UPDATE: In an article from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/apr/05/aids-plays-normal-heart-angels-in-america-enduring-power-anger" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>,&nbsp;The Normal Heart&nbsp;will open at some point in 2021. Details on performance dates and on sale dates are to be announced.Following <a href="/show/death-of-england">Death of England: Delroy</a> and <a href="/show/dick-whittington">Dick Whittington</a>, Larry Kramer's <a href="/show/the-normal-heart">The Normal Heart</a> will be at the National Theatre in 2021. Performances will&nbsp;be staged in-the-round.First performed in 1985, <a href="/show/the-normal-heart">The Normal Heart</a> deals with the rise of HIV/AIDs in New York City in the early eighties. Kramer's autobiographical play transferred to London's Royal Court the following year, with Martin Sheen as Ned Weeks. The production then transferred to the Albery Theatre (now the <a href="/theatres/noel-coward-theatre">Noël Coward Theatre</a>).<a href="/show/the-normal-heart">The Normal Heart</a> will be directed by Dominic Cooke, who says of the play: "As a student I was lucky enough to see the landmark Royal Court production of The Normal Heart starring Martin Sheen. It had a profound effect on me at the time and I've wanted to direct the play ever since. It is the rarest of things; a history play written by one of its key participants. It deals with the nature of political activism, the internal battle many LGBT people fight to feel worthy of love and, topically, the refusal of those in power to face the reality of an unfolding health crisis."Ben Daniels will play Ned Weeks, a gay founder of a prominent HIV/AIDs advocacy group. The Olivier Award-winning actor is perhaps best known for playing Chris Keller in All My Sons. Danny Lee Wynter plays Tommy Boatwright, with Daniel Monks as Mickey Marcus and Stanley Townsend as Ben Weeks.Photo credit: Ben Daniels (Photo by National Theatre)Article Updated 6 April 2021.&nbsp;

‘The Normal Heart’ to play at National Theatre in 2021

Photo credit: Ben Daniels (Photo by National Theatre)

West End

Larry Kramer's searing, urgent drama, set (and written) at the height of the AIDS crisis, returns to London

The Normal Heart [23914] - LON

The Normal Heart

Love, anger and activism during the 1980s AIDS crisis.

Running time: 2 hours 45 minutes (inc. interval).

The play will return to London for the first time in over thirty years.

UPDATE:&nbsp;The Pirates of Penzance&nbsp;is now available to stream on stream.theatre from 29&nbsp;March - 5 April. <a href="https://www.stream.theatre/season/26" target="_blank">For more information, read here.</a>As part of the winter season of socially-distant performances at the <a href="/theatres/palace-theatre">Palace Theatre</a>, Sasha Regan's all-male production of <a href="/show/the-pirates-of-penzance">The Pirates of Penzance</a> will transfer to the West End. The Gilbert and Sullivan opera will be performed on 12-13 December.In this inventive take on the classic, the pirates continue to brave the high seas. Audiences can still listen to the classic songs including "I am a Pirate King"; "Oh, happy day, with joyous glee" and "A rollicking band of pirates we".<a href="/show/the-pirates-of-penzance">The Pirates of Penzance</a> was last performed at Wilton's Music Hall in 2019. In a <a href="/reviews/review-pirates-of-penzance-at-wiltons-music-hall">five-star review for LondonTheatre.co.uk</a>, Mark Shenton said: "[There's] a layer of texture and sometimes comedy that these were clearly blokes playing all the women's roles... There's also femininity and grace here [and] some frequently sublime falsetto singing. This doesn't feel arch or contrived either, but naturally organic... this is one of the most charming, delightful musicals in town."Casting includes&nbsp;Alan Richardson, David McKechnie, Richard Russell Edwards, Leon Craig, Sam Kipling, Marc Akinfolarin,&nbsp;Michael Burgen, Lee Greenaway, Matthew Facchino, Tom Duern, Jamie Chidzey, Joel Elferink, Oliver Savile, Dominic Harbison and Daniel Miles.&nbsp;Other productions to be performed at the <a href="/theatres/palace-theatre">Palace Theatre</a> include a week-long run of <a href="/show/jimmy-carr-terribly-funny">Jimmy Carr's stand-up</a>, as well as Adam Kay's <a href="/show/adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas">Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas.</a><a href="/show/the-pirates-of-penzance">The Pirates of Penzance</a>&nbsp;is at the&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/palace-theatre">Palace Theatre</a>&nbsp;on 12-13 December.Photo credit: The Pirates of Penzance (Photo by Scott Rylander)&nbsp;

