Jonathan Bailey – aka [Anthony Bridgerton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/discover-the-bridgerton-casts-theatre-history-jonathan-bailey) – is swapping the ton’s marriage mart for the stage as he makes his much-anticipated return to theatre. The actor will play the title role in Shakespeare’s history play *[Richard II](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14375-richard-ii)* at London’s Bridge Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner, in an exciting new production in spring...

Learn more about Jonathan Bailey before seeing him in 'Richard II'

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The acclaimed actor and *Bridgerton* star is back on stage in Nicholas Hytner's new Bridge Theatre production of Shakespeare's *Richard II* in 2025.

The sun is finally out (some of the time!), and that means the summer theatre season is in full swing, in the West End and beyond. If you’re looking to catch some of London’s great shows during your holiday — or staycation — then you’re in luck: this is a particularly good year for hot, hot, hot summer productions.

Of course, there are the annual outdoor theatre experiences at [Shakespeare’s Globe](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/shakespeares-globe-theatre) and [Regent’s Park Open Air...

Book tickets for shows to see in the West End this summer

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See uplifting, feel-good West End shows in London all summer long, including *Kiss Me, Kate*, *Hello, Dolly!* and *The Wizard of Oz*.

Tracy-Ann Oberman is set to reprise her role as Shylock in [*The Merchant of Venice 1936*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/41659-merchant-of-venice-1936) at the [Trafalgar Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/trafalgar-theatre) in the West End this December for a limited season.

Oberman (*EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner*) became the first British actress to play Shylock when the production toured the UK in 2023, before opening at the Criterion Theatre in February...

Tracy-Ann Oberman to reprise role in 'The Merchant of Venice 1936' in the West End

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*EastEnders* and *Doctor Who* actor Tracy-Ann Oberman became the first British actress to play Shylock when *The Merchant of Venice 1936* toured the UK last year.

James Graham’s new play *Punch* will transfer to London's Young Vic next March, fresh off its run at Nottingham Playhouse. 

The show, which tells the shocking true story about the fatal consequences of a single punch on a night out, is based on the book *Right from Wrong* by Jacob Dunne.

Julie Hesmondhalgh (*Mr Bates vs The Post Office*) and Tony Hirst (*Hollyoaks*) will reprise their roles as Joan and David, while David Shields (*Black Mirror*) will return as Jacob.

The cast is completed by...

James Graham’s 'Punch' to transfer to Young Vic in London

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Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst will reprise their roles as Joan and David in James Graham's play about a single punch that has fatal consequences.

New casting has been announced for Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin's [*Matilda the Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/305-matilda-the-musical-tickets), which is now in its 13th year in the West End. The new cast will join from 10 September.

Angelica Scott will join Anna Deikalo, Ava Posniak, and Sophia Saravanan in the title role of Matilda. Also joining in principal roles are Tiffany Graves as Mrs Wormwood, Neil McDermott as Mr Wormwood, and Eve Norris as Miss Honey. Kieran Hill will...

'Matilda the Musical' announces new casting

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Angelica Scott will join Anna Deikalo, Ava Posniak, and Sophia Saravanan as Matilda, in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin's musical about an extraordinary little girl.

Dearest gentle reader, it gives me great pleasure to impart to you the news that Jonathan Bailey, better known to *Bridgerton* fans as the 9th Viscount Bridgerton – or Anthony to his family – is taking to the stage in 2025 in a new production of *[Richard II](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14375-richard-ii)* at London’s [Bridge Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/the-bridge-theatre).

Bailey will play the title role in Nicholas Hytner’s Shakespeare production, which runs from...

Discover the 'Bridgerton' cast's theatre history

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As Jonathan Bailey, star of the hit Netflix romance series, prepares to play Richard II, learn all about Bridgerton cast's success on stage.

New casting has been announced for [*Back to the Future: The Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/22396-back-to-the-future-the-musical-tickets) at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End. The musical has also extended performances through 27 July 2025.

