LAST UPDATED: August 28 2023

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from August 28 2023 onwards

Please note that this list is not intended to be comprehensive, but highlights noteworthy or newsworthy openings. Not all press agents supply information for inclusion here; I do not receive communications from Kevin Wilson or Neil Reading’s operations, so unless the venue provides them, shows represented by either are not included.

THIS WEEK’S OPENINGS

Wednesday August 30

REGIONAL: Macbeth (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) August 19-October 14, press night August 30. Wils Wilson, associate director at Edinburgh’s Lyceum, makes her RSC directorial debut. Press contact: kate.evans@rsc.org.uk Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/macbeth/

OPENINGS FURTHER AHEAD

• Wednesday September 6

REGIONAL: Never Have I Ever (Chichester Festival Theatre’s Minerva) September 1-30, press night September 6. Emma Butler directs Alexandra Roach, Greg Wise and Susan Wokoma in the world premiere of a play by Deborah Frances-White, the comedian, screenwriter and host of The Guilty Feminist podcast. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison, lucinda.morrison@cft.org.uk. Website: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/never-have-i-ever

• Tuesday September 12

REGIONAL: A View From the Bridge (Octagon Theatre, Bolton) September 8-30, press night September 12; then at Chichester Festival Theatre, October 6-28, press night, October 10; and then Rose Theatre, Kingston, October 31-November 11. Headlong co-produce a revival of Arthur Miller’s play with Bolton’s Octagon, Chichester Festival Theatre and Kingston’s Rose. Jaz Woodstock-Stewart directs. Press contact: Kate Hassell at Bread and Butter PR: kate@breadandbutterpr.uk.  

REGIONAL: Constant Companions (Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough) September 7-October 7, press night September 12, then touring to Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere, and New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Alan Ayckbourn writes and directs the premiere of his 89th play, in which he in weaves together the stories of highflying lawyer Lorraine, lonely bachelor Don and technician Winston, that revolves around the rise of artificial intelligence. In a prss statement, Ayckbourn has commented, “Reading so much about the inevitable arrival of AI into our society – some would say it’s already here! – I felt a cautious look forward might be in order. Are we really prepared for an encounter with another race? Not from outer space, but one of our own creation which will inevitably eventually turn out to be a lot smarter than we are? Honestly, the human race! As if we didn’t have enough problems already…” Press contact: Jeannie Swales, jennie@turnstonemedia.co.uk. Website:  https://sjt.uk.com/events/constant-companions

• Wednesday September 13

LONDON: Private Lives (Ambassadors Theatre) August 31-November 25, press night September 13. Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge star in Noël Coward’s comedy, in a Theatre Royal Bath production directed by Christopher Luscombe. Also in the cast are Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and Natalie Walter.  Press contact: Lewis Jenkins lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk  Website:  https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/private-lives/ambassadors-theatre/

• Thursday September 14

LONDON: Beautiful Thing (Theatre Royal Stratford East) September 8-October 7, press night September 14. Jonathan Harvey’s 1994 play about coming out and coming of age, originally premiered at the Bush, gets a 30th anniversary revival, directed by Antony Simpson-Pike. Press contact: Tom Kershaw-Green tom@joallanpr.com Website: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/beautiful-thing

LONDON: The Little Big Things (@sohoplace) September 2-November 24, press night September 14. World premiere of a British musical, with music by Nick Butcher and lyrics by Butcher and Tom Ling, based on the best-selling inspirational memoir by Henry Fraser. Luke Sheppard directs a cast that features Ed Larkin as Henry Fraser, with Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey as his parents Fran and Andrew. In a press statement Harvey has commented, “Henry Fraser is an extraordinary young man and it’s a privilege be part of the team bringing his story to the stage in a brand-new British musical in London’s newest theatre. Placing disability at the centre of a musical, without wallowing in sentiment is no mean feat, but our wonderful writers and brilliant creative team have developed a remarkable piece of theatre about an incredibly powerful true story. Henry’s fight for survival and new identity following life changing injuries is an inspiration and I’m thrilled to be playing his father Andrew.” It is directed by Luke Sheppard, currently represented on Broadway by the transfer of his West End production of & Juliet. Press contacts: Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan Jo@joallanpr.com, Freya Cowdry freya@joallanpr.com Website: https://sohoplace.org/whats-on/the-little-big-things

LONDON: The Father and the Assassin National’s Olivier Theatre) September 8-October 14, press night February 14. Return season for Anupama Chandrasekhar’s play about Nathuram Godse, the man who murdered Mahatma Gandhi, originally premiered at the NT in 2022. Hiran Abeysekera, who starred in the original proaction of Life of Pi, will play Godse, with Paul Bazely reprising his role as Mahatma Gandhi. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-father-and-the-assassin/

• Friday 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

LONDON: The Old Man & The Pool (Wyndham’s) September 12-October 7, press night September 15. Mike Birbiglia brings his Broadway solo show chronicling his own coming-of-middle age story to the West End for a limited run, following a season at this year’s Edinburgh fringe. It was seen at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre earlier this year, and is directed by Seth Barrish.  Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com.  Website: https://mikeonwestend.com/

