LAST UPDATED: November 23 2022

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from November 21 onwards

This week’s openings

• Monday November 21

BROADWAY: A Christmas Carol (Nederlander Theatre) November 8-January 1, opening night November 21. Jefferson Mays reprises his solo performance of Dickens’ tale, in which he plays more than 50 roles, including a potato. Directed by Michael Arden, adapted by Mays, Susan Lyons and Arden and conceived by Arden and Dane Laffrey, it received its world premiere in 2018 at Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse. In the winter of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, producer Hunter Arnold released a special filmed version of the production as way for theatres across the country to raise money and bring the magic of A Christmas Carol to 84 partner theaters across the country. Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier / Briana Sanchez / Timmy Boyko at O&M.  rick@omdkc.com / aaron@omdkc.com / briana@omdkc.com / timmy@omdkc.com. Website: https://www.achristmascarollive.com/

• Tuesday November 22

LONDON: Saving Grace (Riverside Studios) November 22-December 4. A new musical adaptation of the 2000 British comedy film receives what is described as an “intimate first run” of 12 performances. With a book by April de Angelis and music and lyrics by the Grammy-nominated Scottish musician KT Tunstall, it will be directed by Laurence Connor. In a press statement, lead producer Barney Wragg commented, “It’s great to be working with Laurence again, the last time we worked together was on School of Rock on Broadway. As part of the development for School of Rock, we presented an early version of the show to live audiences at the Gramercy Theatre. This allowed the creative team to see a real audience reaction to the piece and allowed us to tweak and improve the work before we began the formal previews and opening at the Winter Garden. We’re excited to present Saving Grace at Riverside this November in the same vein. We are inviting audiences to have a first look at what goes into the creation of a new musical. It is a chance for them not only to see and enjoy Saving Grace, but to respond to the show and help our team improve and develop the piece. We are very much looking forward to the run at the Riverside Studios and sharing the next stage of our Saving Grace journey.” Press contacts: Janine Shalom Janine.shalom@premiercomms.com or Grace Barber  grace.barber@premiercomms.com at Premier Communications, Website: https://savinggracethemusical.com/

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/

REGIONAL: The Wizard of Oz (Curve, Leicester) November 19-January 8, 2023, press night November 24. Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster directs the regional premiere of a stage version of the MGM film, with its classic score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg augmented by new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, that was originally premiered at the London Palladium in 2011. Georgina Onuorah plays Dorothy; the cast also features Jonny Fines (Scarecrow), Paul French (Tin Man), Giovanni Spano (Lion), Ben Thompson (Toto), Christina Bianco (Glinda), and Charlotte Jaconelli (Wicked Witch of the West). Press contact: Arabella Neville-Rolfe arabella@anpr.co.uk. Website: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/

• 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 November 12. Matthew Warchus directs, with Ebenezer Scrooge this year played by Owen Teale. Press contacts: Katie Marsh, Armani Ur-Rub at Old Vic,  armani.ur-rub@oldvictheatre.com. Website: 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. The cast is led by Simon Lipkin, Georgina Castle, Tom Chambers, Rebecca Lock, Kim Ismay, Nicholas Pound and Dermot Canavan. .Press contact: Ginny Bootman,  ginny@buchananpr.co.uk. Website: https://elflondon.com

• Sunday November 27

BROADWAY: KPOP (Circle in the Square) Previews from October 13, opens November 27 (originally due to open November 20, but postponed due to COVID cases in the company). K-pop idol Luna leads a cast that also features BoHyung (formerly of SPICA and half of the duo KEEMBO), Min (formerly of Miss A), and Kevin Woo (formerly of U-KISS). It is the first musical on Broadway celebrating Korean culture, and features19 members of the company making their Broadway debuts. It has a book by Jason Kim, who co-conceived the show with Woodshed Collective. It features music, lyrics, music production and arrangements by Helen Park; and music and lyrics by Max Vernon. An earlier version of the show, produced by Ars Nova in association with Ma-Yi Theater and Woodshed Collective, was seen off-Broadway in 2017. Press contacts: DKC/O&M Rick Miramontez / Pete Sanders / Ellie Detweiler rick@omdkc.com / pete@omdkc.com / ellie@omdkc.com; Website: https://kpopbroadway.com/

OPENINGS FURTHER AHEAD

• Monday November 28

LONDON: Best of Enemies (Noel Coward Theatre) November 14-February 18, 2022, press night November 28. James Graham’s play, first seen at the Young Vic in December 2021, transfers to the West End, with David Harewood reprising his original role as William Buckley Jr newly joined by Zachary Quinto, making his West End debut as Gore Vidal. The play, inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon,  replays the 1968 television debates between Vidal and Buckley ahead of the presidential election that opened up a new frontier in American politics. Jeremy Herrin directs; it is co-produced by Second Half Productions (his own production company), with Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Wessex Grove, the Young Vic and Headlong.  Press contacts: Kate Hassell kate@breadandbutterpr.uk; Samantha Montague samantha@breadandbutterpr.uk; Ben Chamberlain ben@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: www.bestofenemiesplay.com

• Wednesday November 30

LONDON: Othello (National’s Lyttelton Theatre) November 23-January 21, 2023, press night November 30. The National’s deputy artistic director Clint Dyer directs Giles Terera in the title role, with Paul Hilton as Iago and Rosy McEwen as Desdemona. Press contact: Ruth Greenwood, rgreenwood@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/othello