Vasco Emauz will make his West End debut as teenager Marty McFly. He is joined by Orlando Gibbs (*Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play*) as George McFly, C.J. Borger (*Kristin Chenoweth: An Evening With Friends In Honor Of Todd Haimes*) as...

New cast announced for 'Back to the Future: The Musical' in the West End

Vasco Emauz 1200 LT Back to the Future The Musical, credit Matt Crockett (3)

Vasco Emauz makes his West End debut as Marty McFly in Bob Gale, Alan Silvestri, and Glen Ballard's musical about a time-travelling teenager and an eccentric scientist.

*SIX* fans rejoice! Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s sophomore musical *Why Am I So Single?* starts previews in August, opening in September. While the pop-infused *SIX* revolutionised the historical musical with its diva-inspired girl group take on the six wives of Henry VIII, this new show is set in the present day and deals with a force even more fearsome and cut-throat than the aforementioned murderous monarch… modern-day dating. 

The story deals with two terminally single friends who happen to...

Everything you need to know about 'Why Am I So Single?'

Leesa Tulley and Jo Foster, WHY AM I SO SINGLE 1200 LT credit Matt Crockett

The hotly anticipated new show about modern dating by *SIX* writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss arrives at the Garrick Theatre in the West End this August.

He might not have been the lead in this year's season of Netflix’s *Bridgerton*, but all eyes were nevertheless on Jonathan Bailey as the dashing eldest son and heir Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, back from honeymoon and blissfully in love with his new wife, Kate. The most eligible leading man of the moment, Bailey will also soon be seen as Fiyero in the hotly anticipated *Wicked* film, opposite Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

In 2025, Bailey will return to the stage with a very different...

John Gielgud to Jonathan Bailey: Stars on stage in Shakespeare's 'Richard II'

jonathan bailey richard ii by jason bell

Ahead of Jonathan Bailey's performance as Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, we look at other leading actors to have played the tragic medieval monarch.

Further casting has been revealed for James Macdonald's production of Samuel Beckett’s *Waiting for Godot* in the West End this autumm.

Joining the previously announced Lucian Msamati (*Game of Thrones, Amadeus*) as Estragon and Ben Whishaw (*James Bond, Paddington*) as Vladimir are Tom Edden (*Crazy For You, Cyrano De Bergerac*) as Lucky and Jonathan Slinger (*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Richard II, Richard III*) as Pozzo.

The creative team includes Rae Smith (set and costume design),...

Ben Whishaw and Lucian Msamati-led 'Waiting for Godot' announces further casting

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Samuel Beckett's play follows Vladimir and Estragon as they discuss a variety of subjects while waiting for the titular Godot, who never arrives.

Full casting has been announced for [*The Wizard of Oz*,](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28217-the-wizard-of-oz) which heads to the Gillian Lynne Theatre this summer.

Allan Stewart (*Stones in His Pockets*) and Alex Bourne (*Annie, Hairspray*) will reprise their touring roles as The Wizard in the West End, when *The Wizard of Oz* concludes its UK and Ireland tour.

The musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, will play a strictly limited season of 38 performances only at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from 15 August-8 September.

They join previously announced JLS singer Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK* winner and *Dancing On Ice* star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West.

Principal company members, who are currently starring in the UK and Ireland touring production, include Aviva Tulley (*Book of Mormon*) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (*Emmerdale, Jersey Boys*) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (*Love Never Dies, Les Misérables*) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (*9 to 5, Matilda*) as Glinda The Good Witch, and Abigail Matthews as Toto (*Bleak Expectations, War Horse*). 

The company is completed by David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge, and Sydney Spencer.

Producer Michael Harrison said: “I am delighted to confirm the full cast for *The Wizard of Oz*’s spectacular return to London this summer. The company have had an incredible run across the UK and Ireland as the thousands of fans they have brought to their feet will confirm! 

