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. 

An exclusive gala performance of <a href="/actor-profile/ian-mckellen">Ian McKellen</a>'s one-man show has been announced, with <a href="https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking#/ticket-types?product_id=7373&amp;product_type=show&amp;venue_id=134&amp;date=2019-10-03&amp;slot=19:30&amp;qt=2">tickets</a> now available through LondonTheatre.co.uk.The event will take place on 3rd October at the <a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre</a>, where McKellen's show - which is titled <a href="/show/ian-mckellen-on-stage">Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others and You</a> - will take up residency following his UK tour.All ticket holders to the performance will receive a programme and a drink, while a limited number of tickets including a drink and a programme signed by McKellen are available for £185. <a href="https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking#/ticket-types?product_id=7373&amp;product_type=show&amp;venue_id=134&amp;date=2019-10-03&amp;slot=19:30&amp;qt=2">Tickets are available now.</a>&nbsp;All profits from the performance will be donated to theatrical causes, which, over the course of the 80-date UK tour earlier this year, has raised over £2million for various projects and restoration funds.The show features various anecdotes from McKellen's varied and comprehensive career, which has included working at esteemed theatres such as the <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> and the Royal Shakespeare Company, fronting international film franchise such as The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, and even performing as a pantomime dame at The Old Vic.Over the course of his illustrious career, McKellen has won five Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe award, and has received two Oscar nominations. His last theatre credit in the West End was in 2018, when he appeared as the titular character in a production of Shakespeare's King Lear at the Duke of York's Theatre.His other stage credits include Harold Pinter's No Man's Land (2017), Richard III (1991),&nbsp;Wild Honey (1984), Amadeus (1891), Bent (1979) and The Alchemist (1978).The Gala performance of <a href="/show/ian-mckellen-on-stage">Ian McKellen on Stage</a> will be held at the <a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre</a> on 3rd October.<a href="https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking#/ticket-types?product_id=7373&amp;product_type=show&amp;venue_id=134&amp;date=2019-10-03&amp;slot=19:30&amp;qt=2">Ian McKellen on Stage: Gala Performance tickets</a> are available now.Top price tickets are priced at £185 and include a signed programme and one drink from a limited selection of beer/wine and soft drinks. This option is only valid for the October 3 performance. Additional expenses are the responsibility of the ticketholder.Photo credit: Pip Camera Press

Gala performance of Ian McKellen’s one-man West End show announced

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Ian McKellen On Stage In London [17060]

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Ian McKellen On Stage In London

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To celebrate his 80th Birthday, <a href="/actor-profile/ian-mckellen">Sir Ian McKellen</a> is bringing&nbsp;his one-man show, Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others and You to the West End's <a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre</a> following&nbsp;on an extensive tour of London and the UK visiting venues far and wide that have had a part to play in the actor's legendary career.&nbsp;Taking to the stage with stories and anecdotes from his illustrious career both on stage and screen, McKellen performs reprises extracts from his most-renowned performances, which include Shakespeare's Lear and&nbsp;Tolkien's Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, while engaging with audience members to help craft the show.&nbsp;Ian McKellen on Stage will be at the&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre</a>&nbsp;from 20th September 2019 to 5th January 2020. Tickets are now on sale.Beginning his tour at his local arts venue The Space, McKellen will be taking the show across London to theatres including the <a href="/theatres/young-vic">Young Vic</a>, <a href="/theatres/old-vic">Old Vic</a>, <a href="/theatres/royal-court-theatre">Royal Court</a>, <a href="/theatres/donmar-warehouse">Donmar Warehouse</a>, Questor's Theatre and <a href="/theatres/theatre-royal-stratford-east">Theatre Royal Stratford East</a>.&nbsp;He will also be performing at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he has appeared many times throughout his career, and The Albert Halls in his hometown of Bolton. It culminates with a gala performance in the <a href="/theatres/olivier-theatre-national">Olivier</a> at the National Theatre on 15th September 2019.&nbsp;Ian McKellen's career began in the 1960s when he made his professional debut at the Belgrade Theatre in Robert Bolt's&nbsp;A Man for All Seasons. His career went from strength to strength as he joined Laurence Olivier's National Theatre company at the Old Vic, with regular performances with the RSC and West End. Recent West End appearances include King Lear at the <a href="/theatres/duke-of-yorks-theatre">Duke of York's Theatre</a>, Waiting for Godot at the Haymarket and No Man's Land at Wyndham's, both opposite long-time collaborator and friend Patrick Stewart.&nbsp;Ian McKellen on Stage tickets are available now.&nbsp;

Ian McKellen On Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU

Ian McKellen on Stage Tickets | [node:field-show-api-venue:title] | Londontheatre.co.uk