• 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/

REGIONAL: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead (Theatre Royal, Plymouth) December 1-3, then touring, including London season at Barbican Theatre. Complicite’s adapts Olga Tokarczuk’s novel for the stage, starring Kathryn Hunger as the protagonist Janina. Conceived and directed by Simon McBurney, it is the latest in a series of Complicité projects that urgently address the destruction of the planet.  After its Plymouth run in December, it will launch a UK and European tour at Bristol Old Vic in January, going on to visit Oxford, London’s Barbican Theatre (March 15-April 1), Nottingham, Coventry, Salford, Luxembourg, and Paris. Press contact: Kate Hassell kate@breadandbutterpr.uk Website: http://www.complicite.org/productions/DriveYourPlowOverTheBonesOfTheDead

BROADWAY: Ain’t No Mo’ (Belasco) Previews from November 3, opens December 1. Jordan E Cooper stars in his own play first seen at the Public Theatre in 2019, transferring to Broadway. According to a press release, it “dares to ask the incendiary question, ‘What if the U.S. government attempted to solve racism … by offering Black Americans one-way plane tickets to Africa?’ The answer comes in the form of an outrageous and high-octane comedy about being Black in today’s America. Stevie Walker-Webb makes his Broadway debut as director. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Amanda Meyer / Gerilyn Shur / Ellie Detweiler at O&M, rick@omdkc.com / amanda@omdkc.com / gerilyn@omdkc.com / ellie@omdkc.com Website: https://aintnomobway.com/

• Saturday December 3

REGIONAL: Mother Goose (Brighton Theatre Royal, then West End’s Duke of York’s and touring) A new touring version of Mother Goose will feature Ian McKellen (in the title role) and John Bishop (as Vic Goose), written by Jonathan Harvey and being directed by Cal McCrystal. IT will launch at Brighton Theatre Royal, then play a season at London’s Duke of York’s (from December 15 to January 29), before continuing on to Chichester (February 7-11), Sheffield, Wolverhampton, Liverpool, Oxford, Dublin and Cardiff, with further venues set to be announced. Mel Giedroyc, who was originally announced to play the Goose, has had to withdraw for personal reasons.The company will also feature Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Jack, Simbi Akande as Jill, Sharon Ballard as Evil Fairy Malignia and Karen Mavundukure as Good Fairy Encanta. Press contacts: Simon Raw, Emily Webb, Daniel O’Carroll simon@rawpr.co.uk, emily@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk Website: http://mothergooseshow.co.uk/

• Sunday December 4

BROADWAY: A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical (Broadhurst Theatre) Previews from November 2, opens December 4. Michael Mayer directs a new jukebox musical based on the songs and career of pop legend Neil Diamond, with choreography by Steven Hoggett and a book by Anthony McCarten. The cast features Will Swenson as Diamond. He is joined in principal roles by Mark Jacoby, Robyn Hurder and Linda Powell. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier / Briana Sanchez / Timmy Boyko rick@omdkc.com / aaron@omdkc.com / briana@omdkc.com / timmy@omdkc.com. Website: https://abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/

• Monday December 5

LONDON: Orlando (Gielgud Theatre) November 25-February 25, press night December 5. Michael Grandage directs Emma Corrin in the title role of Neil Bartlett’s new stage version of Virginia Woolf’s novel.  Corrin recently appeared in Grandage’s new film My Policeman for Amazon.  Also in the cast are Deborah Findlay, Jessica Alade, Debra Baker, Akuc Bol, Lucy Briers, Richard Cant, Melissa Lowe, Jodie McNee, Oliver Wickham, and Millicent Wong. Continuing their commitment to accessible ticket prices across their productions, MGC will have over 10,000 £10 tickets available across the run. Press contract: Kate Morley PR, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://www.michaelgrandagecompany.com/

• Tuesday December 6

LONDON: Hex (National’s Olivier Theatre) November 26-January 14, 2023, press night December 6. Rufus Norris’s production — whose press night in 2021 was twice postponed before being abandoned entirely — returns for this Christmas, with a mostly new cast. A re-telling of Sleeping Beauty that goes beyond the waking kiss,  it is a family affair with a book by Tanya Ronder (Norris’s wife) and lyrics by Norris, with music by Jim Fortune. The original concept is by Katrina Lindsay (who also designs) and Norris. Michael Elcock returns to the cast as Bert, alongside the newly cast Rosie Graham as Princess Rose, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Queenie and Lisa Lambe as Fairy. Press contact: Louisa Terry: lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hex

LONDON: A Christmas Carol (Bridge Theatre) December 6-31. Nicholas Hytner’s 2020 production returns with Simon Russell Beale reprising his performance in the show whose original run was cut short by the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined bay original cast member Eben Figueriedo, along with Lyndsey Marshal newly joining the company. Press contacts: Janine Shalom/Grace Barber at Premier Communications, Janine.shalom@premiercomms.com, Grace.barber@premiercomms.com Website: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol/

• Wednesday December 7

LONDON: Kerry Jackson (National’s Dorfman Theatre). November 30-January 21, press night December 7. A new play by April de Angelis is directed by Indhu Rubasingham, with the cast led by Fay Ripley as Kerry, owner of a new restaurant in fashionable Walthamstow. Wearing her working-class roots as a badge of honour, she navigates the local characters in a bid to make the tapas restaurant a success – without losing herself in the process.Press contact: Louise Terry at National Theatre, lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/kerry-jackson