• Saturday September 16

LONDON: Sondheim’s Old Friends (Gielgud Theatre) September 16-January 6. The Sondheim celebration gala — staged last year at the Sondheim Theatre — returns for a limited run to the adjoining theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Gielgud, with a cast led by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, with Christine Allado, Janie Dee, Bonnie Langford, Beatrice Penny-Toure, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb and Jack Yarrow among the cast. It is produced and devised by Cameron Mackintosh, and directed by Matthew Bourne, side by side with Julia McKenzie (one of the original quartet of Mackintosh’s first Sondheim revue, Side by Side by Sondheim, that he took to the West End and to Broadway). In a press sratement, Mackintosh has commented, “Steve was always a Broadway Baby at heart, so I’m delighted that I have been able to put together one last great hurrah for my old friend, containing many of the greatest songs ever written for the musical theatre, in one ‘great big Broadway show’ – just as he wanted.” Press contact: theatre@premiercomms.com. Website: https://sondheimoldfriends.com/

• Monday September 18

LONDON: anthropology (Hampstead Theatre) September 7-October 14, press night September 18. Hampstead opens its new season of eight productions with one of three world premieres, a new play by Lauren Gunderson (whose play I and You was staged at Hampstead in 2018) that will be directed by Anna Ledwich. Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/anthropology/

• Tuesday September 19

BROADWAY: Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre) September 19-January 21, opening night to be announced.. Maria Friedman’s production, originally premiered at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in 2012, returns to Broadway for the first time since the original production ran for just 16 performances in 1981. This staging was given its New York premiere at New York Theatre Workshop last year; stars Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez reprise their leading roles. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara / Kendall Edwards rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com / kendall@omdkc.com. Website: https://www.merrilyonbroadway.com/

• Wednesday September 20

Operation Epsilon (Southwark Playhouse, Elephant) September 15-October 21, press night September 20. Alan Brody’s play, originally premiered in Cambridge MA by the Nora Theater Company, receives its UK premiere in a production directed b Andy Sandberg, and featuring an ensemble cast of 11 that includes Jamie Bogyo, Simon Chandler and Nathaniel Parker. The play tells the true story of Germany’s ten foremost nuclear scientists who were rounded up and held captive in England by the British and American forces toward the end of World War II, as the Manhattan Project forged ahead in America. Press contact: Julia Hallawell, julia@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/operation-epsilon/

• Thursday September 21

LONDON: Mlima’s Tale (Kiln Theatre) September 14-October 21, press night September 21. Miranda Cromwell directs the UK premiere of Lynn Cottage’s play about the ivory trade and its corruption. Press contact: Georgie Grant georgie@katemorleypr.com; Website: https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/mlimas-tale/

Saturday September 23

REGIONAL: Sinatra The Musical (Birmingham Rep) September 23-October 28, press night to be announced) The world premiere of the first official musical to focus on the life and work of iconic entertainer Frank Sinatra, presented by Birmingham free in association with Universal Music Group Theatrical and Frank Sinatra Enterprises. Kathleen Marshall directs and choreographs, with a book provided by Joe DiPietro. In a press statement, DiPietro has commented, “Growing up, there were two pictures hanging in my grandmother’s kitchen — The Pope and Frank Sinatra. So to sit down with Tina Sinatra and hear stories of her father which no one else knows, and then to be able to put those stories on stage – well I think it’ll make for an unexpected and thrilling new musical. We’ll be showing you how the man became the legend and how the legend was — at the end of the day — just a man. And I couldn’t be more excited that our world premiere is at Birmingham Rep, where I had such a phenomenal time working on What’s New, Pussycat?” The cast is led by Broadway actor Matt Doyle in the title role. Press contact: Nada Zakula, nada.zakula@storyhousepr.co.uk   Website: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/sinatramusical/

• Wednesday September 27

LONDON: Close Up — The Twiggy Musical (Menier Chocolate Factory) September 18-November 18, press night September 27. Ben Elton directs and writes a new musical biography of fashion model and icon of the sixties Twiggy, who has had an enduring career to become an actress, singer, writer, designer, presenter, producer and activist, as well as continuing to model. Kate Morley <kate@katemorleypr.com> https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/close-up-the-twiggy-musical/.

LONDON:  Bloody Elle/Boy out the city (Lyric Theatre) September 27-30. Two solo queer shows, Lauren Redding’s semi-autobiographical gig musical featuring original music created live onstage, and Declan Bennett’s autobiographical show about dealing with isolation during the pandemic, come to London for a brief season after the Edinburgh fringe. Press contact: Divya Cota divya@emmahollandpr.com,Website:  https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/bloody-elle/; https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/boy-out-the-city/

• Thursday September 28

REGIONAL: Quiz (Chichester Festival Theatre) September 22-30, press night September 28. James Graham’s play about the conviction of Charles Ingram, ‘the Coughing Major’, his wife Diana and accomplices, for duping the world’s most popular TV quiz show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, returns to Chichester, where it was originally premiered in 2017,  but this time to the main house ahead of a UK tour. It stars Rory Bremner as presenter Chris Tarrant; it is directed by Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison, lucinda.morrison@cft.org.uk. Website: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/quiz