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An unadulterated love letter to the theatre, to the actor's life and the prose and poetry that fuel both, <a href="/actor-profile/ian-mckellen">Ian McKellen</a>'s latest one-man show is a thing of sheer joy and utter wonder: an act of selfless generosity and warmth in every regard.There is, of course, an ever-present danger in any one-person show that it could become an act of self-regard, and it is unquestionably true that McKellen, too, has a lot to be proud of, so he could be forgiven for indulging those qualities. But though false modesty is not one of his vices, this show is also an act of humility, humanity and gratitude; he is a vessel for the words of others - particularly his beloved William Shakespeare - that he communicates with spellbinding intensity and hushed intimacy.It is also his birthday gift to himself - and to the nation. The show was born as a public charity celebration of his 80th birthday, visiting some 80 theatres across London and the rest of the country, many of which he had a long and personal connection to, and allowing each theatre to designate the beneficiaries of the proceeds raised in each place.Now he has brought it to the West End for a further fundraising run of 80 more performances, just as he did when he previously brought a show called Acting Shakespeare to the <a href="/theatres/playhouse-theatre">Playhouse Theatre</a> in 1987 to benefit the London Lighthouse, a west London hospice for those affected by HIV and AIDS. &nbsp;The show is effortlessly structured in two distinct but well-honed acts. He begins with Gandalf - the role that made him internationally celebrated in the film versions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings&nbsp;- and it includes a nod to his celebrity status when he invites an audience member on stage for a selfie with his Gandalf sword and autographed programme.But he is also regularly accessible, wandering the stalls in the interval and greeting exiting theatregoers in the foyer afterwards (where he holds a collection bucket for further donations that will benefit some ten charities working with a cross-section of people involved with the arts). &nbsp;The first act also contains much&nbsp;personal biography - we learn, for example, that long before he decided to become an actor he contemplated a career in hotel management, and also toyed with becoming a chef or journalist, but we also find out how the theatrical seed was planted young, when he saw a performance of Peter Pan at the age of three in his native Wigan, before his family relocated to Bolton which was a thriving theatrical hub with three theatres.We also learn of how a speech from Henry V secured him a scholarship at Cambridge, and how appearing in 21 undergraduate productions there set him on his way to becoming an actor, which he began doing professionally in fortnightly rep at the then-new Belgrade Coventry Theatre, earning £8 and 10 shillings a week to play as cast in plays by Shaw, Shakespeare and Agatha Christie, amongst others.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is poignant and revelatory to hear his anecdotes about this now vanished age: an oral history that needs to be preserved. We also hear of his official coming out as gay at the age of 47, on a radio programme that was pre-recorded with a right-wing newspaper editor Peregrine Worsthorne and his hurried trip back home to tell his beloved stepmother Gladys the news before she heard it publicly. (Though, of course, she had long known this). There's a delightful preview of Gus - the Theatre Cat that he will play in the forthcoming film version of TS Eliot and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, plus poetry from Gerard Manley Hopkins and others.But it is in the second act that McKellen really comes into his own, with a celebration of all 37 plays of William Shakespeare (though he admits he has nothing at all to say about Troilus and Cressida); acting scenes from many of them, and offering a rich treasure trove of anecdotes about other productions in which he did not appear (there's a truly priceless Gielgud story about the veteran actor Alan Badel).McKellen is a consummate stage actor, able to speak directly and intimately to every single person listening to his rapt delivery of this rich language.I've been privileged to see McKellen for some 40 years on stage; the first time I ever saw him on stage was in the original production of Martin Sherman's Bent at the <a href="/theatres/royal-court-theatre">Royal Court</a> in 1979. As a young gay man, it changed my life, offering a highly charged perspective on a chapter of gay history I knew nothing about. I am forever grateful to McKellen for his part in this; but I am now forever grateful, too, for the opportunity to share this remarkable journey through his life and career.<a href="/show/ian-mckellen-on-stage">Ian McKellen on Stage</a> is at the <a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre</a> until 5th January 2020.&nbsp;<a href="/show/ian-mckellen-on-stage">Ian McKellen on Stage:&nbsp;With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and You tickets</a> are available now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo credit:&nbsp;Frederic Aranda

Review - Ian McKellen on Stage at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Ian McKellen on Stage

Recommended 16+. Includes themes of an adult and sensitive nature.

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The Hills of California

Blackpool, 1976. The driest summer in 200 years. The beaches are packed. The hotels are heaving.

The Harold Pinter Theatre opened on 15 Oct. 1881 as a comic opera house. Its name on opening was the Royal Comedy Theatre, though its ‘Royal’ epithet was dropped in 1884.

The Comedy Theatre helped establish the New Watergate Club in 1956, a society which helped overturn the stage censorship enforced by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. The formation of the Club meant that the plays banned by the Government could be performed at this venue as it was now being run as a private club rather than a commercial entity. Notable plays in this category include Arthur Miller’s *A View from the Bridge* and Tennessee Williams’ *Cat On A Hot Tin Roof*. The censorship was finally overturned in 1968. 

Harold Pinter's works were often performed here: *The Homecoming*, *The Caretaker*, *Moonlight*, *No-Man’s Land* and *The Hothouse* all enjoyed successful runs, and Pinter directed a production of *The Old Masters* here in 2004. After his death, it was thought fitting to bestow the honour of naming a theatre after him, and the name was officially changed on 13 Oct. 2011 to the Harold Pinter Theatre. The Ambassador Theatre Group own the Harold Pinter Theatre.

## Harold Pinter Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has four levels – Stalls, Dress Circle, Royal Circle and Balcony. The top three levels are a horseshoe shape around the stalls.

The Stalls is a single block of seats, and offers good sightlines. Some seats are impaired by supportive pillars and the overhang of the Dress Circle.

The Dress Circle doesn’t offer a great raking in the seating, but the view is not affected by the overhang of the Royal Circle. 

The Royal Circle seats curve towards the stage more noticeably than the Dress Circle.

The Balcony feels very high in this theatre.

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Harold Pinter Theatre

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The one-off gala performance will take place in the West End on 3rd October.

Gala performance of Ian McKellen’s one-man West End show announced

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