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‘Few theatrical terrains are as hotly contested as this one’: Mark Shenton picks his favourite Broadway leading ladies

In Broadway, Features, London theatre, Musicals, Opinion, Plays by Mark Shenton20th February 2021Leave a Comment

My weekly ShenTens podcast, in which I count down my top ten favourites in a particular category, is inevitably subjective — but few theatrical terrains are as hotly contested as this one: whom I consider to be my favourite Broadway leading ladies.

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DOWN UNDER Year in Review: Music theatre in 2016

In Australia, Features, International, Musicals, Opinion, Reviews by Simon Parris20th December 2016Leave a Comment

Predating the UK’s entry into the EEC/EU (and quite possibly outlasting it too!) the Cambridge University European Theatre Group has over the years amassed a fine degree of cross-Channel cultural integration. To some extent, this year is no exception and having just completed a Swiss tour via Belgium the group bring their 2016 production of Hamlet to the Cockpit Theatre for one day only.

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Theatre Openings: from w/c May 23 onwards

Array ( [post_title] => Theatre Openings: from w/c May 23 onwards [post_content] =>

LAST UPDATED: May 26 2022

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from May 23 2022 onwards

Monday May 23:

LONDON: We Started to Sing (Arcola Theatre) May 19-June 18, press night May 23. The Arcola opens its doors for the first time since March 2020 with the world premiere of We Started to Sing, written and directed by Barney Norris whose first play Visitors was premiered here, as well as Eventide. In a statement, Norris has said, “This is a play about family and home, and I am fortunate to be able to make it with the Arcola, who have made me feel part of the family ever since they let me stage my first play, Visitors, there. It was at the Arcola that I first started trying to write plays out of love, in order to connect audiences with what they love in their own lives; We Started To Sing is an attempt to come home to that idea, and welcome audiences back from the isolation of the last few years. I am happy to be home.” Press contact: Kate Morley. https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/we-started-to-sing/

Tuesday May 24:

LONDON: Legally Blonde (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park) The 2007 Broadway musical vision of the 2001 film of the same name that was a West End hit starring Sheridan Smith when it transferred to London in 2010 is revived in a new production at Regent’s Park, directed by Lucy Moss, co-writer and co-director of the West End and Broadway hit Six. Written by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin (music and lyrics), and Heather Hach (book), it will star Six alumnus Courtney Bowman as Elle Woods. She is joined by a cast that includes Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (Emmett), Lauren Drew (Brooke), Vanessa Fisher (Vivienne), Isaac Hesketh (Margot), Nadine Higgin (Paulette), Alžbeta Matyšáková (Enid), Eugene McCoy (Callahan), Grace Mouat (Pilar), Alistair Toovey (Warner) and Hannah Yun Chamberlain (Serena). Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR, james@joallanpr.com. Website: https://openairtheatre.com/production/legally-blonde

Thursday May 26:

LONDON: Henry VIII (Shakespeare’s Globe) May 19-October 21, press night May 26. Shakespeare and Fletcher are newly joined by the Globe’s 2022 Resident Writer Hannah Khalil to re-tell the story from a female perspective. It is directed by Amy Hodge. Press contact: Claudia Conway, Jessica Strawson at the Globe. https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/henry-viii-2022/

REGIONAL: The Unfriend (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre) May 21-July 9, press night May 26. Amanda Abbington, Frances Barber and Reece Shearsmith star in Mark Gatiss’s production of a satirical new play by Steve Moffat (best known for his screen work for Doctor Who, Sherlock and Dracula, the latter pair of which were co-written with Gatiss) about middle-class England’s disastrous instinct always to appear nice. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-unfriend

Friday May 27:

LONDON: The Lion (Southwark Playhouse) May 25-June 25, press night May 27. Max Alexander-Taylor performs Benjamin Scheuer’s autobiographically-inspired one-man guitar folk musical, telling a true story of survival. Previously seen in London, New York and other cities around North America performed by Scheuer himself, this is the show’s first revival. Directed by Alex Stenhouse and Sean Daniels, it is produced by Danielle Tarento in association with Arizona Theatre Company, of which Daniels is artists director, and where it will play after its London run. Daniels, who also directed the original production, commented, “I am delighted to be back in the world of The Lion, a project Benjamin and I started eight years ago as he first told me his own personal and inspiring story. ATC and I are honoured to be working with Danielle Tarento on this award-winning musical. For me, this piece reminds me that great and redemptive things can come from awful things, and that the bonds between parents and children are with us a lifetime.” Press contact: Kevin Wilson. www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-little/the-lion

Monday May 30:

REGIONAL: The Play That Goes Wrong (Manchester’s Opera House, May 30-June 4; then Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, June 6-11) The original cast of Mischief Theatre’s long-running West End and international hit The Play That Goes Wrong return to reprise their original roles for two weeks only: Rob Falconer (Trevor), Dave Hearn (Max), Henry Lewis (Robert), Charlie Russell (Sandra), Jonathan Sayer (Dennis), Henry Shields (Chris), Greg Tannahill (Jonathan) and Nancy Zamit (Annie). It is co-written by Lewis, Sayer and Shields and is directed by Mark Bell. In a press statement, producer Kenny Wax commented, “I’m just sorry for everyone involved – especially the audiences.” Press contact: Freya Cowdry at Jo Allan PR, freya@joallanpr.com; Website: http://theplaythatgoeswrong.com/

Tuesday May 31:

LONDON: The Glass Menagerie (Duke of York’s) May 23, 2022-August 28, 2022, opening night May 31. Amy Adams makes her West End debut to star as Amanda Wingfield in a new production of the Tennessee Williams classic, directed by Jeremy Herrin, former artistic director of Headlong and deputy artistic director of the Royal Court, in the first production of Second Half Productions, of which he is a director. In a press statement, he has said: “I can’t wait to work with such a talented cast led by the brilliantly transformative Amy Adams on one of the best plays ever written. Tennesse Williams’ masterpiece is a delicate work of genius and I look forward to working with a world class creative team including Vicki Mortimer, Paule Constable and Ash J Woodward to allow the play to resonate in a fresh and exciting way. I’m grateful to the Williams’ estate who have allowed me to split the role of Tom Wingfield – and thrilled to have cast Paul Hilton to play him, and Tom Glynn-Carney to play his younger self.” The cast will also include Tom Glynn-Carney and the professional debut of Lizzie Annis. Press contact: Kate Hassall at Bread and Butter PR. https://theglassmenageriewestend.com/

Wednesday June 1:

LONDON: Britannicus (Lyric Hammersmith) May26-June 25, press night June 1. Atri Banerjee, resident director at the Almeida, directs Racine’s tragedy of monarchy, dictatorship and depravity, in a version translated and adapted by Timberlake Wertenbaker. Press contact: Su-Ann Cow-Seegoolam at Lyric Hammersmith. https://lyric.co.uk/shows/britannicus

Monday June 6:

LONDON: The Haunting of Susan A (Kings Head) June 1-26, press night June 6. Mark Ravenhill premieres his first new play as joint artistic director of the King’s Head, which is written as a response to the theatre’s 50th anniversary celebration. Drawing on the traditions of a classic ghost story, the play explores the power of the mind to make the unseen visible and for the cruelty of the past to haunt a room. Ravenhill himself will appear in the play, which features a line-up of younger creatives; in a press statement, he has commented, “One of the main reasons why I wanted to be artistic director of the Kings Head was the opportunity to work with a new generation of theatre makers. And because Susan A is in many ways such a personal piece – I’ve written it and am playing myself in it – it’s very important to surround myself with new voices to surprise and challenge me. Iman Qureshi provides an insightful outside eye as Associate Director, while Associate Creative Suzanne Ahmet, an actor of fierce intelligence and emotional honesty, is making a vital contribution to the making of the show. With Simon Fraser, Jo Underwood and Roly Botha creating an integrated design of space, light and sound, I believe we have a great team of new talent. If anyone wants to experience the work of the theatre makers of the future I’d encourage them to come along to The Haunting of Susan A.” Press contact: Arabella Neville-Rolfe, arabella@anrpr.co.uk Website: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/the-haunting-of-susan-