LONDON: Bugsy Malone (Alexandra Palace Theatre) December 3-January 15, press night December 7. Alan Parker’s film is brought to the stage in a production directed by Sean Holmes and choreographed by Drew McOnie that was first seen at Lyric Hammersmith in 2015, and now returns to London as part of a national tour. Press contact: Helen Snell helen@helensnell.com; Website: https://bugsymalonethemusical.com/

• 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.” The title role is played by Michael Luwoye, with Danielle Fiamanya as Winnie Mandela.  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

LONDON: Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park), from November 28, press night December 8. 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 Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium later the same year!  Cast as Jack Kelly now is Michael Akomka-Lindsay, with Bronté Barbé as Katherine Plumber. Press contact: Alexandra Buchanan alex@amandamalpass.com Website: https://newsiesthemusical.co.uk/

BROADWAY: Ohio State Murders (James Earl Jones Theatre, formerly the Cort) Previews from November 11, opens December 8. Kenny Leon directs a cast led by Audra McDonald in the Broadway premiere of Adrienne Kennedy’s play.  It plays at the newly re-named and renovated James Earl Jones Theatre (formerly the 110-year-old Cort). McDonald plays writer Suzanne Alexander who returns to her alma mater as a guest speaker. As she explores the violence in her works, a dark mystery unravels. Press contact: Polk & Co, Matt Polk / Alana Karpoff / Alex Seeley / Nicolette Carcaldi. Website: https://ohiostatemurdersbroadway.com/

• Sunday December 11

BROADWAY: Some Like It Hot (Shubert Theatre) Previews from November 1, opens December 11. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who previously turned Hairspray into a hit Broadway musical, now write the score for another famous film featuring cross-dressing leads, Billy Wilder’s 1959 Some Like It Hot for the stage. The book is by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin; it is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Press contact: Polk & Co, Matt Polk / Jessica Johnson / Lilly Claar / Nina Chae-Gordon. Website: https://somelikeithotmusical.com/

• Monday December 12

LONDON: Sons of Prophet (Hampstead Theatre) December 2-January 14, press night December 12. Binjan Sheibani directs the European premiere of Stephen Karam’s Pulitzer nominated 2012 play, which was named the best play that year by the New York Drama Critics Circle. In 2018 Hampstead presented the UK premiere of Karam’s The Humans. Press contact: Clare McCormack at Hampstead ClareM@hampsteadtheatre.com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2022/sons-of-the-prophet/

OFF-BROADWAY: Merrily We Roll Along (New York Theatre Workshop) Maria Friedman directs a New York return for Sondheim’s flop 1981 Broadway musical Merrily We Roll Along that she originally directed a well-received production of at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in 2012, before it transferred to the West End’s Harold Pinter in 2013. The production will star Daniel Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, with Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn.  Press contact: NYTW@mattrosspr.com. Website: https://www.nytw.org/show/merrily-we-roll-along/

• Wednesday December 14

LONDON: Jack and the Beanstalk (London Palladium) December 10-January 15, press night December 14. Michael Harrison once again produces and directs the annual Palladium panto, with Palladium regulars Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot joined by Dawn French, Alexandra Burke, Louis Gaunt, Rob Madge and Natalie McQueen. Press contact: Premier PR, janine.shalom@premiercomms.com or grace.barber@premiercomms.com. Website:  https://palladiumpantomime.com/

Liz Klingsman: One Woman Show (Ambassadors Theatre) December 14-January 21, 2023. Liz Klingman brings her Edinburgh show – subsequently seen at Soho Theatre — to the West End for a six week season. It is directed by Adam Brace. In a press statement, she has said: “No one is more surprised than I am that the theatre community continue to take this prank at face value. In saying that, I am beyond excited to bring the show to London’s West End. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier.” Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com Website: https://onewomanshow.co.uk/

LONDON: As You Like It (@sohoplace) December 6-January 28, press night December 14. Josie Rourke, former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, directs a new production of Shakespeare’s comedy, starring Leah Harvey as Rosalind, Rose Ayling-Ellis as Celia, Alfred Enoch as Orlando and Martha Plimpton as  Jaques. In a press statement, Rourke has commented, Nica Burns has built a beautiful and vibrant new theatre for London and I’m proud to be part of her opening session. When I saw the new auditorium, saying “yes” to directing on that wonderful stage was one of the quickest answers I’ve ever given. I remember well from opening the new Bush Theatre the peculiar struggles and challenges of opening the doors on a new theatre and I’m honoured to be part of this important endeavour. As things feel tough, Nica has doubled down on theatre’s future in the capital and I’m want to support her and her team’s courage by creating a joyful and celebratory show for one of theatre’s most and intimate, welcoming new homes, @sohoplace.” Press contacts: Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan Jo@joallanpr.com, Freya Cowdry freya@joallanpr.com. Website: https://sohoplace.org/whats-on/as-you-like-it

• Thursday December 15

LONDON: Watch on the Rhine (Donmar Warehouse) December 9-February 4, press night December 15. Ellen McDougall directs a cast that includes Kate Duchêne, Caitlin FitzGerald and Patricia Hodge in Lillian Hellman’s 1941 play, set in the summer of that year, in which a Washington DC mother anxiously awaits the return of her daughter and her German husband as they flee Europe with their children. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com; Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/8601AVPPNNBTVGDHCLBCTPRSLGQPDSBRD?_ga=2.229014427.649449794.1665478808-973653908.1665478808

