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.

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

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.

Ahead of Mike Bartlett's new play,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24720-the-47th" target="_blank">The 47th</a>,&nbsp;premiering at the Old Vic this month, discover the full cast and creative team. The 47th begins previews at the <a href="/theatres/old-vic-theatre" target="_blank">Old Vic</a> on 29 March, ahead of an opening night on 8 April and performances to 28 May. <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24720-the-47th" target="_blank">The 47th tickets are available now.</a>The 47th is a new play which explores what could happen with the American presidency in 2024, and tries to imagine a future political world under a new democracy.American politicians will feature in&nbsp;The 47th.&nbsp;Bertie Carvel will lead The 47th cast as Donald Trump, joined by Tamara Tunie as Kamala Harris and Lydia Wilson as Ivanka Trump.&nbsp;The 47th&nbsp;cast includes&nbsp;James Cooney as Charlie Takahashi, James Garnon as Ted Cruz, Richard Hansell as Steve Richetti, Oscar Lloyd as Donald Junior, Jenni Maitland as Heidi Cruz, Freddie Meredith as Eric Trump, Ben Onwukwe as Barack Obama, Cherrelle Skeete as Tina Flournoy, Ami Tredrea as Rosie Takahashi and Simon Williams as Joe Biden.The 47th is by Mike Bartlett. Three Mike Bartlett plays will premiere this spring: <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23844-cock" target="_blank">COCK&nbsp;</a>and <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24032-scandaltown" target="_blank">Scandaltown</a>.&nbsp;Rupert Goold directs The 47th, and he is joined by a creative team includes set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Evie Gurney, lighting design by Neil Austin and sound design by Tony Gayle.<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24720-the-47th" target="_blank">The 47th</a> is at the <a href="/theatres/old-vic-theatre" target="_blank">Old Vic</a><a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24720-the-47th" target="_blank">The 47th tickets are available now.</a>Photo credit: The Old Vic (photo by Matt Brown on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/londonmatt/40036365140/in/photolist-23ZSQvA-u4HWDJ-fiZ7qz-4H7u29-94BoZU-pcc8rd-RfEUUx-2dV7GQw-4H7u2d-24pB9cZ-ofjjmc-SSTjrW-2dV7HWu-SfVs3z-bDh81V-7vydgb-awjcJv-bCNuqX-pWT4D7-bpTvDY-2kJHyQs-2kCmzNS-SSTi5s-2dCe5qB-bkqTLU-24pB5or-24pB2vH-2kFr8iA-bDh826-SSTeS5-2dCdTsz-SSTfXS-2dV7Au5-a82YrT-ecXQQZ-2kx4xJ1-2kFejuS-2kGuqi3-2dV7FqY-2kGuqjv-2kMBvLL-2kC4qYM-2kMoDwp-2kKyFsN-2kLSrar-2kGv1C6-2kLd8Vy-2kKYzpw-7qv7Av-cScp9h" target="_blank">Flickr</a>)&nbsp;

‘The 47th’, starring Bertie Carvel, announces full cast

Photo credit: The Old Vic (photo by Matt Brown on Flickr)

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Who will be the 47th President of the United States? In Mike Bartlett’s new play, *The 47th* is named ahead of time! American politics play *The 47th* receives a world premiere at the Old Vic in spring 2022. *The 47th* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

*The 47th* is a play that explores who could become the 47th President of the United States. Making up your mind about who should serve as the President — or Prime Minister in England — can be a difficult decision. But it's even more challenging for that leader to serve their nation.

Set in 2024 — just two years from now — Americans go to the polls to cast their votes. In this future play, democracy is on its knees. There's public outcry at any decisionmaking, and nothing gets done. Somebody needs to take the White House, and implement positive change, but at what cost? Winning the White House is a monumental moment in history, but being “The 47th” in the history books holds more cultural value.

Think of 21st-century American politics, and Donald Trump will probably pop up in your mind. Donald Trump features in *The 47th* as a main character, with Bertie Carvel taking on the tycoon. Carvel’s played many politicians and influential characters during his career, including Rupert Murdoch in *Ink*, and Tony Blair in the Netflix series, *The Crown*. Kamala Harris and Ivanka Trump will feature in *The 47th* too, played by Tamara Tunie and Lydia Wilson respectively. Although it’s a new play, many American political “characters” are likely to feature in *The 47th*, in order for the play to examine the current state of American politics.

*The 47th* play is the latest work by Mike Bartlett to open in the West End. In 2022, three plays by Mike Bartlett will either receive their West End premiere, or a world premiere in London. *The 47th* is joined by *[Cock](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23844-cock)*, starring Jonathan Bailey and Taron Egerton, and *Scandaltown* at Lyric Hammersmith. No play will get into the nitty gritty of American politics quite like The 47th. 

Mike Barlett is no stranger to plays with a controversial political outlook. His 2014 play, *King Charles III*, considered a Commonwealth led by Prince Charles, after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. Rupert Goold directs *The 47th* at the Old Vic. 

Tickets to *The 47th* are available now. Book your *The 47th* tickets on London Theatre today.

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Shapeshifter Bertie Carvel, mesmerising as Miss Trunchbull and Rupert Murdoch, and soon to play Tony Blair in *The Crown*, adds to his gallery of rogues with an eerily lifelike Donald Trump in [*The 47th*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24720-the-47th). In fact, his grand entrance in a golf cart draws gasps from the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) audience. But, good though Carvel is, Mike Bartlett’s latest is a hollow political pageant.

