It’s another fantastic year for [Shakespeare plays](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare) in London, and as the weather (finally!) improves, you can start getting those outdoor shows in the diary, as well as all of the brilliant productions in the West End and beyond.

If you’re after a fresh take on the Bard, you’re definitely in luck. Sir Ian McKellen is already wowing audiences, giving his Falstaff a dynamic new spin in Robert Icke's adaptation of *Henry IV*, *[Player...

See modern adaptations and outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays in London

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Player Kings. Ian McKellen (Falstaff) & Toheeb Jimoh (Prince Harry). Credit - Manuel Harlan. 029

From Ian McKellen in *Player Kings* to an incredible open-air season at Shakespeare's Globe, there's a wide variety of shows on offer in London.

You just can’t beat family when it comes to riveting drama. Perhaps that’s because no one gets under your skin quite like the people you love and who know you best – and who are bonded to you by blood, like it or not. From Greek tragedy through Shakespearean slanging matches and contemporary clans, shows with family drama at their centre have always ruled our stages.

That’s certainly true of London theatre this year, which features a range of bickering families – from plays like *[Long Day's...

Watch West End family dramas on the London stage

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Enter the homes of these loving but fraught families in West End plays such as *Long Day's Journey Into Night* and musicals like *Back to the Future*.

Get ready for what promises to be the most talked-about play of the year. Hollywood star John Lithgow will play Roald Dahl in a new drama, *[Giant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39984-giant)*, which sees the famous author about to release his children’s book *The Witches*, but then rocked by a scandal surrounding anti-Semitic comments he made in an article.

Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play, directed by Nicholas Hytner (artistic director of the Bridge Theatre), also stars Elliot Levey...

Learn more about John Lithgow's career ahead of him playing Roald Dahl in 'Giant'

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The Tony and Emmy-winning Hollywood actor is starring in Mark Rosenblatt’s provocative new play *Giant* at the Royal Court in London this autumn.

Duncan Macmillan’s indelible hit play *[People, Places & Things](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/40085-people-places-and-things)* is making an exciting return to the West End this summer – and its original star is back too. Denise Gough will reprise her award-winning lead role as Emma, an actress and addict who crash-lands in rehab.

It’s an unmissable chance to see Gough reprise one of the great performances of the past decade, as she digs into knotty issues around recovery, identity,...

Everything you need to know about People, Places & Things

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Denise Gough reprises her Olivier Award-winning performance in Duncan Macmillan's electrifying play, which returns for a run at the Trafalgar Theatre from May.

As much as we adore all of the historic theatres that make up London’s West End and beyond, it’s also exciting when we get a new venue – especially if it’s one that allows for completely different kinds of staging.

The [Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/troubadour-wembley-park-theatre), which was converted from a TV studio, is a prime example. This huge, flexible space has already accommodated a wide variety of shows, from Rambert’s dance take on *Peaky...

A complete guide to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

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Get to know this fun, flexible north London venue ahead of its much-anticipated revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber musical *Starlight Express* this summer.

Summer is on the horizon, and many of London’s open-air theatres will welcome audiences once more. Look forward to shows under the stars at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe. But, if you’re sticking to the West End theatres, then you’re in for a treat with *Fawlty Towers, Heathers,* and *Long Day's Journey Into Night* to name a few. 

May 2024 in London marks the beginning of limited summer shows and plenty of buzzy productions to whet your appetite. We’re seriously spoiled...

Top theatre to see in London in May

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From the Brian Cox-led *Long Day's Journey Into Night*, to *Bluets*, starring Ben Whishaw, here’s the top theatre picks in London in May 2024.

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London Theatre Magazine online: April edition

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Immerse yourself in London's theatre world with our digital flip-through of the April edition of London Theatre Magazine, including interviews, reviews, and insights.

*Doctor Who*'s Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D Clarke are set to star in a new production of Oscar Wilde's comedy *The Importance of Being Earnest* at London's National Theatre. The production will open on 20 November.

Wilde's play will be directed Max Webster (*Macbeth, Life of Pi*), who is making his National Theatre debut.

The cast includes Richard Cant (*Stan & Ollie, Mary Queen of Scots*) as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Sharon D Clarke (*Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Doctor Who*) as Lady Bracknell,...

Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa to star in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in London

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Oscar Wilde's famous play about false identities will be directed by Max Webster, who is making his National Theatre debut. Performances start on 20 November.


The party's over soon. [*Priscilla The Party!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37378-priscilla-the-party) will close in London, playing its final performance at HERE at Outernet on 26 May.

Adapted from the Academy Award-winning film and multi-award-winning musical, both titled *Priscilla,  Queen of the Desert*, *Priscilla The Party!* tells the story of three friends who go on a road trip seeking fame and fortune.

*Priscilla The Party!* allows audiences to either stand on the dance floor...

'Priscilla the Party' to close in London

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The immersive production adapted from the hit film *Priscilla, Queen of the Desert* and same-named musical has played at HERE at Outernet since 3 March.

New British musical *Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)* has extended performances by seven weeks at the Criterion Theatre in the West End. The show is now booking until 31 August.