• Tuesday December 20

LONDON: A Streetcar Named Desire (Almeida Theatre) December 10-February 4, press night December 20. Rebecca Frecknall, whose production of Tennessee Williams’s Summer and Smoke transferred from the Almeida to the West End, returns to Islington to direct another Williams play, starring Lydia Wilson as Blanche, with Paul Mescal as Stanley, Anjana Vasan as Stella and Dwane Walcott as Mitch.Press contact: Alexander Milward, amilard@almeida.co.uk Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/a-streetcar-named-desire/10-dec-2022-4-feb-2023

2023

* Tuesday January 17

LONDON: George Takei’s Allegiance (Charing Cross Theatre) January 7-April 8, press night January 17. The Star Trek star George Takei (famous for playing Mr Sulu) stars in the London premiere of the 2015 Broadway musical inspired by his own true childhood experience, when as a child he and his family were placed in internment camps along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans, after the bombing of Pearl Harbour during the Second World War. Takei reprises his Broadway role, as does Telly Leung (best known as Wee from Glee), who plays Takei’s character’s younger self, in this entirely new production, specially conceived for the Charing Cross Theatre, directed and choreographed by Tara Overfield Wilkinson. The musical has a book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Jay Kuo. In a press statement, Takei has commented,  “Allegiance is a story from America’s past, but it has great relevance today. Once again, fascism is on the march, and whole communities are under attack. Again, the freedoms so many take for granted are gravely imperilled. Allegiance is my legacy. We must learn the lessons of our past so that we may never repeat them. That’s why we tell our story. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to ensuring we collectively honour the commitment, ‘Never again’.”  Press contact:  Kevin Wilson,  kevinwilsonpr@gmail.com Website: https://allegiancemusical.com/

• Wednesday January 18

LONDON: Alex Edelman — Just for Us (Menier Chocolate Factory) January 11-February 26, press night January 18. Transfer from Off-Broadway, where it premiered at the Cherry Lane Theatre last year, this solo autobiographical show is directed by Adam Brace. After a string of anti-Semitic abuse is directed at Edelman online, he decides to covertly attend a gathering of White Nationalists in New York City and comes face-to-face with the people behind the keyboards. The result is a hair-raising encounter that gives Just For Us its title and final, jaw-dropping twist. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com

• Thursday January 19:

LONDON: The Unfriend (Criterion Theatre) January 15-April 16, press night January 19. Steven Moffatt’s dark comedy transfers from Chichester’s Minerva Theatre, where it played earlier this summer, in a production directed by Mark Gatiss (Moffat’s co-writer on TV’s Sherlock and Dracula) that reunites the original Chichester cast led by Reece Shearsmith, Amanda Abbington and Frances Barber, and also featuring Michael Simkins, Marcus Onilude, Gabriel Howell and Maddie Holliday. Press contacts: Samantha Montague samantha@breadandbutterpr.uk and Ben Chamberlain ben@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://theunfriend.com/

• Wednesday January 25

LONDON: Noises Off (Phoenix Theatre) January 19-March 11, press night January 25. The current 40th anniversary production of Michael Frayn’s backstage farce transfers to the West End for a limited eight week season. The cast comprises Felicity Kendal as Dotty Otley, Matthew Kelly as Selsdon Mowbray and Joseph Millson as Garry Lejeune (pictured above), and also Tracy-Ann Oberman as Belinda Blair, Alexander Hanson as Lloyd Dallas, Sasha Frost as Brooke Ashton, Pepter Lunkuse as Poppy Norton Taylor and Jonathan Coy as Fredrick Fellows. It is directed by Lindsay Posner, who also directed the last London revival at the Old Vic. Press contact: Lewis Jenkind at Storehouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk; Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/noises-off/phoenix-theatre/

• Saturday January 28

REGIONAL: The Bodyguard (King’s Theatre, Glasgow) January 28-February 4, then touring. Melody Thornton – formerly with The Pussycat Dolls — is set to play Rachel Marron in a new tour for the stage version of the hit film, kicking off in Glasgow. She has previously played the role when the show toured China. Press contacts: 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://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/uk-tour-dates/

• Tuesday January 31

LONDON: Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons (Harold Pinter Theatre) January 18-March 18, press night January 31, then at Manchester Opera House and Brighton Theatre Royal. Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner star in the West End premiere of Manchester-born playwright Sam Steiner’s Edinburgh fringe hit. Described as romantic comedy about what we say, how we say it, and what happens when we can’t say anything anymore., it is directed by Josie Rourke, former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse.  Press contact: Laura Myers at About Grace, laura@aboutgracepr.com. Website: https://lemonstheplay.co.uk/

• Wednesday February 1:

REGIONAL: Spitting Image Live: Featuring The Liar King (Birmingham Rep) February 1-March 12. Sean Foley, artistic director at Birmingham Rep, directs and co-writen with Al Murray and Matt Forde, a new live show based on the Spitting Image puppets. According to the press release, “Join the circle of lies and see the puppets live on stage for the first time ever. Witness a monstrous cast of stars including The Liar King himself, Boris Johnson. Plus Tom Cruise & Michael Gove (together on stage for the very first time), Adele, Tyson Fury, Harry and Meghan, Stormzy, Beyoncé, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, and many more.” Press contact: Ben Wooldridge  ben.Wooldridge@birmingham-rep.co.uk. Website: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/spitting-image-live/

