London Theatre News

10 great books about theatre to read at home

The theatrical world isn't just limited to what goes on behind the curtain. As well as getting your hands on the scripts of West End shows, there's plenty of opportunities to learn from theatrical predecessors and creative geniuses in our top pick of theatre books to read. Uncover the stage secrets of the most successful shows of all time or put pen to paper and create your own work to become the next great talent. Dear Audience by Danny Kaan and Sophie RossLooking for that perfect coffee table...

Full list of London theatre productions affected by coronavirus

UPDATE: On 5 July, it was confirmed that theatres will be able to reopen at full capacity until 19 July. Here's the latest information on all theatres reopening in July.Please do not contact us to request a refund. We are extremely busy and your enquiry will not be processed any quicker, as we will work through refunds automatically as performances are cancelled. We thank you for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times. If you have a question regarding a ticket booking with...

Terry Gilliam tipped to direct Into the Woods revival at the Old Vic

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical is set to return to London later this year, with a revival at the Old Vic to be staged this winter. In a tweet by Baz Bamigboye, Monty Python member Terry Gilliam is rumoured to direct the revival of Into the Woods. Combining the plots of traditional fairy tales including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood, Into the Woods sees characters from different worlds interact with each other,...

Elton John, James Graham and Jake Shears writing Tammy Faye musical slated for Almeida

A super-line up of creatives, including Elton John and James Graham are slated to be working on a new musical about the life of American televangelist Tammy Faye, according to Daily Mail entertainment reporter Baz Bamigboye.According to reports, Elton John is working on songs with Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears, while playwright James Graham will work on a book, and the piece will be directed by the artistic director of the Almeida Theatre Rupert Goold.Workshops are set to take place in...

Tickets now on sale for The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the National Theatre

The National Theatre's chilling production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane is set to transfer to the Duke of York's Theatre following a sell-out run in the Dorfman in 2019, and tickets for the exciting transfer are now on sale.Based on Neil Gaiman's award-winning novel, Joel Horwood's stage adaptation follows a man returning to his childhood home, where memories of his 12th birthday party come flooding back. Playing with his friend Lettie on the banks of what they thought was a pond, they...

What theatres are doing to cope with the growing impact of Coronavirus

When the best government advice to avoid the coronavirus is still to wash your hands frequently - and for at least twenty seconds, with soap and water - but its own health minister Nadine Dorries has become the first MP to test positive for the virus and is now self-isolating at home, its proving difficult to know exactly what to do to keep oneself safe. Last week I reported on the first signs of worry (and action) in the entertainment world, with Guildhall School of Music and Drama closing its...

The show goes on in the face of Coronavirus fears

The world is currently gripped by fear over the implications of the widespread global arrival of Coronavirus, and just how prepared we are (or should be) for its presence. Face masks are becoming ubiquitous on the tube; some people have even been photographed sporting Tesco's shopping bags for protection.The latter may be a disproportionate (and not to mention futile) response; but the wartime motto 'Keep Calm and Carry On' (at least until we're otherwise advised) is the best we can do, besides...

Tyrone Huntley and Clare Halse join full cast of Hello, Dolly! In the West End

Full casting has been announced for the West End production of Hello, Dolly!, which is set to open at the Adelphi Theatre this summer.Olivier Award winner Dominic Cooke will direct the classic Broadway musical about a matchmaker who arrives in New York, and sets her sights on finding herself a partner. It features Jerry Herman's classic score which includes the numbers "Put On Your Sunday Clothes", "Before the Parade Passes By", "It Only Takes a Moment" and "Hello, Dolly!".Joining the previously...

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella delays West End opening

Andrew Lloyd Webber's upcoming musical version of Cinderella is will delay its opening later this year, due to the 'the current global circumstances'.The composer's new musical was officially announced last month, and set an opening date at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 23rd September, with previews from 28th August.However, announcing that previews will now begin on 9th October, Lloyd Webber said: "The show will go on sale next week as planned, but in the current global circumstances the...

Should I go to the theatre during the Coronavirus outbreak?

On Monday, 16th March, the Prime Minister advised against all unnecessary social contact in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus leading which causes the disease Covid-19. In response, we have received the following communication from SOLT and UK Theatre, who represent many of the UK's theatres: "We regret to announce that from this evening (including tonight's performances) SOLT and UK Theatre venues have closed following official government advice. They will remain closed until...