September 27 UPDATE: Latest scheduled new/returning shows

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Usually updated weekly every Monday, this feature includes details on returning and new productions in the West End, elsewhere in London, around the UK and at festivals, and on Broadway.

This list is reguarly updated with the latest shows that are announcing their returns or new premieres. It does not, however, claim to be comprehensive!

PRESS NIGHTS/RE-OPENINGS: SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 3

Wednesday September 29

  • Beauty and the Beast (Bristol Hippodrome, August 25-September 18, then touring; a national press night will be held at Liverpool Empire on September 29.) Brand-new production of Disney’s stage version of their animated film classic, with a cast led by Courtney Stapleton and Emmanuel Kojo in the title roles (pictured above), and also featuring Gavin Lee (Lumiere), Tom Senior (Gaston), Sam Bailey (Mrs Potts), Nigel Richards (Cogsworth), Martin Ball (Maurice), Samantha Bingley (Wardrobe), Emma Caffrey (Babette) and Louis Stockil (Le Fou). Press contact: David Bloom at Storyhouse PR. https://www.beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk/

Thursday September 30

  • The Normal Heart (National’s Olivier Theatre) September 23-November 6, press night September 30. Dominic Cooke directs a new production of the largely autobiographical mid-1980s play by Larry Kramer (pictured above) charting the emerging rise of the AIDS crisis in New York then, and the formation of the AIDS activist group ACT UP that he co-founded. Ben Daniels stars as Ned Weeks, his alter ego, in a cast that also features Dino Fetscher as his partner Felix, with Robert Bowman, Liz Carr, Daniel Krikler, Daniel Monks, Elander Moore, Luke Norris, Henry Nott, Freddie Stabb and Danny Lee Wynter. Press contact: Sophie Wilkinson at National Theatre.

Friday October 1

  • Only Fools and Horses (Theatre Royal, Haymarket) Resuming performances from October 1. As the TV show it is based on celebrates its 40th anniversary year (it first aired on September 8, 1981 on the BBC), the musical version returns, with Paul Whitehouse returning as Grandad, alongside Tom Bennett as Del Boy and Ryan Hutton as Rodney. In a press statement, Whitehouse comments: “I’m over the moon because, finally, the West End is coming back to life and Only Fools and Horses The Musical will return to the Theatre Royal Haymarket this October. The last year or so has been very difficult for a lot of people, so I know I speak for the whole cast when I say that we genuinely cannot wait to get back on stage in front of a live audience – we’ve missed it so much. Roll on 1st October, we can’t wait to see you. Mange tout!” Press contact: Neil Reading PR. https://onlyfoolsmusical.com/

  • What If If Only (Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, September 29-October 23, press night October 1) James Macdonald directs Linda Bassett and John Heffernan in a new short play (running 14 minutes) by Caryl Churchill, whose plays including Cloud Nine, Top Girls, A Number and Far Away premiered at the Royal Court, as well as more recent work like Glass. Kill. Bluebeard. Imp and Escaped Alone. Press contact: Anoushka Warden at the Royal Court. https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/whatififonly/

PREVIEWING

  • Hamlet (Young Vic) September 27-November 13, opens October 4. Greg Hersov directs Cush Jumbo [pictured above] in the title role of Shakespeare’s play, postponed from 2020. She is joined by Adrian Dunbar as Claudius, Tara Fitzgerald as Gertrude, Norah Lopez Holden as Ophelia, Jonathan Ajayi as Laertes & Joseph Marcell as Polonius. Press contact: Emma Hardy at Young Vic. https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/hamlet-cush-jumbo

  • The Mirror and the Light (Gielgud Theatre). September 23-January 23, press night October 6. Jeremy Herrin directs Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light (the third and final part in her Wolf Hall trilogy), adapted for the stage by Mantel and Ben Miles (who stars as Cromwell, reprising a role he also played in the RSC stage version of the first two parts in 2014), with Nathaniel Parker resuming his Olivier winning role as Henry VIII. Also returning to their roles from the earlier plays are Nicholas Boulton (Duke of Suffolk), Matt Pidgeon (Stephen Gardiner) and Giles Taylor (Archbishop Cranmer). They are newly joined by Rosanna Adams (Anna of Cleves), Paul Adeyefa (Christophe), Aurora Burghart (Elizabeth Seymour), Terique Jarrett (Gregory Cromwell), Jordan Kouamé (Rafe Sadler), Geoffrey Lumb (Thomas Wriothesley), Olivia Marcus (Jane Seymour) Tony Turner  (Kingston), Leo Wan (Richard Riche) and Nicholas Woodeson (Duke of Norfolk). Adams, Burghart and Kouamé are making their professional debuts. Press contacts: Maisie Lawrence and Ben Chamberlain at Bread and Butter PR maisie@breadandbutterpr.uk/ ben@breadandbutterpr.uk  https://themirrorandthelight.co.uk/

  • The Tragedy of Macbeth (Almeida Theatre, September 25-November 20, press night October 14, replacing originally announced October 5). JamesMcArdle plays the title role in Yaël Farber’s new production, with four-time Academy Award-nominated Saoirse Ronan making her UK stage debut as Lady Macbeth.  Press contact: Alexander Milward at the Almeida. https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-tragedy-of-macbeth/29-sep-2021-20-nov-2021

  • Get Up Stand Up! – The Bob Marley Musical (Lyric Theatre) From October 1, opens October 20. With a script by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), direction by Clint Dyer (deputy artistic director of the National Theatre) and Arinzé Kene (as Bob Marley), this musical will feature such Marley standards as ‘Exodus’, ‘No Woman No Cry’, ‘Waiting in Vain’, ‘Three Little Birds’, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, ‘Could You Be Loved’ and ‘Redemption Song’. Arinze is joined by Gabrielle Brooks, Shanay Holmes, Sophia Mackay, Melissa Brown-Taylor, Jacade Simpson and Natey Jones in principal roles. Press contact: Ben Chamberlain at Bread and Butter PR. https://getupstandupthemusical.com

SHOWS AHEAD AFTER SEPEMBER 19: LONDON’S WEST END AND BEYOND
(Dates shown are for first performances, with press nights separately indicated where announced)