Wednesday February 8

LONDON: The Lehman Trilogy (Gillian Lynne Theatre) January 24-May 20, press night February 8. Sam Mendes’s production of Stefano Massini play, adapted by Ben Power, returns to London, after originally premiering at the National and transferring to Broadway.  The new company will star Michael Balogun, Hadley Fraser and Nigel Lindsay as the Lehman brothers. Press contact: Clare McCormack via cmccormack@nationaltheatre.org.uk Website: http://thelehmantrilogy.com/

• Thursday February 9

LONDON: Phaedra (National’s Lyttelton Theatre) February 1-April 8, press night February 9 . Simon Stone, whose work has mostly been seen in the UK at the Young Vic, makes his NT debut with his own play Phaedra, after Euripides, Seneca and Racine. Janet McTeer plays the title role, with Assaad Bouab and Mackenzie Davis also featured. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/phaedra

LONDON: Standing at the Sky’s Edge (National’s Olivier Theatre) February 9-March 25, press night to be announced. Originally premiered at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in 2019, Richard Hawley and Chris Bush’s musical, set on Sheffield’s Park Hill Estate, transfers to the National. Directed by Sheffield Theatres’ artistic director Robert Hastie, it is described as a love letter to Sheffield, charting the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades. The cast includes Darragh Cowley, Ahmed Hamad, Samuel Jordan, Bobbie Little, Robert Lonsdale, David McKechnie, Maimuna Memon, Baker Mukasa, Alastair Natkiel, Faith Omole, Adam Price, Nicola Sloane, Jake Small, Deborah Tracey, Rachael Wooding and Alex Young. Press contact: Ruth Greenwood, rgreenwood@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/standing-at-the-skys-edge

• Monday February 20

LONDON: Trouble in Butetown (Donmar Warehouse) February 10-March 25, press night February 20.  Tinuke Craig directs the world premiere of Diana Nneka Atuona’s play set in an illegal boarding house in Cardiff’s Button, during the Second World War. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com; Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/9201AHVHRSJHSLBLCDVNMMJTBCSRGGTMK?_ga=2.261643146.649449794.1665478808-973653908.1665478808

• Tuesday February 14

LONDON: Sylvia (Old Vic) January 27-April 1, press night February 14. Beverley Knight (pictured above) stars as Emeline Pankhurst in the world premiere of a hip-hop musical, directed and choreographed by Kate Prince, that was previously presented in workshop form at the theatre four years ago. It is co-produced by the Old Vic and Zoo Nation, in association with Sadler’s Wells. Prince has also written the lyrics and co-written the book with Priya Parmar; the music is by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde. In a press statement, Old Vic artistic director Matthew Warchus commented, “At long last, we are delighted to deliver the completed version of this hugely uplifting show, which first appeared at The Old Vic in an embryonic workshop version four years ago. Even then, this thrillingly kinetic, fun and emotional show was a giant hit with audiences and I’d urge you not to miss the much-anticipated finished article.” Prince states, “As ZooNation celebrates our 20th anniversary this month, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to announce, together with The Old Vic, the premiere of our musical Sylvia, celebrating the story of Sylvia Pankhurst and the Suffragette movement – five years after I first started writing it, and four years after it was first shared with audiences as a ‘work in progress’. I’m particularly grateful for this second chance and to be able to finish what has been the most extraordinary creative challenge yet of my life! I’m over the moon that Beverley Knight is returning to the role of Emmeline Pankhurst and that Sharon Rose will be joining the cast as her daughter Sylvia. The musicians, performers and creatives collaborating together on Sylvia are all extraordinary. They inspire me every day. I’m truly excited to finally share this work and Sylvia’s wonderful, inspiring story.” Press contacts: Katie Marsh katie.marsh@oldvictheatre.com, Armani Ur-Rub armani.ur-rub@oldvictheatre.com     

• Friday February 17

LONDON: Medea (@sohoplace) February 11-April 22, press night February17. Dominic Cooke directs his second production for his new independent theatre company Fictionhouse which he co-founded with producer Kate Horton, following Good (currently running at the Harold Pinter Theatre). Sophie Okonedo and Ben Daniels, two actors he has regularly worked with, will star. In a press statement, Cooke has said, “I have been friends with Sophie Okonedo since we were in our teens. We’ve worked together many times including on Arabian Nights at the Young Vic in 1998 and The Hollow Crown: Wars of the Roses for the BBC in 2015. Sophie is one of our most visceral, emotionally connected actors and I have long thought she’d be a brilliant Medea. I am over the moon that it’s now happening as the second West End production for Fictionhouse, run by Kate Horton and myself. I’m also really looking forward to working again with the super talented Ben Daniels after our hugely fulfilling collaboration on The Normal Heart at the National Theatre. Ben and Sophie have been an explosive onstage partnership in the past and I can’t wait to see them playing these iconic roles together in Nica Burns’ thrilling new auditorium @sohoplace.” Press contacts: Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan Jo@joallanpr.com, Freya Cowdry freya@joallanpr.com. Website: https://sohoplace.org/whats-on/medea

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

Tuesday February 21

LONDON: Romeo and Julie (National’s Dorfman Theatre) February 14-April 1, press night February 9. Rachel O’Riordan directs a new play by Gary Owen, inspired by Romeo and Juliet. It is co-produced with Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre, where Owen and O’Riordan previously collaborated on Iphigenia in Splott (currently being revived at Lyric Hammersmith, which O’Riordan now runs. The cast is led by Callum Scott Howells and Rosie Sheehy in the title roles, joined by Catrin Aaron, Paul Brennen and Anita Reynold. Press contact: Ruth Greenwood, rgreenwood@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website:  https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/romeo-and-julie

