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‘Gore Vidal’s novel is fascinating but its power is diminished on stage’: THE BEST MAN – West End ★★

In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Anne Cox12th March 2018Leave a Comment

Gore Vidal’s novel is fascinating and compelling but its power is diminished on stage.

‘A good old-fashioned play about good old-fashioned politics’: THE BEST MAN – West End ★★★★

In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Johnny Fox11th March 2018Leave a Comment

A good old-fashioned play about good old-fashioned politics. Gore Vidal’s 1960 satire The Best Man is based around the Democratic convention where in reality JFK won his nomination.

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‘A watchable account of political in-fighting’: THE BEST MAN – West End

In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Aleks Sierz10th March 2018Leave a Comment

Although The Best Man’s message — that being defeated can be a victory of sorts — is appealingly paradoxical, it is unlikely to make your heart race very fast.

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‘Insight aplenty’: THE BEST MAN – West End

In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Ian Foster6th March 2018Leave a Comment

The Best Man says nothing directly about today’s White House or the most recent struggle to occupy it – obliquely though, there’s insight aplenty.

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NEWS: Martin Shaw leads all-star West End premiere of Gore Vidal’s political drama The Best Man

In London theatre, Native, News, Plays, Press Releases, Sticky by Press Releases31st January 2018Leave a Comment

Martin Shaw stars in the West End premiere of Gore Vidal’s sharp political drama The Best Man, coming tothe Playhouse Theatre in February, with a cast that also features Maureen Lipman, Jeff Fahey, Jack Shepherd, Honeysuckle Weeks and Glynis Barber.

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NEWS: All-star cast join Martin Shaw in Gore Vidal’s political drama The Best Man

In London theatre, Native, News, Plays, Press Releases, Regional theatre, Sticky, Touring by Press Releases21st August 2017Leave a Comment

Jeff Fahey, Jack Shepherd, Glynis Barber, Honeysuckle Weeks, Anthony Powell and Gemma Jones join Martin Shaw in the first major UK production of Gore Vidal’s political drama The Best Man.

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Theatre Openings: from w/c September 25 2023

Array ( [post_title] => Theatre Openings: from w/c September 25 2023 [post_content] =>

LAST UPDATED: September 25 2023

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from September 25 2023 onwards

Please note that this list is not intended to be comprehensive, but highlights noteworthy or newsworthy openings. Not all press agents supply information for inclusion here; I do not receive communications from Kevin Wilson or Neil Reading’s operations, so unless the venue provides them, shows represented by either are not included.

THIS WEEK’S OPENINGS

Tuesday September 26

LONDON: Frank and Percy (The Other Palace) September 8-December 3, press night September 26. Ian McKellen and Roger Allam reprise their performances in Ben Weatherill’s new play that was premiered at Windsor Theatre Royal in the summer, directed by Sean Mathias. Press contact: Amanda Malpass, amanda@amandamalpass.com Website: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/frank-percy/

Wednesday September 27

LONDON: Close Up — The Twiggy Musical (Menier Chocolate Factory) September 18-November 18, press night September 27. Ben Elton directs and writes a new musical biography of fashion model and icon of the sixties Twiggy, who has had an enduring career to become an actress, singer, writer, designer, presenter, producer and activist, as well as continuing to model. Kate Morley <kate@katemorleypr.com> https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/close-up-the-twiggy-musical/.

LONDON: Bloody Elle/Boy out the city (Lyric Theatre) September 27-30. Two solo queer shows, Lauren Redding’s semi-autobiographical gig musical featuring original music created live onstage, and Declan Bennett’s autobiographical show about dealing with isolation during the pandemic, come to London for a brief season after the Edinburgh fringe. Press contact: Divya Cota divya@emmahollandpr.com,Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/bloody-elle/; https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/boy-out-the-city/

Thursday September 28

REGIONAL: Quiz (Chichester Festival Theatre) September 22-30, press night September 28. James Graham’s play about the conviction of Charles Ingram, ‘the Coughing Major’, his wife Diana and accomplices, for duping the world’s most popular TV quiz show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, returns to Chichester, where it was originally premiered in 2017, but this time to the main house ahead of a UK tour. It stars Rory Bremner as presenter Chris Tarrant; it is directed by Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen. The cast also includes Charley Webb, Lewis Reeves, Mark Benton, Leo Wringer, Sukh Ojia and Marc Antolin. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison, lucinda.morrison@cft.org.uk. Website: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/quiz