All-male production of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ coming to Palace Theatre

Photo credit: The Pirates of Penzance (Photo by Scott Rylander)

Off-West End

The Pirates of Penzance [22707]

The Pirates of Penzance

The award-winning production will play at the West End venue for one night only.

2020 Olivier Awards: Full list of winners

Photo credit: Olivier Awards logo (Photo by Olivier Awards)            

The 2020 Olivier Awards were presented on 25 October 2020.

UPDATE: A new track for Treason&nbsp;was released on 19 November. Listen to "The Day Elizabeth Died" below.<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="80" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/5wjancUXrcOMKUfAAsSKUO" width="300"></iframe>A brand new musical is currently in development, based on the foiled gunpowder plot of 1605. Titled Treason, songs from Ricky Allan's new musical will be available to listen to on streaming platforms from 5 November, with a variety of West End stars on the soundtrack.The cast includes <a href="/actor-profile/rosalie-craig">Rosalie Craig</a> as Martha Percy, recently starring in <a href="/show/city-of-angels">City of Angels</a> at the <a href="/theatres/garrick-theatre">Garrick Theatre</a>. Hadley Fraser plays Robert Catesby, with Daniel Boys as King James and Eleanor Brooksby as Kelly Agbowu.Casting is completed by Waylon Jacobs as John Wright, Emmanuel Kojo as Thomas Winter, Rebecca LaChance as Anne Vaux, Oliver Savile as Thomas Percy and Christina Modestou.The first song to be released is "Take Things Into Our Own Hands", sung by Hadley Fraser. "Take Things Into Our Own Hand" can be listened to from 5 November, with a new track released each fortnight.&nbsp;Watch a music video for "Take Things Into Our Own Hands" below.<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZidQd-4wyDI" width="100%"></iframe>Photo credit: Treason the Musical artwork (Photo courtesy of Emma Holland PR)&nbsp;

Rosalie Craig and Hadley Fraser to star in Gunpowder Plot inspired musical

Photo credit: Treason the Musical artwork (Photo courtesy of Emma Holland PR)

Songs from 'Treason the Musical' are available from 5 November 2020.