• Wednesday February 22

LONDON: Women, Beware the Devil (Almeida Theatre) February 11-March 25, press night February 22. Rupert Goold directs the world premiere of a play by Lulu Raczka, described as a “deadly new play of treachery and trickery.” Press contact: Alexander Milward, amilard@almeida.co.uk Website:  https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/women-beware-the-devil/11-feb-2023-25-mar-2023

Tuesday February 28

LONDON: Oklahoma! (Wyndham’s Theatre) February 16-September 2, press night February 28. Daniel Fish’s Tony winning Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, re-orchestrated and re-imagined for the 21st century, transfers to the West End, after previously having a sell-out run at the Young Vic in May 2022. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com Website: https://www.Oklaoklahomawestend.com/

• Saturday March 4

LONDON: Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick Theatre) March 4-May 20. Frank Wildhorn’s short-lived 2011 Broadway musical — which ran for just one month then — gets an extended life in London, transferring after its recent Arts Theatre run to the Garrick around the corner for an 11-week season, in Nick Winston’s production that was originally staged as a one-nighter at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage will reprise the title roles that they previously played at the Arts. Press contacts: Raw PR: Emily Webb emily@rawpr.co.uk  Simon Raw  simon@rawpr.co.uk. Website: https://bonnieandclydemusical.com/

• Monday March 6

LONDON: The Great British Bake Off Musical (Noel Coward Theatre) February 25-May 13, press night March 6. The TV baking show comes to the stage in a musical first seen at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre in August, starring John Owen Jones as Phil Hollinghurst, the esteemed blue-eyed, silver-fox judge. The presenter is played by Scott Paige, with Claire Moore, Catriana Sandison, Charlotte Wakefield, Damian Humbley, Jay Saighal, Michael Cahill and Aharon Rayner as the contestants. Rachel Kavanaugh directs the show, which is written by Jake Brunger (book and lyrics) and Pippa Cleary (music and lyrics). Press contact: George Franks george@borkowski.co.uk, Dee McCourt dee@borkowski.co.uk,  Website: https://bakeoffthemusical.com/

• Thursday March 9

LONDON: Guys and Dolls (Bridge Theatre) March 3-September 2, 2023, press night March 9. Nicholas Hytner is to direct a new “immersive” production of the Broadway classic Guys and Dolls, based on Damon Runyon’s stories and characters, with a score bye Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. The production will be choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Bunny Christie. Tickets go on public sale from June 23. Press contacts: Janine Shalom/Grace Barber at Premier Communications. Janine.shalom@premiercomms.com or Grace.barber@premiercomms.com  Website: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/guys-and-dolls/

• Wednesday March 15

LONDON: Marjorie Prime (Menier Chocolate Factory) March 9-May 6, press night March 15. UK premiere for Jordan Harrison’s 2015 Pulitzer Prize finalist, premiered at LA’s Mark Taper Forum in2 014 and subsequently seen at Off-Broadway’s Playwrights’ Horizons. The play explores the mysteries of human identity and the limits — if any — of what technology can replace. It’s the age of artificial intelligence, and 85-year-old Marjorie — a jumble of disparate, fading memories — has a handsome new companion who’s programmed to feed the story of her life back to her. What would we remember, and what would we forget, if given the chance? Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@kateJormorleypr.com

• Sunday March 19

BROADWAY: Dancin’ (Music Box Theatre). Previews from March 2, opening March 19. The dance revue celebrating the work of choreographer Bob Fosse that was originally premiered ion Broadway in 1978, returns, with one of the stars of the original production Wayne Cilento, now directing, re-imagined for the 21st century. It recently played at San Diego’s Old Globe.  Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Gerilyn Shur / Evie Freeman at O&M,  rick@omdkc.com / gerilyn@omdkc.com / evie@omdkc.com. Website: https://dancinbway.com/

Thursday March 23

BROADWAY: Bad Cinderella (Imperial Theatre) Previews from February 17, opening night March 23. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cinderella that had a troubled West End gestation and shortened run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre that saw a replacement cast for the original company dismissed before they began rehearsals earlier this year now transfers to Broadway, re-titled Bad Cinderella. It will star newcomer Linedy Genao, replacing Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role. It is being brought to Broadway by producers he musical is produced on Broadway by No Guarantees (Christine Schwarzman, President; Darren Johnston, Executive Vice President) and Really Useful Group, with Wagner Johnson Productions serving as Executive Producers. In a press statement,  Mrs. Schwarzman commented, “We are honored to be introducing this modern Cinderella story to Broadway, and it is a dream come true to work with Andrew Lloyd Webber, especially on a score that sits among his very best. Working with this extraordinary creative team, we’ve created a new Cinderella for today’s audience. It’s so joyful and unique; we can’t wait to share it!” Lloyd Webber adds: “We have been working hard on a few new songs for our Broadway opening and, with such brilliant team, led by the spectacular Linedy, I know this is going to be really special.” Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara / Kendall Edwards rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com / kendall@omdkc.com. Website: https://badcinderellabroadway.com/