Jim Barne and Kit Buchan's musical transferred to the West End earlier this month, following a sold-out, extended run at London's Kiln Theatre.

The production stars Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty (*Dear Evan Hansen*) as Dougal and Dujonna Gift (*Hamilton, Caroline or Change, Motown: The Musical*) as Robin....

'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' extends performances through August 2024

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Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift star in this adorable two-hander by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Performances have been extended to 31 August.

Don your superhero cape along with the full [*Eugenius!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27824-eugenius) cast. *Eugenius!* begins previews at the [Turbine Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/turbine-theatre) on 17 March, ahead of an opening night on 21 March, and performances to 28 May.

The *Eugenius!* musical follows Eugene, a teenage boy who creates his own superhero universe. When a talent scout takes Eugene’s ideas to Hollywood, the teen must mix reality with fantasy in order to achieve his dreams.

Elliott Evans will play Eugene, with Jaina Brock-Patel and James Hameed as Eugene’s friends, Janey and Feris, Joseph Beach as Evil Lord Hector, Lara Denning as Lex, Maddison Firth as Carrie/Super-Hot Lady, Rhys Taylor as Theo/Space Diva, Dominic Andersen as Gerhard/Tough Man/Dad, and swings Naomi Alade, Louis Doran, and Sebastian Harwood.

Hannah Chissick directs Ben Adams’s and Chris Wilkins’s 1980s rock musical. Set and lighting design is by Andrew Exeter, with sound design by Alistair Penman, video design by Andy Walton, and choreography by Aaron Renfree.

*Eugenius!* is at the Turbine Theatre.

Book *Eugenius!* tickets on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png) ](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=27824&content_product_id=27824&venue_id=B27)

*Photo credit: Eugenius! cast (Photo by Mark Senior)*

‘Eugenius!’ musical announces full cast

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Blast off on the epic comic superhero adventure of a lifetime at the Turbine Theatre. *Eugenius!* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

Dreams come true for the lead protagonist, Eugene, in the *Eugenius!* musical. As his comic book creation becomes a Hollywood film, join the teenage boy as he finds the superhero inside himself. *Eugenius!* is more than a musical — it’s a celebration of what happens when you let your imagination run wild and champion your true, authentic self.

Ben Adams — of A1 and Eurovision act Subwoofer fame — collaborates with Chris Wilkins on the original musical. To date, the song "Go Eugenius!" boasts over 250,000 Spotify streams. 

After two years in development, *Eugenius!* premiered as a concert at the London Palladium in 2016. The musical then ran at The Other Palace in 2018, starring Rob Houchen, Laura Baldwin, and Scott Paige. [Reviews praised the show](https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/eugenius-review-at-the-other-palace-london--a-fantastic-score)'s "[superhero film] mockery, super silliness and tight spandex." A new, reworked version of *Eugenius!* in London opens at the Turbine Theatre in spring 2023. 

### What happens in the *Eugenius!* musical?

Follow Eugene. He’s a teenage boy who loves superheroes, so much so that he’s created his own universe. When a talent scout arrives at his school and discovers Eugene’s talents, the young boy is whisked off to Hollywood. Can Eugene mix reality with fantasy to become the hero of his dreams? This is a love letter to all things 1980s: movies, music, and comics. 

Tickets to *Eugenius!* are available now. Book your *Eugenius!* tickets on London Theatre today.

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Book theatre tickets for Eugenius in London and blast off on an epic comic superhero adventure at the Turbine Theatre. Choose your seats on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Eugenius Tickets | London Theatre

*Eugenius!* is a thrilling, high-energy 80s-inspired British musical with a superhero-sized heart and an uplifting score. At this show, geeks rule, dreams do come true, and everyone finds the superhero inside themselves. The musical returns to London's Turbine Theatre. Find out more about *Eugenius!* tickets on London Theatre.

*Eugenius!* is more than a musical — it’s a testament to the power of imagination and inquisitive thinking. It's set to an infectiously catchy 1980s-themed soundtrack, capturing the nostalgic essence of an era gone by. Listen out for all the 1980s references too: *Back to the Future,* *Batman,* and *Star Wars*, as well as rubber masks and neon costumes all feature.

Just like Eugene's story making it in Hollywood, the *Eugenius!* musical also continues to rise. The show started in concert form at the London Palladium, followed by performances at The Other Palace, and now a limited run at the Turbine Theatre. 

## What to Watch For: 

- The *Eugenius!* cast recording has been streamed over 500,000 times, with popular songs including “The Future is Bright,” “Go You Genius,” and “Don't Shoot for the Stars.” 
- One of the musical’s creators, Ben Adams, isn’t just involved with theatre. He’s one-quarter of the 1990s boyband, A1, and also competed as Subwoofer at the Eurovision Song Contest for Norway.
- Many West End actors and famous faces have taken part in *Eugenius!* iterations, including Warwick Davis, Marcus Brigstocke, Brian Blessed, and Sharon D. Clarke.

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Get the best prices on theatre tickets for Eugenius on TodayTix. Soar into space at this 1980s-themed musical where dreams come true.