UPDATE:&nbsp;Romeo &amp; Juliet&nbsp;will premiere for UK&nbsp;audiences on Easter Sunday, 4 Apr. 2021. More information can be <a href="/theatre-news/news/national-theatre-romeo-and-juliet-film-to-premiere-on-television-this-easter">found here</a>.Although performances of Romeo &amp; Juliet were cancelled at the National Theatre earlier this year, there's still a chance for audiences to see the production. The National Theatre has announced a filmed version of Romeo &amp; Juliet starring Josh O'Connor and Jessie Buckley, recorded at the <a href="/theatres/lyttelton-theatre-national">Lyttelton Theatre</a> and set for a spring 2021 release.Romeo &amp; Juliet will be directed by National Theatre associate Simon Godwin, with the production now cut to a new 90-minute version to be shot over three weeks. Ahead of recording, Godwin said: "This has been a uniquely challenging time for the industry and so I have huge respect for Rufus [Norris] and the team for meeting this challenge with creativity and deciding to use the Lyttelton theatre in this way for filmed work; I think it's a genius idea and I'm honoured to be able to create the first film. I think I speak for myself, the creative team and the cast when I say how delighted we are to be focusing all our creativity into this version of Romeo &amp; Juliet once more. Some ideas are staying, lots of new ones are coming in - I'm very excited about this new genre, combining film and theatre, and bringing together the remarkable talents of those industries."Set in modern Italy, religious values will clash in this production of Romeo &amp; Juliet. Josh O'Connor will play Romeo, whose credits include God's Own Country and television series including <a href="/show/les-miserables">Les Miserables</a> and The Crown. Jessie Buckley will play Juliet, whose West End credits include A Little Night Music and Henry V opposite Jude Law.As previously announced for the Olivier production, Fisayo Akinade will play Mercutio. Further casting includes Deborah Findlay as the Nurse, <a href="/actor-profile/tamsin-greig">Tamsin Greig</a> as Lady Capulet, Lucian Msamati as the Friar, Shubham Saraf as Benvolio, David Judge as Tybalt, Alex Mugnaioni as Paris and Ellis Howard as Sampson.Rehearsals for Romeo &amp; Juliet will begin in November at the <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a>. Filming is expected to take place in December, with the premiere expected in early 2021. It will premiere on Sky Arts and PBS, in the UK and US respectively.The National Theatre has reopened in London, with productions including <a href="/show/death-of-england">Death of England: Delroy</a> and the upcoming revival of <a href="/show/the-normal-heart">The Normal Heart.</a>Photo credit: Josh O' Connor and Jessie Buckley (Photo by Sebastian Nevols)

‘Romeo & Juliet’ starring Josh O’Connor and Jessie Buckley to be filmed for television

Photo credit: Josh O’ Connor and Jessie Buckley (Photo by Sebastian Nevols)

Photo credit: Josh O’ Connor and Jessie Buckley (Photo by Sebastian Nevols)Photo credit: Josh O’ Connor and Jessie Buckley (Photo by Sebastian Nevols)

The production was originally due to be performed at the National Theatre in summer 2020.

UPDATE: In a <a href="https://twitter.com/swkplay/status/1324295365034651650">tweet by Southwark Playhouse on 5 November</a>, performances of&nbsp;The Poltergeist&nbsp;will be livestreamed on 20-21 November, rather than performed to an in-person audience.As well as <a href="/theatres/southwark-playhouse">Southwark Playhouse</a> currently home to <a href="/show/the-last-five-years">The Last Five Years</a>, there's future shows to look forward to, including the world premiere of The Poltergeist. Philip Ridley's one-man play will play three performances at the off-West End venue from 20-21 November.The Poltergeist follows Sasha, a young man who is destined to take the art world by storm. At 15, he's taking over the world, so why is he in a stationer's now? Exploring art, family relationships and memory, The Poltergeist asks questions about respecting what we have and don't have.Joseph Potter will star as Sasha, previously appearing in Candida at the Orange Tree Theatre. Wiebke Green directs the production.All performances will be staged in a socially distant auditorium at <a href="/theatres/southwark-playhouse">Southwark Playhouse</a>, with each showing available to watch via a livestream. Information on livestreamed performances can be <a href="https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/the-poltergeist/" target="_blank">found here</a>.The Poltergeist is at <a href="/theatres/southwark-playhouse">Southwark Playhouse</a> from 20-21 November.Photo credit: Joseph Potter (Courtesy of Southwark Playhouse)

World premiere of ‘The Poltergeist’ coming to Southwark Playhouse

Photo credit: Joseph Potter (Courtesy of Southwark Playhouse)

All three performances will be livestreamed around the world.

