A new cast will join [*Wicked*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked) in the West End in the New Year, with [Lucie Jones](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/lucie-jones) leading the cast as Elphaba. The new cast will take over in *Wicked* at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from 1 February. Book *Wicked* tickets on London Theatre.

Lucie Jones takes over the role of Elphaba from Laura Pick. Jones' West End credits include *Waitress* as Jenna and *Les Miserables* as Fantine. Ryan Reid will take over the role of Fiyero, with Sophie-Louise Dann as Madame Morrible and Gary Wilmot as the Wizard. 

Helen Woolf will return from maternity leave to play Glinda in Wicked, resuming the role she played before the pandemic. Carina Gillespie continues as Nessarose, alongside Nicholas McLean as Boq, Simeon Truby as Doctor Dillamond, Amy Webb as the Elphaba standby and Charli Baptie as the Glinda standby. 

The full cast is completed by Yuki Abe, Kofi Aidoo-Appiah, Meg Astin, Alishia-Marie Blake, Pàje Campbell, Grace Chapman, Michael Colbourne, Fergus Dale, Nolan Edwards, Nicola Espallardo, Danny Fogarty, Laura Harrison, Amie Hibbert, Lucie Horsfall, Samuel How, Christian Knight, Nick Len, Jasmine Leung, Rhidian Marc, PaddyJoe Martin, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Stacey McGuire, Harry Mills, Lewis Newton, Natalie Spriggs, Samantha Thomas, Joe Thompson-Oubari and James Titchener.

Laura Pick, Sophie Evans, Alistair Brammer, Kim Ismay and Andy Hockley play their final performances on 30 January. 

*Wicked* follows the lives of Elphaba and Glinda as they become the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. It's based on Gregory Maguire's novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West* and is adapted for the stage by Winnie Holzman. Wicked celebrated its 15th anniversary in the West End earlier this year.

Joe Mantello directs *Wicked*, with scenic design by Eugene Lee, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Postner and sound design by Tony Meola.

## Who is Elphaba in *Wicked*?

Lucie Jones plays Elphaba in *Wicked.* Elphaba is a green-skinned witch who discovers the extent of her magical powers while studying at Shiz University. When she meets the Wizard of Oz, she must decide her future, and who it will impact.

*Wicked* is at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Book *Wicked* tickets on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=1587&content_product_id=1587&venue_id=138)

*Photo credit: Lucie Jones (Photo courtesy of Wicked)*

'Wicked' announces new cast, including Lucie Jones as Elphaba

Photo credit: Lucie Jones (Photo courtesy of Wicked)

West End

Recommended 7+. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) and may not sit on their own. Children under 5 years will not be admitted. Please aim to arrive 60-90 minutes prior to the event. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point.

Wicked - LON [313] 

Wicked

“London’s No.1 show” (LBC) is back! Celebrating 16 triumphant years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre 

The new cast will begin performances on 1 February.

After an acclaimed summer run at the <a href="/theatres/barbican">Barbican</a>, <a href="/show/anything-goes">Anything Goes</a> will return to London next year. Anything Goes will begin a UK tour in April 2022, ending at the Barbican with performances from 15 July - 3 September.The Anything Goes producer Sir Howard Panter said: "We are delighted to be back with the glorious Anything Goes musical at the Barbican next summer! We were thrilled with the response to this energetic and uplifting show... audiences around the country can enjoy the glorious set design, breathtaking choreography and stage direction, and of course the wonderful score!"Anything Goes follows a group of passengers on board the S.S. American as they sail to London. Along the way, travellers find love, have their identities mistaken and get up to plenty of mischief. Anything Goes features songs by Cole Porter including "Friendship," "You're The Top," and "I Get A Kick Out of You."In a <a href="/reviews/sutton-foster-anything-goes-west-end-barbican">five-star review of </a><a href="/reviews/sutton-foster-anything-goes-west-end-barbican">Anything Goes at the Barbican</a>, Suzy Evans said: "You'll regret it if you don't tap dance your way to the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/barbican">Barbican</a> right now to see this piece of musical theatre magic... The effect is truly euphoric."&nbsp;Casting for Anything Goes in 2022 is to be announced. The original 2021 cast starred <a href="/actor-profile/sutton-foster">Sutton Foster</a> as Reno Sweeney, who made her West End debut in the role by reprising her Tony-winning performance. Robert Lindsay played Moonface Martin, with Felicity Kendal as Evangeline Harcourt and Gary Wilmot as Elisha Whitney, Samuel Edwards plays Billy Crocker, with Nicole-Lily Baisden as Hope Harcourt, Carly Mercedes Dyer as Erma and Haydn Oakley as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.Kathleen Marshall directs and choreographs Anything Goes, with scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Jon Morrell, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and sound design by Jonathan Deans.<a href="/show/anything-goes">Anything Goes</a> is at the <a href="/theatres/barbican">Barbican</a>&nbsp;from 15 July - 3 September.Photo credit: Anything Goes 2021 (Photo courtesy of Anything Goes)

‘Anything Goes’ to return to London in 2022

Photo credit: Anything Goes 2021 (Photo courtesy of Anything Goes)

Anything Goes [22732] - LON

Anything Goes

**Anything Goes** is the **‘musical equivalent of sipping one glass of champagne after another’** _(The Times)_

The hit musical is sailing back into the Barbican.

The pandemic forced theatres to close in March 2020. Now, as of 15 Nov. 2021, every West End theatre has now reopened with a production. The final theatre to reopen was the <a href="/theatres/playhouse-theatre">Playhouse Theatre</a>, now named the <a href="/theatres/kit-kat-club">Kit Kat Club</a>, with Cabaret starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley.Earlier this year, theatres were able to reopen with a socially-distanced audiences, with shows such as The Mousetrap and Six leading the charge. During the summer, theatres were able to welcome in full-capacity audiences, with many posting vaccine requirements. <a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/theatre-vaccine-rules-west-end">Find out more about vaccine requirements in London here</a>.&nbsp;The West End has changed considerably since the pandemic began in March 2020. New shows have opened, including The Drifters Girl at the Garrick Theatre, Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at the Lyric Theatre. Plenty of shows are lined up for 2022 too, and <a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/west-end-shows-opening-in-2022">you can check out all the London shows opening in 2022 here</a>.&nbsp;We've listed all the current West End shows taking place in London below.&nbsp;Adelphi Theatre - Back to the Future Aldwych Theatre - Tina the Musical Ambassadors Theatre - The Shark is Broken Apollo Theatre - Magic Goes Wrong Apollo Victoria Theatre - Wicked Arts Theatre - The Choir of Man Cambridge Theatre - Matilda Criterion Theatre - Pride &amp; Prejudice* *(sort of) Dominion Theatre - The Prince of Egypt Duchess Theatre - The Play That Goes Wrong Duke of York's Theatre - The Ocean at the End of the Lane Fortune Theatre - The Woman in Black Garrick Theatre - The Drifters Girl Gielgud Theatre - The Mirror and the Light Gillian Lynne Theatre - Cinderella Harold Pinter Theatre - Four Quartets Her Majesty's Theatre - The Phantom of the Opera Kit Kat Club (Playhouse Theatre) - Cabaret London Palladium -&nbsp;Pantoland at the Palladium Lyceum Theatre - The Lion King Lyric Theatre - Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story Noel Coward Theatre - Dear Evan Hansen Novello Theatre - Mamma Mia! Palace Theatre - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Phoenix Theatre - Come From Away Piccadilly Theatre - Moulin Rouge! The Musical Prince Edward Theatre - Mary Poppins Prince of Wales Theatre - The Book of Mormon Savoy Theatre - Pretty Woman: The Musical Shaftesbury Theatre - &amp; Juliet Sondheim Theatre - Les Miserables St. Martin's Theatre - The Mousetrap Theatre Royal Drury Lane - Frozen Theatre Royal Haymarket - Only Fools and Horses Trafalgar Theatre - Jersey Boys Vaudeville Theatre - Six Victoria Palace Theatre - Hamilton Wyndham's Theatre - Life of Pi

The West End is back — all West End theatres have now reopened

London-1200-161121.jpg

The Piccadilly Theatre and the Playhouse Theatre were the last venues to open their doors.