OPENINGS FURTHER AHEAD

Tuesday October 3

LONDON: Sondheim’s Old Friends (Gielgud Theatre) September 21-January 6, press night October 3 (delayed from September 16, following the departure of Haydn Gwynn from the company). The Sondheim celebration gala — staged last year at the Sondheim Theatre — returns for a limited run to the adjoining theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Gielgud, with a cast led by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, with Christine Allado, Janie Dee, Bonnie Langford, Beatrice Penny-Toure, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb and Jack Yarrow among the cast. It is produced and devised by Cameron Mackintosh, and directed by Matthew Bourne, side by side with Julia McKenzie (one of the original quartet of Mackintosh’s first Sondheim revue, Side by Side by Sondheim, that he took to the West End and to Broadway). In a press sratement, Mackintosh has commented, “Steve was always a Broadway Baby at heart, so I’m delighted that I have been able to put together one last great hurrah for my old friend, containing many of the greatest songs ever written for the musical theatre, in one ‘great big Broadway show’ – just as he wanted.” Press contact: theatre@premiercomms.com. Website: https://sondheimoldfriends.com/

Thursday October 5

LONDON: Flowers for Mrs Harris (Riverside Studios) September 30-November 26, press night October 5. Bronagh Lagan directs Jenna Russell in the London premiere of Richard Taylor and Rachel Wagstaff’s musical, originally premiered at Sheffield’s Crucible in 2016 and subsequently seen at Chichester Festival Theatre, that will now play a nine-week season in this new production. Press contactP Arabella Neville-Rolfe, Arabella@anrpr.co.uk; Website: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/flowers-for-mrs-harris-76122/

LONDON: Noises Off (Theatre Royal Haymarket) September 27-December 16, press night October 5. The 40th anniversary revival of Michael Frayn’s now classic backstage farce, seen earlier this year at the Phoenix, returns for another West End run, this time for a 12-week season at the Haymarket, with Felicity Kendal returning as Dotty, Jonathan Coy as Frederick Fellows and Alexander Hanson as Lloyd Dallas, directed by Lindsay Posner for Theatre Royal Bath Productions. Also in the cast are Mathew Horne, Tamzin Outhwaite, Sasha Frost, Pepter Lunkuse, and Oscar Batterham. Press contact: Maisie Lawrence maisie@breadandbutterpr.uk, Kate Hassell kate@breadandbutterpr.uk, Ben Chamberlain ben@breadandbutterpr.uk; Website: https://trh.co.uk/whatson/noises-off/

Tuesday October 10

BROADWAY: Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre) September 19-January 21, opening night October 10. Maria Friedman’s production, originally premiered at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in 2012, returns to Broadway for the first time since the original production ran for just 16 performances in 1981. This staging was given its New York premiere at New York Theatre Workshop last year; stars Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez reprise their leading roles. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara / Kendall Edwards rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com / kendall@omdkc.com. Website: https://www.merrilyonbroadway.com/

Wednesday October 11

LONDON: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Noel Coward Theatre), October 11-November 25. Stage version of Neil Gaiman’s novel, first seen at the National Theatre before a previous West End run at the Duke of York’s, returns to London as part of its current national tour for a seven-week season at the Noel Coward. Adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, the 17-strong company comprises Charlie Brooks, Daniel Cornish, Trevor Fox, Emma-Jane Goodwin, Paolo Guidi, Millie Hikasa, Lewis Howard, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Jasmeen James, Ronnie Lee, Aimee McGoldrick, Laurie Ogden, Keir Ogilvy, Domonic Ramsden, Joe Rawlinson-Hunt, Risha Silvera and Finty Williams. Press contact: Holly Nicholls, honicholls@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://oceanonstage.com/

Thursday October 12

LONDON: Hamnet (Garrick Theatre) September 30-January 6, with a press night on October 12) World premiere production of Lolita Chakbrabarti’s stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Shakespearean novel transfers to London, after reopening the newly restored Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in April. Tom Varey plays Shakespeare, with Madeleine Mantock as Agnes Hathaway and Peter Wight as John/Will Kempe. Erica Whyman, acting artistic director, directs her 12th production for the company. Press contact: Kate Evans, Kate.evans@rsc.org.uk Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/hamnet/

