October 18 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: OCTOBER 18-24

Wednesday October 20

  • 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

  • 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

Thursday October 21

  • 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/

  • ALSO THURSDAY: 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
  • ALSO THURSDAY: 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.

PREVIEWING

  • 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

  • Mum (Soho Theatre, London, October 20-November 20, press night October 26) 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 debut at Plymouth’s Drum Theatre. Press contact: Laura Myers at About Grace PR.

  • ‘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/

  • 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/

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

  • 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 25 onwards)

  • >> CASTING UPDATE: 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 Skinner performs with Simon Lipkin replacing Peacock, who has had to withdraw. It is directed by the Menier’s artistic director David Babani. Press contact: Kate Morley. https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com

  • 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

  • Footfalls / Rockaby (Jermy Street Theatre, November 3-20, press night November 5, then Bath’s Ustinov Studio, November 24-December 4) The great Dame Siân Phillips and Charlotte Emmerson star in Beckett double-bill, directed by Richard Beecham. Press contact: David Burns.

  • 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/

  • The Wife of Willeden (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/

  • 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/

  • 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, joined by Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Asha Banks, Taylor Bradshaw, Catherine Cusack, Carly-Sophia Davies, Kit Esuruoso, Mark Lockyer, Bella Maclean, Emily Ooi, Joe Pitts, Maia Tamrakar, Stuart Thompson and Zheng Xi Yong. 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/

  • Poirot and More: A Retrospective (Harold Pinter Theatre from January 4-24, after current national tour) Solo show from the veteran stage and screen actor. Full tour dates: https://davidsuchetonstage.com

  • Broken Wings (Charing Cross Theatre, January 21-March 5, opening January 26). Musical adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s Broken Wings by Nadim Naama and Dana Al Fardan to receive its fully-staged premiere production after a previous West End concert staging. Press contact: Freya Cowdry at Kate Morley PR. https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/broken-wings

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Saturday Night Fever (Peacock Theatre, February 1-March 26, press night February 2) West End premiere of new production of the stage version of the 70s disco film hit, featuring a score of Bee Gees hits. Directed and produced by Bill Kenwright, it features new choreography by Bill Deamer; it was launched in 2020 with a week-long run at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre before a planned transfer to Germany, but which never happened owing to the pandemic. Press contact: Emma Holland/Georgie Robinson at EHPR https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/saturday-night-fever/

  • 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

  • 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/

  • >> NEW ENTRY: Prima Facie (Harold Pinter Theatre, April 15-June 18, 2022, press night April 27) Jodie Cromer, star of TV’s Killing Eve, makes her stage debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s one-person play, premiered at Sydney’s Griffin Theatre in 2019, playing a brilliant young barrister who is forced to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge. Justin Martin directs. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR.

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • The Magician’s Elephant (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, October 14-January 1, press night October 26) The RSC premiere a new family musical by Nancy Harris (book and lyrics) and Marc Teitler (music and lyrics) based on the novel by prize-winning children’s author Kate DiCamillo. Directed by Sarah Tipple, Associate Director to Gregory Doran on the RSC’s The Boy in the Dress, it was originally due to run from October 2020 to January 2021 but was postponed due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19; it now marks the re-opening of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the return of audiences to indoor performances at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon for the first time since March 2020. The cast includes Renu Arora, Amy Booth-Steel, Marc Antolin, Forbes Masson, Summer Strallen and Jack Wolfe. Press contact: Kate Eveans at the RSC.

  • 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/


  • >> NEW ENTRY: Passion (Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, May 5-June 5, press night May 10) Ruthie Henshall stars as Fosca in a re-imagining of Sondheim and James Lapine’s 1994 Broadway musical about the consequences of intense passion, obsessive love and the lengths people will go to for desire, based on Ettore Scola’s Italian film Passion d’Amore. Michael Strassen directs a limited run of 37 performances. Press contact: Caitlin Plimmer at Chloé Nelkin Consulting. https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/passion

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

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • 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

  • 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/

  • Slave Play (August Wilson Theatre) Return run for Jeremiah O.Harris’s play from November 23 to January 23, with an official opening December 2. Originally seen on Broadway in 2019 where it ran at the John Golden Theatre , it was subsequently nominated for 12 Tony Awards — the most for any play in history, though it won none. In a press statement, the playwright commented, “Slave Play’s return engagement marks for me a chance for New York and the world to re-meet a play that many met at New York Theatre Workshop and Broadway in 2018 and 2019, and that thousands of others met in its published edition in a year when theaters around the world were dark. To be doing it in 2021 with the Kaneisha who originated the role at Yale [Antoinette Crowe-Legacy] and members of the original cast fills me with the same joy I had I had watching the play for the very first time in a classroom five years ago.” Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier / Briana Sanchez at DKC/O&M. https://slaveplaybroadway.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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