Omigod you guys! <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/regents-park-open-air-theatre">Regent's Park Open Air Theatre</a> has confirmed its 2022 season, with three productions opening during the summer. After kicking off in May with&nbsp;Legally Blonde: The Musical, the season will include the premiere of&nbsp;<a href="/show/101-dalmatians">101 Dalmatians</a>&nbsp;and a new version of&nbsp;Antigone.Legally Blonde&nbsp;will be directed by Lucy Moss, co-writer and co-director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/six-the-musical">Six</a>&nbsp;in the West End and on Broadway. The musical, based on the same-named 2001 movie, centres on Elle Woods, a fashion-obsessed sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School in the hopes of getting him back. She soon discovers, as she studies the law more seriously, how to succeed without sacrificing her own style. The musical first played&nbsp;in London in 2009, winning three Olivier Awards out of five nominations, including Best New Musical. The Regent's Park production will begin 13 May ahead of a 24 May opening night, and run through 2 July.Legally Blonde&nbsp;will have three assisted performances: BSL-interpreted on 21 June, captioned on 24 June, and audio-described with a touch tour on 25 June.Next, from 12 July to 28 August, Regent's Park will premiere the new musical adaptation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/101-dalmatians">101 Dalmatians</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;postponing it&nbsp;due to the pandemic. Opening night is 22 July. In&nbsp;101 Dalmatians, based on the 1996 Disney film, the villainous Cruella de Vil is in the market for a new fur coat, and the dalmatians Pongo, Perdita, and their titular litter of puppies have to escape her before she gets to them. The musical features music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge, a book by Johnny McKnight from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, and is based on the story by Dodie Smith. Timothy Sheader will direct.101 Dalmatians&nbsp;will have a relaxed performance on 14 August,&nbsp;which allows audience members with autism, learning disabilities, or other&nbsp;sensory or communication needs&nbsp;to experience the show.Finally, Regent's Theatre has commissioned a new version of Sophocles' play&nbsp;Antigone, written by Barber Shop Chronicles&nbsp;playwright Inua Ellams. She retells the classic story of the title girl who is on the run after giving her brother a proper burial against the wishes of her rigid uncle, the King of Thebes. Max Webster directs, and choreography is by&nbsp;Carrie-Anne Ingrouille.&nbsp;Antigone&nbsp;will play from 3-24 September, with an opening night of 9 September.Like&nbsp;Legally Blonde,&nbsp;Antigone&nbsp;will have three assisted performances: BSL-interpreted on 13 September, captioned on 16 September, and audio-described with a touch tour on 24 September.Photo credit: David Jensen and&nbsp;Feast Creative

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre announces 2022 summer season

Photo credit: David Jensen and Feast Creative

Off-West End

The season marks the venue's 90th anniversary.

Ahead of <a href="/show/cabaret">Cabaret </a>performances beginning in London, details on the Cabaret lottery have been revealed. The daily Cabaret lottery will allow entrants a chance to win a pair of £25 tickets to Cabaret at the <a href="/theatres/kit-kat-club">Kit Kat Club</a> for all upcoming performances.&nbsp;The Cabaret&nbsp;lottery opens every day of performances at 12:01AM, and is open for entries up to four hours before the performance. All entrants will then find out if they are successful, with winners given 30 minutes to claim their ticketsThe jazzy musical features hit songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb, including "Maybe This Time" and "Don' Tell Mama." Rebecca Frecknall directs the iconic musical, and <a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cabaret-in-london">you can find out more about </a><a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cabaret-in-london">Cabaret </a>in London here.&nbsp;The Cabaret London cast is led by <a href="/actor-profile/eddie-redmayne">Eddie Redmayne</a> as the Emcee and <a href="/actor-profile/jessie-buckley">Jessie Buckley</a> as Sally Bowles — the pair are scheduled for all performances to 20&nbsp;March. <a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/meet-the-london-cast-of-cabaret">Discover the full Cabaret cast here</a>.&nbsp;<a href="/show/cabaret">Cabaret </a>is at the <a href="/theatres/kit-kat-club">Kit Kat Club</a>&nbsp;from 15 November.Photo credit: Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley (Photos by Marc Brenner)&nbsp;<div>&nbsp;</div>

‘Cabaret’ lottery opens in London for £25 'Cabaret' tickets

Photo credit: Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley (Photos by Marc Brenner)

Suggested minimum 12 years, but at parent/guardian's discretion.

Cabaret - LON [23939]

Cabaret 

Cabaret is at the Kit Kat Club, starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley.

The <a href="/theatres/hampstead-theatre">Hampstead Theatre</a> have revealed three world premiere plays to be staged at the north London venue next year. The trio of plays include new works by Florian Zeller, Alexis Zegerman and Roy Williams.&nbsp;Speaking about the new works, Hampstead Theatre's artistic director Roxana Silbert said: "I am delighted to be announcing three world premieres today for 2022... [I'm] deeply honoured that Florian has chosen Hampstead for his new play - the first to receive its world premiere outside of France."The Forest is the newest play by the Academy Award-winning playwright Florian Zeller.&nbsp;The film adaptation&nbsp;of his play The Father won Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars. Christopher Hampton translates The Forest, which follows a man named Pierre who struggles with his morals at a turning point in his life. Jonathan Kent directs The Forest, with previews from 4 February, an opening night on 14 February and performances to 12 March.The Forest&nbsp;cast includes Millie Brady, Silas Carson, Angel Coulby, Finbar Lynch, Paul McGann, Gina McKee, Sakuntala Ramanee, Toby Stephens, and Eddie Toll. The creative team includes design by&nbsp;Anna Fleischle, costume design by Jasmine Swan, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, and sound design by&nbsp;Isobel Waller-Bridge.After The Forest, Alexis Zegerman's <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24285-the-fever-syndrome">The Fever Syndrome</a> will run at Hampstead Theatre from 18 March to 23 April, with an opening night on 28 March. Roxana Silbert will direct The Father Syndrome, a play that centres on the family of IVF doctor Richard Myers as they decide how his wealth and legacy will be inherited.&nbsp;Paulette Randall will then direct Roy Williams' The Fellowship, which rounds off the new trio of plays, with previews from 17 June, an opening night on 23 June and performances to 23 July. Based on the lives of the Windrush generation, The Fellowship sees sisters Dawn and Marcia Adams navigate an ever changing life in London from the 1980s to the present day.&nbsp;The Hampstead Theatre is currently home to <a href="/show/night-mother">'Night Mother</a> starring <a href="/actor-profile/stockard-channing">Stockard Channing</a>. Next month, <a href="/show/peggy-for-you">Peggy For You</a>&nbsp;starring <a href="/actor-profile/tamsin-greig">Tamsin Greig</a> will begin performances and run to 29 January.<div>Photo credit: Hampstead Theatre (Photo courtesy of Hampstead Theatre)</div>

Florian Zeller’s ‘The Forest’ to receive world premiere at Hampstead Theatre

Photo credit: Hampstead Theatre (Photo courtesy of Hampstead Theatre)

The Forest - 24286 - LON

The Forest

Three new plays have been announced at the Off-West End venue.

The revolting children in <a href="/show/matilda-the-musical">Matilda </a>are staying around for longer! Matilda will play an extended booking period at the <a href="/theatres/cambridge-theatre">Cambridge Theatre</a>, with performances now scheduled through to 18 Dec. 2022.&nbsp;Matilda will also celebrate its 10th anniversary in the West End tonight, 12 November. Since opening at the Cambridge Theatre in 2011, Matilda has been seen by over four million people, and has won seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical. <a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-matilda-the-musical-in-london">Find out everything you need to know about Matilda in London here.&nbsp;</a>Based on the Roald Dahl story of the same, Matilda follows Matilda Wormwood, a gifted child who uses her powers for good and tries to defeat her evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.The role of Matilda is shared by Imogen Cole, Alyssa D'Souza, Alex Munden and Zoe Simon. Elliot Harper plays Miss Trunchbull, with Carly Thoms as Miss Honey, Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood and Annette McLaughlin as Mrs Wormwood.&nbsp;Matilda features scenic design by Rob Howell, choreography by Peter Darling, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and sound design by Simon Baker.&nbsp;Watch an interview with Matilda cast and creative team members below.&nbsp;<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IBhK1cAE0bA" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe><a href="/show/matilda-the-musical">Matilda the Musical</a>&nbsp;is at the <a href="/theatres/cambridge-theatre">Cambridge Theatre</a>.<a href="/show/matilda-the-musical">Matilda the Musical tickets are on sale now.</a>Photo credit: Matilda cast (Photo by Manuel Harlan)

‘Matilda’ extends West End booking period through December 2022

Photo credit: Matilda cast (Photo by Manuel Harlan)

Recommended 6+. No children under the age of 4 will be admitted and every customer must have their own ticket. To make sure everyone enjoys the show, little ones need to be able to sit in their own seat without any assistance.

Matilda The Musical - LON - [305]

Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical is the multi award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl.

The musical celebrates its 10th birthday in the West End this month.