LONDON: Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre) September 21-January 6, press night October 12. Jamie Lloyd directs Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s musical version of the Billy Wilder film. The Jamie Lloyd Company production is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, Gavin Kalin Productions and Wessex Grove. The cast also features Tom Francis as Joe Gillis), Grace Hodgett Young as Betty Schaefer and David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling. Rachel Tucker will be guest starring as Norma Desmond on Thursday October 12 matinee, and all Monday performances from October 16 to January 6.Press contact: Freya Cowdry at Jo Allan PR, freya@joallanpr.com. Website: https://sunsetboulevardwestend.com/

Tuesday October 17

REGIONAL: The Inquiry (Chichester Festival Theatre’s Minerva) October 13-November 4, press night October 17. Harry Davies, a writer and investigative reporter for The Guardian, writes his first play, about an MP who is also Secretary of State for Justice, and a rising star of his party. But an inquiry is about to publish its findings about a public health disaster that happened on his watch as Environment minister. It is directed by Joanna Bowman, who directed Sing Yer Heart out for the Lads in the Minerva in 2022. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison, lucinda.morrison@cft.org.uk. Website: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/the-inquiry

LONDON: Portia Coughlan (Almeida Theatre) October 10-November 18, press night October 17. Carrie Cracknell directs a revival of Marina Carr’s modern Irish classic about destructive families and obsession, starring Alison Oliver. The cast also includes Kathy Kiera Clarke, Sorcha Cusack, Charlie Kelly, Conor MacNeill, Sadhbh Malin, Fergal McElherron, Mairead McKinley, Mark O’Halloran, Chris Walley and Archee Aitch Wylie. Press contact: Zoe Innis, zinnes@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/portia-coughlan/

Thursday October 19

LONDON Dear England (Prince Edward Theatre) October 9-January 13, press night October 19. The National Theatre’s hit production of James Graham’s play about England football manager Gareth Southgate transfers to the West End for a 14-week run. It is directed by Rupert Goold, who previously directed Graham’s Ink and Tammy Faye (both at the Almeida, where Goold is artistic director, and from where Ink subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway). In a press statement, Graham commented, “To put the National Game on the stage of the National Theatre has been an utter dream and, in particular, to see the subject matter draw in new audiences to watch a play. It fills me with such excitement and joy to be bringing Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production to the West End, with all its incredible movement and music and – what seems to be, for audiences so far – a deeply moving story inspired by the incredible journey of the men’s England football team.” Press contact: Martin Shippen shippen.martin@gmail.com, Holly Nicholls honicholls@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://dearenglandonstage.com/

LONDON: Clyde’s (Donmar Warehouse) October 13-December 2, press night October 19. Lynette Linton directs the UK premiere of Lynn Nottage’s play, seen on Broadway in 2021, that’s set in the kitchen of a truck stock cafe, where the staff are people who have been formerly incarcerated and are given a second chance by proprietor Clyde. Linton previously directed Nottage’s Sweat at the Donmar that subsequently transferred to the West End. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/12201AVGSVDJSKHNLNDGDHCNLJPBPLMHR?_gl=1%2a3vnqw9%2a_ga%2aMjcxMzI0MDk2LjE2ODExMjcxMTk.%2a_ga_74MLL7KHM5%2aMTY4MzI3ODE0NS4yLjAuMTY4MzI3ODE0NS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.172740195.156140400.1683278146-271324096.1681127119

Monday October 23

The Confessions (National’s Lyttelton Theatre) October 19-November 4, press night October 23. Alexander Zeldin returns to the National, where he has previously presented Beyond Caring, LOVE and Faith, Hope and Charity, with The Confessions, which he again writes and directs based on hours of interviews with his mother. Sweeping from Australia in 1943 to London in 2021, it chronicles a tale of self-realisation against the times, following her complex relationships. The cast includes Eryn Jean Norvill and Pamela Rabe in their UK debuts. It is the inaugural production of Zeldin’s own theatre production companies in the UK and France – A Zeldin Company/Compagnie A Zeldin – and is co-commissioned with the National Theatre, RISING Melbourne and Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. The play has already toured to Vienna, Athens, Barcelona and Avignon this year and will continue its European tour into Spring 2024. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationa l theatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-confessions/

