus)! And to help #StageFaves get even more in the festive mood, Tom Fletcher has released a stunning music video to accompany the release of The Musical Edition of his hit novel THE CHRISTMASAURUS, which also comes to the London stage from 21 December 2017. Standby too for rehearsal room access this week...

In MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, children tell Macy's Santa Claus, who just happens to be the real Kris Kringle, what they want for Christmas? We had to find out from the cast of this festival musical radio play what they'd ask for too. They also share their favourite Christmas songs and holiday memories. What are yours?

New musical ORANGES AND ELEPHANTS is receiving its world premiere as part of Hoxton Hall's all-female spring season Female Parts and its cast has now been revealed. The show centres on two rival female gangs in Victorian London blending Music Hall, Fairground and Musical Theatre storytelling, so which of your #StageFaves do you think would be suited to the task?!

Get ready to rock'n'roll across the UK as the cast is announced for the award-winning musical TEDDY, by Tristan Bernays, with music by Dougal Irvine. How many fresh new #StageFaves can you spot in this company?

The story of last night in the West End wasn't just HAMILTON's. At Trafalgar Studios, the transfer of Bristol Old Vic's THE GRINNING MAN had its first performance. See how the cast handled the clash. Plus, celebrities are queuing up to record their own takes on songs from the show. Watch Alexander Armstrong, Louise Dearman and Harry Enfield do their thing...

We just couldn't wait. We sent a little spy in the stalls for the first preview of the West End premiere of Broadway blockbuster HAMILTON. Catch up on his tweet thoughts and pics here. Have you got your tickets yet? How long do you have to wait?

Live at Zedel's new 2018 winter/spring season includes the world premiere of Alexander S Bermange's new revue I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical (you can relate, right?!), a new residency for American composer Scott Alan plus a slew of #StageFaves in cabaret...

Ryan Carter is certainly a busy man! Not only is he currently performing in MOTOWN THE MUSICAL in the West End, but he also runs RyCa Creative, an online consultancy helping young London creatives realise their artistic vision. We caught up with Ryan to chat about the show, his plans for 2018 and the exciting new "Rep Finder" that Ryca Creative recently added to their website...

It was a fantastic night for BAT OUT OF HELL on Sunday as it picked up the Evening Standard "Audience Award for Best Musical (voted by the public)" and now the hugely successful show has announced that it will return in April 2018 at the Dominion Theatre...

Not got your tickets for HAMILTON yet? Well you've not thrown away your shot as producers Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh today confirm plans for the HAMILTON West End £10 daily Lottery which will open on Monday 4 December 2017 for the show’s first performance on Wednesday 6 December 2017.