  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre) Resuming performances from October 14, in the original, full two-part version, not the reduced one part version that will resume on Broadway in November (see below) In a press statement, co-producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender said: “Re-opening Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two in the West End and being part of the return of British Theatre makes us both happy and proud. To be back at the original home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – the mothership – with our incredibly talented and committed company and welcoming back our audiences after such a devastating and prolonged closure will be emotional and thrilling for all of us. The world premiere in 2016 was such an extraordinary, historic moment in British theatre and it was just the beginning of the most incredible and unexpected journey for our show.  It’s an exceptional local and global success story and we are so grateful to everyone who has come along for the ride, particularly those who will see us re-open in October.” The cast will be led by Jamie Ballard as Harry Potter. Susie Trayling as Ginny Potter and Dominic Short who plays their son Albus Potter. Thomas Aldridge returns as Ron Weasley with Michelle Gayle as Hermione Granger and Phoenix Edwards as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley.  Also returning to play Draco Malfoy is James Howard with Luke Sumner as his son Scorpius Malfoy. Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier Communications. https://uk.harrypottertheplay.com/

  • Magic Goes Wrong (Apollo Theatre) Mischief Theatre’s latest West End show, which was running at the Vaudeville when theatres shut down in March 2020, will resume performances at the Apollo from October 21, to complete its West End run to February 27. Press contacts: Jo Allan and Hannah Stockton at Jo Allan PR. http://www.magicgoeswrong.com

  • Dear Evan Hansen (Noel Coward Theatre) Resuming performances from October 26, the 2020 Olivier winning musical will also return to Broadway, re-opening at its original home the Music Box from December 11, five years after its opening there. The US national tour will also re-launch its tour on December 7. In a press statement, producer Stacey Mindich has commented, “It’s a remarkable feeling to put plans in place to relaunch all three Dear Evan Hansen companies, though we, like everyone in the theater industry, are facing considerable challenges. We will proceed safely and smartly to ensure a safe and equitable workplace for everyone when we return, and protect our cast, crew and audiences amidst a world forever changed and continuously evolving due to both the global pandemic and the cultural and racial reckoning. We hope that Dear Evan Hansen’s message of human connection and acceptance will feel more vital than ever.” Sam Tutty returns to lead the company in the role that won him the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier Communications. https://dearevanhansen.com/london/

NEW PRODUCTIONS FURTHER AHEAD (From October 4 onwards)

  • Metamorphoses (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, at Shakespeare’s Globe) September 30-October 30, opens w/c October 4) A new piece of theatre inspired by Ovid’s myths of chaos and creation, written by Globe writers-in-residence Sami Ibrahim, Laura Lomas and Sabrina Mahfouz. Press contacts: Claudia Conway at Claudia Conway, or Jessica Strawson at the Globe. https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/metamorphoses-2021/

  • White Noise (Bridge Theatre) October 5-November 13, press night October 12. Polly Findlay directs the European premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks’s new play, originally premiered at New York’s Public Theater in 2019. The cast comprises cast comprising James Corrigan, Ken Nwosu, Faith Omole and Helena Wilson (pictured above in rehearsal by Johan Persson). Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier Communications. https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/white-noise/

  • Love and other Acts of Kindness (Donmar Warehouse) October 7-November 27, press night October 14. Cordelia Lynn’s new play, commissioned by the Donmar after she won the 2020 Berwin Lee Award, is premiered in a production directed by Elaye Ismail, and with a cast that includes recent Central graduate Abigail Weinstock and Richard Katz. It is described as a subversive and intimate love story about inheritance and the cycles of politics and history. Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR, james@joallanpr.com. https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/

  • The Shark is Broken (Ambassadors) October 9-January 15 (press performances October 19-21, with review embargoed to midnight October 21). An Edinburgh Fringe hit in 2019 that goes behind-the-scenes of the making of Spielberg’s Jaws transfers to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions. It is co-written and performed by Ian Shaw, son of Jaws star Robert Shaw who also plays his father, and Joseph Nixon. In a press statement, Ian Shaw comments, “I first watched Jaws when I was about eight.  I loved it, even though it terrified me!  Like many others, sharks inhabited my dreams, and swimming was off the menu. Over forty years later, the prospect of playing my father in a play that Joseph and I wrote, and bringing to light the off-screen intrigue and comedy that went into the making of a masterpiece, is a unique and very special one.” Press contact: Chloe Pritchard-Gordon or Laura Myers at About Grace PR, chloe@aboutgracepr.com; laura@Aboutgracepr.com. https://thesharkisbroken.com/

  • Rice (Orange Tree Theatre, October 9-November 13, press night October 13) Matthew Xia directs the UK premiere of an award-winning Australian play about globalisation, politics and family by Asian-Australian writer Michele Lee. Press contact: Riona Kelly/Freya Cowdry at Kate Morley PR. https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/rice/about

  • The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Lyric Hammersmith, October 9-November 6, with a press night on October 13) Co-produced with Chichester Festival Theatre, where this production is currently running to October 2, this revival of Martin McDonagh’s play is directed by Rachel O’Riordan, artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith. It features Ingrid Craigie and Kwaku Fortune. Press contact: Sue-Ann Chow-Seegoolam. https://lyric.co.uk/shows/the-beauty-queen-of-leenane/

  • Pride & Prejudice * (* Sort of) (Criterion Theatre, Previews from October 15, opens November 2) Isobel McArthur’s retelling of Jane Austen comes to the West End, after originally premiering at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre. McArthur also co-directs (with Simon Harvey) and stars as Darcy and Mrs Bennett, in a five-strong cast who play the young female servants who retell one of literature’s most famous stories, and these same five actresses play every other character, as well as singing and playing instruments. The production features performances of such pop classics as Every Day I Write the Book, Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, I Got You Babe and You’re So Vain. Press contact: Amanda Malpass. https://prideandprejudicesortof.com

  • Indecent Proposal (Southwark Playhouse, October 22-November 27, press night November 2). A new musical (book and lyrics by Michael Conley with music by Dylan Schlosberg), based on the novel by Jack Engelhard that became a 1993 film will feature Ako Mitchell, Jacqui Dankworth and Norman Bowman, directed by Charlotte Westenra. Press contact: Madelaine Bennett at the Gingerbread Agency. https://www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show-whats-on/indecent-proposal/