Tuesday October 24

REGIONAL: Cowbois (Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) October 14-November 18, press night October 24. A queer cowboy show written by Charlie Josephine, and co-directed by Josephine and Sean Holmes. kate.evans@rsc.org.uk Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/cowbois

Wednesday October 25

LONDON: Lyonesse (Harold Pinter Theatre) October 17-December 23, press night October 25. Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in the world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s play, directed by Ian Rickson. Thomas plays a a reclusive and talented actress, who long ago disappeared in mysterious circumstances. 30 years later, she finally feels ready to tell her story – summoning Kate, a young film executive (Lily James), to her remote Cornish home to assist with her glorious comeback. But who really controls the stories we tell, and how we get to tell them? Will these women own their narrative, or will it be swept away from them at any given moment? Press contact: Chloe Pritchard-Gordon Chloe@aboutgracepr.com, Laura Myers laura@aboutgracepr.com. Website: https://lyonesseonstage.com/

Thursday October 26

LONDON: To Have and to Hold (Hampstead Theatre) October 20-November 25, press night October 26. Richard Wilson directs the world premiere of a new comedy by Richard Bean, about ageing parents who just don’t want to be dealt with. Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/to-have-and-to-hold/

Tuesday October 31

LONDON: King Lear (Wyndham’s Theatre) Previews from October 21, opens October 31, for a run of 50 performances. Kenneth Branagh directs and plays the title role in a new production of Shakespeare’s play that will subsequently transfer to New York’s The Shed Theatre in autumn 2024. Press contact: Ben Chamberlain at Bread and Butter PR, ben@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://kinglearbranagh.com/

REGIONAL: Machinal (Bath’s Ustinov Studio) October 20-November 18, press night October 31. Richard Jones directs a new production of Sophie Treadwell’s 1920s play based on the true story of the committal and execution of Ruth Snyder, who with her lover Judd Gray had murdered her husband. Press contact: Lewis Jenkind at Storehouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk;

Wednesday November 1

LONDON: The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical (Apollo Theatre) Previews from October 7, opens November 1. The world premiere production of a musical, seen at Chester’s Storyhouse last October, transfers to the West End, with its Chester leads David Hunter and Joanna Woodward reprising their performances. The cast also includes Tim Mahendran, Hiba Elchikhe and Ross Dawes. Based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger and the New Line Cinema film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, it has a book by Lauren Gunderson, original music and lyrics by Joss Stone and Dave Stewart and additional music by Nick Finlow and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan. It is directed by Bill Buckhurst. Producer Colin Ingram comments, “After six years developing this show and an extremely successful try-out in Chester, we are so delighted to present the world premiere of a new British musical based on such a beloved book. This confident, clever and charming musical by British rock royalty Dave Stewart and Joss Stone shows off their musicianship and director Bill Buckhurst and his creative team have created an incredible world to tell this cherished story in the most powerful and emotional way.” Press contact: Amanda Malpass, amanda@amandamalpass.com. Website: http://timetravellerswife.com/

Tuesday November 7

LONDON: Backstairs Billy (Duke of York’s) October 27-January 27, press night November 7. Michael Grandage directs the world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos’s play, set in 1979, and revolving around the long-time relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon. Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans, the latter returning to the London stage for the first time in over 15 years, star. Press contact: Kate Morley <kate@katemorleypr.com> Website: https://www.michaelgrandagecompany.com/productions/theatre/backstairs-billy

Wednesday November 8

REGIONAL: The Box of Delights (Royal Shakespeare Theatre) October 31-January 7, press night November 8. Justin Audibert directs Piers Torday’s reimagining of John Masefield’s much-loved children’s classic, telling the story of orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker who finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams, originally staged at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2017. The cast features Callum Balmforth, Mae Munuo, Jack Humphrey, Stephen Boxer, Richard Lynch, Nia Gwynn and Claire Price. Press contact: Dean Asker, dean.asker@rsc.org.uk. Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-box-of-delights/