Eugenius Tickets | London | TodayTix

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Buy tickets for Eugenius at the Turbine Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

Eugenius Tickets | Box Office

It would be disingenuous of me to make undue claims on behalf of [*Eugenius!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27824-eugenius), the long-aborning geek-empowerment musical first seen in concert in 2016 and then for two separate runs at The Other Palace in 2018. 

The collaboration between Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins strikes once again in a new [Turbine Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/turbine-theatre) production directed by Hannah Chissick that suggests a fair degree of remedial attention still needed, even after all these years.

It’s not just the details that niggle — a CEO joke that doesn’t work at all given that the rewrite on offer here (“capable of everything”) has the acronym COE. Or a “surely” one-liner that was tired well before this musical’s creatives were born. 

The far larger problem is a muddied and muddled thesis about finding your own inner Tough Man, which is the journey allotted to the musical’s desperately earnest high schooler, Eugene (Elliott Evans, in winning form). Does that mean we should all tap into whatever nascent Donald Trump is somewhere within us — Trump being just one of an endless sequence of notables name-checked along the way? (Let’s hope not.)

A passing allusion to “Trump fraud” allows for more reality than this material can bear. Among the better shout-outs is a truly clever one in the direction of Patti LuPone amidst a show that finds room within its comic book cavalcade to make an additional nod toward a revival of *Gypsy* itself. Conversely, a *Hello, Dolly!* quip is easily binned.

Our hero is Evans’s sweet-faced, clarion-voiced Ohioan, Eugene, whose mum has died and whose kindly father is struggling to speak his son’s pop culture vernacular. Dad makes mention of Naked Weapon, not Naked Gun, and clearly wants the best for this superhero-besotted teen. The two share an extended second-act scene whose unearned sentimentality is off the charts, though dad might do well 
to survey the clever assemblage of comics that line the entrance to the auditorium. 

It’s 1988, and Eugene is one of a trio of besties that includes the adoring Janey (Jaina Brock-Patel) and a horndog, Feris, who views the entire world through the lens of film. It’s not the hard-working James Hameed’s fault that this bespectacled wise-ass is entirely obnoxious, whether quoting Robert De Niro in *Taxi Driver* or not. (And, yes, he is the one given the inevitable fart joke.) 

You recoil from numbers like “The No Pants Dance” in which Feris puts the moves on Carrie (Maddison Firth), an actress who doesn’t know the meaning of the word pizzazz but has Chuck Norris for an acting coach. 

Janey, for her part, is amplified as if to do direct battle with the nearby trains whose rattle can be heard during the show. It’s not surprising that she and Eugene get a climactic duet reminiscent of “Up Where We Belong” from *An Officer and a Gentleman* — one of the few period-appropriate movies not named during a show whose reach extends to the heady likes of *Rocky IV*.

Eugene, to his delight and surprise, lands himself a Hollywood gig presided over by a distaff Lex Hogan (Lara Denning) — her character’s first name itself a supervillain tip-off. Denning shouts all her lines in accordance with the exaggerated acting throughout and is quick to revile a classical English actor in her midst: cue snark at the expense of Alec Guinness in *Star Wars*. 

*Eugenius!* is so busy casting a pan-cultural net that it doesn’t begin to achieve an identity of its own, beyond making a fetish of mock-inanity that itself tilts toward the inane. Musicals thrive on self-realisation – from *Wicked* through to *The Great British Bake Off Musical* and countless others, as well, and there’s a touching story here to be told about allowing fantasy to fuel someone’s actual life.

Instead, *Eugenius!* settles for low-level pastiche, enlivened in this instance by Andrew Exeter's witty design that resembles a parade of Roy Lichtenstein canvases come to life, and Nick Pinchbeck’s musical direction, which makes the band sound far bigger than a two-person enterprise.

The cast exist at the behest of the prevailing OTT approach, not least a glowering Joseph Beach as Evil Lord Hector, who quotes from *Les Misérables* and is the show’s nearest equivalent to a panto villain. Better off is Rhys Taylor, who brings deft timing to the camp Theo Schlong — to give the full name of Lex’s florid and hyper-attentive sidekick. 

An ace Dom Andersen does terrific triple duty as the beneficent dad, bad-ass Tough Man and a hapless German called Gerhard who can’t make his V’s into a W. In context, that’s the least of this show’s problems.

*Eugenius!* is at the Turbine Theatre through 28 May. Book *Eugenius!* tickets on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=27824&content_product_id=27824&venue_id=B27)

*Photo credit: The Cast of Eugenius - Eugenius The Musical (Photo by Pamela Raith)*

'Eugenius!' review — no superhero could save this muddled musical

Read our two-star review of the superhero musical *Eugenius!*, currently running at the Turbine Theatre through 28 May. Get *Eugenius!* tickets on London Theatre.

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The Turbine Theatre opened in 2019. The Turbine is home to festivals of brand new works, as well as world premieres of new productions and classic stories reimagined for contemporary audiences. The Turbine Theatre aims to be just the first stage for every idea, risk and labour of love that is brought to life in this electric new environment.

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The 1980s comic book superhero musical about a teenager's wild imagination returns to London this spring, with performances at the Turbine Theatre.


‘Eugenius!’ musical announces full cast

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