The year is rapidly coming to a close. But before it does, there are more great shows to see in the lead up to Christmas – in addition to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s wildly anticipated Broadway transfer of Hamilton. Here is Love London Love Culture’s guide to some of the best shows opening in December 2017. (Also look out for the separate Top Ten festive shows tomorrow)… Click on links to BUY tickets in the Mates Ticket Shop.
1. The Lost Boy Peter Pan, Pleasance Theatre: This is a brand new adaptation of J.M Barrie’s classic story and features live music played by a cast of actor/ musicians. It has been adapted and directed for the stage by Alexandra Spencer-Jones. (29 November-7 January)
2. Dear Brutus, Southwark Playhouse: Another magical JM Barrie adaptation is coming to the Southwark Playhouse from, officially opening 4 December. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and marking the play’s centenary, Dear Brutus is a drama of self-revelation.
1917. In a remote English village there are rumours of an enchanted wood. One of the inhabitants – a mysterious old man – invites eight strangers to stay. They all have something in common. When, one evening, the wood miraculously appears the guests feel compelled to enter. What happens there has the power to change their lives forever…
3. The Woman in White, Charing Cross Theatre: This is the first London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical and is directed by Charing Cross Theatre’s Artistic Director Thom Sutherland, officially opening on 4 December. The musical is adapted from Wilkie Collins’ haunting Victorian thriller and features a revised score – the first time audiences will hear the updated score.
Walter Hartright’s life is changed forever after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman, dressed in white, desperate to reveal her chilling secret. When he takes up his position as drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie and her half sister, Marian, he sees in Laura’s face an eerie reflection of the forlorn creature he met previously. Walter and Laura’s feelings for each other are thwarted by her engagement to the sinister Sir Percival Glyde. What is the connection between, Laura, Sir Percival, and the woman in white? Can true love prevail?
4. The Box of Delights, Wilton’s Music Hall: Starring Matthew Kelly, Wilton’s Music Hall’s festive show is filled with magic and adventure. It is the world stage premiere of Poet Laureate John Masefield’s much-loved classic, which officially opens 7 December.
Kay Harker is on the train home from school for the holidays. But this Christmas will be different. His parents are dead, and the wolves are running… On the train, he meets an old magician, Cole Hawlings, who charges Kay with protecting his Box of Delights, a wondrous device with time travelling powers. But when the old man mysteriously disappears, Kay faces the fight of his life to protect the Box, and with it, the people he loves. For Cole’s nemesis, the wicked sorcerer Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Box.
5. The Grinning Man, Trafalgar Studios: following a successful run at Bristol Old Vic, The Grinning Man arrives at the Trafalgar Studios from 5 December. The musical is based on Victor Hugo’s story The Man Who Laughs and features a score by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler.
A strange new act has arrived at the fairground. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Paraded as a freak, then celebrated as a star, only the love of a sightless girl can reveal his terrible secret.
6. The Rat Pack Live from Vegas, Theatre Royal Haymarket: The Rat Pack are back in town this festive season to help beat the winter blues by performing classic songs such as The Lady is a Tramp, Mr Bojangles, That’s Amore, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, What Kind of Fool Am I, Volare and seasonal classics including Baby it’s Cold Outside, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland & Auld Lang Syne.
7. Grimly Handsome, Royal Court Theatre: This new darkly comic thriller from Julia Jarcho explores the margins of a city and the violent fantasies they inspire. The production will play at the theatre from 6 December.
In an unnamed American city, two strangers sell Christmas trees on the sidewalk; two cops work to solve a killing spree; and a young woman finds herself transforming in ways she could never have imagined.
