London's West End Openings - Autumn 2015

The nights are beginning to draw in, your summer tan has faded and television is finally starting to get good again. It can only mean that autumn is now firmly upon us - and with that a whole host of new openings in London's West End.

Despite not having an official 'season' like on Broadway, September is traditionally a strong month for new shows in London and new musicals and plays light up the town before the run up to the festive season kicks in. This year there are a number of high profile openings that should be on your radar ranging from hit Broadway musicals to hard hitting drama, proving there really is something for everyone...

Oresteia: Trafalgar Studios One (opened 7 Sep)

After an incredible run at the Almeida Theatre as part of their extensive Greek Season, this new adaptation of Aeschylus's classic play by Robert Icke has found its way onto the must see lists of 2015. Billed as a family drama that spans decades, the production will have you gripped throughout, and the four hour running time will fly past in a breeze. Featuring exceptional acting and sharp precise direction, this is certainly a unique opportunity to see one of the greatest plays ever written. Bring a cushion.

The Michael Grandage Company returns to town with a brand new play headed by miss "theatrical Viagra" herself - Nicole Kidman. This swift new text explores the woman who cracked DNA and asks what is sacrificed in the pursuit of science, love and a place in history. Kidman stars as Rosalind Franklin and gives a chilling performance that asks important and relevant questions. No prior scientific knowledge is required, but prepare to be entertained as well as educated as London welcomes the return of Australia's finest acting export since Jason and Kylie.

London has certainly gone kinky to celebrate the arrival of 2013 Tony Award winning Best Musical from the pens of Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper. Based on the modest British film of the same name, the powerful and uplifting story returns to its roots with a fully British cast including West End favourite Killian Donnelly. The sex is certainly in the heel of this original and inspiring new musical that will have you wishing you had the figure to carry a pair of glittery thigh boots whilst doing the splits. And that's just the gentlemen.

Have you ever suffered from insomnia? Have you ever thought that listening to a castrato would help you drift off? If so, this play is certainly for you. Mark Rylance returns to the London stage in the first West End transfer from the new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. The Duke of York's Theatre will be redesigned to look like the original indoor Tudor playhouse, complete with soft candlelight and atmospheric music. Enjoy the tale of King Philip V who can't sleep without hearing the dulcet tones of Farinelli, the world's most famous castrato, and discover for yourself the power of period music. Look out for the dogs at stage door.

Florian Zeller's play transfers to the West End following a successful run at the Theatre Royal Bath and the Tricycle Theatre in a new translation by Christopher Hampton. A powerful story of how age can change relationships between father and daughter, the audience are never quite sure what is being remembered and what is fiction. Think Christmas at your Grandparents.

Bacharach fans unite as this highly imaginative and radical production transfers from the Menier Chocolate Factory after a successful summer run under the name "What's It All About?". Featuring dozens of hits from Burt Bacharach's extensive catalogue, each reimagined, reinterpreted and delivered by a cast of exceptionally talented actor-musicians, this a what all jukebox musicals should try to be. The added poignancy following the loss of Cilla Black this summer means it isn't a "lorra lorra laughs" but instead a knock-out production that can't be missed.