Monday November 13

BROADWAY: Harmony (Ethel Barrymore Theatre) Previews from October 18, opening night November 13. Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s musical, which has been in development and received a number of regional productions in the last quarter of a century, is to finally arrive on Broadway, directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle who staged the show’s New York premiere in 2022, presented by off-Broadway’s National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The show tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, who in the 1920s and 1930s sold millions or records and made dozens of films, catapulting its six members from singing in Berlin subway tunnels to international stardom. The cast is led by Sierra Boggess, Chip Zien and Julie Benko, with the Comedian Harmonists played by Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, and Steven Tesley. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Pete Sanders / Amanda Meyer / Ellie Detweiler rick@omdkc .com / pete@omdkc.com / amanda@omdkc.com / ellie@omdkc.com. Website: https://harmonyanewmusical.com/

Thursday November 16

LONDON: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) November 9-December 23, press night November 16. Tim Jackson directs and choreographs a new British musical by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, originally produced as The Season at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate and Ipswich’s New Wolsey. The cast comprises Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com.

Tuesday November 21

LONDON: The Witches (National’s Olivier Theatre) November 7- January 6, press night November 21.New musical version of Roald Dahl’s popular story about a band of witches determined to squallop every single stinking child in England. With a book by Lucy Kirkwood and songs and lyrics by Dave Malloy, Lyndsey Turner directs a cast that includes Katherine Kingsley as the Grand High Witch, Daniel Rigby as Mr Stringer and Sally Ann Triplett as Gran. Choreography is by Stephen Mear. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-witches/

Wednesday November 22

LONDON: She Stoops to Conquer (Orange Tree Theatre) November 18-January 6, press night November 22. Tom Littler directs Freddie Fox, Tanya Reynolds, David Horvitch and Greta Scaachi in Oliver Goldmith’s classic restoration comedy. Press contact: KatieMD@katemorleypr.com Website: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/she-stoops-to-conquer/about

Thursday November 30

LONDON: Infinite Life (National’s Dorfman Theatre) November 22-January 13, press night November 30. Annie Baker’s new play transfers to the National, direct from its current world premiere run New York’s Atlantic Theater, who are co-producing it with the National. Described in press materials as an “inquiry into the complexity of suffering, and what it means to desire in a body that’s failing you”, it is directed by James Macdonald; the cast comprises Marylouise Burke, Mia Katigbak, Christina Kirk, Kristine Nielsen, Brenda Pressley and Pete Simpson. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/infinite-life/

Monday December 4

LONDON: Pacific Overtures (Menier Chocolate Factory) November 25-February 24, press night December 4. Matthew White directed a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s and John Weidman’s 1976 musical in a co-production with Umeda Arts Theater in Japan, where it has already been a huge success in Tokyo and Osaka. Press contact: Kate Morley <kate@katemorleypr.com> Website: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/pacific-overtures/

Tuesday December 5

LONDON: The Homecoming (Young Vic) November 27-January 27, 2024, press night December 5. Matthew Dunster directs the Harold Pinter classic for the Young Vic. In a press statement, Dunster has commented, “I’ve always loved Pinter’s work. He can take working class situations and hone them into something really poetic, crystalized and potent. His plays are about patriarchal force and what it takes to resist that, whether at home or in the state. The Homecoming encapsulates this and poses big, universal questions about power. I’m excited by the challenge of this play and I can’t wait to return to the Young Vic.” Press contact: Su-Ann Chow-Seegoolam, Su-AnnChow-Seegoolam@youngvic.org, Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Karllydie@youngvic.org Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-homecoming

Wednesday December 6

LONDON: The Enfield Haunting (Ambassadors Theatre) November 30-March 2, press night December 6. Catherine Tate and David Threlfall star in Paul Unwin’s new play, based on a famous poltergeist event. It will be directed bye Angus Jackson. Prior to the West End, it will play at Brighton Theatre Royal (November 14-18) and Richmond Theatre (November 21-25). Press contact:Nada Zaukula at Storyhouse, nada.zakula@storyhousepr.co.uk. Website: https://enfieldhauntingplay.com/