• Thursday March 30

LONDON: A Little Life (Harold Pinter Theatre) March 25-June 18, press night March 30, following a run at Richmond Theatre, March 24-28. Ivo van Hove brings his stage version of Hanya Hanagihara’s novel to London, re-staged with a British cast in the play’s English language premiere, after previously presenting his original Dutch production at the Edinburgh International Festival in the summer.  The cast is led by James Norton as Jude St Francis, the lawyer whose traumatic past the play uncovers. Also in cast are Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, Zach Wyatt, Elliot Cowan, Zubin Varla, Nathalie Armin and Emilio Doorgasingh. The lead producers are Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Playful Productions.  Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/a-little-life/

• Tuesday April 4

LONDON: The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre) April 4-May 27, press night to be announced. UK premiere of a musical, originally premiered at New York’s Atlantic Theatre, with a book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Set in South Carolina in 1964, it is about a group of women ignited by rebellion and longing for acceptance. It will be directed by Whitney White. Press contact: Alexander Milward, amilard@almeida.co.uk Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-secret-life-of-bees/4-apr-2023-27-may-2023

BROADWAY: Shucked (Nederlander Theatre) Previews from March 8, opening April 4. New original musical comedy, with a book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) and score by Nashville songwriting team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, will be directed by Jack O’Brien and feature John Behlmann, Kevin Cahoon, Andrew Durand, Caroline Innerbichler, Ashley D. Kelley and Alex Newell in the cast. In a joint statement, Horn, Clark and McAnally have commented, “Shucked is a passion project. There was something about this idea, this style of humor and this music, that kept this little engine going. What will be on stage at the Nederlander is a story about how we all have the gift of heroism inside us, and about learning to open our hearts to those who are different than us so that growth can happen… and of course, about corn… because the basic thing that unity and acceptance need for survival, is a kernel of truth.” Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier / Briana Sanchez / Timmy Boyko at O&M,  rick@omdkc.com / aaron@omdkc.com / briana@omdkc.com / timmy@omdkc.com. 

• Wednesday April 5

REGIONAL: The SpongeBob Musical (Mayflower Theatre, Southampton), April 5-8,  then touring, including London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, July 26-August 26. The 2017 Broadway musical based on the Nickelodeon TV series launches a UK tour. Written by Kyle Jarrow and conceived by Tina Landau, it features original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. Press contacts: Raw PR simon@rawpr.co.uk, emily@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website:  https://www.spongebobstage.com/

• Thursday April 13:

BROADWAY: Camelot (Vivian Beaumont Theatre) Previews from March 9, opening April 13. Lincoln Center Theatre presents a revival of Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 musical, starring Andrew Burnap (Tony winner as Best Actor in a Play for The Inheritance in 2021) as King Arthur, Phillipa Soo as Guinevere and Jordan Donica as Lancelot Du Lac, directed by Bartlett Sher and presented in a new version by Aaron Sorkin. A 30-piece orchestra will perform the original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett and Philip J. Lang. Press contact: Nick Buchholtz Nick.Buchholz@lct.org. Website: https://www.lct.org/shows/camelot/

• 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 April 20

LONDON: Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations (Prince Edward Theatre) Previews from March 31, opens April 20. Des McAnuff’s Broadway production transfers to the West End, reuniting the creative team that includes choreography by Sergio Trujilio that won him the 2019 Tony Award. In a press statement, Otis Williams, the group’s founding member and an executive producer of the show said, “The UK has always loved our music and embraces it as much today as it did 60 years ago. All of us involved with the show can’t wait to share this very production with you all.” Press contact: Simon Raw, Emily Webb or Daniel O Carroll simon@rawpr.co.uk; emily@rawpr.co.uk; daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website: https://www.princeedwardtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/aint-too-proud

LONDON: The Meaning of Zong (Barbican Theatre) April 20-23. Actor-turned-playwright Giles Terera’s debut play, originally premiered at Bristol Old Vic, comes to London, with Terera reprising his own performance in it which recently won him the 2022 UK Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Play. Based on real-life events of a massacre aboard a slave ship that led the abolition movement in the UK, it is co-directed by Tom Morris and Terera. Press contact: Anna Arthur anna@annaarthurpr.com. Website: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/the-meaning-of-zong-giles-terera

• Sunday April 23

BROADWAY: Prima Facie (Golden Theatre) Previews from April 11, opening April 23. Jodie Comer reprises her West End star turn in Susie Miller’s solo play, directed by Justin Martin, for a limited 10 week run. In a press statement, Comer has commented,  “I cannot wait to continue the journey with Prima Facie on Broadway this coming spring. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine having the opportunity to play on Broadway with a story as unique and thought provoking as this one. I’m honored that a theatre as rich in history as the Golden Theatre will be home to it.” Press contacts:  Jim Byk/Kelly Guiod/Louisa Pancoast/Nina M. Ward at the Press Room. Website: https://primafacieplay.com/

• Tuesday May 9

LONDON: Operation Mincemeat (Fortune Theatre) March 29-July 8, press night May 9. SpitLip theatre company, comprising David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts, bring their fringe hit, originally premiered at the New Diorama before going on to extended runs at Southwark Playhouse and then Riverside Studios earlier this year, to the West End, newly directed by Rob Hastie and choreographed by Jenny Arnold.  It is presented in the West End by Avalon in association with SpitLip. In press materials, the show is described thus: “The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.  Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?” Press contact: Victoria Wedderburn at Avalon, VWedderburgn@avalonuk.com. Website: https://www.operationmincemeat.com/