It’s another blank-verse, future-history play, like his lauded *King Charles III*, although this time the Shakespearean references are more overt and less effective. It’s Bard Bingo: spot the King Lear premise, *Richard III* soliloquising, Lady Macbeth whispering, Mark Antony rhetoric, the sleepwalking, blinding and poison plot.

As for Trump, Bartlett captures his verbal tics and slippery speech – “So rude”, “I have great eyes, such eyes”, “People call it a coup”, “The economy, so beautiful” – plus the playground taunts and racist dog whistles, while also gifting him fluid articulacy in the iambic pentameter verse. This Trump sneers that the world can’t turn away from him, since he is “our devil”, and threatens to seek “just revenge” for his election defeat.

We’re in 2024, and the nightmare scenario is Trump deciding to run again – the play’s title refers to the 47th President of the United States – while threatening America’s democratic norms to an even greater degree. Meanwhile, Joe Biden ponders handing over power over to his Vice-President, Kamala Harris, and the Trump children bicker over whether to stay loyal or strike out on their own.

Carvel is the big draw here with another astonishing transformation. He nails Trump’s combination of hulking and mincing – the pursed lips, the thrust-out stomach, the mannered finger-pointing – as well as his petty narcissism and short attention span. But as funny and compelling as the portrait is, it doesn’t tell us anything new.

Other characters’ attempts to psychoanalyse him (he’s a lonely guy who needs attention) are half-hearted, and a thread about the fear of mortality, while certainly applicable to plenty of strongman leaders, like Putin, feels underdeveloped. In fact, Carvel’s Trump is most riveting when he leans into the wholly villainous: his manipulation of the crowd, terrorising of his children, overt misogyny and white supremacy, and lust for violence.

But since Bartlett correctly labels Trump a showman, I can’t help but think he would be flattered by all this attention – and by audiences gathering to watch a shrewd, eloquent and ruthless version of him. Are we actually contributing to a Trump resurgence?

Elsewhere, Lydia Wilson is shiver-inducing as icy Ivanka, the slightly more acceptable face of fascism, while James Garnon is a perfectly spineless weasel of a Ted Cruz. Oscar Lloyd and Freddie Meredith form a good double act as, respectively, the weak-willed Donald Jnr and dopey Eric Trump, but Bartlett lets them off easy by painting them as victims.

Least convincing are two fictional constructs: Charlie, a New York Times journalist, and sister Rosie, who just happens to be a Trump fanatic. The latter spouts ridiculous arguments about liberals being too chicken to shoot a stranger in order to save their kids, and her Trump supporters group is an armed militia made up of redneck thugs. Bartlett basically does what Rosie accuses Charlie of: presenting a bad-faith, reductive and mocking view of people who are too stupid to be on the right side.

Thank goodness for Tamara Tunie’s brilliant turn as Kamala Harris. In stark contrast to Trump, she wrestles over her right to rule, weighs what’s best for the country against her personal beliefs, and passionately reflects on how men like Donald are fighting to reverse the gains of the Civil Rights movement.

Rupert Goold’s production is typically slick and vibrant. The play’s frequent changes of mood and location are aided by Neil Austin’s giant ring light and Ash J Woodward’s video projections, though Lynne Page’s stylised movement for the QAnon Shaman (during, essentially, a replay of the Capitol riot) falls flat.

Ultimately, Bartlett’s play, though vastly entertaining, neither offers fresh wisdom on the past nor grapples with the future; there’s no mention of Covid or Ukraine. It places accepted truths into striking poetry – “Party lines have grown to walls” – but its warnings come far too late, and with the smug benefit of hindsight. Trump gets the last laugh here. 

[*The 47th is at the Old Vic to 28 May. Book The 47th tickets on London Theatre.*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24720-the-47th)

*Photo credit: Bertie Carvel in The 47th (Photo by Marc Brenner)*

'The 47th' review — a hollow political pageant sees Bertie Carvel transform into Donald Trump

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A Christmas Carol | Old Vic - LON [24716] 

A Christmas Carol | Old Vic

A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

The Old Vic, originally named the Royal Coburg Theatre, was designed in 1818 by Rudolph Cabanel. Its name was later changed to the Royal Victoria Theatre, then the Royal Victoria Hall, before it took on its nickname of 'The Old Vic' as its official name in 1925. 

The Old Vic has housed acclaimed performances with such celebrated actors as John Gielgud’s *Hamlet*, Laurence Olivier’s *Macbeth* and *Othello* in 1937, and Judi Dench’s Juliet in *Romeo and Juliet*, which was privately performed for The Queen in 1957.

In 1963, the Old Vic became the home base of the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre) of Great Britain during its formation under Laurence Olivier. The theatre continued to host the National Theatre until the move to South Bank in 1976. 

There are two entrances to the Old Vic: one on The Cut and the other on Waterloo Road, which is an accessible entrance. In 2019, 'Penny', an accessible basement cafe and bar was opened, offering drinks, sandwiches and snacks. 

## Old Vic Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels - Stalls, Dress Circle, and the Lilian Baylis Circle.

Despite the Dress Circle overhang, this doesn’t affect the view due to pillars. There is also a staggered rake that will be noticeable from row J to allow better viewing.

The Lilian Baylis Circle is high above the ground and overhangs the Dress Circle at row C meaning row E will miss the top of the stage. There are also standing seats available at the sides of this circle.

‘The 47th’, starring Bertie Carvel, announces full cast

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