Wednesday June 8

LONDON: Tony [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] (Park Theatre) June 1-July 9, press night June 8. World premiere of a satirical rock opera with music and lyrics by Steve Brown (Spend Spend Spend) and book by by Harry Hill. It is described as “the story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades.” In a press statement, Hill commented, Ask yourself this – if you bumped into Tony Blair in the street would you ask for a selfie? Gordon maybe – but Tony… Don’t think so! Think of the insta-hate! Yet 25 years ago there he was – the master of all he surveyed surfing his Britpop wave with Cherie at his side. Ah, Remember Britpop? The future all looked so rosy back then didn’t it? It’s struck me for a while that Tony Blair’s life is epic – operatic even, in its story arc. I know it doesn’t sound like obvious material for a comedy musical but we’re not laughing at Tony so much as laughing at the choices WE made back in the 90’s and early 2000’s.” It is directed by Peter Rowe. Press contact: Rosie Bauer at Mobious Rosie@mobiusindustries.com Website; https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/tony-the-tony-blair-rock-opera

Sunday June 12:

NEW YORK: The 75th Tony Awards (Radio City Music Hall) June 12. The 2022 Tony Awards will be held at Radio City Music Hall, with nominations due to be announced May 3. The awards will honour the 2021-2022 Broadway season, with productions opening between February 20, 2020 (one day following the cut-off eligibility date for last year’s honours) and April 28, 2022 eligible for nominations. The awards will be shows live on CBS from 8pm-11pm EST, and streamed live and on demand on Paramount+, which will also host a preview programme only on Paramount+ preceding the ceremony, from 7pm-8pm EST. Press contact: Slate PR, tonyawardspr@slate-pr.com. For details, visit https://www.tonyawards.com/

Wednesday June 15

LONDON: Jitney (Old Vic) Co-produced with Headlong and Leeds Playhouse, Tinuke Craig’s production of August Wilson’s play was first seen in Leeds last October. The cast will include Geoff Aymer, Leanne Henlon, Wil Johnson, Leemore Marrett Jr and Tony Marshall. The eighth in Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle, it was originally premiered on Broadway in 2017. Set in an unlicenced cab office in the city, the play explores the fragile bond between eight men as they live, love and work in a racially segregated, post-Vietnam America. After the Old Vic, it will tour to Oldham Coliseum (July 13-16), Worthing’s Connaught (July 19-23) and Bath Theatre Royal (July 26-30). Press contacts: Katie Marsh/Armani Ur-Rub at Old Vic. https://headlong.co.uk/productions/jitney/

Thursday June 16:

LONDON A Doll’s House, Part 2 (Donmar Warehouse) June 10-August 6, press night June 16. Lucas Hnath’s play, originally premiered on Broadway in 2017, receives its European premiere, in a new production direct by James Macdonald. Noma Dumezwini will return to the London stage as Nora Helmer in this play that picks up where Ibsen’s play left off, when Nora slammed the door on her marriage and left her family behind. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/1647529276

LONDON: That is Not Who I Am (Royal Court’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs) June 10-July 16, press night June 16. The Royal Court presents the premiere of a play by Dave Davidson, who has worked in the security industry for the last 38 years and has now written his first play. Described in press materials as a slippery new thriller in which nothing is as it seems and nobody is who they are, fellow playwright Dennis Kelly has commented, “Dave Davidson is quite simply the best playwright that this country has never produced. The fact that this is his first major production is a shocking indictment of the system. His voice genuinely has the capacity to change everything.” The play will be directed by Lucy Morrison, associate director at the Royal Court, and the cast includes Priyanga Burford, Jake Davies and Siena Kelly. Press contact: Anouska Warden, anoushkaWarden@royalcourttheatre.com. Website: https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/that-is-not-who-i-am/

Friday June 17:

LONDON King Lear (Shakespeare’s Globe) June 10-July 24, press night June 17. Twenty-five years after their original, ground-breaking production, Helena Kaut-Howson, movement director Marcello Magni and Kathryn Hunter reunite to bring King Lear to a new generation. Hunter was the first British woman to play King Lear professionally and returns to the Globe after playing Richard III in 2003. The Globe’s Artistic Director Michelle Terry plays Cordelia and the Fool, and Magni plays Kent. Also joining the cast are Ryan Donaldson, Emma Ernest, Max Keeble, Glyn Pritchard, Marianne Oldham, Ann Ogbomo, Mark Jax and Diego Matamoros. Press contact: Claudia Conway, Jessica Strawson at the Globe. https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/king-lear-2022/

REGIONAL:The Southbury Child (Chichester Festival Theatre) June 13-25, press night June 17, then transferring to London’s Bridge Theatre from July 1-August 27. Alex Jennings leads the cast of Nicholas Hytner’s production of a new play by Stephen Beresford about family, faith, tradition and tolerance in a rapidly changing world. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-southbury-child

Monday June 20:

LONDON: The Witches of Eastwick (Sondheim Theatre) One night concert version of The Witches of Eastwick will be directed by Maria Friedman (who co-starred in the original London production at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 2000 as Suki), and will star Giles Terera (Olivier award winner for Hamilton) as Daryl Van Horne. He is joined by Carrie Hope Fletcher, Danielle Steers and Laura Pitt-Pulford as Sukie, Alexandra and Jane respectively. Book and lyrics are by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Brothers motion picture. It is being produced by Jack Maple, by arrangement with original producer Cameron Mackintosh; in a press statement, Mackintosh has commented, “I’m really thrilled that Jack Maple is conjuring up the wickedly funny WITCHES OF EASTWICK again, for one night only in concert with a glorious cast at the Sondheim Theatre. It has always been one of my favourite scores, which I’m very much looking forward to hearing in its full splendour.” Press contact: Alexandra Buchanan at Amanda Malpass PR, alex@amandamalpass.com

Tuesday June 21:

LONDON: Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (Theatre Royal Stratford East) June 15-July 17, press night June 21. New pop musical, adapted by Chris Bush with lyrics by Bush and Jennifer Decilveo and music by Miranda Cooper and Decliveo, is brought to the stage by director Amy Hodge, in a co-production with Kenny Wax Family Entertainment in association with Mast Mayflower Studios. Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR. https://fantasticallygreatwomenthemusical.com/

Wednesday June 22:

REGIONAL: Rock/ Paper /Scissors (Sheffield Theatres: The Crucible, Lyceum and Studio respectively) June 14-July 2, press day June 22, 11.30am, 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Three new plays by Chris Bush are premiered in each of the theatre’s three auditoria, with the same cast performing each simultaneously — as with Ayckbourn’s House and Garden (though that was staged in only two theatres simultaneously), one a character exists one stage, they arrive on another. The three interlinked but standalone plays will tell the story of Sheffield’s oldest scissor manufacturer and the three generations who go to war over what happens to the factory site. They will be directed by artistic director Robert Hastie, associate artistic director Anthony Lan and a third director to be announced. Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR.