• Wednesday May 17

LONDON: Once on this Island (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park) May 10-June 10, press night May 17. Ahrens and Flaherty’s 1990 Broadway musical based on Rosa Guy’s novel My Love, My Love is revived in a new production by director Ola Ince to open this year’s summer season at Regent’s Park. Press contact; James Lever, james@joallanpr.com. Website: https://openairtheatre.com/production/once-on-this-island

42nd Street (Curve, Leicester) May 17-June 3, then Sadler’s Wells, June 7-July 2, then touring. Jonathan Church will direct a new production of the Broadway classic, co-produced by Curve and Sadler’s Wells. Choreography will be by Bill Deamer, with design by Rob Jones. Press contact: Simon Raw, Emily Webb, Daniel O’Carroll simon@rawpr.co.uk, emily@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk

• Thursday May 25

LONDON: Aspects of Love (Lyric Theatre) Previews from May 12, press night  May 25. Michael Ball reunites with director Jonathan Kent, who previously collaborated on a Chichester revival of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, for a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1989 musical Aspects of Love, based on the novel by David Garnett and featuring lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart. Ball starred in the original production as the young romantic lead Alex; now he will play the older man George. In a press statement, he asks: “We are just at the start of our journey so the big question is will I be singing my favourite song Love Changes Everything – what do you think? All will be revealed soon…”. Press contact: David Bloom at Storyhouse,  david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk.. Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/aspects-of-love/

• Tuesday June 6

LONDON: Patriots (Noel Coward Theatre) May 26-June 19, press night June 6. Peter Morgan’s play, originally premiered at the Almeida, transfers to the West End, with Rupert Goold directing a cast that has Tom Hollander reprising his performance as Boris Berezovsky, the ‘kingmaker’ behind Vladimir Putin, with Will Keen also returning to play Putin and Luke Thallon as Abramovich. Press contact: Emma Holland, emma@emmahollandpr.com. Website: http://patriotstheplay.com/

• Thursday June 22

LONDON: Mrs Doubtfire (Shaftesbury Theatre) Previews from May 12, opens June 22. The fast Broadway flop version of the 1993 film comes to the West End, after a try-out at Manchester’s Opera House earlier this year, with Gabriel Vick starring in the Robin Williams role of Daniel Hillard, who — engaged in a custody battle with his ex-wife — disguises himself as a Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire to stay in his children’s lives.  The cast will also feature Carla Dixon-Hernandez, Cameron Blakely, Marcus Collins and Ian Talbot, under the direction of Jerry Zaks. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storehouse, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk/

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

• Friday June 23

LONDON: Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-Written (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park) June 17-July 22, press night June 23. Melly Still directs Carl Grose’s new take on the classic tale, told (according to the press release) with epic storytelling, stirring songs, and absolutely no green tights (well, maybe just a flash). Press contact; James Lever, james@joallanpr.com. Website: https://openairtheatre.com/production/robin-hood

• Thursday July 13

REGIONAL: Miss Saigon (Crucible Theatre, Sheffield) July 8-August 12, press night July 13. First regional non-replica production of the 1989 Boublil and Schönberg’s musical retelling of Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam war, originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh and premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where it ran for a decade. This new production is reimagined by Crucible artistic director Robert Hastie and RTYDS Associate Director Anthony Lau. It will star Jonanna Ampil, who previously played the role of Kim in the West End, Australia and on a UK tour, will play the Engineer. In a press statement, Anthony Lau has commented, “Robert Hastie and I are thrilled to be directing a new version of the musical, Miss Saigon. With one of the most extraordinary scores in musical theatre history, we are looking forward to offering a fresh perspective on a musical that so many people have an opinion on. We want this project to ignite conversation and Cameron [Mackintosh] has encouraged us to be bold and original in our approach. The subject matter compels us to delve sensitively and deeply into the complications of two cultures entwined. At a time when it feels like there is more division than ever in society, epic stories like this give us the opportunity to embrace nuance and complexity in exploring the human experience.” Press contacts: James Lever  james@joallanpr.com, Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan jo@joallanpr.com. Website: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/Mis miss-saigon

• Tuesday August 8

LONDON: La Cage Aux Folles (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park) July 29-September 16, press night August 8. Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman’s 1983 musical, based on the play by Jean Poiret, is revived at Regent’s Park by artistic director Timothy Sheader.  Press contact: James Lever, james@joallanpr.com. Website: https://openairtheatre.com/production/la-cage-aux-folles

• Tuesday August 22

LONDON: Next to Normal (Donmar Warehouse) Donmar artistic director Michael Longhurst directs the UK premiere of Tom Kitt and Michael Yorkey’s 2009 Broadway musical, which won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, that revolves around a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com; Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/9601AVDDJDNPPDCBTDGNSVVJSTBLBSPNQ?_ga=2.234789657.649449794.1665478808-973653908.1665478808

• Thursday September 15

REGIONAL: Boys from the Backstuff (Royal Court, Liverpool) September 15 to October 28. 40 years on from Alan Bleadale’s ground-breaking TV series, James Graham adapts it for the stage in a new production that will be directed by Stockroom artistic director Kate Wasserberg. In a press statement, Graham has commented, “Alan Bleasdale is one of the reasons I became a writer. Watching his work as I was growing up, hearing those voices and seeing those worlds, meant a lot to someone from my background. I could never have dared dream that years later I would be working with him, and on his most famous, heartbreaking, hilarious masterpiece. But Alan is the most generous and supportive of collaborators and it’s been one of the honours of my writing life thus far to work on this show.” Press contact: David Burns, david@davidburnspr.com