  • Brian & Roger — A Highly Offensive Play (The Mixing Room at the Menier Chocolate Factory) October 22-December 18, press night November 1. A new studio space opens at the Menier with the world premiere of Harry Peacock and Dan Skinner’s play, inspired by their hit podcast Brian & Roger, that they also perform. It is directed by the Menier’s artistic director David Babani. Press contact: Kate Morley. https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com

  • ‘Night Mother (Hampstead Theatre), October 22-December 4, press night October 28. Hampstead’s artistic director Roxana Silbert directs a new production of Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize winning 1983 Broadway hit, that received its UK premiere at Hampstead in 1985. Stockard Channing, who was last seen on the West End stage in Apologia in 2018, plays a mother who shares the old family home out in the sticks with her daughter Jessie (to be played by Rebecca Night) Press contact: Clare McCormack at Hampstead. https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2021/night-mother/

  • The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Duke of York’s), October 26-April 23 (extended from the originally announced February 12), opens November 4. Delayed transfer for the National’s hit production adapted from Neil Gaiman’s book. The cast includes James Bamford, Siubhan Harrison, Penny Layden, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Laura Rogers, Nicolas Tennant and Nia Towle. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-ocean-at-the-end-of-the-lane/duke-of-yorks-theatre/

  • Dick Whittington: A New Dick in Town! (Above the Stag), November 2-January 16, press night November 10. Briefly seen last year before it was shut down by the Covid lockdown, Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper’s 12th panto for the theatre returns. It is directed by Andrew Beckett. Press contact: Tom McGregor, at Above the Stag (tom.mcgregor@abovethestag.org.uk). https://abovethestag.org.uk/dick-whittington

  • The Drifters Girl (Garrick Theatre) November 4-March 26, 2022, opens November 25. Beverley Knight to star as Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of The Drifters in Jonathan Church’s production. She is joined by Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as The Drifters. Prior to the West End, it will run at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal from October 9-23. Press contact: David Bloom at Storyhouse PR. https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-drifters-girl/

  • Rare Earth Metal (Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, November 10-December 18, press night November 16) Al Smith, whose plays include Harrogate that was seen at the Royal Court, returns with what is described as a epic new play exploring risk, delusion and power. In a press statement, he comments, “We were halfway through rehearsals when the first lockdown began. I feel very fortunate to be able to return to that work we were making, and enormously grateful to the Court for their unwavering commitment to my play when everything creative felt shattered. I can’t wait to share it.” Press contact: Anoushka Warden at the Royal Court. https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/rareearthmettle/

  • >> NEW ENTRY: The Wife of Willesden (Kiln Theatre, November 11-December 24, press night November 17) Novelist Zadie Smith’s debut play based on Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath finally premieres, with Clare Perkins in the title role. In a press statement, the theatre’s artistic director Indhu Rubasingham comments,”For the past 18 months, the amazing freelance creative team and I have been working on redesigning and reimagining the Kiln auditorium, transporting Zadie’s larger than life characters to the Sir Colin Campbell pub. It’s going to be the perfect place for you to spend a joyous, celebratory winter’s evening with the fantastic Clare Perkins who will lead the cast as Alvita, the formidable Wife of Willesden.” Press contact: Kate Morley. https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/the-wife-of-willesden/

  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Piccadilly Theatre) Previews from November 12, press night December 8. The hit 2019 Broadway version of the iconic 2001 Baz Luhrmann film transfers to the West End. With a book by playwright John Logan, direction by Alex Timbers and choreography by Sonya Tayeh, it is produced by Carmen Pavlovic and Gerry Ryan OAM for Global Creatures and Bill Damaschke. In a press statement, Timbers has commented, “The last 12 months have proven uniquely challenging in engaging with performers as we look to cast the UK production. Nevertheless we have all been astounded by the perseverance and sheer talent of those we have seen, and I am excited to see the cast coming together. It feels great to finally be confirming our UK premiere dates. I am thrilled now that we can look forward to bringing Moulin Rouge! to life in London and to welcome our audiences.” The principal cast (pictured above right) is led by Liisi LaFontaine as Satine, and Jamie Bogyo as Christian, with Clive Carter as Harold Zidler, Simon Bailey as the Duke, Jason Pennycooke as Lafayette/Jefferson and Elia Lo Tauro as Toulouse-Loutrec and Santiago. The club’s entertainers will be played by Sophie Carmen Jones as Nini and Zoe Birkett as Arabia, with Jonathan Bishop as Baby Doll and Timmika Ramsay as La Chocolat. Press contact: David Bloom at Storyhouse PR. https://www.moulinrougemusical.co.uk/

  • >> UPDATED WITH CASTING: A Christmas Carol (Old Vic, November 13-January 8, 2022, press night November 24). Matthew Warchus’s now perennial stage version of Dickens returns once again, this time live after last year’s version was presented ‘In Camera’ (when it was live-streamed from the theatre). Stephen Mangan (pictured above) stars as Scrooge. Press contacts: Hannah Stockton, Kitty Greenleaf, Jo Allan at Jo Allan PR.https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2021/watch-at-the-theatre/a-christmas-carol-5

  • Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (Playhouse Theatre, from November 15) Eddie Redmayne (pictured above) is the Emcee in a brand-new production of Kander and Ebb’s 1960s musical, set in 1930s Berlin, and now revived in 2020s London in an entirely reconfigured Playhouse Theatre, transformed into an in-the-round auditorium with re-imagined spaces. Jessie Buckley also stars as Sally Bowles, under the direction of Rebecca Frecknall. The company also features Omari Douglas as Cliff Bradshaw, Liza Sadovy as Fraulein Schneider, Elliot Levey as Herr Schultz, Stewart Clarke as Ernst Ludwig and Anna-Jane Casey as Fraulein Kost. Choreography is by Julia Cheng and set and costume design by Tom Scutt, with lighting by Isabella Byrd, sound by Nick Lidster, musical supervision and direction by Jennifer Whyte and casting by Stuart Burt. Press contacts: Simon Raw/ Emily Webb/ Stacey Pedder at Raw PR. https://kitkat.club/