A UK tour of South Pacific will open in 2022, preceded by a summer season at <a href="/theatres/sadlers-wells">Sadler's Wells</a>. South Pacific is at Sadler's Wells from 27 July to 28 August.&nbsp;South Pacific ran at the Chichester Festival Theatre earlier this year. Speaking about the London transfer, producers Jamie Wilson and Jonathan Church said: "After experiencing the buzz of the auditorium in Chichester, along with the rapturous applause and standing-ovations, we knew that this production... just had to have a further life so that the magic of it could be enjoyed by everyone."Set on a South Pacific island during World War II, an American nurse falls in love with a French plantation owner. South Pacific features songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including "Some Enchanted Evening" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair".Julian Ovenden will reprise the role of Emile de Becque, joined by Gina Beck as Nellie Forbush. Further casting for South Pacific at Sadler's Wells is to be announced.Daniel Evans directs South Pacific, with scenic and costume design by Peter McKintosh,choreography and movement direction by Ann Yee, lighting design by Howard Harrison and sound design by Paul Groothuis.South Pacific is at <a href="/theatres/sadlers-wells">Sadler's Wells</a> from 27 July - 28 August.&nbsp;Photo credit: South Pacific cast (Photo by Johan Persson)<div>&nbsp;</div>

‘South Pacific’ to transfer to Sadler’s Wells

Photo credit: South Pacific cast (Photo by Johan Persson)

South Pacific [7621]

South Pacific

The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical ran in Chichester earlier this year.

The <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> has announced new productions in their current season, with performances to June 2022. New shows include&nbsp;David Eldridge's Middle and dates for The Corn is Green and The Father and the Assassin.Productions at the London venue this year include <a href="/show/hex">Hex </a>in the Olivier Theatre, <a href="/show/manor">Manor </a>in the Lyttelton Theatre and <a href="/show/trouble-in-mind">Trouble in Mind</a> in the Dorfman Theatre.The National Theatre has also added Kae Tempest's Paradise, Winsome Pinnock's Rockets and Blue Lights&nbsp;and James Graham's This House to their own streaming service. <a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/all-the-shows-to-watch-national-theatre-at-home">Find out more about the National Theatre streaming service here</a>. There will also be a school touring production of Jekyll &amp; Hyde, adapted by Evan Placey and directed by Kirsty Housley.A full list of shows announced by the <a href="https://cms.ltg.prod.aws.encoretix.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> today are as follows, broken down by venue.<h2 dir="ltr"><a href="/theatres/olivier-theatre-national">Olivier Theatre</a></h2>Anupama Chandrasekhar's <a href="/show/the-father-and-the-assassin">The Father and the Assassin</a> will run in the Olivier Theatre from 12 May to 18 June, with a press night on 19 May. Indhu Rubasingham directs the new play, which follows Nathuram Godse as a devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi through to his radicalisation.&nbsp;Shubham Saraf will play Nathuram Godse alongside Sagar Arya, Ayesha Dharker and Peter Singh. Set and costume design is by Rajha Shakiry, with lighting design is by Oliver Fenwick and sound design by Alex Caplen.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr"><a href="/theatres/lyttelton-theatre-national">Lyttelton Theatre</a></h2><a href="/show/24320-the-corn-is-green">The Corn is Green</a>&nbsp;will run in the Lyttelton Theatre from 7 April to 11 June, with an opening night on 14 April. Nicola Walker leads the cast in Emlyn Williams' play, which follows a teacher in rural North Wales who helps miners out of poverty.&nbsp;Dominic Cooke directs a cast including Adam Baker, Saffron Coomber, Gareth David-Lloyd, Iwan Davies, Ben Alyn Francis, Megan Grech, Jonathan Hawkins, Matthew Hargreaves, Steffan Hughes, Gareth Kennerley, Richard Lynch, Jo McInnes, Alice Orr-Ewing, Steffan Rizzi, Rebecca Todd, Garyn Williams, Peter Willcock and Rufus Wright. Set and costume Design is by ULTZ, with lighting design by Charles Balfour and sound design by Christopher Shutt.<h2 dir="ltr"><a href="/theatres/dorfman-theatre-national">Dorfman Theatre</a></h2>Alecky Blythe's <a href="/show/24319-our-generation">Our Generation</a> will explore journeys into adulthood, and is created from five years of interviews with 12 young people. Daniel Evans will make his National Theatre directorial debut with Our Generation, in a play starring Dee Ahluwalia, Joe Bolland, Anna Burnett, Anushka Chakravarti, Debbie Chazen, Gavi Singh Chera, Rachelle Diedericks, Hasan Dixon, Hélder Fernandes, Sarita Gabony, Conor Gormally, Alex Jarrett, Callum Mardy, Poppy Shepherd and Stephanie Street.The Our Generation creative team includes set design by Vicki Mortimer, costume design by Kinnetia Isidore, video design by Akhila Krishnan, lighting design by Zoe Spurr and sound design by Paul Arditti. Our Generation is&nbsp;from 10 February to 9 April, with an opening night on 17 February.Jude Christian adapts Hamlet for a younger audience, playing in the Dorfman Theatre from 24 March to 6 April. Tinuke Craig directs Hamlet, which will then tour in schools after its National Theatre run. The production is designed by Frankie Bradshaw.&nbsp;Following Beginning at the Dorfman Theatre and a West End transfer at the Ambassadors Theatre in 2017, writer David Eldridge and director Polly Findlay will reunite for Middle next year. Claire Rushbrook and Daniel Ryan will play Gary and Maggie in Middle, the second in a trilogy of David Eldridge's plays exploring love and relationships. Set and costume design are by Fly Davis, and sound design is by Donato Wharton. Middle is at the Dorfman Theatre from 27 April to 18 June, with an official opening on 4 May.<div>Photo credit: National Theatre (Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mond_23/3575680721/in/photolist-kvapvi-nvAkWW-6rYiiB-ns9XXT-nsrmQP-nude2V-nsriw4-nsa1Yx-nsrjcn-nsa716-4bdjVd-nqoZFm-8iKd4k-nudgek-nsai4u-DxvHEm-SiKapD-Qit7D4-naX8hw-nqoWU9-oCek8P-2gWvjhS-5bxhgu-646XgR-64bp95-R8Pok9-2dU7Ytx-R24e6Q-RtAF2m-2jDDzLL-647ahc-23ErY73-647aZR-6zfHkh-t5Zyi-t5Zqq-63p1d9-4b9h7D-nud9Cz-oCej5B-Jd8wYK-t5Z3b-2h8ii1D-Kj8QyT-8Z4saZ-6zfGkQ-wqkmHC-5bsMNP-amaTac-8Z7w99" target="_blank">mondo </a>on Flickr)</div>

National Theatre sets dates and announces new shows for 2022

Photo credit: National Theatre (Photo by mondo on Flickr)

There's Shakespeare adaptations, world premieres and revivals.

Alex Jennings will lead the cast of Stephen Beresford's The Southbury Child in London next summer. The Southbury Child will play for a fortnight at the Chichester Festival Theatre, ahead of transferring to the <a href="/theatres/the-bridge-theatre">Bridge Theatre</a> from 1 July to 27 August.The Southbury Child centres on David Highland, a coastal parish who deals with issues in the local community with charm and determination. When his family falls apart, David has to focus on keeping his position in society.&nbsp;The three-time Olivier Award-winning actor Alex Jennings will play David Highland. His theatre credits include Hansard at the National Theatre, Hymn and Cocktail Sticks. Jennings has also played Prince Charles in The Crown and Alan Bennett in The Lady in the Van.The Southbury Child is the newest play by Stephen Beresford. His writing credits include The Last of the Haussmans at the National Theatre, Fanny &amp; Alexander at The Old Vic and the film Pride. Nicholas Hytner directs The Southbury Child, with scenic design by Mark Thompson costume design by Yvonne Milnes, lighting design by Max Narula and sound design by George Dennis .&nbsp;&nbsp;The Southbury Child is at the <a href="/theatres/the-bridge-theatre">Bridge Theatre</a> from 1 July to 27 August.Photo credit: Alex Jennings and Stephen Beresford (Photos courtesy of Premier Communications)<div>&nbsp;</div>

Alex Jennings to star in ‘The Southbury Child’ at the Bridge Theatre

Photo credit: Alex Jennings and Stephen Beresford (Photos courtesy of Premier Communications)

The Southbury Child [21270]

The Southbury Child

Stephen Beresford’s darkly comic new play is an exploration of family and community, the savage divisions of contemporary society and the rituals that punctuate our lives.

The world premiere of Stephen Beresford's new play will open next summer.

The best way to start off your new year is with plenty of new shows! Happily, London is as busy as ever when it comes to great plays, musicals, comedy, cabaret and more, so you can find loads of enticing options in the West End and beyond in January 2024. 

A new play from Jez Butterworth, who gave us *Jerusalem* and *The Ferryman*, is a definite event, so you won’t want to miss *[The Hills of California](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36247-the-hills-of-california)*. Another hot ticket is the transfer of Broadway hit *[Plaza Suite](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35375-plaza-suite)*, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, while Rodgers and Hammerstein fans will cheer the return of *[The King and I](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28319-the-king-and-i)*.

[Alan Cumming](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37250-alan-cumming-not-acting-his-age) brings his cabaret show to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and over at the Old Vic, you can experience an incredible moment in history with the new Live Aid musical *[Just For One Day](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day)*. Plus there’s amazing 1990s nostalgia on offer thanks to the [*Cruel Intentions* musical](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical).

Book [tickets to London shows in January](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/dec) on London Theatre.

