Again! Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch… Again! God, I hope I get it… Originally devised, directed, and choreographed by Michael Bennett with a score by Marvin Hamlisch, the 1975 musical *A Chorus Line* returns to London this summer in a fresh production directed by Nikolai Foster and starring Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer.

Cooper plays Zach, the domineering director-choreographer casting the chorus for a new Broadway musical who puts the hopefuls through the wringer – physically and...

Learn all about the history of 'A Chorus Line' in London and New York

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The iconic musical plays at Sadler's Wells this summer in an exciting new production starring Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer.

A musical version of a chick flick? With spectacular fashion shows, epic backstabbing and a diva who’ll chill your soul, it could well be groundbreaking. *The Devil Wears Prada* struts into the West End this autumn. With an original score by Elton John and a cast led by Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry, start planning your outfit for the most stylish show in town! 

Based on the bestselling novel by Lauren Weisberger and the film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, protagonist Andrea “Andy”...

Everything you need to know about 'The Devil Wears Prada' in the West End

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Elton John's musical version of the hit novel and film arrives at London's Dominion Theatre this autumn, starring Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry.


We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to shows in London, and it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s opening – we all have busy lives and it isn’t possible to fit everything in. Fortunately, second chances do sometimes arise!

A whole host of plays and musicals are being reprised in the West End this spring and summer, from celebrated musicals to classic drama and exciting contemporary writing. If it’s a show you’ve loved before, different cast members and venues can provide a whole...

Catch these incredible theatre shows as they return to the stage in London

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From *Sister Act* and *Hadestown* to *Standing at the Sky's Edge*, there's a wealth of fantastic shows coming into town – so don't miss out!

Make a joyful noise! West End favourite [Lee Mead](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/lee-mead) will join the cast of [*Sister Act*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28926-sister-act) at the [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/dominion-theatre) this June.

Mead is best known for his West End performances in *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde*, [*Wicked*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked-tickets), and, most...

Lee Mead to join 'Sister Act' West End cast

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The London theatre veteran will join Ruth Jones, Alexandra Burke, and more in the musical based on the hit movie, which currently stars Beverley Knight.

The magic returns! [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro-tickets), the stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's beloved same-named Studio Ghibli movie, will transfer to the West End in 2025. The [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) will host the 34-week run from 8 March to 2 November 2025. Opening night is 20 March.

*My Neighbour Totoro* follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the...

'My Neighbour Totoro' sets West End transfer

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Following two seasons at the Barbican Centre, the acclaimed play adapted from the classic Studio Ghibli film will play a 34-week run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

All hail Macbeth! *Macbeth*, starring [David Tennant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/david-tennant) in the title role and Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth, will play in the West End this autumn, with performances running at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 1 October to 14 December.

The production comes to the West End from a critically acclaimed premiere at the Donmar Warehouse in fall 2023, with the entire original cast returning. Alongside Tennant (*Doctor Who*) and Jumbo (*The Good...

David Tennant and Cush Jumbo-led 'Macbeth' to transfer to the West End

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The critically acclaimed production played the Donmar Warehouse in 2023, also starring Tennant and Jumbo, and will now have a two-month run in the West End.

Truth is, no one can do what he does. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, Elton John has been one of the world’s most successful pop stars and songwriters since he released “Your Song” in 1970. 

Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin, some of his greatest hits include “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Man”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “I’m Still Standing”, “Are You Ready for Love”, and, of course, “Candle in the Wind”, which was revised as a tribute to Princess Diana following her death and became a...

Explore the fantastic stage musicals of Elton John ahead of 'The Devil Wears Prada'

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Follow our guide to the shows composed by legendary pop star Elton John, including *The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Tammy Faye*, and the forthcoming West End musical *The Devil Wears Prada*.  

Revivals of musicals are often every bit as revelatory as new takes on classic plays. In recent years, Daniel Fish’s *Oklahoma!* imbued the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein classic with a chillingly contemporary significance without changing a word, and Jamie Lloyd’s stripped back *Sunset Boulevard* recently swept the Olivier Awards.

This summer, *Starlight Express* makes a spectacular return in a specially designed auditorium. There’s star casting aplenty as Imelda Staunton leads *Hello, Dolly!*...

Experience London shows in a new light with tickets to West End musical revivals

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Relive all the joy of classic West End musicals as they return to London in 2024, including *Hello, Dolly!*, *Starlight Express*, and *Kiss Me, Kate*.

