Here’s Love London Love Culture’s guide to some of the best shows opening in the capital next month…
The Funeral Director, Southwark Playhouse: Officially opening at the theatre on 2 November 2018, Iman Qureshi’s play is directed by Hannah Hauer-King and tells the story of sexuality, gender and religion in 21st-century Britain.
Life as the director of a Muslim funeral parlour isn’t always easy, but Ayesha has things pretty sorted. She and Zeyd share everything: a marriage, a business, a future.
Until Tom walks in to organise his boyfriend’s funeral. A snap moral decision, informed by the values of Ayesha’s community and faith, has profound consequences.
A Pupil, Park Theatre: This world premiere production of Jesse Briton’s play is directed by Jessica Daniels and will officially open at the Park Theatre on 5 November 2018. It follows the story of violinist Ye and Simona, showing just how far the boundaries of friendship, music, and success.
In a dilapidated North London bedsit, disgraced former violinist Ye is preparing to end her life. The surprise arrival of Simona, an aspiring musician and wealthy heiress, throws her plans into disarray.
Don Quixote, Garrick Theatre: The Royal Shakespeare Company production of Miguel de Cervantes’ original novel arrives in the West End, following a successful run at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2016. Directed by Angus Jackson, the production is set to star David Threlfall as Don Quixote and Rufus Hound as Sancho Panza.
Switzerland, Ambassadors Theatre: Following a successful run at the Theatre Royal Bath over the summer, Joanna Murray-Smith’s psychological thriller will play for a limited run in the West End. Lucy Bailey’s production will see Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey) reprising her role as renowned author Patricia Highsmith, alongside Calum Finlay as Edward Ridgeway.
Summer & Smoke, Duke of York’s Theatre: Rebecca Frecknall’s production of Tennessee Williams’ play about love and loneliness transfers to the West End following a successful run at the Almeida Theatre.
Trapped between desire and a life of obligation, Alma meets John and her world turns upside down. This intoxicating classic about love, loneliness and self-destruction evokes the simmering passions of a sweltering summer in small-town Mississippi.
Caroline Or, Change, Playhouse Theatre: Starring Sharon D. Clarke as Caroline Thibodeaux, Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and Jeanine Tesori’s musical will play at the Playhouse Theatre from 20 November until 9 February 2019.
Louisiana, 1963. Revolution is in the air, though not so much for Caroline, the poorly paid maid toiling endlessly in the sweltering basement of the Gellman household. It’s a fantastical, magical place amidst the piles of laundry and singing washing machines, especially for eight-year-old Noah Gellman who sneaks downstairs to see her whenever he can. Yet a simple gesture to leave more money in Caroline’s pocket is about to test who and how far the winds of change can ever really reach…
