11 new productions to see across London theatres this summer

The sun is shining, theatres are reopening again. The West End is healing. Make your day brighter with a trip to one of London's newest productions, opening in the West End in 2021. With highly-anticipated revivals, London premieres and family-friendly options, don't miss out on our pick of the best theatre openings this summer. We've listed the shows in alphabetical order. 

Book London theatre tickets for shows this summer. 

Amélie

Times have been tough for dreamers in recent months. Lockdowns have had us all cooped up indoors, with little to do. But now, with West End theatres open again, Amélie is somebody that we can all believe in.

The Grammy and Oliver Award-nominated production returns to London this summer, this time at the Criterion Theatre. Audrey Brisson reprises the title role in this acclaimed show, with actor-musicians bringing the whimsical spirit of Paris to life. If you're looking for an endearing character to root for, then Amélie will be your new musical icon.

Criterion Theatre, to 25 September.

Amélie tickets are on sale now.

Anything Goes

Sutton Foster reprises her Tony-winning role as Reno Sweeney in the London revival of Anything Goes . Enjoy an evening on the S. S. American, where love stories bloom while mayhem ensues onboard. Cole Porter's nautical comedy is filled with Golden Age classics like "Friendship", "You're The Top" and "I Get A Kick Out Of You". So get ready to say "Bon Voyage" and set sail to the Barbican once more this summer.

Barbican, to 31 October.

Anything Goes tickets are on sale now.

Back to the Future

The characters will be setting their clocks back to 1985, but you'll be heading Back to the Future this summer, as the newest sci-fi musical opens its doors. Olly Dobson plays Marty McFly, a teenager who needs to save his parents' relationship before it's too late. Joined by Dr. Emmett Brown in the time-travelling DeLorean, there's only one place you'll want to park this summer: the West End.

Adelphi Theatre, from 20 August.

Back to the Future tickets are on sale now.

Be More Chill

We've all spent more time glued to our screens recently, but would you consume a supercomputer? That's what high schooler Jeremy Heere does in Be More Chill as a last-ditch attempt to fit in with his peers. But, with the supercomputer "Squip" taking over Jeremy's thoughts, will he learn to just be himself? After the London premiere was cut short in 2020, Be More Chill is now at the Shaftesbury Theatre. 

Shaftesbury Theatre, from 30 June.

Be More Chill tickets are on sale now.

Billionaire Boy

We've all dreamed about having "unlimited" money. But, what if that was your reality. In David Walliams' Billionaire Boy, Joe Spud receives more pocket money than he could ever desire, but coins don't buy friends. Joining a new school, Joe quickly learns there's more to life than being financially wealthy; it pays off to be socially enriched too.

After a national tour, Billionaire Boy is sure to entertain kids and parents alike at the Garrick Theatre this summer. It's sure to be a firm favourite if you saw Gangsta Granny, Awful Auntie and The Midnight Gang.

Garrick Theatre, from 17 July.

Cinderella

The wait is finally over. Cinderella will receive its world premiere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre this summer. Carrie Hope Fletcher plays the titular princess, revamped into a non-traditional princess courtesy of Academy Award-winning writer Emerald Fennell's original book.

Not much is known about the storyline, but a number of songs from Cinderella have already been teased. With new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a cast including Rebecca Trehearn and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, it's sure to be one of this summer's hottest shows. 

Gillian Lynne Theatre, from 30 June.

Cinderella tickets are on sale now.

Constellations

Meeting new people at a barbeque can be fun. That's what happens to beekeeper Roland and cosmologist Marianne in Nick Payne's Constellations. Shortly after they find one another, their lives are pulled to each other. Or are they? In a world where the future is limitless, what happens to individuals?

The Donmar Warehouse present Constellations at the Vaudeville Theatre this summer, with four rotating casts taking part. The eight actors include Sheila Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah (18 June - 1 August), Peter Capaldi and Zoë Wanamaker (23 June - 24 July), Omari Douglas and Russell Tovey (30 July - 11 September) and Anna Maxwell-Martin and Chris O'Dowd (6 August - 12 September).

Vaudeville Theatre, from 18 June.

Constellations tickets are on sale now.

Hairspray

Get your can of ultra-clutch at the ready, as Hairspray is back in the West End. Michael Ball reprises his Oliver Award-winning performance as Edna Turnblad, joined by a cast including Marisha Wallace, Les Dennis and Rita Simons. Hairspray was originally scheduled to open in summer 2020, and has since been pushed back numerous times due to the pandemic. With days to go before the doors open, get ready to visit 1960s Baltimore via the West End.

London Coliseum, from 22 June.

Hairspray tickets are on sale now.

Underbelly Festival

The Underbelly Festival is back for 2021, and bigger than ever! Its main location has now moved to Cavendish Square, with acts confirmed including The Showstoppers, Hotel Paradiso and Bernie Dieter's Berlin Underground. A second site, based in Earl's Court will also open this summer, with further details to be announced. But, if you're craving the festival atmosphere in the West End, be a part of the Underbelly Festival.

Cavendish Square, from 1 July.

Underbelly Festival tickets are on sale now. 

What The Ladybird Heard

Introduce young children to the theatre from an early age with What The Ladybird Heard this summer. It's set to be a farmyard frenzy, with sheep, dogs and red hens trying to save their home from two pesky robbers.

What The Ladybird Heard is by Julia Donaldson, the literary brains behind The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom. What The Ladybird Heard is suitable for audiences aged 3 and over. 

Palace Theatre, from 15 July.

Wonderment

Be wowed by unbelievable stunts, tricks and illusions in Wonderment, running at the Palace Theatre this summer. The Illusionists Chris Cox and Josephine Lee star, as well as the multi-award-winning Edward Hilsum, who broke Magic Circle records. Sadly, a Wonderment ticket won't mean you become a wizarding whizz like Harry Potter, but get ready to have your mind blown.

Palace Theatre, from 16 July.

^{Photo credit: Back to the Future, Amelie and Be More Chill}

^{Article Originally Published: 27 June 2019}