The [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium) will show a *Robin Hood* pantomime in December, continuing its annual tradition of presenting a panto each Christmas season. Performances will run from 7 December 2024 to 12 January 2025.

The star-studded cast includes [Julian Clary](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/julian-clary) as Robin Hood, Jane McDonald as Maid Marion, Paul Zerdin as Will Scarlet, [Nigel...

Jane McDonald, Julian Clary to lead 'Robin Hood' panto in December

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Numerous award-winning West End actors will join the ninth annual panto at the historic venue, with performances running from December 2024 to January 2025.

*2:22 — A Ghost Story* is set to return to London’s West End for a strictly limited 10-week. The play will open at the Gielgud Theatre on 25 May.

The play premiered at the Noël Coward Theatre in 2020, and featured Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser, and Jake Wood. A number of famous faces have gone on to star in the production, including Giovanna Fletcher, Tom Felton, Laura Whitmore, Cheryl, and Sophia Bush, among others. This run at the Gielgud marks the play's seventh West End season. ...

'2:22 — A Ghost Story' to return to the West End

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A number of famous faces have starred in *2:22 — A Ghost Story*, including Giovanna Fletcher, Tom Felton, Laura Whitmore, Cheryl, and Sophia Bush. 

This *Henry VIII* cast will rule over Shakespeare’s Globe this summer. *Henry VIII* is at [Shakespeare’s Globe](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/shakespeares-globe-theatre) from 19 May to 21 October. [*Henry VIII* tickets are on sale now.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24624-henry-viii-or-globe)

Hannah Khalil adapts the *Henry VIII* play which now explores the Tudor lifestyle from a female perspective. While the King attempts to secure a male heir, queens fight for justice and provoke a new world to try and change the future.

The Olivier-nominated actor Adam Gillen will play King Henry VIII. Gillen is best known for starring in *Killer Joe* at Trafalgar Studios and *Amadeus* at the National Theatre.

The cast includes Jamie Ballard as Cardinal Wolsey, Esmonde Cole as Surrey/Cromwell, Natasha Cottriall as Princess Mary, Janet Etuk as Anne Bullen, Debbie Korley as Patience / Elizabeth, Kevin McMonagle as Chamberlain, Baker Mukasa as Norfolk / Sands, Jonah Russell as Buckingham / Cardinal Campeius, Anna Savva as Hope, and Bea Segura as Queen Katherine. 

*Henry VIII* features direction by Amy Hodge, music by Tom Deering and Maimuna Memon, design by Georgia Lowe, costume supervision by Sydney Florence, and movement by Aline David.

*Henry VIII* is part of Shakespeare’s Globe 25th-anniversary season. [Find out more shows at Shakespeare’s Globe this summer. ](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/visit-shakespeare-globe)

*Henry VIII* is at Shakespeare’s Globe.

[*Henry VIII* tickets are on sale now.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24624-henry-viii-or-globe)

*Photo credit: Shakespeare's Globe (Photo by John Wildgoose)*

Adam Gillen to star in 'Henry VIII' at Shakespeare's Globe

Photo credit: Shakespeare's Globe (Photo by John Wildgoose)

This production contains overt sexual content, an on-stage depiction of an execution, and an on-stage depiction of childbirth. There are also latex balloons, sudden loud noises, and use of stage blood and a gun.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

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See how the Tudor monarch impacted England and the world in *Henry VIII* at Shakespeare’s Globe in summer 2022. Henry VIII tickets are available now on London Theatre.

As expected, the *Henry VIII* play centres on the life of the infamous titular Tudor monarch. He's arguably one of Britain's most famous rulers, but he had a challenging reign. It took him three wives before he finally had a much-desired male heir — Jane Seymour gave birth to Edward, who would become Edward VI, but died in childbirth. Plus he was part of creating the Church of England, a new religion in order to split from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. 

Too often, Tudor history focuses solely on Henry VIII, but what did the women think of his decisions? In *Henry VIII* London performances, Henry's wives fight for justice and change in a paternalistic world where speaking out is unheard of.

William Shakespeare and John Fletcher co-wrote *Henry VIII* in the early 1600s, just 70 years after the Tudor monarch passed. Now with centuries worth of reflection and a historical paradigm shift where the history of women and marginalised groups is closely interrogated, discover Shakespeare’s exploration of power and lineage with a female perspective.