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/rock

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/paper

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/scissors

Thursday June 23:

LONDON: The Fellowship (Hampstead Theatre) June 17-July 23, press night June 23. Paulette Randall directs the world premiere of Roy Williams’s play about children of the Windrush generation. Press contact: Clare McCormack at Hampstead. https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2022/the-fellowship

Saturday June 25:

LONDON: West End Live (Trafalgar Square) Annual weekend of free theatre in Trafalgar Square, with many companies from current (and occasionally future) West End musicals presenting extracts from their shows, running 11am-5pm Saturday June 25 and 12noon to 5pm Sunday June 26. https://www.westendlive.co.uk/

Sunday June 26:

LONDON: Madhouse (Ambassadors Theatre) June 15-September 4, press night June 26. David Barbour and Bill Pullman (pictured above) return to London to star in the world premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s play, set at a family reunion where siblings arrive to pay their last (dis)respects to their dying father, as they seek to work out how much money Dad actually has left and how they’re getting their hands on it. It is directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, who previously directed Rebek’s Bernhardt/Hamlet for New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company. Pullman was last seen on the London stage in All My Sons at the Old Vic, and Harbgour was in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Apollo. Press contact: Georgie Grant at Kate Morley PR. georgie@katemorleypr.com

Monday June 27:

LONDON: The Throne (Charing Cross Theatre) June 23-July 30, press night June 27. The world premiere of a comedy by TV and film screenwriter John Goldsmith stars Charlie Condou and Mary Roscoe as a republican school teacher who finds himself locked in a portaloo with the Queen on an official visit to his school. Anthony Biggs directs. Press contact; Kevin Wilson kevinwilsonpr@gmail.com; Website: https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/the-throne

Thursday June 30:

REGIONAL: Richard III (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) June 23-October 8, press night June 30. Artistic director Gregory Doran directs Arthur Hughes (pictured above), who previously appeared in The RSC’s War of the Roses in 2022, in the title role. In a press statement, Hughes commented, “It’s no exaggeration to say that playing Richard at the RSC is a dream come true. Richard is the most murderous and charismatic character in Shakespeare’s plays, and… he’s disabled! I’m thrilled not only to be playing this title role at the RSC, but also that a major production of this play is putting disability centre stage. It’s sadly rare in many plays to find a leading disabled character, and with this production I hope we prove that disabled talent deserves to be in the spotlight.” Sets and costumes are by Stephen Brimson Lewis. Press contact: Kate Evans at the RSC. https://www.rsc.org.uk/richard-iii/

LONDON: Beauty and the Beast (London Palladium) June 24-September 17, press night June 30. Disney Theatrical Productions’s revival of its first long-running Broadway adaptation of one of its film titles (the Oscar-winning 1991 animated feature). with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice , which first opened on Broadway in 1994 and ran to 2007, comes to London for a summer season as part of its current UK national tour. A West End transfer of the original Broadway production played at the Dominion Theatre from 1997 to 1999. The production will feature Courtney Stapleton and Shaq Taylor in the title roles, with Sam Bailey as Cogsworth and Gavin Lee as Gaston (pictured above). Press contact: David Bloom at Storyhouse PR. https://www.beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk/

LONDON: Favour (Bush Theatre) June 24-August 6, press night June 30. Co-commissioned and co-presented by the Bush and Clean Break, Ambreen Razi’s play about duty, addiction, and the battle of putting yourself back together is co-directed by Róisín McBrinn and Sophie Dillon-Moniram . Press contact: Martin Shippen, martinshippen@bushtheatre.co.uk. Website: https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/favour/

Wednesday July 6:

LONDON: The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre) June 29-September 10, press night July 6. Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Chekhov’s play, in a version by Anya Reiss, that was forced to shut down during previews when it was originally premiered in 2020, owing to COVID, returns, with Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke making her West End theatrical debut as Nina. The cast also includes Daniel Monks as Konstantin, Indira Varma as Arkadina, and Sophie Wu as Masha. Press contact: Freya Cowdry at Kate Morley PR. https://www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk/shows/the-seagull

REGIONAL: A Little Night Music (Quarry Theatre at Leeds Playhouse) July 1-16, press night July 6. James Brining’s production — a co-production between Leeds Playhouse and Opera North — returns with a cast that includes Dame Josephine Barstow (except July 9 evening and July 13 matinee) as Madam Armfeldt, Sandra Piques Eddy as Desiree Armfeldt and Quirijn de Lang as Frederj Egerman, James Holmes and Oliver Rundell share conducting duties. Press contacts: For Leeds Playhouse: Jo Haywood,at Leeds Playhouse Jo.haywood @leedsplayhouse.org.uk, Elizabeth Simmonds at Opera North, elizabeth .simmonds@operanorth.co.uk. Website: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/a-little-night-music-3/

Thursday July 7:

REGIONAL: The Tempest (Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio) July 1-August 6, press night July 7. Deborah Warner (pictured above) launches her inaugural season as artistic director of Bath’s Ustinov Studio with Shakespeare’s valedictory play, with a cast that includes Dickie Beau, Gary Sefton, William Chubb and Stephen Kennedy. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR. lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/the-tempest/

Sunday July 10:

BROADWAY: Into the Woods (St James Theatre) From June 28, official opening July 10. Transfer, for an eight-week run, of the revival of Sondheim and Lapine’s 1987 Broadway fairytale musical, that was seen at New York City Center in May 2022 as part of its Encores! series of musical revivals. Lear deBessonet, the new artistic director of the series, directs a cast that will see the return of some members from its City Center run — including Sara Bareilles as the Baker’s Wife and Gavin Creel as the Wolf and Cinderella’s prince — newly joined by Patina Miller as the Witch; Brian d’Arcy James as the Baker; Phillipa Soo as Cinderella; and Joshua Henry as Rapunzel’s Prince. Also in the cast are Ta’Nika Gibson as Lucinda, Annie Golden as Cinderella’s Mother/Grandmother/Giant’s Wife, Albert Guerzon as Cinderella’s Father, Brooke Ishibashi as Florinda, Kennedy Kanagawa as Milky White, David Patrick Kelly as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, Julia Lester as Little Red Riding Hood, Cole Thompson as Jack and David Turner as the Steward. Jordan Roth, who runs Jujamcyn Theatres, has commented to the New York Times that the physical production would be the same as at City Center, with an onstage orchestra and minimal sets and costumes. “The simplicity and poetry of this production delivered this story right to our hearts”. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara / Kendall Edwards at O&M. rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com / kendall@omdkc.com. Website: https://intothewoodsbway.com/

Tuesday July 12:

Patriots (Almeida Theatre) July 2-August 20, press night July 12. Rupert Goold directs Tom Holllander in a new play by Peter Morgan — his first seen The Audience that became a West End and Broadway hit. Set in 1991, during the fall of the Soviet Union, it follows billionaire businessman Boris Berezovsky (played by Hollander) who goes from the president’s inner circle to public enemy number one. The cast also includes: Will Keen, Yolanda Kettle and Luke Thallon. Press contact: Alexander Milward at Almeida; amilward@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://www.almeida.co.uk/whats-on/patriots/2-jul-2022-20-aug-2022

Thursday July 14:

LONDON: Jack Absolute Flies Again (National’s Olivier Theatre) previews from July 2, press night July 14. New comedic version of Sheridan’s The Rivals, co-written by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris (who co-starred in the National’s original production of One Man, Two Guvnors, also adapted by Richard Bean). Emily Burns directs a cast that includes Laurie Davidson as Jack Absolute, Caroline Quentin as Mrs Malaprop, Natalie Simpson, Kevin Fletcher, and Kerry Howard. Press contact: Louise Terry. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/jack-absolute-flies-again

REGIONAL: Billy Elliot (Curve, Leicester) July 7-August 14, press night July 14. Nikolai Foster, artistic director at Curve, directs a brand-new production of the Elton John/Lee Hall musical based on the 20000 film that was directed by Stephen Daldry. The title role of the miner’s son with a passion for ballet, will be performed by Leo Hollingsworth from Nottinghamshire, Alfie Napolitano from Northamptonshire, Samuel Newby from Hertfordshire and Jaden Shentall-Lee, whose family live in Leicestershire.The adult cast is led by Sally Ann Triplett as dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson (pictured above with the Billy’s), with Joe Caffrey as Billy’s father Jackie, Rachel Izen as Billy’s grandmother Edna, Luke Baker as Billy’s older brother Tony and Jessica Daley as Billy’s dead mother. Press contact; Arabella Neville-Rolfe at ANRPR, arabella@anrpr.co.uk. Website: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/billy-elliot-the-musical/

FrIday July 15:

LONDON: Anything Goes (Barbican Theatre) July 15-September 3, and touring before. Last summer’s hit import of director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall’s 2011 Broadway revival of the 30s Cole Porter/PG Wodehouse musical returns to the Barbican for a summer season, preceded by a spring tour to Bristol Hippodrome (April 11-16), Liverpool Empire (April 20-30), Edinburgh Playhouse (May 11-21) and Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre (May 24-June 4). The cast will be led by Kerry Ellis as Reno Sweeney, with Denis Lawson as Moonface Martin, Simon Callow as Elisha Whitney and Bonnie Langford as Evengeline Harcourt. Reprising their co-starring roles in this year’s UK tour and Barbican season are Samuel Edwards as Billy Crocker, Carly Mercedes Dyer as Erma, Nicole-Lily Baisden as Hope Harcourt and Haydn Oakley as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Further casting is still to be announced. Press contact: Neil Reading at Neil Reading PR. https://anythinggoesmusical.co.uk/

Monday July 18:

LONDON: Much Ado About Nothing (National’s Lyttelton Theatre). July 7-September 10, press night July 18. Simon Godwin, who directed the NT’s filmed version of Romeo and Juliet during lockdown, directs Katherine Parkinson as Beatrice and John Heffernan as Benedict in a production set in the Italian Rivera at the fictional Hotel Messina. Press contact: Sophie Wilkinson. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/much-ado-about-nothing

Tuesday July 19:

REGIONAL: Crazy for You (Chichester Festival Theatre) July 11-September 4, press night July 19. Susan Stroman, who choreographed the original Broadway production of the overhaul of Gershwin’s Girl Crazy interpolating other songs from the catalogue of George and Ira Gershwin’s catalogue, now directs and choreographs a brand-new production to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. The cast includes Richard Stemp as Bobby, and Tom Edden as Bela Zangler. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/crazy-for-you

Wednesday July 20:

LONDON: Closer (Lyric Hammersmith) July 14-August 13, press night July 20. Claire Lizzimore directs a new production of Patrick Marber’s play about a tangle of relationships amongst modern Londoners that originally premiered at the National before going on to West End and Broadway runs, and being made into a feature film. Press contact: Su-Ann Cow-Seegoolam at Lyric Hammersmith. https://lyric.co.uk/shows/closer/

LONDON: Sister Act (Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, July 20-August 29, then touring) Originally scheduled for 2020 and then again for 2021, this revival of the musical version of Sister Act finally opens in London, followed by a regional tour. The cast will be led in London by Jennifer Saunders as the Mother Superior, who will also continue at Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff, with other dates played by Lesley Joseph. Saunders is joined by Beverley Knight, Keala Settle, Clive Rowe and Lizzie Bea in principal roles in London. Press contact: Simon Raw, Emily Webb or Daniel O’Carroll at Raw PR, simon@rawpr.co.uk, emily@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Full tour dates: https://sisteractthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour/

Thursday July 21:

BROADWAY: The Kite Runner (Hayes Theatre) July 6-October 30, opening night July 21. Giles Croft’s stage production of Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling 2003 novel, adapted by Matthew Spangler, originally seen at Nottingham Playhouse and which has had two West End runs, transfers to Broadway for a summer season. Press contact: Jackie Green at Boneau/Bryan-Brown. http://thekiterunnerbroadway.com/

Friday July 22:

LONDON: 101 Dalmatians (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park) July 12-August 28, press night July 22. New musical based n the book by Dodie Smith, with music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and book by Johnny McKnight from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. Kate Fleetwood stars as Cruela de Vil under Timothy Sheader’s direction, with choreography by Liam Steele and musical supervision by Sarah Travis. Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR, james@joallanpr.com. Website: https://openairtheatre.com/production/101-dalmatians

REGIONAL: Great British Bake Off – The Musical (Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham) July 22-August 6. World premiere of a musical inspired by the cult TV series, following eight amateur bakers as they compete to impress two judges . Featuring an original score by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, the show is endorsed and created in association with TV series Executive Producer Richard McKerrow and Love Productions/ Press contact: Dee McCourt at Borkowski, dee@mg.borkowski.co.uk. Website: https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/great-british-bake-off-the-musical/

Monday July 25:

LONDON: Chasing Hares (Young Vic Theatre) July 16-August 13, press night July 25. Milli Bhatia directs Sonali Bhattacharyya’s play in a co-production with Theatre Uncut. A tale of resistance and dignity in the face of global exploitation, it won Theatre Uncut’s 2021 Political Playwrighting Award. Press contacts: Kate Hassell, Interim Head of Press kate@breadandbutterpr.uk, Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Press Officer KarlLydie@youngvic.org Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/chasing-hares

Tuesday July 26:

LONDON: Yeast Nation (The Triumph of Life) (Southwark Playhouse) July 22-August 27, press night July 26. The European premier of a bio-historical musical, set in the brine of the primordial soup over 3 and a half billion years ago, that was originally produced in Alaska in 2007, and was written by Greg Kotis and Mark Hillman, who also wrote the Tony winning Urinetown, as part of an, as yet, unproduced trilogy with Urinetown to which it constitutes a prequel. It is directed by Benj Sperring, who previously directed The Toxic Avenger at Southwark Playhouse. In a press statement has commented, “Having directed shows ranging from the Rocky Horror sequel which predicted the dangers of Reality TV, to a show about a monstrous mutant ripping people up for not recycling, of course I’m attracted to the wacky weirdness that comes from a show about Yeast. But with the genius minds of Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann behind it, the show is about so much more than that – it’s about love, the soul, the state of the world we are in now, and the ways we are dealing with the terrifying global problems on our doorstep. And while The Yeast might only be little, they prove they can grow into the biggest heroes and change existence as we know it; what a brilliant metaphor for what we need today.”  Press contact: Flavia Fraser-Cannon at Mobius Industries, flavia@mobiusindustries.com. Website: https://www.proudhaddock.com/

Wednesday July 27:

LONDON: South Pacific (Sadler’s Wells) July 27-August 28, then touring regionally. Last summer’s Chichester Festival revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein 1949 musical masterpiece, directed by artistic director Daniel Evans, has a London season at Sadler’s Wells, prior to a UK and national tour that will visit Dublin (from September 13), then Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Canterbury. Prior to Sadler’s Wells, it will also play at Manchester’s Opera House from July 16-23. Julian Ovenden and Gina Beck will reprise their Chichester lead roles as Emile de Becque and Nellie Forbush respectively, joined by returning original cast members Rob Houchen as Lieutenant Joseph Cable, Joanna Ampil as Bloody Mary and Sera Maehara as Liat. Press contact: Simon Raw at Raw PR. https://southpacifishow.com

REGIONAL: Sing Yer Heart out for the Lads (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre) July 22-August 13, press night July 27. Roy Williams’ play, originally premiered at the National in 2002, is revived in a new production directed by Nicole Charles, who previously staged Emilia at the Globe and its subsequent West End transfe. Original cast members Kirsty J Curtis, Jennifer Daley, Michael Hodgson and Mark Springer return, with further casting to be announced. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/sing-yer-heart-out-for-the-lads

Thursday July 28:

LONDON: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Gillian Lynne Theatre) July 18-January 8, 2023, press night July 28. Michael Fentiman directs a stage version of C.S Lewis’s enduringly popular novel, based on a production that was originally directed by Sally Cookson, that has recently completed a 19-week UK tour. Samantha Womack leads the cast as the evil White Witch. Press contact: Nada Zakula, nada.zakula@storyhousepr.co.uk; Website: https://www.lionwitchonstage.com/

Friday July 29:

LONDON: The Tempest (Shakespeare’s Globe) July 22-October 22, press night July 29. Sean Holmes, Associate Artistic Director of the Globe, directs the Globe Ensemble including Peter Bourke, Rachel Hannah Clarke, George Fouracres, Nadi Kemp-Sayfi and Ciaran O’Brien.Press contact: Claudia Conway, Jessica Strawson at the Globe. https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/the-tempest-2022/