![Plaza Suite](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4MlGLSoHNBCE8XUaZrE8mk/73f0212d8baa2d737045f3d44af04696/plaza_suite_1-1200.jpg)

## *[Plaza Suite](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35375-plaza-suite)*, [Savoy Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/savoy-theatre)

This brilliant revival of Neil Simon’s comedy broke box office records during its smash-hit Broadway run, and is now set to take London by storm. Check into the Plaza Hotel and follow the complex love lives of three different couples in this funny, poignant and riveting show.

It’s a rare chance to see the real-life couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick on stage together. Parker, of course, is beloved for *Sex and the City* – she’s making her West End debut in Plaza Suite. Broderick, a two-time Tony winner, is back following his 2019 London performance in *The Starry Messenger*.

Book [*Plaza Suite* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35375-plaza-suite) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35375&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![The Hills of California - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1L9SNlZpgBTEI4QiHd0nZ9/99d1545d5e44f531b4ccd847b6aecbc3/Article_1200x600__68_.png)

## *[The Hills of California](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36247-the-hills-of-california)*, [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre)

This new play from Jez Butterworth is set in Blackpool during the heatwave of summer 1976. The story begins when the Webb sisters return home to the family’s rundown, backstreet guest house where their mother is dying. 

Butterworth reunites with director Sam Mendes, who last brought to life his Olivier and Tony-winning *The Ferryman*, for this intriguing premiere. The cast features Laura Donnelly (who also starred in *The Ferryman*), Ophelia Lovibond, Leanne Best, Helena Wilson, Bryan Dick, Shaun Dooley and Corey Johnson. 

Book [*The Hills of California* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36247-the-hills-of-california) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36247&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Kim's Convenience - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3tbBvo9ux6vTYeGf1kb0Hs/da3ffd77057af4c69de10da3b7094339/kim.jpg)

## *[Kim’s Convenience](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36250-kims-convenience)*, [Park Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/park-theatre)

Ins Choi’s award-winning show about a Korean family-run convenience store in Toronto became a success in Canada back in 2011 and then reached a global audience when it was turned into a TV sitcom and aired on Netflix (the cast included future Marvel and *Barbie* film star Simu Liu). 

Now London audiences can experience the original version of this thought-provoking and heart-warming story about the immigrant Mr Kim and his difficulty relating to his Canada-born children in Park Theatre’s staging of the show, once again starring Choi.

Book [*Kim’s Convenience* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36250-kims-convenience) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36250&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![The King and I - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6fywekiIuo0oJtbXhQXDtb/198e873be3fa6fc66b894970e2b72bd1/King-1200-050423.jpg)

## *[The King and I](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28319-the-king-and-i)*, [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/dominion-theatre)

Bartlett Sher’s glorious, Tony-winning revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s *The King and I* is back in the West End, this time starring Helen George (*Call the Midwife*) as the intrepid governess Anna Leonowens, and Broadway star Darren Lee as the King of Siam.

See this ravishing musical in an epic production, and enjoy all of those wonderful Golden Age songs – including “Getting to Know You,” “Something Wonderful,” “I Have Dreamed,” “Whistle a Happy Tune” and, of course, “Shall We Dance?”

Book [*The King and I* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28319-the-king-and-i) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=28319&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Alan Cumming - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/asSze8SnFpEzZ82PkzNuv/4677fb00fea96b03a5fa3414a0fe767a/alan.jpg)

## *[Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37250-alan-cumming-not-acting-his-age)*, [Theatre Royal Drury Lane](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane)

The star of stage and screen, whose wide range of roles include his Tony-winning Emcee in *Cabaret*, movies such as *GoldenEye*, *Burlesque* and *X2*, and TV series like *The Good Wife* and *Schmigadoon*, brings his new cabaret show to the West End.

At 58, Alan Cumming celebrates his joie de vivre with an eclectic set list – Kander and Ebb, of course, but also contemporary song and even some original material riffing on botox. Cumming also shares hilarious stories from his life.

Book [*Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37250-alan-cumming-not-acting-his-age) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37250&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Just For One Day - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7DfWEsNjDnBRjBmk2SaYjm/12047f9530c303709db9d6ca52ec1a43/Article_1200x600__25_.png)

## *[Just For One Day](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day)*, [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre)

Turn back the clock to a very special day in July 1985, when the whole world was united by music. New musical *Just For One Day* tells the story of how the Live Aid concert raised an incredible $127 million for famine relief, with simultaneous performances at Wembley Stadium in London and the John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.

John O’Farrell writes the book, Luke Sheppard directs, and the show features the incredible Live Aid music that billions of people watched – from Bob Dylan, Queen and David Bowie to Diana Ross, Status Quo, Bryan Adams and more.

Book [*Just For One Day* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35497&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Cruel Intentions - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/61r1tL3BhEhUP8n8F2Osbz/fe81df65773c0032ed37c2c405d9c638/Article_1200x600__55_.png)

## *[Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical)*, [The Other Palace](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/the-other-palace)

The iconic movie update of *Les Liaisons Dangereuses* featured a who’s who of 1990s talent: Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Selma Blair, plus a scene-stealing Christine Baranski. Now *Cruel Intentions* is reborn as a tongue-in-cheek stage musical.

This production, previously seen in New York and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the film. Watch manipulative step-siblings Sebastian and Kathryn compete in their sexual power games, accompanied by ’90s favourites like The Verve, R.E.M., Britney, TLC, and much more.

Book [*Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36246&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Othello - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3dcAblx8XyVtDytInkff6r/bc198d946b5261d490244c037db1ce02/image.jpg)

## *[Othello](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26187-othello-tickets)*, [Sam Wanamaker Playhouse](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/sam-wanamaker-playhouse)

It’s the 10th anniversary season of the Globe’s candlelit indoor space, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, and what better play to make use of its atmospheric intimacy than Shakespeare’s great domestic tragedy, *Othello*?

Ola Ince, who created the Globe’s stirring *Romeo and Juliet* in 2021, returns to direct this provocative contemporary update. She moves the action from 16th-century Venice to modern-day London, all the better to explore pressing topical issues like institutional racism and toxic masculinity.

Book [*Othello* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26187-othello-tickets) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=26187&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Afterglow - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2pfX386Bd2eKPDT95BYHjc/f47c4f95414c58f1b394bbc93a0ae8e3/Article_1200x600__41_.png)

## *[Afterglow](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36122-afterglow)*, [Southwark Playhouse](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/southwark-playhouse)

Back by popular demand, S Asher Gelman’s acclaimed Off-Broadway play returns for an encore run at Southwark Playhouse, where it had its UK premiere in 2019. Gelman is once again directing his raw, funny and sexy modern love story.

A cast featuring Peter McPherson, James Nicholson, Victor Hugo and Paddy Cavendish tell this tale of Josh and Alex, who are married but in an open relationship, and how a threesome redefines and challenges their whole dynamic.

Book [*Afterglow* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36122-afterglow) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36122&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Rehab - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/5NFA0nDquYOvRhg4vPVBhF/35f05e3aa6e4031e36e36fbbc18935d6/Article_1200x600__42_.png)

## *[Rehab the Musical](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36337-rehab-the-musical)*, NEON 194

There’s another chance to catch this new British musical by Grant Black, Murray Lachlan Young and Elliot Davis, which premiered at the Playground Theatre in 2022, as it comes to NEON 194.

Pop star Kid Pop winds up in rehab following a tabloid sting, but will he actually embrace a second chance? The cast includes Keith Allen, Mica Paris, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Christian Maynard, Jodi Steele and Oscar Conlon-Morrey.

Book [*Rehab the Musical* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36337-rehab-the-musical) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36337&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

Top theatre to see in London in January

plaza suite 1200x600 LT

Find out the best shows to see in London in January 2024, including exciting new plays, big West End musicals, and Hollywood A-listers coming to town.

We’ve seen some incredible theatre in 2023, and next year looks set to be just as exciting – if not more! There’s a ton of great London shows opening in 2024, from starry revivals and bold premieres to Broadway hits heading to the West End.

You won’t want to miss Sir Ian McKellen’s return to Shakespeare in *[Player Kings](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37071-player-kings)*. Matt Smith is back on stage too with *[An Enemy of the People](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14324-an-enemy-of-the-people)*, as is *Succession*’s Brian Cox in *[Long Day’s Journey Into Night](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35498-long-days-journey-into-night)*, while Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick co-star in *[Plaza Suite](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35375-plaza-suite)*.

Broadway’s *[MJ The Musical](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28638-mj-the-musical)* moonwalks over the pond, and the acclaimed *[Hadestown](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets)* also gets a fresh London run. Plus homegrown hit *[Standing at the Sky’s Edge](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27671-standing-at-the-skys-edge)* completes its journey from Sheffield to the West End – and gird your loins for *[The Devil Wears Prada](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/34706-the-devil-wears-prada)* and *[Mean Girls](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35503-mean-girls)*.

Book [tickets to London shows in 2024](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on) on London Theatre.

