The Best Theatre Shows To Book This Season
The Mirror & The Light
The Olivier and Tony Award-winning Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies were hailed as landmark theatrical events. Now Playful Productions and the RSC will bring The Mirror and the Light, the final chapter of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy, to the West End this September. Mantel and Ben Miles have joined forces to adapt the fast-paced novel for the London stage, with Miles reprising his role as Thomas Cromwell. It’s England in 1536, and Anne Boleyn’s fate has been sealed by the executioner. Jane Seymour must deliver King Henry a healthy heir. And to the disgust of Henry’s nobles, Thomas Cromwell continues his ruthless ascent from the gutters of Putney to the highest rank beside his master. But with the threat of invasion and the king’s legacy on a knife-edge, Cromwell is vulnerable and his enemies are poised to strike.
Gielgud, Shaftesbury Avenue, West End, W1D 6AR; from 23rd September
Visit TheMirrorAndTheLight.co.uk
OLAF HEINE, MATTHEW MURPHY, SIMON TURTLE
2:22 A Ghost Story
Lily Allen is making her debut on the West End stage in this new production at the Noël Coward Theatre. Jenny (Lily Allen) believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam (Hadley Fraser) isn’t convinced. They spend the night arguing with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren (Julia Chan) and new partner Ben (Jake Wood aka Max Branning from EastEnders). Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up until 2:22… and then they’ll know.
Noël Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin's Lane, West End, WC2N 4AP; until 16th October
Visit 222AGhostStory.com
The Normal Heart
Marking 35 years since its explosive UK premiere, Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs Larry Kramer’s ground-breaking play about the American Aids crisis. Early 1980s New York. A new virus is infecting gay men across the city. As the rising death toll is ignored by government and the medical establishment, fear and confusion turns to rage and division. Using this anger, writer and activist Ned Weeks sets out to unite the community in their fight for recognition and right to survive. The cast includes Ben Daniels, Liz Carr, Daniel Monks and Danny Lee Wynter – and we imagine this National Theatre revival will be just as powerful as its debut.
National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX; 23rd September-6th November
Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk
The Windsors: Endgame
Harry Enfield and many of the stars of The Windsors – Channel Four’s irreverent royal spoof – have hit the West End in The Windsors: Endgame. Like all good soap operas, this is the story of intergenerational conflict, with Prince William challenging his father for the crown and Camilla determined to see him off and rule the land with an iron fist. Wills needs Harry and Meghan’s help if he’s ever going to triumph – but will they come back from California? And how will Beatrice and Eugenie ever clear their father, Prince Andrew’s name? Written by the creators of the TV series, directed by Michael Fentiman (Amelie: The Musical) and featuring songs, sword fights and kissing competitions, this show is sure to raise a smile.
Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, West End, W1D 6AS; until 9th October
Visit TheWindsorsEndgame.com
Hamlet
This highly anticipated production of William Shakespeare’s great tragedy is set to land this early autumn, starring Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, The Good Fight), who’ll be making her Young Vic debut as a very different kind of Hamlet. Jumbo will reunite with her long-time collaborator, director Greg Hersov, to bring audiences this age-old tale of power, politics and desire. While tickets are currently sold out, eager theatregoers can sign up to the theatre’s mailing list to hear about last-minute ticket releases.
Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8LZ; 25th September-13th November
Visit YoungVic.org
The Tragedy of Macbeth
In this highly anticipated production, Yaël Farber directs James McArdle and Saoirse Ronan as one couple on a spine-chilling quest for power. Olivier Award-nominee McArdle plays the title role of Macbeth. His highly acclaimed theatre roles include Angels in America on Broadway and The James Plays at the National Theatre, while his screen work includes Mare of Easttown and Mary Queen of Scots. Four-time Academy Award-nominated Saoirse Ronan makes her UK stage debut as Lady Macbeth, following films including Atonement and Little Women. Farber is an internationally acclaimed director and playwright, whose recent work includes Hamlet (New York); Blood Wedding (Young Vic) and Les Blancs (National Theatre). We imagine the combined work of all three will be quite something to see.
Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, N1 1TA; 25th September-20th November
Visit Almeida.co.uk
Life of Pi
After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there are five survivors stranded on a lifeboat – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a royal Bengal tiger, and a 16-year-old boy named Pi. Time is against them and nature is harsh – who will survive? Based on one of the most extraordinary and best-loved works of fiction – which won the Man Booker Prize in 2002 and has sold over 15m copies worldwide – and featuring incredible puppetry and state-of-the-art visuals, this stage version of Life of Pi is the ultimate story of endurance and hope.
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, West End, WC2H 0DA; 15th November-22nd February 2022
Visit DelfontMackintosh.co.uk
East Is East
This autumn, the National Theatre is celebrating the 25th anniversary of a classic production – Ayub Khan Din’s East Is East, which was adapted into a Bafta-winning film in 1999. The setting is Salford in 1971. George Khan wants to raise his family in the traditional Pakistani way, but his children have other ideas. Abdul and Tariq aren't ready to be married off, Saleem is pushing artistic boundaries, Meenah's skirt is too short and Sajit just wants to hide in his parka. As relations reach breaking point, their English mother, Ella, is torn between her loyalty to George and the happiness of her children.
National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX; 7th-30th October
Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk
The Good Life
A new stage adaptation of beloved 70s sitcom The Good Life will tour the UK this autumn. The new comedy is based on the classic television series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey. Directed by Jeremy Sams, this production will be the first time the iconic characters of suburban neighbours the Goods and the Leadbetters will be seen on stage. Starring actor, comedian and presenter Rufus Hound as Tom Good, The Good Life will open at Theatre Royal Bath on 7th October, before dates at Cheltenham Everyman, Salford Lowry, Oxford Playhouse, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Malvern Theatres, Richmond Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre. Full casting for the production is still to be announced, but we imagine it will be a much-needed feelgood – and nostalgic – hit.
On tour across the UK from 7th October
Visit TheGoodLifeOnStage.com
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