Saturday December 9

LONDON: Peter Pan (London Palladium) December 9-January 14, press night to be announced. Julian Clary is Seaman Smee and Jennifer Saunders is Captain Hook in this year’s Palladium panto, also featuring regulars Paul Zerdin as Starkey, Nigel Havers as Pirate Nigel, Gary Wilmot as Mrs Henrietta Hook, and Rob Madge as Tink. Michael Harrison returns to direct and produce his eighth Palladium panto, with set designs by Mark Walters and costume designs by Hugh Durrant created especially for The London Palladium and choreography by Karen Bruce. Saunders, who is making her panto debut, comments, “I could not be more delighted to be doing my first panto ever at the Palladium. I am a huge fan of panto and The Palladium always delivers. I wouldn’t want to be in Peter Pan’s tiny soft shoes let me tell you, because I am going to give Hook my all!” Press contacts: David Bloom, david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Rebeccas Byers, rebecca.byers@storyhousepr.co.uk at Storyhouse PR. Website: https://palladiumpantomime.com/

Tuesday December 12

LONDON: Rock ’n’ Roll (Hampstead Theatre) December 6-January 27. Nina Raine directs a new production of Tom Stoppard’s 2006 play, originally premiered at the Royal Court. Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/rock-n-roll/

LONDON: Cold War (Almeida Theatre) November 30-January 27, press night December 12. The Almeida’s artistic director Rupert Goold directs Conor McPherson’s new stage adaptation of Paweł Pawlikowski’s 2018 Oscar-nominated film, with music by Elvis Costello. The cast includes Anya Chalotra, Elliot Levey and Luke Thallon. Press contact: Zoe Innis, zinnes@almeida.co.uk

Thursday December 14

LONDON: Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Phoenix Theatre) Previews from November 17, press night December 14. Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin co-direct the world premiere of a new play by Kate Terry, a writer and co-executive producer of the Netflix series of the same name, that is being brought to the stage by Netflix and Sonia Friedman. The series, created by the Duffer Brothers, has run to four series so far; the fourth one scored a record breaking 13.5billion hours viewed. The cast includes Shane Attwooll, Kemi Awoderu, Chase Brown, Christopher Buckley, Ammar Duffus, Gilles Geary, Florence Guy, Max Harwood, Michael Jibson, Oscar Lloyd, Louis McCartney,Isabella Pappas, Matthew Pidgeon, Calum Ross, Maisie Norma Seaton, Patrick Vaill, Lauren Ward, and Ella Karuna Williams. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com; Website: https://uk.strangerthingsonstage.com/

Friday December 15

LONDON: Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse) December 8-February 10, press night December 15. Max Webster directs David Tennant returns to the Donmar, where he previously appeared in Lobby Hero, to star in the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy, directed by Max Webster, associate director of the theatre where he has directed Henry V. Tennant is joined by Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/12601ADHGSMRHJGRGJSDPTNTCRCGQHPQN?_ga=2.106030659.156140400.1683278146-271324096.1681127119&_gl=1%2aw3j0%2a_ga%2aMjcxMzI0MDk2LjE2ODExMjcxMTk.%2a_ga_74MLL7KHM5%2aMTY4MzI3ODE0NS4yLjEuMTY4MzI3ODE3OS4yNi4wLjA

Tuesday January 9

LONDON: The Unfriend (Wyndham’s Theatre) December 16-March 9, press night January 9. Steven Moffatt’s dark comedy returns to the West End, after its original transfer from Chichester’s Minerva Theatre previously played at the Criterion. Directed by Mark Gatiss (Moffat’s co-writer on TV’s Sherlock and Dracula), Lee Mack joins the cast to replace Reece Shearsmith, with Frances Barber reprising her performance in the title role. Also in the cast are Sarah Alexander and Nick Sampson. Press contacts: Ben Wooldridge benw@breadandbutterpr.uk,Ben Chamberlain ben@breadandbutterpr.uk,Matthew Sedman matthew@breadandbutterpr.ukWebsite: https://theunfriend.com/

Monday January 15

LONDON: Plaza Suite (Savoy Theatre) January 15-March 31. Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker reprise their Broadway roles in John Benjamin Hickey’s revival of Neil Simon’s classic comedy, playing three different couples occupying the same New York hotel suite. Press contact: Press contact: Simon Raw, Emily Webb, Daniel O’Carroll at Raw PR, simon@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website: http://plazasuiteuk.com/