"We can’t wait to welcome families to the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where we play for 38 performances only, for a true summer holiday treat. With an extraordinary cast led by Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne, all going over the rainbow are in for a magical time.”

Book [*The Wizard of Oz* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28217-the-wizard-of-oz) 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=28217&content_product_id=28217&venue_id=129&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: Allan Stewart and Alex Bourne in The Wizard of Oz. (Photos courtesy of production)*

Full cast announced for 'The Wizard of Oz' in the West End

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Ages 6+. Children under 4 years of age (including babes in arms) will not be admitted into the auditorium. All persons aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own within the auditorium.

The Wizard of Oz - LON [28217]

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Be transported somewhere over the rainbow and follow the yellow brick road to the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where *The Wizard of Oz* returns for 38 shows only. Book *The Wizard of Oz* tickets on London Theatre. 

*The Wizard of Oz* in London is based on the 1939 film of the same name and L Frank Baum's classic novel, *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. This musical adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber was an instant sensation; its West End premiere in 2011 earned one 2012 Olivier Award nomination. It also won WhatsOnStage Awards for Best Musical Revival and Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. The musical's hit revival at The London Palladium earned two 2023 WhatsOnStage Award nominations. 

Audiences join Dorthy on the adventure of a lifetime when she hits her head during a tornado in Kansas and is transported to the magical land of Oz. As Dorthy follows the yellow brick road to reach The Wizard, she meets a ragtag band of new friends, including the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. 

See JLS singer Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and *RuPaul's Drag Race UK* winner, The Vivienne, as The Wicked Witch of the West. The talented cast also includes Aviva Tulley (*The Book of Mormon*) as Dorthy, Benjamin Yates (*The School of Rock, Jersey Boys*) as The Scarecrow, Femi Akinfolarin (*Moulin Rouge!*) as The Tin Man (at select performances), and Nick Greenshields (*Les Miserables*) as The Cowardly Lion. 

*The Wizard of Oz* is a musical with an accomplished creative team including director Nikolai Foster (*Billy Elliot The Musical*), choreographer Shay Barclay (*Snow White*), set designer Colin Richmond (*101 Dalmatians*), and costume and puppet designer Rachael Canning (*A Christmas Carol*). 


The Wizard of Oz - LON - London Theatre

After a hit run at The London Palladium, *The Wizard of Oz* returns to the West End for 38 performances only, starring JLS singer Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK* winner, The Vivienne, as The Wicked Witch of the West. 


*The Wizard of Oz* is a musical with an exceptional cast. In addition to Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne, the talented cast also includes Allan Stewart and Alex Bourne, who alternate playing The Wizard; they are reprising their roles from the UK and Ireland tour. Aviva Tulley (*The Book of Mormon*) is playing Dorthy, Benjamin Yates (*Jersey Boys*) plays The Scarecrow, Femi Akinfolarin (*Moulin Rouge!*) plays The Tin Man (at select performances), and Nick Greenshields (*Les Miserables*) is playing The Cowardly Lion. 

The show also has a skilled creative team, including director Nikolai Foster (*Billy Elliot The Musical*), set designer Colin Richmond (*101 Dalmatians*), choreographer Shay Barclay (*Snow White*), and costume and puppet designer Rachael Canning (*A Christmas Carol*). 

"We can’t wait to welcome families to the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where we play for 38 performances only, for a true summer holiday treat. With an extraordinary cast led by Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne, all going over the rainbow are in for a magical time,” [said producer Michael Harrison](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/full-cast-announced-for-the-wizard-of-oz-in-the-west-end). 