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Life of Pi (Wyndham’s Theatre). November 15-February 27, 2021, press night December 2. Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage version of Yann Martel’s epic story of endurance and hope, first seen at Sheffield’s Crucible in 2019 in a production directed by Max Webster, is finally due to transfer to the West End in November, after being delayed by COVID-19. https://www.lifeofpionstage.com

  • Manor (National’s Lyttelton Theatre) November 16-January 1, press night November 23. Moria Buffini’s new play stars Nancy Carroll as the owner of a rundown manor house, which shelters an explosive mix of people during a storm including Ted Farrier, a charismatic leader of a far-right organisation, played by Shaun Evans. Press contact: Katie Marsh at National Theatre. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/manor

  • The Comedy of Errors (Barbican Theatre) The RSC’s new production, which has just completed a run in a new outdoor space at the company’s Stratford-upon-Avon HQ, is to transfer indoors to the Barbican Theatre, from November 16-December 31, press night November 23. In a press statement, director Philip Breen has commented, “I am beyond excited to be making my debut at the Barbican this autumn with this production of The Comedy of Errors. It’s an extraordinary play, not least because of how it resonates with the times we now find ourselves in – a play of family reunions, people finding each other once again, people holding each other at sunset – it seems entirely apt for this moment, and for the RSC to be reunited with the Barbican once again this autumn.” https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2021/event/royal-shakespeare-company-the-comedy-of-errors Press contact: Kate Evans at The RSC.

  • Four Quartets (Harold Pinter Theatre) Ralph Fiennes, currently touring in his own solo production of TS Eliot’s poem, transfers to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre for 36 performances only from November 18 to December 18 2021. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR. lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/four-quartets/harold-pinter-theatre/
  • While the Sun Shines (Orange Tree Theatre, November 20-January 8, press night November 24) Orange Tree artistic director Paul Miller’s 2019 production of Terence Rattigan’s 1943 play set during the London blitz returns. Press contact: Riona Kelly/Freya Cowdry at Kate Morley PR. https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/while-the-sun-shines/about
  • Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre, November 30-January 22, press night December 14) Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s 2006 Broadway musical version of Frank Wedelind’s play about adolescent anarchy and sexual awakening, which won the 2007 Tony Award for Best Musical and subsequently also won the Olivier when it transferred to London’s Lyric Hammersmith and the West End’s Novello, is revived in a new production by Almeida artistic director Rupert Goold. The cast will include Amara Okereke as Wendla and Laurie Kynaston as Melchior. Press contact: Alexander Milward at the Almeida. https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/spring-awakening/2-dec-2021-22-jan-2022
  • Best of Enemies (Young Vic Theatre) December 2-January 22, 2022 (press night to be confirmed). The Young Vic and Headlong co-produce James Graham’s new play, inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon. Set in 1968 — a year of protest that divided America — it revolves around the battle between the conservative William F Buckley Jr and the liberal Gore Vidal, who feuded nightly in a new television format. Little did they know that they were about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever. It will be directed by Jeremy Herrin. Press contact: Emma Hardy at the Young Vic. https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/best-of-enemies

  • The Book of Dust — La Belle Sauvage (Bridge Theatre, December 2-February 19, opening night December 14). New stage version of Philip Pullman’s 2017 book, adapted by Bryony Lavery, is to be directed by Nicholas Hytner, who previously brought Pullman’s His Dark Materials (set twelve years after the events in The Book of Dust) to the National’s stage, with designs by Bob Crowley and puppetry by Barnaby Dixon. Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier Communications. https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/la-belle-sauvage/

  • Habeas Corpus (Menier Chocolate Factory) December 3-February 26, press night December 13. Patrick Marber returns to the Menier where he previously directed a revival of Tom Stoppard’s Travesties that transferred to both the West End and Broadway, to now direct Alan Bennett’s 1973 comedy, last revived in London in a production at the Donmar Warehouse in 1996. The company will include Kirsty Besterman, Jasper Britton, Matthew Cottle, Ria Jones, Thomas Josling, Caroline Langrishe, Catherine Russell and Abdul Salis. Press contact: Kate Morley. https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com

  • Hex (National’s Olivier Theatre) December 4-January 22, press night December 15. Rufus Norris directs and writes the lyrics for a new musical, with book by Tanya Ronder and music by Jim Fortune, that is based on the 17th-century Sleeping Beauty folk tale, but beyond the kiss that woke her. Norris previously directed a version of the story at the Young Vic in 2002; this production reunites him with the designer of that production Katrina Lindsay The cast is led by Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Carroll, Kat Ronney and Michael Elcock. Press contact: Sophie Wilkinson at National Theatre. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hex

  • Pantoland at the Palladium (London Palladium) December 4 to January 9. The run of last year’s Palladium panto was aborted just six days into its run when the December lockdown was imposed; now it returns, with Donny Osmond newly joining headliners who include regulars Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot, as well as Jac Yarrow and Sophie Isaacs reprising their roles from last year. Created, produced and directed by Michael Harrison, he has commented in a press statement: “Pantoland at The Palladium was originally created for the 2020 season and was sadly cut short due to the tiering system which meant we only played 6 performances to a reduced capacity of just 1000 people per performance.  However, the reaction to the show was unlike anything any of us had seen before so the thought of bringing it back as an even bigger and better Christmas extravaganza was too good an idea to resist.  Imagine my excitement when Donny Osmond, one of the greatest entertainers in the world, agreed to join my brilliant returning favourites as the Wizard of Pantomime.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest stars alongside the greatest performers in pantomime at the world’s greatest theatre.” Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier Communications. https://www.palladiumpantomime.com/
  • Bring It On The Musical (Queen Elizabeth Hall) December 8-January 22, 2022. The Broadway cheerleading musical, due to run here last Christmas, has been re-booked for this Christmas, starring Amber Davies and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith. The songs are by Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Next to Normal’s Tom Kitt, plus lyricists Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) and Amanda Green. UPDATE: Following the London season, it will embark on a UK/Ireland tour, beginning at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre from January 26-29. PR: Emily Webb or Simon Raw at Raw PR. https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/bring-it for London; for full tour dates, visit https://www.bringitonthemusicaluk.com/