As well as their <a href="/theatre-news/news/linzi-hateley-to-reprise-carrie-performance-for-the-theatre-cafes-series">series of exclusive performances</a>, Amy Hart and Paul Taylor-Mills will host a West End Halloween event. The livestream will take place on 31 October, featuring 11 performers from a variety of shows.Casting includes Lizzie Bea, who will make her lead debut as Tracy Turnblad in <a href="/show/hairspray">Hairspray</a> at the <a href="/theatres/london-coliseum">London Coliseum</a>. Layton Williams will also perform, best known for playing the title role in <a href="/show/everybodys-talking-about-jamie">Everybody's Talking About Jamie</a>, joined by co-star Sejal Keshwala. Aladdin's Matt Croke features too, alongside Heathers' Jodie Steele, Waitress' Evelyn Hoskins and <a href="/show/wicked">Wicked</a>'s Louise Dearman.The line-up is completed by Rob Fowler, Lois Gay, Aoife Kenny and Tosh Wanogho-Maud.The livestreamed event will be available for seven days, with <a href="https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/event/i-put-a-spell-on-you/" target="_blank">more information here</a>.&nbsp;The Halloween-themed episode from the cafe's theatre channel is available on October 30, with performances from Linzi Hateley, <a href="/actor-profile/aimie-atkinson">Aimie Atkinson</a> and Bradley Jaden.Photo credit: Cast of I Put A Spell on You (Photo courtesy of The Theatre Cafe)&nbsp;

The Theatre Cafe to host livestream Halloween event

Photo credit: Cast of I Put A Spell on You (Photo courtesy of The Theatre Cafe)

A cast including Lizzie Bea, Louise Dearman and Layton Williams will take part.

Ahead of Adam Kay's engagement of <a href="/show/adam-kay-this-is-going-to-hurt">This Is Going To Hurt </a>at the <a href="/theatres/apollo-theatre">Apollo Theatre</a>, it's been announced that he'll return to the West End this Christmas. He'll perform a live show based on&nbsp;his second book, <a href="/show/adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas-live">Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas</a>, with performances at the <a href="/theatres/palace-theatre">Palace Theatre</a> from 21 December - 3 Jan. 2021.Published in 2019, Adam Kay's diary entries tell of his experiences as a junior doctor working the festive season. He peeks behind the blue curtain to reveal what life is like for the 1.4 million NHS staff up and down the country.<a href="/show/adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas-live">Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas</a> will combine highlights from the 2019 book, along with Kay's stand up comedy and brand new content.The production will mark Kay's second West End engagement in the latter half of 2020. Audiences can see Kay's <a href="/show/adam-kay-this-is-going-to-hurt">This Is Going To Hurt </a><a href="/show/this-is-going-to-hurt"> </a> at the <a href="/theatres/apollo-theatre">Apollo Theatre</a>, with performances from 22 October - 8&nbsp;November.The upcoming production is part of Nimax Theatres' initiative to reopen all six of their West End theatres. This includes The Showstoppers and <a href="/show/potted-panto">Potted Panto</a> at the <a href="/theatres/garrick-theatre">Garrick Theatre</a>, <a href="/show/six">Six</a> at the <a href="/theatres/lyric-theatre">Lyric Theatre</a> and <a href="/show/the-play-that-goes-wrong">The Play That Goes Wrong</a> at the <a href="/theatres/duchess-theatre">Duchess Theatre</a>.<a href="/show/adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas-live">Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas</a>&nbsp;is at the <a href="/theatres/palace-theatre">Palace Theatre</a> from 21 December - 3 Jan. 2021.<a href="/show/adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas-live">Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas</a>&nbsp;tickets are on sale now.Photo credit: Adam Kay (Courtesy of Nimax Theatres)&nbsp;

Adam Kay to perform at the Palace Theatre this Christmas

Photo credit: Adam Kay (Courtesy of Nimax Theatres)

The junior doctor turned comedian will perform Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas.