![Hadestown - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/9yzEeVUR52fq7dqdUHsF1/0ede62873a4b0a81faceac7799cfc26e/hadestown.jpg)

## *[Hadestown](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets)*, [Lyric Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/lyric-theatre)

Journey way down to *[Hadestown](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets)*, Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony-winning musical which fuses New Orleans jazz and American folk to tell the story of an Ancient Greek myth in a whole new way. The show previously stopped by the National Theatre on its way to Broadway – now we finally get to see it in the West End.

Follow lovers Orpheus and Eurydice as they battle to survive the Depression, and to stay together. The fantastic London cast features Dónal Finn, Grace Hodgett Young, Zachary James, Melanie La Barrie and Gloria Onitiri.

Book [*Hadestown* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=24465&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Ian McKellen - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1RsMCMz1LVfDLvd1ShNmiB/a0c6da1235fe1ca8d3604c262d0a12ac/ian_mckellen.jpg)

## *[Player Kings](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37071-player-kings)*, [Noël Coward Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/noel-coward-theatre)

Sir Ian McKellen is back in the West End, starring as another knight, Sir John Falstaff, in this fresh reworking of Shakespeare’s *Henry IV Parts 1* and *2*. Falstaff is the raucous pal of Prince Hal, but can the latter become the leader that England needs while retaining his friendship?

Shakespeare’s plays get a bold new slant from the acclaimed writer and director Robert Icke, who has previously put his stamp on the *Oresteia*, *The Doctor*, and an Andrew Scott-starring *Hamlet*. His team-up with McKellen is sure to be one of the theatrical highlights of 2024.

Book [*Player Kings* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37071-player-kings) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37071&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![MJ The Musical](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/57IYXLargE99tH37LPlauj/09a57e7965f709872b9ecf19e98d7011/mj_review-1200.jpg)

## *[MJ The Musical](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28638-mj-the-musical)*, [Prince Edward Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/prince-edward-theatre)

The King of Pop is moonwalking into the West End as this hit Broadway musical makes its much-anticipated transfer. Myles Frost, who won the Best Actor Tony for his incredible portrayal of Michael Jackson, is also coming over with the show.

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, the high-voltage production follows Jackson as he prepares for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and looks back on his journey to stardom. It features indelible tunes like “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller”.

Book [*MJ The Musical* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28638-mj-the-musical) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=28638&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![An Enemy of the People Matt Smith - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3kJXahpeOsJqPaaah6L1tk/39cf7b737bf8fb95a736cb76573acba4/An_Enemy_of_the_People_Matt_Smith_-_LT_-_1200x600.png)

## *[An Enemy of the People](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14324-an-enemy-of-the-people)*, [Duke of York’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/duke-of-yorks-theatre)

[Matt Smith](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/learn-more-about-matt-smith-before-seeing-him-in-an-enemy-of-the-people) heads to the  West End in Thomas Ostermeier’s contemporary staging of Ibsen’s classic play. He stars as Dr Thomas Stockmann, who discovers the terrible truth about the spas that finance his entire town, and must weigh his ethical responsibility against the community’s needs.

Smith is known to millions for his roles in *Doctor Who* and *House of the Dragon*. He’ll be joined in *An Enemy of the People* by Jessica Brown Findlay, Priyanga Burford, Zachary Hart, Paul Hilton, Nigel Lindsay and Shubham Saraf.

Book [*An Enemy of the People* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14324-an-enemy-of-the-people) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=14324&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Standing at the Sky's Edge - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2Ls3hHKAQWQTuKLRsq43an/ccf2e06ba5c3ea0b1b34d9b1eb82a117/Article_1200x600__64_.png)

## *[Standing at the Sky’s Edge](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27671-standing-at-the-skys-edge)*, [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre)

Robert Hastie’s phenomenal Sheffield Crucible production, which went on to wow audiences at the National Theatre and win the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, now makes a triumphant transfer to the West End.

Chris Bush’s wonderful book follows three generations of inhabitants at the titular estate, cleverly interweaving songs by Richard Hawley. The cast includes Laura Pitt-Pulford, Elizabeth Ayodele, Samuel Jordan, Joel Harper-Jackson, Rachael Wooding, Mel Lowe and Lauryn Redding.

Book [*Standing at the Sky’s Edge* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27671-standing-at-the-skys-edge) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=27671&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Plaza Suite](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4MlGLSoHNBCE8XUaZrE8mk/73f0212d8baa2d737045f3d44af04696/plaza_suite_1-1200.jpg)

## *[Plaza Suite](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35375-plaza-suite)*, [Savoy Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/savoy-theatre)

Broadway audiences went crazy for this revival of Neil Simon’s relationship comedy and its stars, the real-life married couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Now London gets the chance to see the pair in action as *Plaza Suite* comes to town.

The play gives us an intimate view of three couples who all happen to stay in the same suite at the Plaza Hotel. Hilarious and heartfelt, it’s a comic gem – plus this is the *Sex and the City* star’s much-anticipated West End debut.

Book [*Plaza Suite* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35375-plaza-suite) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35375&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Hello Dolly - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7q2zFoSSOhxF9k8bt0qBDd/6017e674ffbad38dc8e52b344d2c3655/hello_dolly.jpg)

## *[Hello, Dolly!](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly?)*, [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium)

[Imelda Staunton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/learn-more-about-imelda-stauntons-career-ahead-of-hello-dolly) is back in a stage musical – and it’s a glorious one. Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s timeless comedy centres on matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, who uses her talents to find love for everyone, including herself. 

Staunton has won numerous Oliviers for her work in shows like *Guys and Dolls*, *Gypsy*, *Sweeney Todd* and *Follies*, as well as playing Elizabeth II in *The Crown*. She’s joined in *Hello, Dolly!* by Andy Nyman, Jenna Russell, Tyrone Huntley and Harry Hepple, and is directed by Dominic Cooke.

Book [*Hello, Dolly!* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly?) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37374&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![mean girls-1200x600-LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2Qnn9zCGC6HYuDt2PTsRuR/d86b4b9348baf152c3000f8ea3afcc47/mg.jpg)

## *[Mean Girls](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35503-mean-girls?)*, [Savoy Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/savoy-theatre)

Finally! The long-awaited UK premiere of Broadway musical *Mean Girls* arrives in 2024 – that’s so fetch. Follow Cady Heron as she enters the wild world of high school and, teaming up with outcasts Janis and Damian, takes on Regina George and the infamous Plastics.

Tina Fey adapts her beloved 2004 movie comedy into a stage musical along with composer husband Jeff Richmond and *Legally Blonde* lyricist Nell Benjamin (and next year also sees a movie version of that musical hitting the big screen!). Casey Nicholaw directs.

Book [*Mean Girls* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35503-mean-girls?) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35503&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Long Day's Journey into Night - 1200 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1UsxK0iqhweSzNnuhTqTpT/af377e5508560be1c80fd4831a8e28ea/LDJIN_Q2_007_Press_Image_LS_VA.jpg)

## *[Long Day’s Journey Into Night](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35498-long-days-journey-into-night?)*, [Wyndham’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/wyndhams-theatre)

Here’s an irresistible prospect: Jeremy Herrin directs the great [Brian Cox](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/learn-more-about-brian-coxs-career-ahead-of-long-days-journey-into-night) in Eugene O’Neill’s mighty family drama. Set in 1912, in Connecticut, the autobiographical *Long Day’s Journey Into Night* tackles addiction, mental health issues, jealousy, and shattered dreams.

*Succession* star Cox is joined by an exciting company for this revival: acclaimed Hollywood actress Patricia Clarkson, *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*’s Anthony Boyle, Daryl McCormack of movie *Good Luck to You, Leo Grande*, and *Derry Girls* actress Louisa Harland.

Book [*Long Day’s Journey Into Night* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35498-long-days-journey-into-night?) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35498&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Opening Night Sheridan Smith - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/55ESloy4JTfmUqltBcAwwf/f4a1f5e88f64ef20878fcc6fb80ad3c7/Article_1200x600__66_.png)

## *[Opening Night](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36785-opening-night)*, [Gielgud Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gielgud-theatre)

Ivo van Hove directs [Sheridan Smith](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/sheridan-smith) in this new musical adaptation of the John Cassavetes film *Opening Night*, about an actress who is haunted by a dead fan, and how backstage drama fuels the onstage action. The show will have original songs written by Rufus Wainwright.

That’s a serious collection of talent. Van Hove has won praise for his distinctive productions of everything from *All About Eve* (starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James) to his bold Broadway revival of *West Side Story*, while the Olivier-winning Smith has starred in *Legally Blonde*, *Funny Girl* and more.

Book [*Opening Night* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36785-opening-night) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36785&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![The Hills of California - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1L9SNlZpgBTEI4QiHd0nZ9/99d1545d5e44f531b4ccd847b6aecbc3/Article_1200x600__68_.png)

## *[The Hills of California](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36247-the-hills-of-california)*, [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre)

The dream team of Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes – who last collaborated on The Ferryman – are back together. Mendes directs Butterworth’s new play, a family drama set in the stifling heatwave of summer 1976, in Blackpool. 