  • Force Majeure (Donmar Warehouse) December 10-February 5, press night December 16. Ruben Östlund’s award-winning film comedy about a family falling apart is adapted by Tim Price (whose play Salt Root and Roe received its premiere at the Donmar in 2011 and directed by the Donmar’s artistic director Michael Longhurst. The cast will include double Olivier winner Rory Kinnear (for Othello and The Man of Mode, both seen at the National). Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR, james@joallanpr.com. https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/

  • Peggy for You (Hampstead Theatre), December 10-January 29, press night December 17. Alan Plater’s play about his former agent Peggy Ramsay was originally premiered at Hampstead in 1999 with Maureen Lipman as Ramsay; now Richard Wilson will direct Tamsin Greig. Press contact: Clare McCormack at Hampstead. https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2021/peggy-for-you/

  • Henry V (Donmar Warehouse) February 11-April 9, press night February 22. Max Webster, now an associate director at the Donmar, directs Kit Harington in a modern production of Shakespeare’s study of nationalism, war and the psychology of power. Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR, james@joallanpr.com. https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/
  • The Key Workers Cycle (Almeida Theatre, January 31-February 5) A cycle of nine short plays about those who keep our daily lives running, like teachers, funeral directors, delivery drivers, midwives, refuse collectors and supermarket workers, performed by a company of professional actors, local community participants and key workers. Press contact: Alexander Milward at the Almeida. https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-key-workers-cycle/28-jan-2022-5-feb-2022

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Cock (Ambassadors Theatre, March 5-June 4, 2022, press night March 15) Taron Egerton (who played Elton John in the film Rocketman), Jonathan Bailey, Jade Anouka and Phil Daniels star in the first West End production of Mike Bartlett’s play, originally seen at the Royal Court in 2019. It is directed by Marianne Elliott for her independent company Elliott & Harper Productions. Press contact: Nada Zakula for Storyhouse PR. https://cocktheplay.co.uk/

  • Into the Woods (Old Vic, April 16-July 8, 2022, press night TBC). Terry Gilliam and Leah Hausman co-direct Sondheim and Lapine’s 1987 Broadway musical, originally seen in London (in a different production to the Broadway original) in the West End in 1990, when Richard Jones directed it at the Phoenix Theatre; it has since been revived twice in major productions in London, at the Donmar Warehouse (1998) and Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (2010, in a production that subsequently was re-staged — with a new American cast — at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre). Press contacts: Hannah Stockton, Kitty Greenleaf, Jo Allan at Jo Allan PR. https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2022/watch-at-the-theatre/into-the-woods

  • Marys Seacole (Donmar Warehouse) April 15-June 4, press night April 21. Nadia Latif, who previously directed the UK premiere of Jackie Sibblies Drury’s Fairview at the Young Vic in 2019 when she was Genesis Director there, now directs the UK premiere of Drury’s play about a pioneering Jamaican nurse who bravely voyaged to heal soldiers in the Crimean War. Press contact: James Lever at Jo Allan PR, james@joallanpr.com. https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/

  • Jerusalem (Apollo Theatre) April 16 to August 6, 2021, opening night April 28. Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook reprise their performances in the return of Ian Rickson’s production of Jez Butterworth’s play to its original West End home that it played at in 2010, after transferring from the Royal Court where it had premiered in 2009. Press contact: Janine Shalom at Premier Communications.

  • >> NEW ENTRY: 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/

REGIONAL THEATRE OPENINGS (at selected venues only)

  • Typical Girls (Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, September 24-October 16, press night September 28) Co-produced with Clean Break Theatre Company, the company’s joint artistic director Róisín McBrinn directs a new punk musical play by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm Press contact: Hannah Stockton at Jo Allan PR. https://www.cleanbreak.org.uk/productions/typical-girls
  • The Mountaintop (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) September 25-October 27, press night September 30. Roy Alexander Weise, joint artistic director at the Royal Exchange, directs his first production since he assumed the post, with a revival of Katori Hall’s Olivier Award winning plan about Martin Luther King, starring Tomiwa Edun as Dr King and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Camae, a maid in the hotel he is staying at in Memphis after giving what was his final speech. Weise previously directed the play at the Young Vic after winning the James Menzies Kitchin Award. Press contact: Paula Rabbitt at the Royal Exchange. https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/whats-on-and-tickets/the-mountaintop
  • Mum (Drum Theatre, Plymouth, September 30-October 16. then Soho Theatre, London) New play by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (who wrote Emilia, that transferred from the Globe to the West End’s Vaudeville), that will transfer to London’s Soho Theatre after its Plymouth debut,running there from October 20-November 20, with press night on October 26. Press contact: Laura Myers at About Grace PR.

  • The Cherry Orchard (Theatre Royal, Windsor, October 1-November 13) Francesca Annis stars as Ranevskaya, Ian McKellen as Firs and Jenny Seagrove as Gaev, after also previously featuring in Hamlet. They are newly joined by Martin Shaw (Lopakhin) and Robert Daws (Pishchik). Press contact: Dee McCourt, Borkowski. https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/thecherryorchard/

  • The Long Song (Chichester Festival Theatre, October 1-23, press night October 7) Suhayla El-Bushra adapts Andrea Levy’s novel for the stage, and Charlotte Gwinner directs. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester Festival Theatre. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-long-song-1

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Poirot and More: A Retrospective (Watermill Theatre, Newbury, October 5-7, then touring, with West End season at Harold Pinter Theatre from January 4-24) Solo show from the veteran stage and screen actor. Full tour dates: https://davidsuchetonstage.com

  • What’s New Pussycat? (Birmingham Rep, October 8-November 14) Luke Sheppard, who is represented by the Max Martin jukebox hit & Juliet in the West End, directs Joe DiPietro’s new musical that folds the hits of Welsh troubadour Tom Jones into Henry Fielding’s comic novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, including such hits as Green, Green Grass of Home, It’s Not Unusal, Delilah and the title track. Arlene Phillips will choreograph. Presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Flody Suarez, Joshua Andrews and Stuart Galbraith from Kilimanjaro Theatricals, with Donna Munday as Executive Producer. Press contact: Ben Chamberlain at Bread and Butter PR. https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
  • Home (Minerva Theatre, Chichester, October 8-November 6, press night October 13) Josh Roche directs David Storey’s 1970 play that is regarded as a modern classic. Roche won the JMK Award for his production of My Name Is Rachel Corrie at the Young Vic with Erin Doherty in the title role. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester Festival Theatre. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/home