The Barbican and the <a href="/theatres/bridge-theatre">Bridge Theatre </a>will collaborate to bring Vox Motus' installation <a href="/show/flight">Flight</a> to London. Performances will be held at the <a href="/theatres/bridge-theatre">Bridge Theatre</a>&nbsp;from 17 May - 6 June.Based on Caroline Brothers' 2011 book Hinterland, <a href="/show/flight">Flight</a>&nbsp;tells the story of Aryan and Kabir, two young Afghani men who set off from Kabul to London. As they begin their epic odyssey across the continent, the fate of Aryan and Kabir unfolds through a miniature world akin to a 3D graphic novel.&nbsp;To watch <a href="/show/flight">Flight</a>, audience members will be seated alone and given headphones to listen to the production. Flight is adapted&nbsp;by Oliver Emanuel for the stage. Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison stage the show — Harrison previously designed illusions for <a href="/show/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</a> at the <a href="/theatres/palace-theatre">Palace Theatre</a>.The cast of <a href="/show/flight">Flight</a>&nbsp;includes Nalini Chetty, Emun Elliott and Farshid Rokey.Created by Scottish theatre company Vox Motus, <a href="/show/flight">Flight</a>&nbsp;received its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2017. Since then, it's toured around the world, with productions in New York, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi.In a <a href="/reviews/flight-the-bridge-theatre-barbican">five-star review of&nbsp;</a><a href="/reviews/flight-the-bridge-theatre-barbican">Flight</a>,&nbsp;Sam Marlowe said: "At a time of such agonising division, this unique method of delivery, coupled with the taut narrative, feels so intense that the effect is almost overwhelming.&nbsp;And it is so, so beautiful."&nbsp;<a href="/show/flight">Flight</a>&nbsp;is at the&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/bridge-theatre">Bridge Theatre</a>&nbsp;from 17 May - 6 June.Photo credit: Flight installation (Photo by Beth Chalmers)Article Updated: 10 March 2021&nbsp;

‘Flight’ installation to be presented at Bridge Theatre

Photo credit: Flight installation (Photo by Beth Chalmers)

This show is suitable for 14+, those under 13 will not be admitted due to health and safety issues.

Flight [23138]

Flight

The installation is a Barbican-produced revival, which will be seen in London for the first time.