Telling Henry VIII’s story has proved pretty popular in the West End in recent years. The Tudor history musical *Six* is currently at the Vaudeville Theatre, and continues its reign over London. Now the monarch will be in London this summer, so don’t miss his rule.

*Henry VIII* is part of Shakespeare’s Globe 25th anniversary season. The season includes *Much Ado About Nothing*, *Julius Caesar*, *King Lear*, *The Tempest* and *Joan*, a new play about Joan of Arc. [Find out more about the Shakespeare’s Globe season](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/shakespeares-globe-announces-summer-2022-season). 

Tickets to *Henry VIII* are available now. Book your *Henry VIII* tickets on London Theatre today.

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King Henry VIII needs a divorce… but there’s a lot more to the story than that. Playwright Hannah Khalil reframes Shakespeare’s late play from the perspective of its iconic women. 
A unique look at the iconic story, originally written shortly after Queen Elizabeth’s death and revised by the Globe’s playwright-in-residence to speak to our times.
Don’t miss your chance to see *Henry VIII* at Shakespeare’s Globe today. 

During the Tudor period, there were five rulers, but it's likely you'll think of Henry VIII as synonymous with Tudor history. The monarch changed the future of British history and English politics, eventually establishing the Church of England. His six marriages are heavily documented too, but how did women view the ruler? Find out more about the Tudor era in *Henry VIII* at Shakespeare's Globe. Book *Henry VIII* tickets in London on TodayTix.

Most people know Henry VIII’s marriages through the phrase: “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.” The King transformed his country, but everything went upside down in the process. In trying to secure a male heir, he wedded three women, and the third wife, Jane Seymour, died in childbirth while giving birth to Edward.

At the same time, Tudor women fight for justice and dare to speak out. In this *Henry VIII* play, women try to change the future, but it’s a hard ask. Discover how Henry VIII ruled over Tudor Britain with a contemporary perspective.

Book *Henry VIII* tickets in London on TodayTix.

## What to Watch For

- William Shakespeare didn’t write *Henry VIII* by himself. He co-wrote the history play with his frequent collaborator, John Fletcher. The 17th-century dramatist served as writer for the King’s Men, Shakespeare’s acting company. 
- *Henry VIII* in London isn’t the only show which assesses the Tudor monarch through a female lens. *Six* at the Vaudeville Theatre sees Henry’s six wives take to the mic to reclaim their story. Maybe you could see *Henry VIII* and *Six* on the same day?
- Shakespeare’s Globe writer-in-residence, Hannah Khalil, adapts *Henry VIII* for the London stage in 2022.
- Shakespeare’s Globe celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022. 

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*Six the Musical* informs every moment of Amy Hodge’s adventurous production for [Shakespeare’s Globe](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/shakespeares-globe-theatre) of the history play about the onetime monarch who made that sleeper London and Broadway hit possible: the much-married, famously rotund Henry VIII whose treatment at the hands of Shakespeare and his late-career collaborator John Fletcher remains one of the Bard’s least-performed plays. 

Up till now, I have mostly associated this play with various pageant-heavy productions for the RSC and a 2012 Spanish staging as part of the Globe’s legendary international festival of 37 productions of the Bard in as many languages. 

Since then, the Globe has gone on to produce the all-female Morgan Lloyd Malcolm play *Emilia*, which transferred to the West End and whose renegade, empowering spirit conjoins with *Six* to flip this peculiar text on its head. 

Instead of the series of talking tableaux vivants that remains a risk with [*Henry VIII*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24624-henry-viii-or-globe), Hodge offers up a considerably cut, visually anarchic take that couples some rather risqué props (a gigantic gold phallus in keeping, I suppose, with the priapic aspirations of this serious egoist), alongside fresh material from the writer Hannah Khalil to ramp up and reorder its gender politics. 

The interpolations give off the feel of a game show-in-the-making as one clocks appropriations from better-known plays that largely serve to remind us of the textual limitations of this particular one. It’s not fair to the linguistic falling-off of *Henry VIII* to be fed a snippet from, among other titles, *Richard II* (“I wasted time, and now doth time waste me”), which represents Shakespeare at his most luxuriant.