The excellent cast includes Laura Donnelly (another holdover from *The Ferryman*), Ophelia Lovibond, Leanne Best, Helena Wilson, Bryan Dick, Shaun Dooley and Corey Johnson. This one is bound to sell out fast, so don’t wait too long. 

Book [*The Hills of California* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36247-the-hills-of-california) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36247&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![The Devil Wears Prada - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6JJjcW13rprZlFLYXwCpE8/961f3d8579084e83e214108ef70b50d9/Article_1200x600.png)

## *[The Devil Wears Prada](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/34706-the-devil-wears-prada)*, [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/dominion-theatre)

London audiences, beware: Miranda Priestly is on her way. Yes, the stylish musical adaptation of the iconic movie about a cut-throat fashion magazine is coming to London – so don the Chanel boots, gird your loins, and prepare to hit the runway.

Elton John has supplied the score for this new take on Lauren Weisberger’s tell-all novel, which inspired the blockbuster film starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt, and Jerry Mitchell directs. Who will strut their stuff as Miranda in the West End? We’ll soon find out!

Book [*The Devil Wears Prada* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/34706-the-devil-wears-prada) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=34706&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

![Just For One Day - LT - 1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7DfWEsNjDnBRjBmk2SaYjm/12047f9530c303709db9d6ca52ec1a43/Article_1200x600__25_.png)

## *[Just For One Day](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day)*, [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre)

The Old Vic takes us back to that incredible day in July 1985 when music brought the world together, with the record-breaking Live Aid concert watched by billions and raising $127 million for famine relief.

This new musical, written by John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard, revisits the landmark event. It’s an extraordinary piece of modern history, plus a great excuse to celebrate music by Live Aid performers like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Diana Ross and Queen.

Book [*Just For One Day* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day) on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35497&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=117)

The best London shows to see in 2024

Mean Girls LON - WL Banner

Find out the best shows to see in London in 2024, including big Broadway transfers and intriguing premieres, and start planning your trips to the capital now.

For a killer plot that’ll have you in stitches, look no further than Steven Moffat’s new comedy *The Unfriend*, which has released rehearsal photos ahead of its West End return on 16 December.

Opening at [Wyndham's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/wyndhams-theatre), the play is directed by Mark Gatiss and follows holidaymakers Peter and Debbie, who befriend Elsa: a Trump-loving widow from the US. When Elsa invites herself to stay with them a few months later, the couple decide to look her up online. But when they learn the truth, it’s too late, as she’s already on a flight to London.

The new comedy has an all-star cast including Lee Mack (*Would I Lie to You, Not Going Out, Inside No. 9*), Sarah Alexander (*Jonathan Creek, Green Wing, Smack the Pony, Coupling*), Frances Barber (*Silk, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool*), and Nick Sampson (*Witness for the Prosecution, Antony and Cleopatra*).

Check out photos of the cast in rehearsals for this hilarious new comedy, booking now until 9 March.

Book [*The Unfriend* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26431-the-unfriend) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=26431&content_product_id=26431&venue_id=125&product_type=show&qt=2)

![Jem Matthews and Lee Mack the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4Ghh47ooLgmL6XbPgzhxAA/ecf89b3f135152e95d178581e581c947/Jem_Matthews_and_Lee_Mack_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Jem Matthews and Lee Mack.

![Lee Mack and Maddie Holliday the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/20BbmIkKGUgGRMVlstoANf/759ac02e20faa25839629d42d0470b6f/Lee_Mack_and_Maddie_Holliday_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Lee Mack and Maddie Holliday.

![Nick Sampson and Lee Mack the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/5LKI8gjhntcqQlWuFQzxjX/af9c45fce2586f9c76484827f5e7ad3b/Nick_Sampson_and_Lee_Mack_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Nick Sampson and Lee Mack.

![Sarah Alexander and Director Mark Gatiss the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6oFmhUtfuYnStWgWYbEr4c/079511a2f70bb709a23263d3cb447ab1/Sarah_Alexander_and_Director_Mark_Gatiss_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Sarah Alexander and director Mark Gatiss.

![Sarah Alexander and Lee Mack the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/5T2NNHxTEThKg34ls5L1J2/b0c3f1180164166b78f1054089fae926/Sarah_Alexander_and_Lee_Mack_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Sarah Alexander and Lee Mack.

![Sarah Alexander, Lee Mack and Director Mark Gatiss the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2Z56cdkgGkImrGd8U4LxIW/a76896481c6b8653d3a859d8b17dedca/Sarah_Alexander__Lee_Mack_and_Director_Mark_Gatiss_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Sarah Alexander, Lee Mack and Mark Gatiss.

![Sarah Alexander, Muzz Khan and Lee Mack the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7Kh5OgUJihje1V2ugXcVOY/f0cbbe8bef19b8c2bc83d2738b264400/Sarah_Alexander__Muzz_Khan_and_Lee_Mack_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Sarah Alexander, Muzz Khan and Lee Mack.

![Lee Mack the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/41bxaHIzSr59FQ4gNkBdKM/52be994c835613b36e0641c0c74589e4/Lee_Mack_the_unfriend_1200x600_photo_Craig_Sugden.jpg)

Lee Mack.

*Photo credit: the cast of The Unfriend. (Photos by Craig Sugden)*

See rehearsal photos for ‘The Unfriend,' starring Lee Mack

new crop Lee Mack the unfriend 1200x600 photo Craig Sugden

The Unfriend - LON [26431]

The Unfriend

Fresh from breaking Box Office records earlier this year, prepare to welcome The Unfriend back to the West End for a strictly limited run at Wyndham’s Theatre from 16 December.

The celebrated team behind Sherlock, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, bring a new comedy about a couple who make the wrong friend abroad to London’s West End.

Hello, Imelda! One of the buzziest West End openings of 2024 sees the incredible Imelda Staunton starring in Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s beloved musical [*Hello, Dolly!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly). The revival, directed by Dominic Cooke (who worked his magic with Stephen Sondheim’s *Follies* at the National Theatre), plays at the [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium) from July.

Staunton takes on the iconic role of indomitable matchmaker Dolly Levi, previously played by the likes of Carol Channing, Barbra Streisand, Mary Martin, and Bette Midler. She’s joined in this London revival by an amazing cast featuring Jenna Russell, Andy Nyman, Tyrone Huntley, and Harry Hepple. 

Herman’s wonderful score includes enduring numbers like “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Elegance,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the great title number. Get ready for Staunton’s next great performance by looking back at her remarkable career on stage and screen.

Book [*Hello, Dolly!* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37374&content_product_id=37374&venue_id=165&product_type=show&qt=2)

## Imelda Staunton’s beginnings

Imelda Staunton was born in north London in 1956. Her parents – first-generation immigrants from Ireland – worked as a hairdresser and a labourer, and the family home was over her mother’s salon. They were a musical clan, too: her mother could play the fiddle and the accordion.

Staunton first took an interest in acting while at school, playing roles such as Polly in *The Beggar’s Opera*. She auditioned for several drama schools and won a place at RADA, graduating in 1976.

## Imelda Staunton on stage

Staunton made her professional start performing at venues like Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, and playing starring roles early on – such as George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan. She then began her successful association with the National Theatre, returning to *The Beggar’s Opera* to play Lucy Lockit in 1982. That scored her the first of her 13 Olivier Award nominations.

A major revival of *Guys and Dolls* that same year at the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre) saw Staunton win acclaim and another nomination for her Miss Adelaide (taking over the role from Julia McKenzie) and introduced her to her husband Jim Carter. 

Staunton won her first Olivier in 1985 for her work in two shows: Emlyn Williams’s *The Corn is Green* at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) and Alan Ayckbourn’s *A Chorus of Disapproval* at the National. In 1988, she played Sonya in Anton Chekhov’s *Uncle Vanya* in the West End, and she scored another Olivier nod for her Dorothy in *The Wizard of Oz* at the [Barbican](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/barbican). 

Her intense interpretation of Sondheim roles began with an Olivier-winning Baker’s Wife in the original London production of *Into the Woods* at the [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/phoenix-theatre) in 1990. However, the next few years saw Staunton mainly appearing in plays, such as Yasmina Reza’s *Life x 3* at the National, Joe Orton’s *Entertaining Mr Sloane* in the West End, and Edward Albee’s *A Delicate Balance* at the [Almeida Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/almeida-theatre).

But in 2011 came Staunton’s definitive Mrs Lovett in *Sweeney Todd*, opposite [Michael Ball](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/michael-ball), at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and then 2014 saw her astonishing Rose in *Gypsy* – first at Chichester, then in the West End. Both saw Staunton win more Olivier Awards.

Staunton returned to drama for a towering Martha in Albee’s *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* in the West End in 2017, then switched back to Sondheim for the landmark revival of *Follies* at the National Theatre, playing Sally. Most recently, she appeared in the new version of Alan Bennett’s *Talking Heads* at the [Bridge Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/the-bridge-theatre), in 2020.