Monday January 22

LONDON: Dana H. (Royal Court Theatre Downstairs) January 16-March 9, press night January 22. Lucas Hnath’s play, adapted from interviews with his mother, who was a psych ward chaplain who was held captive by a patient in a series of Florida motels for five months, receives its UK premiere, with Deirde O’Donnell reprising her 2022 Tony award winning performance in the title role, in which she meticulously lip-synchs to the actual interviews. This Goodman Theatre / Center Theatre Group / Vineyard Theatre production is directed by former Royal Court associate director Les Waters. Press contact: Maisie Lawrence maisie@breadandbutterpr.uk, Ella Gold, EllaGold@royalcourttheatre.com Website:https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/dana-h/

Wednesday February 14

LONDON: The King and I (Dominion Theatre) January 20-March 2, press night February 14. Bartlett Sher’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, originally revived at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont in 2015, and subsequently seen at the London Palladium in 2018, returns to London, to play a limited season at the Dominion Theatre following its current UK national tour. Darren Lee and Call The Midwife’s Helen George star in the title roles, as the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens respectively. Press contact: Hannah Tollman at Neil Reading PR Hannah@neilreadingpr.com Website: https://kingandimusical.co.uk/

Thursday February 15

LONDON: King Lear (Almeida Theatre) February 8-March 30, press night February 15. Yaël Farber, who last directed Macbeth at the Almeida, directs Danny Sapani in the title role of Shakespeare’s epic play. Press contact: Zoe Innis, zinnes@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/king-lear/

Monday February 19

LONDON: Double Feature (Hampstead Theatre) February 8-March 16, press night February 19. Jonathan Kent directs a new play by John Logan (whose previous plays include Red and Peter and Alice, and the book for Moulin Rouge). Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/double-feature/

Tuesday February 20

LONDON: An Enemy of the People (Duke of York’s) February 6-April 6, press night February 20. Ibsen’s play revived in a production conceived and directed by Thomas Ostermeier, in a version by Ostermeier and Florian Borschmeyer, that was originally produced by Schaubühne Berlin. Matt Smith will return to the London stage to play Dr Stockmann, whose discovery that the healing waters in his local baths are contaminated is rejected by his fellow, self-interested citizens. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com, Katie McDonagh katiemd@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://anenemyofthepeople.co.uk/

Wednesday February 21

LONDON: Hadestown (Lyric Theatre) Previews from February 10, press night February 21. The Anaïs Mitchell-scored musical returns to London, where it was first seen in 2018 at the National Theatre, for a West End run. In a press statement, she has said, “We’re all thrilled to be bringing Hadestown back to London! We truly loved our time at the National Theatre in 2018 and felt so welcomed by your city that it feels like a homecoming to be returning (to the West End)! I’m excited to work in and with the fantastic theatre community of London, and to share the newest version of our show, as there was a great deal of development pre-Broadway based on things we learned at the National! And it’s always a curious gift to witness how this epic myth vibrates differently in different places and times. That is, West End Hadestown will be its own world- born of London and the now- and we can’t wait to discover it.” Rachel Chavkin directs again, joined by her Broadway creative team including choreographer David Neumann and designers Rachel Hauck (sets), Michael Krasss (costumes), Bradley King (lighting), and Kevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (sound). Casting is to be announced. Press contact: David Bloom david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Lewis Jenkins lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://uk.hadestown.com/

Thursday February 22

LONDON: The Big Life (Theatre Royal Stratford East) February 16-March 30, press night February 22. Tinuke Craig directs a 20th anniversary revival of the musical that was originally premiered at Stratford East before transferring to the West End. It has a book by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson, lyrics by Siren and music by Paul Joseph. Press contact: Tom Kershaw-Green tom@joallanpr.com Website: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-big-life

Tuesday February 27

LONDON: Nachtland (Young Vic) February 20-April 20, press night February 27. Patrick Marber directs the UK premiere of Marius von Mayenburg’s satire about marriage, legacy, and the rise of the new right. In a press statement, Marber has commented, “Nachtland is a jagged, modern satire but when the laughter stops, there’s a haunting disquiet underneath. I want the show to be thrilling and surprising, the kind of theatre I love.” Press contact: Su-Ann Chow-Seegoolam, Su-AnnChow-Seegoolam@youngvic.org, Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Karllydie@youngvic.org Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/nachtland