  • Wuthering Heights, Bristol Old Vic, October 11-November 6, press night October 20, then touring to York Theatre Royal form November 8-20, with runs at the National Theatre in 2022 and a national tour to follow) World premiere of Emma Rice’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, in a coproduction with the National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and York Theatre Royal. Lucy McCormick stars as Cathy. Press contacts: Kate Morley, Freya Cowdry at Kate Morley PR. https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/wuthering-heights

  • Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (Hall for Cornwall, Truro) October 13-30. World premiere of a new musical based on the true story of the Cornish singing sensations and the hit 2019 film, reopening Hall for Cornwall after a period of closure for a multi-million-pound transformation. Written by Brad Birch, directed by James Grieve, designed by Lucy Osborne and with musical supervision by David White, it will feature hit shanties made famous by the band including Keep Haulin’, Nelson’s Blood, No Hopers Jokers & Rogues and Sweet Maid Of Madeira. The show will be produced by Royo, in association with Hall for Cornwall’s new in-house producing company, Cornwall Playhouse Productions. The cast includes Calum Callaghan as Danny, a fish-out-of-water music manager who stumbles across a group of shanty singing fishermen in Port Isaac, Cornwall.  The leader of the band, Jim, is played by Deka Walmsley, takes some convincing to sign up his friends and family to the world of music recording.  He is joined by his fellow fishermen, played by Robert Duncan, Mensah Bediako, Dan Buckley, Rakesh Boury, Matt Slack, Hadrian Delacey and Edward Rowe. Also in featured named roles are Susie Blake, Parisa Shahmir, Deborah Tracey and Georgia Bruce. Press contact: Amanda Malpass. https://www.fishermanonstage.com/

  • The Good Life (Theatre Royal Bath from October 7-16, then touring). A new stage comedy based on the iconic 70s BBC TV series, originally scripted by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, and now written and directed for the stage by Jeremy Sams. Rufus Hound is to play Tom Good (originally Richard Briers on tv), with Sally Tatum as his wife Barbara, and Preeya Kalidasas and Dominic Rowan as Margo and Jerry Leadbetter respectively. ress contact: David Bloom/ Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR, david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk /lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk  Full tour dates: https://thegoodlifeonstage.com/
  • Isla (Theatr Clwyd, October 16-November 6, press night October 21) Clwyd artistic director Tamara Harvey directs the world premiere of Welsh playwright Tim Price’s Isla. Press contact: Kate Morley.

  • The Wiz (Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, November 24-January 16, 2022) Matthew Xia directs a new outing of the 1975 Broadway re-telling of The Wizard of Oz story, with an all-black cast, that has music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, book by William F. Brown and original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler. Press Contact: Jo Allan PR. https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/the-wiz

  • Les Miserables (Glasgow’s King’s Theatre, November 24-January 1, then touring) National tour resumes for the blockbuster musical, in the production that was first conceived in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary year. After Glasgow, in 2022 it will visit Liverpool, Dublin, Southampton, Salford, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Hull, Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Sunderland, Leeds and Cardiff (running into 2023). https://www.lesmis.com/uk-ireland-tour
  • Jersey Boys (New Wimbledon Theatre, from November 25-27, then touring, with dates currently announced to November 12) The Broadway hit musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, currently also at the West End’s Trafalgar Theatre, embarks on a new national tour. Press contact: Sarah Wharton at Amanda Malpass PR. http://www.jerseyboyslondon.com/

  • Dreamgirls (Liverpool Empire, December 14-January 1, then touring) The 1981 Broadway musical embarks on its first-ever UK tour, in the production first seen at the West End’s Savoy Theatre in 2016, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Nicole Raquel Dennis, a finalist on the 2019 season of The Voice and who was in the original London cast of Dear Evan Hansen, will play Effie White. She is joined by Natalie Kassanga as Deena Jones, Paige Peddie as Lorrell Robinson, Dom Hartley-Harris as Curtis Taylor Jr., Brandon Lee Sears as Jimmy Early, Shem Omari James as C.C. White, Jo Servi as Marty and Brianna Ogunbawo as Michelle Morris. Following Liverpool, it will tour into 2022 to Bristol, Milton Keynes, Sunderland, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Wimbledon, Nottingham, Norwich, Leeds, Canterbury, Plymouth, Lladudno, Aberdeen, Manchester, Oxford, Glasgow, Blackpool, Southampton, Northampton, and Birmingham, with further dates to be announced in 2023. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR. https://www.dreamgirlsthemusical.co.uk/

POSTPONED PRODUCTIONS (DATES TBC):

  • Sunday in the Park with George (Savoy) Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford reprise their roles from the Broadway revival.
  • Sister Act (Eventim Apollo) Whoopi Goldberg can no longer star in the production now that it has been postponed twice, but it is due here in 2022 now.
  • Good (Pinter) David Tennant in a revival of CP Taylor’s play originally premiered at the Donmar Warehouse under the RSC’s auspices in the 1980s.
  • 4,000 Miles (Old Vic) Eileen Atkins and Timothée Chalamet are due to star in Amy Herzog’s Pulitzer nominated play.
  • The Doctor (Duke of York’s) Juliet Stevenson in Rob Icke’s production originally seen at the Almeida.

ONE-OFF PERFORMANCES & OTHER LIMITED RUNS

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Children of Eden In Concert (Cadogan Hall, October 3, 1.30pm and 6pm) Stephen Schwartz and John Caird’s 1991 West End musical celebrates its 30th anniversary with a concert performance; the cast includes Alice Fearn, Carl Spencer, Adam Pearce, Rob Houchen, Shan Ako and Ruthie Henshall. https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/children-of-eden-in-concert-2020/

  • Jenna Russell solo concert (Cadogan Hall) November 7, 6.30pm. The Olivier winner — soon to play Piaf at Nottingham Playhouse (see regional, above) — will perform a solo show, with musical director Nigel Lilley. Also in Fourth Wall Live’s season: Shoshana Bean (December 4, 7.30pm) and Jessica Vosk (February 27, 6.30pm) will appear. Press contacts: Simon Raw or Emily Webb at Raw PR. https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/jenna-russell-live-in-concert-2021/