![Follies - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/64xND2CejXRB3Z6ove3p9q/d5b6e0a8f32307477f56697402aef75c/follies-imelda-staunton.jpeg)

## Imelda Staunton in film

Staunton made her big-screen debut in the 1986 historical movie *Comrades*. She appeared in the British ensemble film *Peter’s Friends* in 1992, and she had supporting roles in the Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson-led *Much Ado About Nothing* in 1993, and the Thompson-led and scripted *Sense and Sensibility* in 1995.

More Shakespeare followed with the film adaptation of *Twelfth Night* in 1996, and then the Oscar-winning *Shakespeare in Love* in 1998, in which Staunton played nurse to Gwyneth Paltrow’s noblewoman. She added her voice to 2000 animation *Chicken Run* (and is returning for its upcoming sequel), and appeared in Stephen Fry’s Evelyn Waugh adaptation *Bright Young Things* in 2003.

However, it wasn’t until 2004 that cinemagoers really saw what Staunton can do. She played the title role, a backstreet abortionist in 1950, in Mike Leigh’s searing drama *Vera Drake*; the film won the Golden Lion at Venice, while Leigh and Staunton were both nominated for Oscars and won BAFTAs.

Staunton was memorably creepy as the villainous Dolores Umbridge in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, in 2007, and she reprised the role in its sequel *The Deathly Hallows – Part 1* in 2010. She also reunited with Leigh in 2010 for *Another Year*, and was part of a magnificent ensemble in the British film *Pride* in 2014.

Staunton voiced Aunt Lucy in the *Paddington* films in 2014 and 2017 (and is set to do so again in the upcoming *Paddington in Peru*). She played a fairy in the *Maleficent* films in 2014 and 2019 and joined the *Downton Abbey* cast for its big-screen outings in 2019 and 2022.

![Imelda Staunton in A Lady of Letters, part of the Talking Heads series](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2lM9kpzmFfJYTVibe3aBkB/e2a183122e18cf92819a0b3f26c6a5b9/Imelda_1200x600.png)

## Imelda Staunton on TV

Staunton’s TV career began with an episode of the *Playhouse* anthology series in 1982. Guest roles followed, including in *The Singing Detective* in 1986, and she starred in the romantic comedy series *Up the Garden Path* from 1990-93.

Staunton led the black comedy *If You See God, Tell Him* in 1993, the American TV drama *Citizen X* in 1995, and the British sitcom *Is It Legal?* from 1995-98. She also guest-starred in the Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie sketch show *A Bit of Fry and Laurie*, and she played The Prioress in the TV adaptation of Chaucer’s *Canterbury Tales* in 1998.

More period drama followed with *David Copperfield* in 1999, *Cambridge Spies* in 2003 (in which Staunton played The Queen Mother), *Fingersmith* in 2005, and *Cranford* in 2007. Staunton also played Louisa Durrell in *My Family and Other Animals* in 2005.

Staunton guest-starred in the horror series *Psychoville* in 2010 and played The Interface in an episode of *Doctor Who* in 2011. The following year, she won acclaim – and an Emmy nomination – for playing the wife of Alfred Hitchcock in HBO’s *The Girl*.

Staunton once again teamed up with Michael Ball for Victoria Wood’s *That Day We Sang* in 2014, and, in 2020, she starred in the thriller *Flesh and Blood*, performed one of Bennett’s *Talking Heads* monologues, and joined the cast of comedy series *Trying*.

Most recently, Staunton took on her biggest TV role to date: playing Elizabeth II in the fifth and sixth seasons of royal drama *The Crown* on Netflix. Staunton got a Golden Globe nomination for her regal portrayal of the late monarch, and she reprises the role for the final instalment of the series this month.

It will be a right royal pleasure to see Staunton back on stage in *Hello, Dolly!* – her first musical since that wonderful *Follies*. Tickets are bound to go fast, so don’t wait too long to plan your trip in 2024.

Book [*Hello, Dolly!* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37374&content_product_id=37374&venue_id=165&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: Imelda Staunton in Follies at the National Theatre (Photo by Johan Persson)*

*Imelda Staunton in Lady of Letters at the Bridge Theatre (Photo by Zac Nicholson)*

Learn more about Imelda Staunton's career ahead of 'Hello, Dolly!'

Imelda Staunton - LT - 1200x600

No under 4s admitted. Booster seats are not permitted on the Royal Circle and Grand Circle levels for health and safety reasons.

Hello, Dolly! - LON

Hello, Dolly!

Imelda Staunton will be back where she belongs in Hello, Dolly! next summer, as one of the most iconic musicals of all time comes to The London Palladium.

Imelda Staunton returns to the West End in summer 2024 to star in a major revival of Jerry Herman's classic musical *Hello, Dolly!* at the London Palladium.

The National Theatre has set its full cast for *Till the Stars Come Down*, a new play by Beth Steel. Performances begin on 24 January and run until 16 March.

Philip Whitchurch joins the previously announced cast of Lorraine Ashbourne, Lucy Black, Lisa McGrillis, Sinéad Matthews, Derek Riddell, Ruby Stokes, Alan Williams, and Marc Wootton. 

Young performers Maggie Livermore, Cadence Williams, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach share the role of Sarah.

The play, which opens at the Dorfman and marks Steel’s mainstage debut at the National, is set during a wedding over the course of a hot summer’s day. As a family prepares to welcome a newcomer into the fold, passions rise and the limits of love are tested.

The creative team includes director Bijan Sheibani (*[A Taste of Honey](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/review-a-taste-of-honey-at-trafalgar-studios), Barber Shop Chronicles*), set and costume designer Samal Blak, lighting designer Paule Constable, choreographer and movement director Aline David, sound designer Gareth Fry, fight director Kev McCurdy, intimacy coordinator Asha Jennings-Grant, staff director Stephan Mysko von Schultze, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG and children’s casting Chloe Blake.

Check back for information about *Till the Stars Come Down* tickets on London Theatre.

*Photo credit: the cast of Till the Stars Come Down. (Photo courtesy of the production)*

‘Till the Stars Come Down’ announces full cast at National Theatre 

till the stars come down 1200x600 LT x2 (1)

Former National Theatre writer-in-residence Beth Steel makes her mainstage debut with a play about a family struggling to come to terms with a changing world.

It only takes a moment to realise why [*Hello, Dolly!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly), starring the inimitable [Imelda Staunton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/imelda-staunton), should be on your list of musicals to see in the West End in 2024. 

Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s musical follows widow and meddling socialite Dolly Levi, who ventures to New York to find a match for the miserly, unmarried "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. However, everything changes when she decides that the next match she makes will be for herself.

After a series of delays, the musical finally finds a home at the [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium) in 2024, so don’t wait to grab your *Hello, Dolly!* tickets on London Theatre.

## Say hello to Imelda!

Even if you’ve never seen *Hello, Dolly!*, you’ve definitely heard of Imelda Staunton. She has graced the screen in box office hits such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and, more recently, Netflix’s royal drama The Crown, as the late Queen Elizabeth II. But she also has a long and much-lauded [career on the stage](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/learn-more-about-imelda-stauntons-career-ahead-of-hello-dolly), earning her 13 Olivier Award nominations.

Plus, her return to the stage also means a reunion with director Dominic Cooke, with whom she worked on the stunning 2017 revival of Stephen Sondheim’s *Follies* at the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre).  

## A series of delays hasn’t stopped *Hello, Dolly!* from making it to the West End.

The theatre industry suffered some crushing blows during the pandemic, and *Hello, Dolly!* is no exception. Initially scheduled to open in 2020 for a 30-week run at the [Adelphi Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/adelphi-theatre), the production was put on ice. With the Adelphi now housing the sci-fi musical [*Back to the Future*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/22396-back-to-the-future-the-musical-tickets), the show moved to the London Palladium, which means a greater seating capacity (2,300 seats!) and a 10-week run. So if you want to catch this much-anticipated and long-delayed musical while it’s in the West End, the time is now! 

## The *Hello, Dolly!* cast is brimming with talent. 

While Staunton undeniably provides the star power for *Hello, Dolly!*, she is just one ofjoined by an incredibly talented group of performers. Olivier Award-winning actress Jenna Russell, who gave critically acclaimed performances in *Sunday in the Park with George, Merrily We Roll Along*, and *Fun Home*, is Irene Molloy. Andy Nyman, best known for his horror play *Ghost Stories*, is Horace Vandergelder. Tyrone Huntley, who portrayed Judas in *Jesus Christ Superstar*, is Barnaby Tucker, and Harry Hepple, set to return to [*Hamilton*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/20561-hamilton-tickets) next year, plays Cornelius Hackl.  