## What to watch for 

- This musical adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber is the third musical version of the 1942 film, *The Wizard of Oz*. The first was performed by St. Louis Municipal Opera in 1942, and the second was performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1987. 
- *The Wizard of Oz* premiered in the West End in 2011, and to cast the role of Dorthy, a reality television show called *Over the Rainbow* was created. Danielle Hope was the winner and played Dorthy during the show’s original West End run. 
- Frank L. Baum published his novel, *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, in 1900. Then, he created a musical comedy based on the book, which opened on Broadway in 1903 and was the longest-running show of the decade. 
- While the 1939 version of *The Wizard of Oz* film is the most well-known, there were other adaptations, including a silent film in 1910. 


The Wizard of Oz - TodayTix - LON

Following its hit season at The London Palladium, *The Wizard of Oz* returns to the West End for 38 shows only, starring JLS singer Aston Merrygold and *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK* winner The Vivienne. 


The Wizard of Oz - LON - Box Office

Buy tickets for The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

The Wizard of Oz Tickets | Box Office

Following a smash-hit season at The London Palladium and a record-breaking UK & Ireland Tour, The Wizard of Oz returns to the West End for four weeks only this August.

Ages 12+. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted into the theatre. All persons aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own within the auditorium.

Standing at the Sky's Edge - LON

Standing at the Sky's Edge

Hailed as ‘the best British musical in decades’ (Daily Express), you won’t want to miss this multi award-winning sensation, now in its final weeks in the West End. Experience this ‘epic musical for the ages’ (Broadway World) – book Standing at the Sky’s Edge tickets on TodayTix. 

The Gillian Lynne Theatre, formerly known as the New London Theatre, is a prestigious performance venue in the West End of London. Located in Covent Garden, the theatre is home to an array of world-class performances, ranging from musical theatre, plays, and concerts. The theatre was renamed in 2018, in honour of the renowned British ballerina and choreographer, Dame Gillian Lynne. The architecture of this unique venue is innovative and captivating, with a circular auditorium that offers an immersive viewing experience. The theatre is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities, excellent acoustics, and a seating capacity that can accommodate over 1,000 spectators.
 ### How to get to the Gillian Lynne Theatre:
 The Gillian Lynne Theatre is accessible through various means of transportation. The closest underground station is Holborn, which is a short five-minute walk to the venue. Alternatively, you can also reach the theatre by bus, with the following routes: 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 243, and 521 stopping near the venue. If you prefer to drive, the nearest car park is located at the Bloomsbury Square Car Park.
 Please note that due to the theatre's central location, it is advisable to check for any possible travel disruptions or roadworks before your journey.

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Gillian Lynne Theatre

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The Gillian Lynne Theatre originally opened in 1847 as the Mogul Music Hall. From 1919 to 1965, it was named the Winter Garden Theatre, but after renovations, the theatre opened as the New London Theatre in 1973. 

The theatre housed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Cats*, which was the longest-running musical in West End history when it closed in 2002.  It was also used as a television studio, and was the home of Masters Snooker for two years.

Since the closure of *Cats*, the theatre has hosted productions of Lloyd Webber’s *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat*, *School of Rock*, and *Cinderella*.

In 2018, Andrew Lloyd Webber announced the theatre would be renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre, the first London theatre to be named after a woman. Lynne worked on productions with the English National Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company and many West End and Broadway shows. She collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber on *Cats, The Phantom of the Opera* and *Aspects of Love.* 

## Gillian Lynne Theatre Seating Information

The Gillian Lynne Theatre features a thrust stage that juts into the auditorium. Seats are on three sides of the auditorium. 

Some seats offer side views of the action on stage. But every seat guarantees a view that's close to the action.

Gillian Lynne Theatre - London Theatre

Opened in 1847, the Gillian Lynne Theatre hosted many Andrew Lloyd Webber's productions including Cats. In 2018, it became the first London theatre named after a woman.

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The Gillian Lynne Theatre is a prestigious venue in London's West End, offering world-class performances and excellent facilities. It's easily accessible via public transportation.

Allan Stewart and Alex Bourne will reprise their roles as The Wizard, joining Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West.

Full cast announced for 'The Wizard of Oz' in the West End

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