Casting has been announced for [*Heathers the Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/11652-heathers-the-musical), which returns to the West End later this month. The show will open at @sohoplace for a limited run.

Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe's musical about dangerous high school cliques was last seen in the West End in 2021.

The show will star Jenna Innes (*Les Misérables*), who returns as Veronica Sawyer. She is joined by Keelan McAuley (*Clueless, Grease*) as JD.

The titular...

Casting announced for 'Heathers the Musical' at @sohoplace

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ITV’s *I Have a Dream* finalist Esme Bowdler, Sedona Sky, and Daisy Twells are the musical's titular Heathers. Jenna Innes returns to the show as Veronica Sawyer.

Summer in London means one thing: it's musicals season! Sure, we have fantastic musical theatre in the capital all year round, but the sunnier months always seem to be a particularly exciting time for big song-and-dance shows – ideal for filling the school holidays with [family trips to spectacular productions](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids).

You’ll find plenty of blockbuster West End entertainment this summer, thanks to the likes of *[Kiss, Me...

Top West End musicals to see this summer

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This essential list features all the musicals, from *Kiss Me, Kate* to *Hello, Dolly!*, that are perfect for a summer trip to the West End, whatever the weather.

Wilkommen! Four new actors will join the [*Cabaret*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23939-cabaret-tickets) West End cast, beginning performances on 3 June at the [Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/playhouse-theatre).

*Heartstopper* star Rhea Norwood will make her professional stage debut as Sally Bowles alongside *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie* and *Bad Education* star Layton Williams as The Emcee. Norwood and Williams will perform in...

'Cabaret' sets new West End cast, including Rhea Norwood

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*Heartstopper* star Norwood and *Bad Education*'s Layton Williams are among the new actors joining the seven-time Olivier Award-winning musical revival.

The world premiere of *My Neighbour Totoro* triumphed at the 2023 Olivier Awards, winning six categories out of its nine nominations at the ceremony. It’s a good time for the Studio Ghibli stage adaptation, too, as *My Neighbour Totoro* will open in the West End next year, with performances at the [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) from 8 March.

Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* follows Satsuki and Mei,...

Here's why 'My Neighbour Totoro' deserved all the Oliviers

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Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* will return to London later next year, opening at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Next year, the [Royal Shakespeare Company’s](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/royal-shakespeare-company) triumphant 2022 stage adaptation of [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro) heads to the West End's [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) for a third run due to enormous popular demand. The show won six Olivier Awards and broke the Barbican’s box office record for the most tickets...

What to expect from London shows based on Studio Ghibli films

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Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985. They are known for creating imaginative movies, including *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Spirited Away*.

A stage adaptation of television comedy *Inside No 9* will arrive in the West End next year. The show opens for a 12-week run at Wyndham's Theatre from 18 January 2025.

The TV show's original writers and performers Steve Pemberton (*The Pillowman*) and Reece Shearsmith (*A Very Expensive Poison*) will star in the West End show, titled *Stage/Fright*, which will blend original material with familiar characters from the series. 

Speaking about the announcement, Pemberton and Shearsmith said:...

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's 'Inside No 9' to be adapted for the West End 

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The TV show's original creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith will star in the West End adaptation when it opens next year. 

The hit musical comedy *Titanique* has confirmed plans for a West End run later this year. The show is currently performing at Off-Broadway venue the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The musical, which is co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022.

The parody of James Cameron's Oscar-winning *Titanic* film features a raft of Celine Dion’s iconic songs including “My Heart Will...

'Titanique' confirms planned West End run

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The musical has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022. It is currently at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The British writer James Graham is on an incredible run at the moment. He just won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for *Dear England*, a fantastic drama about football manager Gareth Southgate, which enticed new audiences into theatre, and the musical *Tammy Faye*, for which he supplied the book, is opening on Broadway this autumn.

He’s also a prolific screenwriter, with recent hits including the crime series *Sherwood* and the dystopian drama *The Way*. Graham has that rare combination of...

Learn more about James Graham’s career ahead of 'Boys from the Blackstuff'

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From plays *Dear England* and *This House* to TV hits like *Sherwood*, Graham is unstoppable – and now his *Boys from the Blackstuff* is coming to the West End.

The bright lights of West End theatres are always appealing, but there are also a number of exciting Off-West End venues in the capital, such as the small but mighty [Bush Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/bush-theatre), which is nestled in west London.