## *Hello, Dolly!* has a winning writing team.

Hello, Dolly! is a classic show from powerhouses Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Michael Stewart (book). Herman is best known for composing the music and lyrics for *Mame* and *La Cage aux Folles*, while Stewart authored Broadway musicals including *Bye Bye Birdie* and *42nd Street*.

With Herman’s death in December 2019, this production of *Hello, Dolly!* takes on an even greater significance: Staunton and Cooke reportedly received permission to move around the show’s opening scenes and change one of its songs before he died.

## Who doesn’t love a strong female lead?

*Hello, Dolly!* regularly attracts talented actors to the title role: Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Pearl Bailey, Mary Martin, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters and, perhaps most famously, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Barbra Streisand. Phew!

Now’s your chance to sing along to hits made famous by some of the most talented women in the business, such as "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "It Only Takes a Moment." It’s so nice to have this classic back where it belongs.

Book [*Hello, Dolly!* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37374&content_product_id=37374&venue_id=165&product_type=show&qt=2)

Why 'Hello, Dolly!' starring Imelda Staunton is a must-see summer musical

hello dolly-1200x600-LT

Find out why this much-loved classic, which is heading for the London Palladium for a 10-week run starting in July, should be on your 2024 theatre wish list.

[*Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical) has set initial casting for its run at [The Other Palace](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/the-other-palace) in London, ahead of the performance start date on 11 January.

The *Cruel Intentions* London cast includes Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Kathryn, Daniel Bravo as Sebastian, Abbie Budden as Annette, Rose Galbraith as Cecile, Josh Barnett as Blaine, Jess Buckby as Ms Bunny Caldwell / Dr Greenbaum, Nickcolia King-N’Da as Ronald, and Barney Wilkinson as Greg. Further casting will be announced in due course.

The musical follows stepsiblings Kathryn and Sebastian, who make a bet to see if Sebastian can seduce the virtuous daughter of their elite high school's headmaster. Based on the hit 1999 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair, the *Cruel Intentions* musical features a score of pop hits from the 1990s.

Book [*Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical) on London Theatre now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36246&content_product_id=36246&venue_id=782&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: Josh Barnett, Daniel Bravo, Jess Buckby, Abbie Budden,  
Rose Galbraith, Nickcolia King-N’Da, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, and Barney Wilkinson. (Photos courtesy of production)*

'Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical' sets London cast

cruel intentions-1200x600-LT

Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical - LON 

Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical

A must-see experience in New York and Los Angeles and following a sold-out, critically-acclaimed production in the Assembly Palais du Variété spiegeltent at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, finally hits London.


The Other Palace will present the jukebox musical adaptation of the hit 1999 movie, with performances beginning on 11 January for a limited 14-week run.

The world premiere of [*Just For One Day*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day) in the West End has announced its full cast, with performances beginning at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) on 26 January.

The *Just For One Day* cast includes Jason Battersby, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Olly Dobson, Joe Edgar, Kerry Enright, Jo Foster, Collette Guitart, Eddie Mann, AJ Lewis, Joel Montague, Rachel Moran, Abiona Omonua, Jack Shalloo, Danielle Steers, Tamara Tare, and Dyd Wynford.

They join the previously announced Julie Atherton, Ashley Campbell, Jackie Clune, Craige Els, James Hameed, Naomi Katiyo, Hope Kenna, Freddie Love, Emily Ooi, and Rhys Wilkinson.

The new musical by John O’Farrell (*[Mrs Doubtfire](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24395-mrs.-doubtfire), Something Rotten*) tells the story of the 1985 fundraising concert Live Aid, which saw 70 artists across London and Philadelphia perform for free, raising $127 million for charity.

The musical features songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders, and more.

Luke Sheppard (*[& Juliet](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/review-max-martin-musical-and-juliet-shaftesbury-theatre), [The Little Big Things](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/30038-the-little-big-things)*) directs. “It is a great privilege to have such extraordinary artists join our company,” he said in a statement. “This piece is all about the power of people coming together and I can’t wait to see what this group of brilliant performers will achieve on the legendary Old Vic stage.”

The creative team includes set designer Soutra Gilmour, costume designer Fay Fullerton, lighting designer Howard Hudson, musical supervisor and orchestrator Matthew Brind, choreographer Ebony Molina, sound designer Gareth Owen, and video and animation designer Andrzej Goulding.

Book [*Just For One Day* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35497&content_product_id=35497&venue_id=191&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: the cast of Just For One Day. (Photo courtesy of production)*

‘Just For One Day’ reveals full West End cast

just for one day 1200x600 LT

Just For One Day | Old Vic - LON

Just For One Day

Relive the day music brought the world together.   

The jukebox musical brings the story of Live Aid to the stage at the Old Vic next year, featuring songs from Bob Dylan and David Bowie, among others.

The multi-award-winning play *Red Pitch* is set to transfer to the West End’s newest venue @sohoplace for a strictly limited seven-week run beginning 15 March. The play will replace *The Little Big Things,* which runs until 2 March.

The play, written by Tyrell Williams, will return with its original cast: Kedar Williams-Stirling (*Sex Education*), Emeka Sesay (*The Power*) and Francis Lovehall (*Small Axe*). Bush Theatre’s associate artistic director Daniel Bailey directs.

[In a four-star review on London Theatre, our critic said:](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/red-pitch-review-bush-theatre) “The play works as both a striking portrait of friendship rent asunder but also reinforced, and as a separate enquiry into a community under threat.”

Originally performed at the Bush Theatre in February 2022, the production has won a number of awards including the George Devine Award and Best New Play at the OffWestEnd Awards. Writer Williams was named Best Writer at the Stage Debut Awards, Most Promising Playwright at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards and was awarded the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright.

Red Pitch follows three friends and local London boys Omz, Bilal and Joey, who live in an area that is being steadily gentrified. The play explores the impact of this change on London’s communities.

The play, which opens with previews on 15 March and runs until 4 May, is produced by Chuchu Nwagu, Adam Kenwright and Nica Burns.

Book [*Red Pitch* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37504-red-pitch) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=37504&content_product_id=37504&venue_id=54939502&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: the cast of Red Pitch. (Photo by Helen Murray)*

‘Red Pitch’ to transfer to @sohoplace in the West End in 2024

red pitch 1200x600 LT

Red Pitch - LON [37504] 

Red Pitch

Red Pitch, celebrated by critics as a “remarkable, next-level coming-of-age story”  by acclaimed writer Tyrell Williams, transfers to London’s newest West End theatre, @sohoplace, following 2 sold-out, award-winning runs at the Bush Theatre.

Tyrell Williams’s play about the pressures of gentrification opens with previews on 15 March and the cast includes Sex Education’s Kedar Williams-Stirling.

Go on a journey to the Upside Down! [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29263-stranger-things-the-first-shadow) has released new West End production photos, offering a sneak peek into the hit TV series's supernatural world at London’s [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/phoenix-theatre).

Created by writer Jack Thorne, director Stephen Daldry, and producer Sonia Friedman, the stage prequel to the Duffer Brothers’ popular Netflix streaming series is set in the 1950s. *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* features much-loved characters including Joyce Maldonado and Jim Hopper.

Check out photos of the cast in this exciting and otherworldly new production, booking now until 25 August.

Book [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29263-stranger-things-the-first-shadow) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=29263&content_product_id=29263&venue_id=126)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/169ySVoEWtrjngXoFTm6O9/7a8bf59ddba49bd3d96838f12589d5ec/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__2_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4fIauOPBpoIdcMiG5OvWwc/83859aa9d1aaf6ccc1c3211e51089d73/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__3_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (4)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2lJ4EXtvU94YNNXuU9LgZK/93b23c78ea037e0cbf497106c617323c/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__4_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (5)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/73gv9EE7xJkK9vxt2e214F/d1df59deee25bf5d995ebb5756f64c83/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__5_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (6)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7ssK2Il7q4f4SgKIaNsDiJ/a482f20fb30f3e2f9a97c3eb5182920d/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__6_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (7)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3y0YwQRhYHZfeOfewPq9e1/84b424f53d2e6ea00778974b3d7607d9/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__7_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (8)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/40Atyu800xTwAASum0rNYw/08661bda7cd8d7b648a976b129db308d/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__8_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (9)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4fJUrWDOGrE4S4dzWNuVfI/1ed6e059092764cfad120f15195f4783/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__9_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT (10)](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1B0MGyAT3UpEtLbMTXOiUO/f9feaec7f98c5107055acb7f1880cbfa/stranger_things_1200x600_LT__10_.jpg)

![stranger things 1200x600 LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2NGsjw83aiWdSKkeuZQfsY/6db4839264f6a788c7d8266e2e85059d/stranger_things_1200x600_LT.jpg)

*Photo credit: the cast of Stranger Things. (Photos courtesy of production)*

See photos of ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ in the West End

stranger things 1200x600 LT

stranger things 1200x600 LT (10)

Recommended 12+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s not permitted.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow - LON

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.


Take a trip to the small town of Hawkins as Netflix’s hit show comes to London’s West End for the first time, in a production directed by Stephen Daldry.

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