Friday March 15

LONDON: Sister Act – the Musical (Dominion Theatre) March 15-August 31. Sister Act — the Musical is returning to London yet again, with a reprise for the 2022 production that played at Hammersmith Apollo; it will now play at the more central Dominion Theatre, with Beverley Knight returning to the role of Deloris Van Cartier that she first played in 2022 for the first part of the run, from March 15 to June 8, and then succeeded by Alexandra Burke, ahoy returning to the role that she previously played in the 2016 tour, from June 10 to August 31. The musical, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, has a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane. It is directed by Bill Buckhurst, and produced by Jamie Wilson, Gavin Kalin, Kevin McCollum and Leicester’s Curve Theatre. Press contacts: Simon Raw, Emily Webb or Daniel O’Carroll simon@rawpr.co.uk, emily@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website: https://www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk/london/

Wednesday March 27

LONDON: MJ – The Musical (Prince Edward Theatre) Previews from March 6, press night March 27. Myles Frost reprises his Tony winning performance as Michael Jackson in the London transfer of MJ, directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, with a book by Lynn Nottage. Press contact: David Bloom david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Lewis Jenkins lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://london.mjthemusical.com/?_gl=1*mkmkgn*_ga*OTAwMzIyMzk1LjE2ODQ3NDg1MDA.*_ga_19T79CV6QG*MTY4NDc0ODUwMC4xLjEuMTY4NDc0ODc5NC4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.183079077.285530715.1684748500-900322395.1684748500

Tuesday April 2

LONDON: Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Wyndham’s Theatre) March 19-June 8, press night April 2. Jeremy Herrin directs a cast led by patriarch James Tyrone in Eugene O’Neill’s classic family of family dysfunction, with Patricia Clarkson as his wife Mary, and Alex Lawther and Daryl McCormack as his sons Edmund and James Jr respectively. Louise Harland completes the cast as Cathleen. The last London revival of the play, in 2018, also played at Wyndham’s, with a cast led by Jeremy Irons and Lesley Manville. In a press statement, Herrin — whose company Second Half Productions is producing it — has said, “A great play is always relevant and Long Day’s Journey Into Night is, it’s often argued, the greatest play of the 20th Century. With its searing honesty and blistering depth of emotion, it must be up there. What is impossible to argue with is that we have the best cast and, in Lizzie Clachan, one of the most exciting designers in the country, to discover what makes O’Neill’s masterwork relevant for now.” Press contact: Kate Hassell at Bread and Butter PR, .kate@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://longdaysjourneylondon.com/

The post Theatre Openings: from w/c September 25 2023 first appeared on Shenton Stage.

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The post Theatre Openings: from w/c September 25 2023 first appeared on Shenton Stage.

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LAST UPDATED: September 25 2023

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from September 25 2023 onwards

THIS WEEK’S OPENINGS

Tuesday September 26

Wednesday September 27

Thursday September 28

OPENINGS FURTHER AHEAD

Tuesday October 3

Thursday October 5

Tuesday October 10

Wednesday October 11

Thursday October 12

Tuesday October 17

Thursday October 19

Monday October 23

Tuesday October 24

Wednesday October 25

Thursday October 26

Tuesday October 31

Wednesday November 1

Tuesday November 7

Wednesday November 8

Monday November 13

Thursday November 16

Tuesday November 21

Wednesday November 22

Thursday November 30

Monday December 4

Tuesday December 5

Wednesday December 6

Saturday December 9

Tuesday December 12

Thursday December 14

Friday December 15

Tuesday January 9

Monday January 15

Monday January 22

Wednesday February 14

Thursday February 15

Monday February 19

Tuesday February 20

Wednesday February 21

Thursday February 22

Tuesday February 27

Friday March 15

Wednesday March 27

Tuesday April 2

The post Theatre Openings: from w/c September 25 2023 first appeared on Shenton Stage.

[post_excerpt] =>

The post Theatre Openings: from w/c September 25 2023 first appeared on Shenton Stage.