Monday August 1:

LONDON: Chess in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) Nick Winston directs and choreographs Samantha Barks and Hadley Fraser star as Florence and Anatoly, respectively, in a one-off concert performance of Benny Anderssonn, Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice’s 1980s musical, accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. Press contact: Didi Ralph at Emma Holland PR, didi@emmahollandpr.com; Website: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/chess-the-musical-in-concert/

Tuesday August 2:

REGIONAL: Identical (Nottingham Playhouse) July 26-August 14, press night August 2. Trevor Nunn directs a new musical version of Erik Kästner’s novel The Parent Trap, featuring music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Honk!, Mary Poppins) and a book by Stuart Paterson. Press contact: David Burns at David Burns PR. https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/identical/

Thursday August 4:

LONDON: All of Us (National’s Dorfman Theatre).Previews from July 27, opens August 4. Francesca Martinez makes her National Theatre debut writing and starring in a new play exploring the human cost of abandoning those who struggle to fit in. Ian Rickson will direct. Press contact: Sophie Wilkinson. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/all-of-us

Monday August 8:

LONDON: Kinky Boots in concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) Omar F Okai directs a one-off concert performance of Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s 2013 Broadway musical version of the 2005 film of the same name accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. The cast is led by Cedric Neal as Lola/Simon, Matt Willis as Charlie and Courtney Bowman as Lauren. Press contact: Didi Ralph at Emma Holland PR, didi@emmahollandpr.com; Website: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/kinky-boots-the-musical-in-concert/

Friday August 12:

LONDON: The Trials (Donmar Warehouse) August 12-27, press night to be announced. Natalie Abrahami directs the UK premiere of Dawn King’s play, that received its world première at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in 2021. It is presented as a Donmar LOCAL production, combining young performers alongside leading actors to identify talent of the future and platform them and the issues that matter. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com.

Tuesday August 23:

REGIONAL: All’s Well That Ends Well (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) August 16-October 8, press night August 23. Blanche McIntyre’s directs a contemporary take on William Shakespeare’s play that is described as a production for “the social media generation” that explores “themes of romantic fantasy, toxic masculinity and consent.” It will be designed by Robert Innes Hopkins. Press contact: Kate Evans at the RSC. https://www.rsc.org.uk/alls-well-that-ends-well

Wednesday August 17:

LONDON: Cruise (Apollo Theatre) August 13-September 4, press night August 17. Jack Holden’s solo play, which he also performs, returns to the West End for a short season, after previously being seen as one of the shows that re-opened the theatres in May 2021, when it marked the West End debuts of its producers Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson as well as for Holden, whose work was Olivier nominated for Best New Play. Set in 1980s Soho, and featuring a live electronic soundtrack written and performed by John Patrick Elliott, it is inspired by a true story, and offers a tribute to the veterans of the HIV/AIDS crisis whose story the playwright heard as a volunteer for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ listening service. Press contact: Laura Myers laura@aboutgracepr.com and Alice Rickett alice@aboutgracepr.com at About Grace PR Website: https://cruisetheplay.co.uk/

Thursday August 18:

Phaedra/ Minotaur (Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio) August 12-23, press night August 18. Deborah Warner directs Christine Rice in a performance of Britten’s last vocal work Phaedra, previously staged by Warner at the Royal Opera House in 2020. Working with music director Richard Hetherington, she now re-imagines the piece in a piano version, specially designed by for the Ustinov studio. It is paired an a double bill with a newly commissioned dance piece, Minonaur, choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Kim Brandstrup, with a cast that includes the Royal Ballet’s Kristin McNally and Jonathan Goddard. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR. lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk
Website: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/phaedra-and-minotaur/

Monday August 22:

LONDON: Treason the Musical in concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) New musical by Ricky Allan and Kieran Lynn, previously seen in a streamed lockdown concert, is now presented in a live concert performance, with Hannah Chissick directing a cast that includes Carrie Hope Fletcher, Bradley Jaden, Simon-Anthony Rhoden, Les Dennis, Emilie Louise Israel, Rebecca Lachance, Daniel Boys, Cedric Neal, Waylon Jacobs and Adam Pearce. Press contact: Didi Ralph at Emma Holland PR, didi@emmahollandpr.com; Website: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/treason-the-musical-in-concert/

Thursday August 25:

REGIONAL: Into the Woods (Theatre Royal, Bath) August 19-September 10, 2022, press night August 25. Terry Gilliam co-directs Sondheim and Lapine’s 1987 Broadway fairytale musical that was originally due to be staged at the Old Vic, co-produced by Scenario Two, but cancelled after Gilliam’s remarks on transexuals caused theatre staff there to protest at his presence in the building. In a press statement, John Berry — co-director of Scenario Two with Anthony Lilley — commented, “Stephen Sondheim‘s recent death has led to a worldwide outpouring of love and appreciation for his unique genius. We feel privileged to be working on this wonderful work and we are extremely grateful to Steve and James Lapine for their support as we searched for a new home for this production.” The cast features Nicola Hughes as the Witch, Rhashan Stone as the Baker, Alex Young as the Baker’s Wife, Audrey Brisson as Cinderella and Julian Bleach as Mysterious Man, joined by Gillian Bevan, Nathanael Campbell, Maria Conneely, Lauren Conroy, Phoebe Fildes, Samuel Holmes, Charlotte Jaconelli, Henry Jenkinson and Barney Wilkinson. Press contact: Mark Borkowski at Borkowski PR. https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/into-the-woods/

Sunday August 28:

LONDON: The Secret Garden (London Palladium) One-night concert performance of Lucy Simon and Masha Norman’s 1991 Broadway musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel. Nick Winston directs a cast that includes Mark Feehilly, Hadley Fraser, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Alex Thomas-Smith and Emma Williams. Press contact: About Grace PR, laura@aboutgracepr.com; https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-secret-garden-in-concert/

Wednesday August 31:

REGIONAL: The Narcissist (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre) August 26-September 24, press night August 31 Josh Seymour directs the premiere of Christopher Shinn’s new play about personal and political communication in the internet age. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-narcissist

Thursday September 1:

LONDON: Joan (Shakespeare’s Globe) August 25-October 22, press night September 1. Written by Charlie Josephine and directed by Ilinca Radulian, this new play rediscovers the story of the unexpected leader, Joan of Arc. Press contact: Claudia Conway, Jessica Strawson at the Globe. https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/the-tempest-2022/

Friday September 2:

REGIONAL: Mrs Doubtfire (Manchester Opera House) September 2-October 1, 2022. This new musical, which opened on Broadway in December, is based on the 1993 film; it will receive its UK premiere in Manchester. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR. https://www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk/

REGIONAL: Family Album (Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough) September 2-October 1. Alan Ayckbourn directs and writes his 87th play at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where he was formerly a long-time artistic director. The new play chronicles the trials, tribulations and temptations of three generations of one family across 70 years in the same home. Set in a moving-in day in 1952, a birthday party in 1992 and a moving-out day in 2022, it revolves around RAF veteran John and housewife Peggy as they proudly move into the first home they can really call their own; daughter Sandra, frantically negotiating the challenges of a 10-year-old’s birthday party without her AWOL husband; and grandaughter Alison, finally escaping the house she has somewhat unwillingly inherited. Press contact: Jennie Swales, jeannie.swales@sjt.uk.com. https://www.sjt.uk.com/event/1324/family_album.

Monday September 6:

LONDON: Silence (Donmar Warehouse) September 1-17, press night September 6. Abdul Shayek, artistic director of Tara Theatre, directs a co-production of his company and the Donmar in a new play adapted from Kavita Puri’s Partition Voices: Untold British Stories, co-written by Sonali Bhattacharyya, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, Ishy Din and Alexandra Wood. It is inspired by the remarkable personal testimonies of people who lived through the last days of the British Raj. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com.