Some folksy original music from co-composers Tom Deering and Maimuna Memon gives off the vibes of a gig, especially once the clarion-voiced Genevieve Dawson steps down from the stage to stroll, minstrel-like, amongst the yard. 

The intention is to foreground the trio of the discarded Katharine of Aragon (the Spanish actress Bea Segura, in impassioned form throughout) and her replacement in Henry’s sequence of spouses, Anne Boleyn (here called Bullen) who gives birth to Elizabeth I in an uncompromising scene that, for some reason, elicited laughter at the performance caught: Janet Etuk makes the part immediately vivid, even when dealing with various outsized props of her own: a large purple teddy bear, for one. 

These two women, familiar from the original text, find a third kindred spirit in the added presence of Henry and Katharine’s daughter Mary (Natasha Cottriall), who was subject to the capricious treatment characteristic of Henry during his 38-year reign and here informs us of “the right of inheritance” amidst an age in which women had precious few rights. 

A supporting player in the drama that bears his name, Adam Gillen’s king is seen throughout as an intemperate, self-absorbed manchild whose exhibitionist tendencies – at one point he strips to his undies – coexist with a cruel streak. (Far from the portly figure of Holbein renown, this Henry would seem to have spent considerable time at the gym.)

Displaying notably firm vocal command of this acoustically difficult space, Gillen places Henry on the spectrum of the disordered-personality outlier that he played so beautifully in the National’s recent *Amadeus*, except that Mozart was possessed of a genius unavailable to a masturbatory monarch whose throne flips round at one point to become a toilet. 

One young spectator beamed visibly after receiving an impromptu hug from the performer in the yard: quite what that same lad’s parents made of prop cannons orgasmically firing confetti into the audience is anyone’s guess.

The first act takes a while to crank into gear, and Hodge doesn’t always accommodate some of the show’s visual riffs (the purple-hued costumes allow for both Tudor details and the contemporary catwalk) to a cast who rarely seem to inhabit the same play. 

Several of the men are so underpowered that they barely register, and Jamie Ballard’s red-cloaked Wolsey – emerging himself bare-chested in passing – doesn’t come easily by the Iago-like complicity attempted with the audience: his best moment is a ruminative speech late on that specifically invokes the “seven ages of man” soliloquy from *As You Like It*. 

Jonah Russell’s hapless, hoarse-sounding Buckingham emerges bloodied from beneath the stage floor, while the First and Second Gentlemen of the text are here a gender-flipped chorus perched on inflatable chairs in the middle of the yard until they are in their way dethroned. 

The closing passage allows for the celebratory emergence into history of Elizabeth I that chimes with the imminent celebrations just now surrounding Elizabeth II. At the same time, talk of “a fickle unwavering nation” led by a heedless, devil-may-care leader strikes undeniable resonances just now. 

It’s worth remembering that this is the very play that in 1613 suffered an accident with a cannon that led to the Globe burning down. That grievous precedent was likely ignored by a festive-seeming audience rightly cheering the feminist close to a staging whose polemical shifts would surely raise the roof – if, that is, this ever-adaptable playhouse still had a roof to raise. 

[*Henry VIII is at Shakespeare's Globe to 21 October. Book Henry VIII tickets on London Theatre.*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24624-henry-viii-or-globe)

*Photo credit: Adam Gillen in Henry VIII (Photo by Marc Brenner)*

'Henry VIII' review — Tudor history and contemporary gender politics collide

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See the story of Henry VIII from a female perspective as Shakespeare’s exploration of love, lineage and power, co-written with John Fletcher, unfolds in the Globe Theatre this Summer. 

Hansel and Gretel [8832]

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Experience a beautifully epic new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairytale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage in the Globe Theatre. Nick Bagnall directs the perfect winter treat for everyone aged 5+.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre opened in 1997. The Globe is a reconstruction of an open-air theatre designed in 1599. 

The 'wooden O' honours the 16th-century theatre: audience members can purchase a standing ticket and be a "groundling." [Find out more about Shakespeare's Globe in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/visit-shakespeare-globe)

Shakespeare's Globe is also home to a second indoor theatre, the [Sam Wanamaker Playhouse](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/sam-wanamaker-playhouse). It is named after the organisation's founder, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, father of [Zoe Wanamaker](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/zoe-wanamaker). 


Adam Gillen to star in 'Henry VIII' at Shakespeare's Globe

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