This theatre has always punched above its weight, launching the careers of hugely successful writers such as James Graham and Lucy Kirkwood, as well as actors like Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Andrew Scott, and Phoebe...

A complete guide to the Bush Theatre

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Get to know this exciting new-writing venue in west London, which has launched the careers of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Victoria Wood, among others.

The acclaimed screen and stage actor Ben Whishaw is back in town, starring in the premiere of Margaret Perry’s *[Bluets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39930-bluets)* at the Royal Court. The play is an adaptation of Maggie Nelson’s book and follows someone obsessed with the colour blue – taking in artists like Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday as they navigate a devastating heartbreak.

Whishaw is joined in *Bluets* by *House of the Dragon* star Emma D’Arcy and *The Girl Before*’s Kayla...

Learn more about Ben Whishaw's career ahead of 'Bluets' at the Royal Court

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The James Bond and *Paddington* actor is co-starring in this new adaptation of Maggie Nelson's book *Bluets* with Emma D'Arcy and Kayla Meikle.

*Eastenders* and *Doctor Who* actor Tracy-Ann Oberman will star in *The Merchant of Venice 1936*, as it transfers to London’s West End. The show opens at the Criterion Theatre on 15 February.

Oberman is set to reprise her portrayal of Shylock, the play’s principal villain, and is the first British actress to take on the role. She is joined by Raymond Coulthard as Antonio and Arragon, Hannah Morrish as Portia, Gavin Fowler as Bassanio, Jessica Dennis as Mary and Nerissa, Grainne Dromgoole as Jessica, Xavier Starr as Gratiano, Alex Zur as Yuval/The Duke/Balthasar/Blackshirt (member of the British Union of Fascists), and Nancy Farino as Stefania/Blackshirt. 

In this reimagining, London is on the brink of political unrest, with fascism sweeping across Europe and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists threatening a paramilitary march through the Jewish East End. Strong-willed single mother Shylock runs a pawnbroking business from her house in Cable Street, where Mosley is planning to march. But when charismatic, antisemitic aristocrat Antonio comes to her for a loan, a deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price? 

“It has been a lifelong cherished dream of mine to bring this play to the stage in a new way, reimagining Shylock as one of the tough, no-nonsense Jewish matriarchs I grew up around,” said Oberman of the role. “The love we have experienced from theatre audiences around the country for the way that this story is told has propelled us into the West End. I’m delighted that my dream has touched hearts and minds along the way. This transfer to the Criterion – which could not be more timely – will continue to spread the message that we are stronger together.”

The play is directed and adapted by Brigid Larmour and runs at the Criterion until 23 March.

Check back for more information on London Theatre.

*Photo credit: Oberman and the cast of The Merchant of Venice 1936. (Photo by Marc Brenner)*


The Merchant of Venice 1936 to transfer to the West End, starring Tracy-Ann Oberman

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Production image of The Merchant of Venice in London, featuring Tracy Ann Oberman as Shylock with ensemble cast.

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Production image of The Merchant of Venice in London, featuring Tracy Ann Oberman as Shylock with supporting ensemble member.

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Production image of The Merchant of Venice in London, featuring Tracy Ann Oberman as Shylock.

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Production image of The Merchant of Venice in London, featuring Hannah Morrish as Portia.

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Production image of The Merchant of Venice in London, featuring Priyank Morjaria as Lorenzo.

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Production image of The Merchant of Venice in London, featuring Jessica Dennis as Mary.

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Sometimes a production feels urgently of the moment, and that is definitely the case with this electrifying adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock, and with the action moved to 1930s east London, it’s a timely indictment of antisemitism and a must-see event – so make sure you book The Merchant of Venice 1936 tickets on London Theatre now.

Shakespeare’s drama sees the Jewish moneylender Shylock demanding a pound of flesh from merchant Antonio, only to have the tables turned during a climactic trial in which religious discrimination is baked into this society’s form of justice.

Debate has long raged over whether Shakespeare’s text is itself antisemitic or not, but certainly this riveting new version, *The Merchant of Venice 1936*, is extremely clear in how it uses a real-life setting to reframe the story – and to speak to today through the prism of recent history.

Directed by Brigid Larmour, the production creates a female, East End Shylock whose business is situated on Cable Street – where, in 1936, there really were battles between Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts and anti-fascist protesters. Here, Shylock and her family are under attack right from the start.

Following its critically acclaimed and hugely impactful UK tour, we are now rightfully getting *The Merchant of Venice 1936* London premiere, as the show transfers to the Criterion Theatre in the West End.