Wednesday September 8:

LONDON: Who Killed My Father (Young Vic) September 7-24, press night September 8. Ivo van Hove adapts Édouard Louis’s letter to his father for the stage, making its UK premiere in an International Theater Amsterdam production that is also directed by van Hove, and peroffmred as a monologue by Hans Kesting. Press contacts: Kate Hassell, Interim Head of Press kate@breadandbutterpr.uk; Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Press Officer KarlLydie@youngvic.org. Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/who-killed-my-father

REGIONAL: Kinky Boots (New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, then Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch) September 1-24, press night September 8; then Hornchurch, September 28-October 22, press night September 29. Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s hit 2013 Broadway stage version of the 2005 film is revived in a new production, directed by Tim Jackson, that is being co-produced by Ipswich and Hornchurch. Douglas Rintoul, who is departing Hornchurch to become chief executive at Ipswich, comments, “I can’t think of a better way to mark the start of my new role at the New Wolsey Theatre than with this very special regional premiere. Made by my favourite theatres, and directed by a supremely talented director, Kinky Boots is going to be a smart and gloriously uplifting night out.” Press contact: Aeron James, aeron@aeronjames.com

Monday September 12:

The Clinic (Almeida Theatre) September 3-October 1, press night September 12. .Dipo Baruwa-Etti’s new play, written during a year-long residency at the Almeida as part of Channel 4’s Playwright’s bursary, receives its world premiere in a production directed by Monique Touko. Described as a fiercely political and lyrical play, it is the portrait of a woman with a hunger for change, a family on fire and how to rise from the ashes of a broken world. Press contact: Alexander Milward at Almeida; amilward@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-clinic/3-sep-2022-1-oct-2022

LONDON: A Journey to the Past (Lyric Theatre) Originally scheduled for June 6, but now rescheduled for September 12, Maria Friedman directs a West End celebration of the work of the Broadway theatre writing team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, whose shows have included Ragtime (for which Maria Friedman won an Olivier in its West End premiere), Once on this Island, Seussical, My Favourite Year and Anastasia (first as an animated feature and subsequently seen on Broadway). In a press statement, lyricist Ahrens commented, ““After two long years of uncertainty, what a wonderful way to celebrate the return to theater. I’m honored to have my work back on the boards in London!” In addition to Friedman, who will reprise ‘Back to Before’ from Ragtime, the company was previously due to feature Carrie Hope Fletcher, Rob Houchen, Cedric Neal, Lucy St Louis and Summer Strallen. Casting for the new date is still to be confirmed. Press contact: Arabella Neville-Rolfe, Arabella@anrpr.co.uk; Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/a-journey-t

Wednesday September 14

LONDON: Walking with Ghosts (Apollo Theatre) September 6-17, press night September 14. Gabriel Byrne makes his West End debut in a solo show that he has written himself, adapted form his own best-selling memoir, directed by Lonny Price. Byrne has starred in more than 80 feature films including Excalibur, Miller’s Crossing, Into the West, The Point of No Return, Little Women, Spider, The Usual Suspects, Dead Man, The End of Violence, The Man in the Iron Mask, Vanity Fair, Jindabyne and Wah-Wah. On Broadway, he received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Eugene O’Neill’s A Moon for the Misbegotten. He won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for his performance in another O’Neill play, A Touch of the Poet. In 2016, he starred opposite Jessica Lange in O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Press contact: Ben Chamberlain at Bread and Butter PR, ben@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/walking-with-ghosts/

LONDON: The P Word (Bush Theatre) September 9-October 22, press night September 14. Waleed Akhtar’s play, a Bush commission, charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men. It is directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike. Press contact: Martin Shippen, martinshippen@bushtheatre.co.uk. https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/the-p-word/

Monday September 19:

NEW YORK: The Piano Lesson (St James Theatre) From September 19 for 16 weeks; opening night to be announced. LaTanya Richardson Jackson directs a cast headed by Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Dainielle Brooks in a new Broadway production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, that originally premiered on Broadway in 1990. In a press statement, the director has commented, “August Wilson dedicated his life and devoted his talent to dramatizing our stories and our experience. In doing so, he forever changed what it means to be Black in America. His plays built empathy, created community, and showed us the power of representation. The Piano Lesson is one of his most enduring, profound and consequential masterpieces, and I am reveling in this opportunity to present it to Broadway audiences for the first time since its premiere.” Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara / Kendall Edwards at DKC O&M. rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com / kendall@omdkc.com
Website: https://pianolessonplay.com/

Wednesday September 21:

LONDON: The Crucible (National’s Olivier Theatre, September 14- November 5; press night September 21). Lyndsey Turner directs Arthur Miller’s play with Brendan Cowell as John Proctor and Erin Doherty as Abigail. The company also includes Fisayo Akinade, Rachelle Diedericks, Nick Fletcher, Karl Johnson, Gracie McGonigal, Matthew Marsh and Eileen Walsh. Press contact: Sophie Wilkinson, at National Theatre. sowilkinson@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-crucible

Thursday September 22:

LONDON: The Wonderful World of Dissocia (Theatre Royal Stratford East) September 16-October 15, * press night September 22. Emma Baggott directs a revival of Anthony Neilson’s play, originally premiered at the Royal Court in 2007, that is described as “a poignant and comical delve into the nature of mental illness. “ Press contact: Freya Cowdry, freya@joallanpr.com

Friday September 23:

The Upstart Crow (Apollo Theatre) September 23-December 3, 2022. After having its original West End run curtailed by the theatre closure during the pandemic after it opened in February 2020 at the Gielgud Theatre, Ben Elton’s stage version of his TV comedy about Shakespeare returns to the West End, now playing at the Apollo across the street, with David Mitchell reprising his performance as the Bard and Gemma Whelan as Kate. Sean Foley directs a limited 10-week season. In a press statement, Michell comments, “A whole pandemic later, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue my West End debut as history’s most famous balding dramatist and escape back to 1605 through the amazing comic imagination of Ben Elton. We aim to bring Shakespearean London back to life in every way apart from the smell.” Press contacts: Joe Brett / Neil Reading at Nei Reading PR, Joe@neilreadingpr.com; Website: https://upstartcrowthecomedy.com/

Saturday September 24:

LONDON: The Band’s Visit (Donmar Warehouse) September 24-December 3 (press night to be announced). David Yazbek and Itamar Moses’s 2017 Tony winning musical, based on the 2007 Oscar-winning film of the same name, comes to London, in a new production that will be directed by the Donmar’s artistic director Michael Longhurst. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/1647527967

Tuesday September 27:

LONDON: Blues for an Alabama Sky (National’s Lyttelton Theatre). September 20-November 5, press night September 27. Lynette Linton, artistic director of the Bush, makes her NT directing debut with Pearl Cleague’s play. Set in 1930 during the Harlem renaissance, t is about four friends whose lives and passions collide when a newcomer from Alabama arrives. The cast comprises Samira Wiley (pictured), Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo, Osy Ikhile, Sule Rimi and Giles Terera. Press contact: Louisa Terry, lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/blues-for-an-alabama-skyfnationaln

Wednesday September 28:

REGIONAL: Woman in Mind (Chichester Festival Theatre) September 23-October 15, press night September 28. Justin Martin directs a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s play about a woman undergoing a nervous breakdown. It was originally premiered in Scarborough in 1985 and subsequently transferred to the West End in 1986, where the cast was led by Julia McKenzie. A 2008 revival of the play at Scarborough, starring Janie Dee, also transferred to the West End in 2009. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/woman-in-mind

REGIONAL: Noises Off (Bath Theatre Royal) September 21-October 1, press night September 28. Felicity Kendal stars in Lindsay Posner’s revival of Michael Frayn’s backstage comedy, which will play in Bath, Richmond, Brighton and Cambridge before a planned return to the West End. Lindsay Posner, who directed the last London revival of the play at the Old Vic in 2011 that subsequently transferred to the Piccadilly, will direct. He previously directed Kendal in a revival of Coward’s Hay Fever. Press contact:
Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk

Thursday September 29:

LONDON: John Gabriel Borkman (Bridge Theatre) September 24-November 26, press night September 29. Simon Russell Beale plays the title role in a new production of Ibsen’s play, presented in a new version by Lucinda Croxon, that will be directed by Nick Hytner. Beale was previously seen at the Bridge in A Christmas Carol and Bach & Sons, both also directed by Hytner. Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier PR. Janine.shalom@premiercomms.com or grace.barber@premiercomms.com Website: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/john-gabriel-borkman/

REGIONAL: The Famous Five (Theatr Clwyd) September 23-October 15, press night September 29, then Chichester Festival Theatre, October 21-November 12, press night October 25). New musical based on the books of Enid Blyton will be directed by Clwyd’s artistic director Tamara Harvey, in a co-production with Chichester Festival Theatre where it will play after Clywd. Music and lyrics are by Theo Jamieson, with book by Elinor Cook. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-famous-five

Wednesday October 5

LONDON: Heather (Lyric Hammersmith) September 29-October 29, press night October 5. Ola Ince directs Roy Williams’s new version of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Press contact: Su-Ann Cow-Seegoolam at Lyric Hammersmith, su-ann.chow-seegoolam@lyric.co.uk; Website: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/heather/

LONDON: The Boy with Two Hearts (National’s Dorfman Theatre) October 1-November 12; press night October 5. Previously seen at Cardiff’s Millennium Centre, Phil Porter’s stage version of the book of the same name by Hamed and Hessam Amiri transfers to the National. Drawing on real-life experiences, it is a powerful story of hope, courage, and humanity – and a heartfelt tribute to the NHS. The original cast of Afghan and Iranian performers will return to their roles in Amit Sharma’s production, including Shamail Ali, Dana Haqjoo, Farshid Rokey, Ahmad Sakhi and Géhane Strehler as well as the award-winning Afghan vocalist and composer, Elaha Soroor. Press contact: Louise Terry at National Theatre, lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-boy-with-two-hearts

Monday October 10

LONDON: The Doctor (Duke of York’s) September 29-December 11, press night October 10. Robert Icke’s production of his own play, very freely adapted from Shnitzler’s Professor Berhardi, finally transfers to the Duke of York’s, two and a half years after it was originally due to in 2020. First seen at the Almeida in August 2019, Juliet Stevenson reprises her performance that won her a Critics’ Circle Award for Best Actress. Prior to the West End, the production will visit Brighton Theatre Royal (September 5-10), Bath Theatre Royal (September 13-17) and Richmond Theatre (September 19-24). In a press statement, Stevenson has commented, “I am beyond thrilled that The Doctor is travelling to Brighton, Bath and Richmond and then onto the West End. So much has happened in the last two years since we first played the show – I am so excited to share these new resonances and conversations with audiences, everywhere we go. Never has this debate been more needed.” Press contact: Emma Holland/ Didi Ralph at EHPR, emma@emmahollandpr.com; didi@emmahollandpr.com. Website: https://thedoctorwestend.co.uk

Wednesday October 12:

LONDON: Good (Harold Pinter Theatre) October 6-December 24, press night October 12. CP Taylor’s 1981 play, originally premiered at the Donmar Warehouse under the auspices of the RSC, returns to the West End, in a new production that will star David Tennant and be directed by Dominic Cooke, in a debut for his own new company Fictionhouse, an independent producing company he has established with Kate Horton, his former executive director when he was at the helm of the Royal Court. Co-produced with Playful Productions, it was originally due to premiere in 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic. Tennant will be joined by Elliot Levey, currently starring in Cabaret in the West End. In a press statement, Tennant has commented, “Dominic is one of the UK’s all-time great theatre directors. I am really inspired and delighted to finally… FINALLY… get a chance to work with him, and especially on a wonderful play like C. P. Taylor’s GOOD – a fantastic bit of writing that is more pertinent and resonant now than it has ever been”. Press contacts: James Lever james@joallanpr.com, Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan jo@joallanpr.com. Website: https://www.goodtheplay.com/

Monday October 17:

REGIONAL: Local Hero (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre) October 8-November 19, press night October 17. Chichester artistic director Daniel Evans directs a new musical based on Bill Forsyth’s 1983 film, with a book by David Greig, and songs by Mark Knopfler (formerly of pop group Dire Straits). Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/local-hero

Tuesday October 18:

LONDON: My Neighbour Totoro (Barbican Theatre) October 8-January 21, 2023, press night October 18. The 1988 animated feature by Hayao Miyazaki, exploring the fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, is adapted for the stage by its original composer Joe Hisaishi in an RSC adaptation, written by Tom Morton-Smith, and to be directed by Phelim McDermott (co-founder of Improbable Theatre). It is designed by Tom Eye, with puppetry created by Basil Twist. In a press statement, Hisaishi, who is also the show’s executive producer, has said, “In Japan, many people are passionate about theatre and musicals, but there are no original Japanese shows or musicals performed in the world. Totoro is a Japanese work famous throughout the world, and so this stage adaptation could have the potential to reach global audiences. That’s what I thought, and I told Mr Miyazaki ‘I want to see such a show’ and he said ‘yes, only if you are going to do it’.Press contact: Bethany Arnold at the RSC, bethany.arnold@rsc.org.uk; Website: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2022/event/royal-shakespeare-company-my-neighbour-totoro

Thursday October 20:

REGIONAL: Dido and Aeneas (Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio) October 14-November 5, press night October 20. Isabelle Kettle directs Purcell’s opera about Dido, the widowed Queen of Carthage, and her lover the Trojan prince, Aeneas, shipwrecked on his way to Italy, where he will found a new Troy. The musical director will be Michael Papadopoulos. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/dido-and-aeneas/

Wednesday October 26:

REGIONAL: A Christmas Carol (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) October 26 to January 1, press night to be announced. The RSC’s adaptation of Dickens’s story, originally premiered in 2017 and revived the following year, returns. It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and written by David Edgar, the RSC’s most produced living playwright whose history with the company spans some four decades, from Destiny in 1976 and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby in 1980 (also adapted from Dickens) to Written the Heart in 2011 and his own solo one-man show Trying it On in 2019. Press contact: Dean Asker at the RSC, dean.asker@rsc.org.uk. Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/a-christmas-carol/

Tuesday November 1

NEW YORK: Parade (New York City Center) November 1-6. Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond star in a gala production of Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry’s musical that was originally premiered at Lincoln Center’s Beaumont Theatre in 1998, winning Brown a Tony for Best Original Musical Score and Uhry the Tony for Best Book of a musical. https://www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/

Sunday November 6:

REGIONAL: Cinderella (Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester) November 1-December 11, press night November 6. The revised 2013 Broadway version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1950s television musical Cinderella is to receive its UK premiere at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre. Venue founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton will direct and choreograph respectively, with Whelton also co-directing.Press contact: Kate Goerner KateGoernerPR@outlook.com. Website: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/cinderella

Tuesday November 22:

REGIONAL: ¡SHOWMANISM! (Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio) November 11-December 10, press night November 22. Billed as “a concise histrionic of performance”, Dickie Beau devises and performs a show that stretches across a haunted landscape of performance for thousands of years, tracing its roots and branches across unexpected realms. The dramaturg is former Daily Telegraph opera critic Rupert Christiansen. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/ishowmanism/

Wednesday November 23:

LONDON: A Christmas Carol (Old Vic) November 12-January 7, press night November 23. Presented in Jack Thorne’s version that was first seen at the Old Vic in 2017 and has made annual returns ever since, this stage adaptation of Dickens’s seasonal tale returns once again for a run from Matthew Warchus directs. Press contacts: Katie Marsh, Armani Ur-Rub at Old Vic. https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2022/watch-at-the-theatre/a-christmas-carol-6

Thursday November 24:

LONDON: Elf The Musical (Dominion Theatre) November 14-January 7, press night November 24. Return season for a stage version of the 2003 film, with book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin and songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, running at the Dominion for an 8-week Christmas run. This new staging is directed by Philip Wm McKinley, with sets and costumes by Tim Goodchild and choreography by Liam Steel. Press contact: Amanda Malpass, amanda@amandamalpass.com. Website: https://elflondon.com

Monday November 28:

LONDON: Disney’s Newies (Troubadour Wembley Park), from November 28. Matt Cole directs and choreographs the UK professional premiere of the stage version of the Disney live-action film. It was originally seen on Broadway in 2012; it received its British premiere in a student production at ArtsEd that starred Jac Yarrow in 2019; he went on to make his professional debut in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium later the same year! Press contact: Alexandra Buchanan alex@amandamalpass.com Website: https://newsiesthemusical.co.uk/

Thursday December 1

LONDON: Mother Goose (Hackney Empire) November 19-December 31, press night December 1. Clive Rowe directs and stars in Hackney’s annual pantomime, where he has become a fixture. In a press statement, he commented, “I’m incredibly proud, in Hackney Empire’s 120th birthday year, to be directing and playing Mother Goose, which was first created for music hall legend Dan Leno 120 years ago. Big shoes to fill but I will do my very best to make the walls shake with the love and laughter we’ve come to expect from Hackney’s pantomime.” Press contact: Laura Myers/Alice Rickett at About Grace PR, laura@aboutgracepr.com / alice@aboutgracepr.com. Website: https://hackneyempire.co.uk/whats-on/mother-goose/

Thursday December 8

LONDON: Mandela (Young Vic) November 28-February 4, 2021, press night December 8. World premiere of a biographical musical ab out the late Nelson Mandela, presented “in proud partnership” with the Mandela family. With a book by Lalona Michelle and music and lyrics by Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky, Nandi Mandela — granddaughter of Mandela — comments, “As my grandfather once said, music has the power to free us to dream, to unite people as one voice, and we hope that our musical will do just that. We are so proud to be bringing his story to the stage, with our brilliant creative team led by Greg and Shaun Borowsky, Laiona Michelle, Bongi Duma, Gregory Maqoma and Schele Williams in a way that honours and celebrates Madiba, for who he was – a grandfather, a father, a man who tried to do the best that he could during his journey on earth. We hope that my grandfather’s story, of a man from humble beginnings who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, will resonate with audiences far and wide, and communicate his message of hope – that we are all capable of doing great things, as long as we are true and authentic to ourselves.” Press contacts: Kate Hassell, Interim Head of Press kate@breadandbutterpr.uk; Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Press Officer KarlLydie@youngvic.org. Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/mandela

2023

Friday February 17:

LONDON: Bat out of Hell – The Musical (Peacock Theatre) February 17-April 1, 2023. Previously seen in London at the Coliseum and Dominion Theatres in 2017-2019, Bat out of Hell returns to London as part of its current UK and Ireland tour that began in September 2021. This tour is dedicated to the memory of its composer Jim Steinman, who sadly passed away on April 19 2021, and its original star Meat Loaf, who passed away on January 20, 2022. The production is directed by Jay Scheib, with choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, and set and costume design by Jon Bausor. Press contact: Sarah Wharton at Amanda Malpass PR, sarah@amandamalpass .com. Website: https://www.batoutofhellmusical.com/uk-tour

Wednesday April 19:

LONDON: Village Idiot (Theatre Royal Stratford East) April 13-May 6, press night April 19. Nadia Fall directs Samson Hawkins’s play, set in a South Northamptonshire village, about family feuds. It is co-produced with Nottingham Playhouse and Ramps on the Moon. Press contact: Freya Cowdry, freya@joallanpr.com

Thursday June 22

LONDON: Tambo & Bones (Theatre Royal Stratford East) June 16-July 15, 2023, press night June 22. Matthew Xia directs the UK premiere of Dave Harris’s off-Broadway play about two characters trapped in a minstrel show, co-produced by Stratford East with Actors Touring Company that Xia leads. According to the press release, the play – part distorted clown-show, part spectacular hip-hop concert, part absurdist Afro-futuristic lecture (with robots!) – interrogates the commodification and commercialisation of Black pain in a satirical roller coaster of a show. Press contact: Freya Cowdry, freya@joallanpr.com

The post Theatre Openings: from w/c May 23 onwards first appeared on Shenton Stage.

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LAST UPDATED: May 26 2022

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from May 23 2022 onwards

Monday May 23:

Tuesday May 24:

Thursday May 26:

Friday May 27:

Monday May 30:

Tuesday May 31:

Wednesday June 1:

Monday June 6:

Wednesday June 8

Sunday June 12:

Wednesday June 15

Thursday June 16:

Friday June 17:

Monday June 20:

Tuesday June 21:

Wednesday June 22:

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/rock

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/paper

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/scissors

Thursday June 23:

Saturday June 25:

Sunday June 26:

Monday June 27:

Thursday June 30:

Wednesday July 6:

REGIONAL: A Little Night Music (Quarry Theatre at Leeds Playhouse) July 1-16, press night July 6. James Brining’s production — a co-production between Leeds Playhouse and Opera North — returns with a cast that includes Dame Josephine Barstow (except July 9 evening and July 13 matinee) as Madam Armfeldt, Sandra Piques Eddy as Desiree Armfeldt and Quirijn de Lang as Frederj Egerman, James Holmes and Oliver Rundell share conducting duties. Press contacts: For Leeds Playhouse: Jo Haywood,at Leeds Playhouse Jo.haywood@leedsplayhouse.org.uk, Elizabeth Simmonds at Opera North, elizabeth.simmonds@operanorth.co.uk. Website: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/a-little-night-music-3/

Thursday July 7:

Sunday July 10:

Tuesday July 12:

Thursday July 14:

FrIday July 15:

Monday July 18:

Tuesday July 19:

Wednesday July 20:

Thursday July 21:

Friday July 22:

Monday July 25:

Tuesday July 26:

Wednesday July 27:

Thursday July 28:

Friday July 29:

Monday August 1:

Tuesday August 2:

Thursday August 4:

Monday August 8:

Friday August 12:

Tuesday August 23:

Wednesday August 17:

Thursday August 18:

Monday August 22:

Thursday August 25:

Sunday August 28:

Wednesday August 31:

Thursday September 1:

Friday September 2:

Monday September 6:

Wednesday September 8:

Monday September 12:

Wednesday September 14

Monday September 19:

Wednesday September 21:

Thursday September 22:

Friday September 23:

Saturday September 24:

Tuesday September 27:

Wednesday September 28:

Thursday September 29:

Wednesday October 5

Monday October 10

Wednesday October 12:

Monday October 17:

Tuesday October 18:

Thursday October 20:

Wednesday October 26:

Tuesday November 1

Sunday November 6:

Tuesday November 22:

Wednesday November 23:

Thursday November 24:

Monday November 28:

Thursday December 1

Thursday December 8

2023

Friday February 17:

LONDON: Bat out of Hell – The Musical (Peacock Theatre) February 17-April 1, 2023. Previously seen in London at the Coliseum and Dominion Theatres in 2017-2019, Bat out of Hell returns to London as part of its current UK and Ireland tour that began in September 2021. This tour is dedicated to the memory of its composer Jim Steinman, who sadly passed away on April 19 2021, and its original star Meat Loaf, who passed away on January 20, 2022. The production is directed by Jay Scheib, with choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, and set and costume design by Jon Bausor. Press contact: Sarah Wharton at Amanda Malpass PR, sarah@amandamalpass.com. Website: https://www.batoutofhellmusical.com/uk-tour

Wednesday April 19:

Thursday June 22

The post Theatre Openings: from w/c May 23 onwards first appeared on Shenton Stage.

[post_excerpt] =>

The post Theatre Openings: from w/c May 23 onwards first appeared on Shenton Stage.