Following the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards ceremony in 2019, nominees for this year's awards have been announced. The ceremony will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Arts on 25 October, the same day as the 2020 Olivier Awards.Voted almost entirely by the public, the socially distant event will take place at the <a href="/theatres/young-vic-theatre">Young Vic</a>. A host and presenters to be announced.The Black British Theatre Awards directors Solange Urdang and Omar F Okai said: "This is an important year with UK Theatre coming to a standstill and The Black Lives Matter movement protests. We feel it is important now more than ever to highlight the wonderful Black British talent we have in abundance and hope to bring positivity to such a difficult time".The full list of nominees for the 2020 Black British Theatre Awards are listed below:Best Play<a href="/show/death-of-a-salesman">Death of a Salesman</a>, <a href="/theatres/piccadilly-theatre">Piccadilly Theatre</a> <a href="/show/fairview">Fairview</a>, <a href="/theatres/young-vic-theatre">Young Vic Theatre</a> Three Sisters, <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a>Best Male Actor in a PlayLucian Msamati, <a href="/show/master-harold-and-the-boys">Master Harold'... and the boys</a>, <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> Paapa Essiedu, <a href="/show/pass-over">Pass Over</a>, <a href="/theatres/kiln-theatre">Kiln Theatre</a> Valentine Olukoga, <a href="/show/the-fishermen">The Fishermen</a>, Trafalgar StudiosBest Female Actor in a PlayRakie Ayola, <a href="/show/on-bear-ridge">On Bear Ridge</a>, <a href="/theatres/royal-court-theatre">Royal Court Theatre</a> Ronke Adekoluejo, Three Sisters, <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> <a href="/actor-profile/sharon-d-clarke">Sharon D. Clarke MBE</a>, <a href="/show/death-of-a-salesman">Death of a Salesman</a>, <a href="/theatres/piccadilly-theatre">Piccadilly Theatre</a>Best Supporting Male Actor in a PlayArinzé Kene, <a href="/show/death-of-a-salesman">Death of a Salesman</a>, <a href="/theatres/young-vic-theatre">Young Vic Theatre</a> Nari Blair-Mangat, <a href="/show/cyrano-de-bergerac">Cyrano de Bergerac</a>, <a href="/theatres/playhouse-theatre">Playhouse Theatre</a> Reice Weathers.&nbsp;<a href="/show/upstart-crow">Upstart Crow</a>, <a href="/theatres/gielgud-theatre">Gielgud Theatre</a>Best Supporting Female Actor in a PlayCherrelle Skeete, The High Table, Bush Theatre Michele Austin, <a href="/show/cyrano-de-bergerac">Cyrano de Bergerac</a>, <a href="/theatres/playhouse-theatre">Playhouse Theatre</a> Rosalind Eleazar, <a href="/show/uncle-vanya">Uncle Vanya</a>, <a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre</a>Best Musical<a href="/show/hamilton">Hamilton</a>, <a href="/theatres/victoria-palace-theatre">Victoria Palace Theatre</a> Thriller Live, <a href="/theatres/lyric-theatre">Lyric Theatre</a> <a href="/show/tina-the-musical">TINA - The Tina Turner Musical</a>, <a href="/theatres/aldwych-theatre">Aldwych Theatre</a>Best Male Actor in a MusicalJason Brock, Thriller Live, <a href="/theatres/lyric-theatre">Lyric Theatre</a> Jonathan Andrew Hume, <a href="/show/come-from-away">Come from Away</a>, <a href="/theatres/phoenix-theatre">Phoenix Theatre</a> Noah Thomas, <a href="/show/everybodys-talking-about-jamie">Everybody's Talking About Jamie</a>, <a href="/theatres/apollo-theatre">Apollo Theatre</a>Best Female Actor in a MusicalAisha Jawando, <a href="/show/tina-the-musical">TINA - The Tina Turner Musical</a>, <a href="/theatres/aldwych-theatre">Aldwych Theatre</a> Maiya Quansah-Breed, <a href="/show/six">Six the Musical,</a> <a href="/theatres/arts-theatre">Arts Theatre</a> Miriam-Teak Lee, <a href="/show/and-juliet">&amp; Juliet</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/shaftesbury-theatre">Shaftesbury Theatre</a>Best Supporting Male Actor in a&nbsp;MusicalArun Blair-Mangat, <a href="/show/and-juliet">&amp; Juliet</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/shaftesbury-theatre">Shaftesbury Theatre</a> Nicholas McLean, <a href="/show/wicked">Wicked</a>, <a href="/theatres/apollo-victoria-theatre">Apollo Victoria Theatre</a> Tarinn Callender, <a href="/show/hamilton">Hamilton</a>, <a href="/theatres/victoria-palace-theatre">Victoria Palace Theatre</a>Best Supporting Female Actor in a MusicalMelanie La Barrie, <a href="/show/and-juliet">&amp; Juliet</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/shaftesbury-theatre">Shaftesbury Theatre</a> Nicole Raquel Dennis, <a href="/show/dear-evan-hansen">Dear Evan Hansen</a>, <a href="/theatres/noel-coward-theatre">Noël Coward Theatre</a> Shanay Holmes, The Bridges of Madison County, Menier Chocolate FactoryBest Director Award for a Play or MusicalClint Dyer, Death of England, <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> Nadia Latif, <a href="/show/fairview">Fairview</a>, <a href="/theatres/young-vic-theatre">Young Vic Theatre</a> Ola Ince, Appropriate, Donmar Warehouse Roy Alexander Weise, <a href="/show/master-harold-and-the-boys">Master Harold'... and the boys</a>, <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a>Best ProducerAdrian Grant, Thriller Live, <a href="/theatres/lyric-theatre">Lyric Theatre</a> Nicole Raquel Dennis and Ryan Carter, Turn Up, Cadogan Hall Tobi Kyeremateng, My White Best Friend (and Other Letters Left Unsaid), <a href="/theatres/royal-court-theatre">Royal Court Theatre</a>Best ChoreographerKenrick 'H2O' Sandy MBE, REDD, Barbican Theatre Lanre Malaolu, <a href="/show/pass-over">Pass Over</a>, <a href="/theatres/kiln-theatre">Kiln Theatre</a> Shelley Maxwell, <a href="/show/master-harold-and-the-boys">Master Harold'... and the boys</a>, <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a>Best Dance Performance in a Dance ProductionKenrick 'H2O' Sandy MBE, REDD, Barbican Theatre Marcelino Sambé, The Cellist, Royal Opera HouseBest Dance ProductionIngoma, Ballet Black, Barbican Theatre REDD - Boy Blue, Barbican Theatre Some Like It Hip Hop - ZooNation, Peacock TheatreBest Use of Innovation and TechnologyNicole Raquel Dennis and Ryan Carter, Turn Up, Cadogan HallLight and Sound Recognition AwardCarmen Wright Simeon Miller Tony GayleCostume Design RecognitionJodie Simone Howe Maybelle Laye Natalie PryceBook and Lyrics Recognition AwardArinzé Kene Roy Williams Shirley Thompson OBEMusical Director Recognition AwardIan Oakley Sean Green Shiloh CokeCasting Director Recognition AwardIsabella OdoffinLGBTQ+ Champion AwardArun Blair-Mangat Layton Williams Rikki Beadle-Blair MBEDisability Champion AwardChris Fonseca Rachel NwokoroBest Teacher of Performing Arts as a SubjectDavid Blake, WAC Arts Dollie Henry, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Kamara Gray, Urdang Academy/Artistry Youth DanceBest Recent Graduate AwardDanielle Fiamanya, Guildford School of Acting Stacy Abalogun, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Tonye Scott-Obene, Italia Conti Academy of Theatre ArtsLifetime Achievement AwardShirley Thompson OBEPhoto credit: Dom Hartley-Harris and West End Cast of Hamilton (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Nominees for 2020 Black British Theatre Awards announced

