Photo credit: Natalie Paris in Six, The Play That Goes Wrong and Noah Thomas in Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Photos by Eleanor Howarth, Helen Murray and Matt Crockett)

How does the UK lockdown in November affect London theatres?

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

UPDATE: As London has been placed in tier two, all West End theatres can reopen after the national lockdown. For more information, read here.

Following the news of a second lockdown in England from 5 November to 2 December, all live theatre is currently suspended. Obviously, this is deeply gutting for all West End shows and London theatres that were gearing up to open their doors once again in November.

Below, we've listed all the West End shows that were either due to open in November, or were continuing performances in November. We'll update this page with the latest news on each show, so be sure to bookmark this page and stay up to date with London theatre.

Death of England: Delroy

Having reopened the National Theatre, all performances of Death of England: Delroy from 5 November are suspended. Michael Balogun took over the role of Delroy from Giles Terera, with the show only playing for a fortnight in a reconfigured Olivier Theatre. Future performances of Dick Whittington and The Normal Heart are currently unaffected.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Due to reopen at the Apollo Theatre in November, audiences will have to wait a little while longer to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie. Previously, the West End show billed a reopening date of 28 November. Now, the show will open on 12 December, starring Noah Thomas as Jamie New.

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny

There'll be no laughs at the Palace Theatre in November, as all performances of Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny are suspended. Stand-up comedy was set to arrive at the Palace from 16-9 November.

Private Peaceful

Performed at the Barn Theatre, Private Peaceful was due to transfer to the Garrick Theatre; the first original play to open since the first lockdown. The show was set to play a two-week run at the Garrick from 7 November, meaning all performances of Private Peaceful are currently suspended.

Showstopper: The Improvised Musical

Making it up as they go along, it feels pretty apt that we don't know when Showstopper: The Improvised Musical will open at the Garrick Theatre.The first performance, due to be performed on 16 November has already been suspended. Hopefully, we can see the improvisational troupe back on stage in December.

Six

The rule of six has sadly defeated Six. The show's reign was due to continue at the Lyric Theatre from 14 November, but this won't be the case anymore. Performances of Six are currently due to resume from 5 December at 8pm, ahead of an eventual return back to the Arts Theatre.

The Dumb Waiter

The 60th anniversary production of Harold Pinter's classic was due to open at the Hampstead Theatre in November. Unfortunately, this won't be the case anymore. There's still good news, as the production will now begin on 3 December, with dates extended into the middle of January 2021.

The Great Gatsby

Having reopened last month, the art-deco adaptation of The Great Gatsby won't be welcoming audiences to this roaring party for a while. All performances of The Great Gatsby from 4 November to 2 December are cancelled, set for a return on 3 December. The show has also extended to 28 Feb. 2021, so there's still time to celebrate at this marvellous party.

The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years will now end its run at Southwark Playhouse on 4 November. The production was the first to play at the reopened venue, but audiences can still watch a filmed performance via livestream later in November.

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Mischief Theatre play was one of the earlier productions to be confirmed to come back, entertaining crowds at the Duchess Theatre. Unfortunately, we'll have to be patient to see The Play That Goes Wrong again. Performances from 19 November to 2 December are suspended, and it's due to open at the Duchess from 9 December.

This Is Going To Hurt

Adam Kay's This Is Going To Hurt began performances at the Apollo Theatre last month; it was one of the first shows to reopen in the capital. Due to the upcoming lockdown, This Is Going To Hurt will now end its run with a final performance on 4 November.

Photo credit: Natalie Paris in Six, The Play That Goes Wrong and Noah Thomas in Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Photos by Eleanor Howarth, Helen Murray and Matt Crockett)

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