Oberman reprises her pioneering performance of Shylock as a formidable Jewish matriarch fighting for her rights – and her family. It’s the latest in a long line of impressive performances on stage and screen from Oberman, whose past work includes *Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner, Boeing-Boeing, EastEnders, Toast of London,* and *Noises Off*.

Also reprising their roles are Raymond Coulthard, Hannah Morrish, Gavin Fowler, Jessica Dennis, Gráinne Dromgoole, Xavier Starr, Alex Zur, and Nancy Farino.

Don’t miss the most talked-about show in town. Book *The Merchant of Venice 1936* tickets on London Theatre today.


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This adaptation completely transforms Shakespeare’s familiar play through this new framing, and this is also a rare chance to see a female Shylock. For her ground-breaking performance, Tracy-Ann Oberman has said she drew on the no-nonsense Jewish matriarchs that she grew up around.

Oberman has long been an acclaimed and impressively versatile actress on stage and screen, excelling in everything from sci-fi drama like *Doctor Who*, soap operas such as *EastEnders*, comedies like *Friday Night Dinner* and *Toast of London*, and theatre productions like *Boeing-Boeing* and *Noises Off*. But this is her most personal project yet.

She is reprising her role in the West End run of *The Merchant of Venice 1936*, as are her fellow cast members Raymond Coulthard, Hannah Morrish, Gavin Fowler, Jessica Dennis, Grainne Dromgoole, Xavier Starr, Alex Zur, and Nancy Farino.

It’s a production that is bound to spark spirited debate, with its potent story that travels from Shakespearean England through our recent social history and all the way to a complex present day. This is the play of the moment – and you won’t want to miss the chance to form your own view after experiencing its affecting drama.

## What to watch for
●  	*The Merchant of Venice*, which was written somewhere between 1596 and 1598, appears in Shakespeare’s First Folio as a comedy, although its mix of tones mean it sometimes feels more like a drama. See how that combination works for this new reading of the play: the levity could make the serious moments more impactful.
●  	Does Shakespeare want us to sympathise with Shylock or not? That’s the big question of the play. *The Merchant of Venice 1936* adds new context that makes Shylock a clear victim, however you’ll spot plenty of evidence that Shakespeare feels for the character too: watch out for the famous “Hath not a Jew eyes?” speech.
●  	Oswald Mosley’s party, the British Union of Fascists, sought to make alliances with Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. His followers became known as “Blackshirts” because they based their look on the Italian fascists. See if you can spot their uniform and armbands with the BUF symbol in the production.
●  	*The Merchant of Venice 1936* also makes a big class distinction between the humble moneylender Shylock and her posh clients. There were, in fact, fascist sympathies among some upper-class Brits at the time – you might spot similarities between this version of Portia and Mosley’s aristocratic wife, Diana Mitford.


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Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in __*The Merchant of Venice 1936*__, direct from the RSC. Starring __Tracy-Ann Oberman__ (*Eastenders, Doctor Who*) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this “striking and impactful” (Guardian) new production that “makes theatre history” (The Telegraph), from acclaimed director __Brigid Larmour__.

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Be among the first to see the West End Premiere of this theatrical experience from September 2023.

When the Criterion Theatre first opened in 1873, the space was designed as a concert hall. The Criterion Theatre is the only West End theatre to be situated almost entirely underground — even the Upper Circle is not at street level. 

The Criterion Theatre housed comic opera in its early years, including works by W. S. Gilbert and George Grossmith. A decade after opening, the theatre had to be renovated to meet the Metropolitan Board of Works standards for ventilation. This work also saw the installation of electricity to the theatre. The building surrounding the theatre was extensively rebuilt between 1989 and 1992, but the Victorian auditorium was well-preserved and still stands today. 

Notable shows at the Criterion Theatre include *The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)* by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, the long-running play *The 39 Steps* and Mischief Theatre's *The Comedy About A Bank Robbery*.

## Criterion Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.

The front rows of the Stalls offers good views of the stage, though the seating is not raked steeply. 

The Dress Circle has specifically designated ‘restricted view’ seats due to the number of pillars supporting the Upper Circle in Row C.

The Upper Circle offers unrestricted theatre views.

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Criterion Theatre

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Oberman will reprise the role of Shylock in this reimagining of William Shakespeare’s classic play, which transports the action to east London in the 1930s.

The Merchant of Venice 1936 to transfer to the West End, starring Tracy-Ann Oberman

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