Photo credit: Dom Hartley-Harris and West End Cast of Hamilton (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

The ceremony will be televised on Sky Arts on 25 October.

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.

Find out the latest West End news on London Theatre. Read all about London shows, West End casts, upcoming shows, theatre reviews, and more. Check out all the London theatre news taking place right now with us.

Subscribe to our [London Theatre newsletter](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/info/newsletter) to make sure you stay up to date on London theatre news.

News Article Index Page - London Theatre

London Theatre News

TT - All Shows - London

Experience London's vibrant theatre scene with tickets to new and classic plays and musicals on and off the West End. Get tickets to watch the magic unfold.

Last-minute theatre tickets for London shows

Grab last-minute theatre tickets for London shows at the best prices and enjoy exclusive access to our Lottery and Rush tickets for West End shows on TodayTix.

Last Minute Theatre Tickets | London & West End Shows | TodayTix

London All Shows

Book last-minute theatre tickets for London Shows at the best prices, and get exclusive access to our Lottery and Rush tickets.

Last-Minute Theatre Tickets | London Shows | West End Shows | TodayTix

London Shows

Explore West End shows, book last minute theatre tickets, and more

Discover London

TodayTix App Home - LON

London All Shows Image

Latest London Insider Posts

London Theatre is the oldest and first site dedicated to West End theatre and Off-West End shows. Catch up on the latest West End news and London theatre reviews, and book London theatre tickets today. 

London Theatre Home Page - London

London Theatre - Musicals, Plays, Drama, and Fringe

The ultimate London Theatre Guide. Book theatre tickets for the top musicals and plays in the West End, together with theatre in London news and show reviews. 

London Theatre Tickets | West End News | LondonTheatre.co.uk

London

Empty Search Results Page (to stop search errors)

Search Results

London Tile Image

London Home Page (TT Home)

Get the best prices on theatre tickets today in New York, London and more. Read reviews. Win exclusive lottery or rush tickets. Download our app.