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Sunset Boulevard In Concert (Royal Albert Hall, December 3). Concert version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on Billy Wilder’s film, seen at Alexandra Palace in the summer, is to be reprised with cast led again by Mazz Murray as Norma Desmond,Ramin Karimloo as Joe Gillis, Zizi Strallen as Betty, and Jeremy Secomb as Max. Alex Parker is the musical director. https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2021/sunset-boulevard/

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Lucie Jones at Christmas (Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, December 14) Currently playing Jenna in Waitress on a UK tour, Lucie Jones returns to the West End in a solo concert. In a press statement, she has said: ““I have been very fortunate to play some amazing roles across the UK and in the West End, and to now be planning a very special Christmas show and to be stepping out on stage as me – Lucie, is very exciting. I love the festive season, so sharing my favourite songs with fans at this most wonderful time will be very special indeed.” https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lucie-jones/

  • Bonnie and Clyde in Concert (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, January 17-18) Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan, who played the title roles in Frank Wildhorn’s short-lived 2011 Broadway musical (it opened and closed after just 36 performances in the same December month, following 33 previews beforehand), reunite for a two-night concert performance. https://www.bonnieandclydeconcert.com Press contact: Emily Webb/ Simon Raw at Raw PR.

  • Camelot in Concert (London Palladium, February 6) Bradey Jaden, Ramin Karimloo and Lucy St Louis star in a concert performance of Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 Broadway musical.

BROADWAY 2021/2

  • Six The Musical (Brooks Atkinson Theatre) Six, the British musical whose Broadway opening night was cancelled two hours before it was due to take place on March 12, 2020 when all of Broadway was shut down, will finally open officially, after resuming performances from September 17, prior to a new opening night on October 3. Press contacts: Adrian Bryan-Brown, Heath Schwartz, Imani Punch at Boneau/Bryan-Brown. http://www.sixonbroadway.com/
  • Chicken & Biscuits (Circle in the Square, previews from Spetember 23, opens October 10) A new comedy by Douglas Lyons, is to transfer from the Queen’s Theatre in the Park (where it was running when theatres shut down in March 2020) to Broadway’s Circle on the Square. The cast will be led by Norm Lewis and Michael Urie. It is one of seven new plays (so far) by black writers that have been announced will be seen on Broadway this season: the others are Pass Over by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu; Lackawanna Blues by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Thoughts of a Colored Man by Keenan Scott II; Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress; Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage; and Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau. Press contact: Vivacity Media Group. https://chickenandbiscuitsbway.com/

  • The Lehman Trilogy (Nederlander Theatre, resuming performances from September 25 prior to an official opening on October 14, to run for 99 performances only to January 2, 2022) The transfer of Sam Mendes’s production, originally premiered at the National Theatre in 2018 and subsequently presented in New York at the Park Avenue Armory in 2019 before returning to London for a sell-out West End run at the Piccadilly in 2019, resumes its run on Broadway, which was aborted by the arrival of the pandemic in March 2020. Original cast members Simon Russell Beale and Adam Godley are newly joined by Adrian Lester, replacing Ben Miles, to make his Broadway debut. In a press statement, Mendes has said: “It couldn’t be more perfect that Adrian Lester will be joining our production of The Lehman Trilogy on Broadway. He was the first person I offered the role to, way back when we first mounted the production in London at the National Theatre, so on some level it feels like destiny. His joining the company at this moment in time offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the Lehman family history.” Mendes and Lester previously worked together on a London revival of Sondheim’s Company at the Donmar Warehouse in 1995 that subsequently transferred to the Albery (now Noel Coward Theatre). Lester comments, “This will be the second time I’ve worked with Sam after Company and though I have played New York before, this will be my first time on Broadway.  Years after Sam and I first discussed my involvement in this incredible project, I am now so pleased the ups and downs of actors’ availabilities has finally offered me the chance to be a part of this fantastic production.” Press contract; Rick Miramontez/Marie Bshara at DKC/O&M.   https://thelehmantrilogy.com/

  • To Kill a Mockingbird (Shubert Theatre) Resuming performances from October 5, with Jeff Daniels returning to reprise the role of Atticus Finch that he originated when this version of the Harper Lee novel first premiered on Broadway in 2018, with Tony winner Celia Keenan-Bolger returning as Scout. Orin Wolf was been named Executive Producer to oversee all aspects of the production. In an interview with the New York Times, Wolf has commented, “The Broadway company will no longer pay any compensation to Scott [Rudin] as a producer, and he’ll no longer have any managerial or decision-making role of any kind. He does have a small investment position, which is passive.” Press contact: Rick Miramontez/ Marie Bshara at DKC/O&M, rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com. https://tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com/

  • Girl from the North Country (Belasco Theatre) Resuming performances from October 13, the London-born hit transferred to Broadway where it opened on March 5, days before Broadway was shut down by the pandemic. In a press statement, producers Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons commented, “Bob Dylan once said ‘You should always take the best from the past, leave the worst back there and go forward into the future’. We are thrilled to go forward by welcoming audiences safely back to The Belasco this fall and reunite with our beloved Broadway family. At the heart of Girl From The North Country is the Depression-era story about a community coming together to find hope while facing hardships during difficult and uncertain times. After the turbulent past year of experiencing great pain, suffering, and loss, the global pandemic has tested our resolve and resilience in countless ways, revealing in the process the deep divides and inequities in our society, and strengthening our commitment to change and moving forward. Girl From The North Country resonates powerfully today, and is a love letter to America celebrating its strength and resilience with the poetry of Bob Dylan’s music to unite, heal, uplift, inspire, and illuminate through the darkest of times.” Press contact: Amy Jacobs at Rubenstein. https://northcountryonbroadway.com/

  • Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations (Imperial Theatre) will resume performances October 16. In a press statement, producers Ira Pittelman and Tom Hulce said, “Ain’t Too Proud has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our career, but over the past year, the Temptations’ story of strength, hope, and standing up for justice has taken on an added significance. Our return to the Imperial on Saturday, October 16 will be an epic performance full of love, laughter, and tears of joy, but we know the hard work still lies ahead and we embrace the task whole heartedly.” Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier at DKC/O&M. https://www.ainttooproudmusical.com/

  • The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic Theatre) The longest-running musical in Broadway history — which has been running since transferring from the West End in 1987 — resumes performances from October 22. Press contact: The Publicity Office. https://us.thephantomoftheopera.com

  • Mrs Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre) The new Broadway musical version of the 1993 film comedy resumes performances from October 21, after a hiatus brought about by the closure of Broadway in March 2020, prior to an official opening December 5. Rob McClure plays the title role, originally played on screen by Robin Williams, in Jerry Zaks’ production. Press statement from producer Kevin McCollum: ““Broadway is about celebrating a shared experience together and after 18 months away there is no one better to bring us all together again than Mrs. Doubtfire. I’m thrilled that the Mrs. Doubtfire company will reunite on Broadway this fall bringing their indomitable spirit and talent to this new production based on one of the most beloved films of all time. After just three preview performances, Mrs. Doubtfire was shut down along with the rest of Broadway. Now, it’s time to re-launch this hysterical new musical comedy that reminds us there is nothing more important than love and finding your family.” Press contact: Adrian Bryan-Brown at Boneau/Bryan-Brown. https://mrsdoubtfirebroadway.com/

  • Company (Bernard B Jacobs Theatre) Marianne Elliott’s revival of Sondheim and Furth’s 1970 musical is now to resume performances from November 15, prior to an official opening on December 9. It was previously announced to begin on December 20, prior to oeping on January 9, after previously being shut down during previews in March 2020 when Broadway was closed. In a press statement, Elliott commented, “We always wanted to bring Company back as soon as possible and when the opportunity was presented to start performances a month earlier, we knew we had to jump on it. This production has always been about bringing people together to share in laughter, joy, and friendship and I’m beyond thrilled that we are able to reunite almost all of our remarkable cast to make this happen.” Katrina Link stars as Bobbie, with Patti LuPone reprising her London performance as Joanne. They are joined by joined by returning Broadway cast members Matt Doyle as Jamie, Christopher Fitzgerald as David, Christopher Sieber as Harry, Jennifer Simard as Sarah, Terence Archie as Larry, Etai Benson as Paul, Nikki Renée Daniels as Jenny, Claybourne Elder as Andy, Greg Hildreth as Peter, Rashidra Scott as Susan, and Bobby Conte Thornton as P.J. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier at DKC/O&M. https://companymusical.com

  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre) Resuming performances from November 16, this stage extension of the Harry Potter story is being re-staged as a single show, not in two parts as before. In a press statement, JK Rowling, Harry Potter’s original creator and co-author of the play with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany, commented, “Collaborating on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been one of the great joys of my professional life. While no one would wish for what has happened over the last year, it has given Jack, John and the first-class creatives who first breathed life into the production the opportunity to revisit the play, and to find a new way to frame our story — with amazing illusions and some exquisite new staging— all the while keeping our original story intact.  I’m so proud to be associated with this new, reimagined version.” The original 2-part version will continue to play in Melbourne (now on), London (from October 14) & Hamburg (December 1). Press contacts: Adrian Bryan-Brown/ Heath Schwartz at Boneau/Bryan-Brown. abrown@bbbway.com, hschwartz@bbbway.com. https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/us/

  • Diana: The Musical (Longacre Theatre) Previews will resume November 2, prior to an official opening night on November 17 (brought forward from December 1/16 respectively) for this new musical (with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan), after its original 2020 run was curtailed by the closure of Broadway. Celebrating the life of Princess Diana and the light of her legacy that continues to shine across the world, it will premiere two months ahead of its Broadway return as a special presentation on Netflix of a filmed version of the stage production that was filmed after Broadway was locked down. In a joint press statement, the Diana producers said, “The chance to share our show, first with Netflix’s global audience, and then welcoming a live audience back on Broadway, is something we’ve all been dreaming about for more than a year. We could not be more thrilled to finally share both the film and the Broadway musical with the world.” The cast is led by Jeanna de Waal as Diana, Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles, and Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth. Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Pete Sanders at DKC/O&M. https://thedianamusical.com/
  • Dear Evan Hansen (Music Box Theatre) Resuming performances from December 11, five years after its opening there. The US national tour will also re-launch its tour on December 7; and will resume in the West End at the Noel Coward Theatre from October 26 (see above).

  • The Music Man (Winter Garden Theatre) Beginning performances December 20, prior to an official opening February 10, Hugh Jackman plays ‘Professor’ Harold Hill, the music man of the title, in a revival of Meredith Willson’s 1957 musical, co-starring Sutton Foster as Marian Paroo. Jerry Zaks directs, with choreography by Warren Carlyle, the same team behind the 2018 revival of Hello, Dolly! Press contact: DKC/O&M.

  • MJ – The new Michael Jackson Musical (Neil Simon Theatre) Beginning performances December 6, prior to an official opening February 1, this musical inspired by the life of the late pop icon will now star newcomer Myles Frost in the title role, replacing the originally annnounced Ephraim Sykes who has departed to shoot a film. It has a book by Lynn Nottage, and will be directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon (whose last Broadway show An American in Paris transferred to the West End). Press contact: DKC/O&M. https://mjthemusical.com/

  • Plaza Suite (Hudson Theatre) New dates announced for actor-turned-director John Benjamin Hickey’s new production of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite starring husband and wife team Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, that was originally due to begin performances at the Hudson Theatre on March 13, 2020 — the day after Broadway was shut down. It will now begin previews nearly two years later at the same venue, from February 28, prior to opening on March 25. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier at DCK/O&M. rick@omdkc.com / aaron@omdkc.com. http://plazasuitebroadway.com/

  • Tracy Letts’ The Minutes, originally set to open at Broadway’s Cort Theatre in March 2020 but shut down during previews when Covid closed the theatres, will now resume performances two years later, in March 2022, at a new venue Studio 54, prior to official opening April 7. Anna D Shapiro directs; the cast is still be confirmed. (It originally starred Armie Hammer, who announced in April that he has departed the production, following allegations of sexual assault, which he strongly denies. In a press statement in April, he announced, “I have loved every single second of working on The Minutes with the family I made from Steppenwolf. But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production.” Press contacts: Matt Polk/Jeffrey Fauver at Polk & Co. https://www.telecharge.com/Broadway/The-Minutes/Overview

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