• Thursday October 5

LONDON: Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre) September 18-January 6, press night October 5. Jamie Lloyd directs Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s musical version of the Billy Wilder film. The Jamie Lloyd Company production is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, Gavin Kalin Productions and Wessex Grove. Press contact: Freya Cowdry at Jo Allan PR, freya@joallanpr.com. Website: https://sunsetboulevardwestend.com/

LONDON: Flowers for Mrs Harris (Riverside Studios) September 30-November 26, press night October 5. Bronagh Lagan directs Jenna Russell in the London premiere of Richard Taylor and Rachel Wagstaff’s musical, originally premiered at Sheffield’s Crucible in 2016 and subsequently seen at Chichester Festival Theatre, that will now play a nine-week season in this new production. Press contactP Arabella Neville-Rolfe, Arabella@anrpr.co.uk; Website: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/flowers-for-mrs-harris-76122/

LONDON: Noises Off (Theatre Royal Haymarket) September 27-December 16, press night October 5. The 40th anniversary revival of Michael Frayn’s now classic backstage farce, seen earlier this year at the Phoenix, returns for another West End run, this time for a 12-week season at the Haymarket, with Felicity Kendal returning as Dotty, Jonathan Coy as Frederick Fellows and Alexander Hanson as Lloyd Dallas, directed by Lindsay Posner for Theatre Royal Bath Productions.  Also in the cast are Mathew Horne, Tamzin Outhwaite, Sasha Frost, Pepter Lunkuse, and Oscar Batterham. Press contact:  Maisie Lawrence maisie@breadandbutterpr.uk, Kate Hassell kate@breadandbutterpr.uk,  Ben Chamberlain ben@breadandbutterpr.uk; Website: https://trh.co.uk/whatson/noises-off/

• Wednesday October 11

LONDON: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Noel Card Theatre), October 11-November 25. Stage version of Neil Gaiman’s novel, first seen at the National Theatre before a previous West End run at the Duke of York’s, returns to London as part of its current national tour for a seven-week season at the Noel Coward. Adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, the 17-strong company comprises Charlie Brooks, Daniel Cornish, Trevor Fox, Emma-Jane Goodwin, Paolo Guidi, Millie Hikasa, Lewis Howard, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Jasmeen James, Ronnie Lee, Aimee McGoldrick, Laurie Ogden, Keir Ogilvy, Domonic Ramsden, Joe Rawlinson-Hunt, Risha Silvera and Finty Williams.  Press contact: Holly Nicholls, honicholls@nationaltheatre.org.uk; Website: https://oceanonstage.com/

• Thursday October 12

LONDON: Hamnet (Garrick Theatre) September 30-January 6, with a press night on October 12 (following run at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Swan Theater, April 1-June 17, press night April 12) World premiere of Lolita Chakbrabarti’s stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Shakespearean novel transfers to London, after reopening the newly restored Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Tom Varey plays Shakespeare, with Madeleine Mantock as Agnes Hathaway and Peter Wight as John/Will Kempe. Erica Whyman, acting artistic director, directs her 12th production for the company. Press contact:  Kate Evans, Kate.evans@rsc.org.uk Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/hamnet/

• Tuesday October 17

REGIONAL: The Inquiry (Chichester Festival Theatre’s Minerva)  October 13-November 4, press night October 17. Harry Davies, a writer and investigative reporter for The Guardian, writes his first play, about an MP who is also Secretary of State for Justice, and a rising star of his party. But an inquiry is about to publish its findings about a public health disaster that happened on his watch as Environment minister. It is directed by Joanna Bowman, who directed Sing Yer Heart out for the Lads in the Minerva in 2022. Press contact: Lucinda Morrison, lucinda.morrison@cft.org.uk. Website: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/the-inquiry

LONDON:  Portia Coughlan (Almeida Theatre) October 10-November 18, press night October 17. Carrie Cracknell directs a revival of Marina Carr’s modern Irish classic about destructive families and obsession, starring Alison Oliver. The cast also includes Kathy Kiera Clarke, Sorcha Cusack, Charlie Kelly, Conor MacNeill, Sadhbh Malin, Fergal McElherron, Mairead McKinley, Mark O’Halloran, Chris Walley and Archee Aitch Wylie. Press contact: Zoe Innis, zinnes@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/portia-coughlan/

• Thursday October 19

LONDON Dear England (Prince Edward Theatre) October 9-January 13, press night October 19. The National Theatre’s hit production of James Graham’s play about England football manager Gareth Southgate transfers to the West End for a 14-week run. It is directed by Rupert Goold, who previously directed Graham’s Ink and Tammy Faye (both at the Almeida, where Goold is artistic director, and from where Ink subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway). In a press statement, Graham commented, “To put the National Game on the stage of the National Theatre has been an utter dream and, in particular, to see the subject matter draw in new audiences to watch a play.  It fills me with such excitement and joy to be bringing Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production to the West End, with all its incredible movement and music and – what seems to be, for audiences so far – a deeply moving story inspired by the incredible journey of the men’s England football team.” Press contact: Martin Shippen shippen.martin@gmail.com, Holly Nicholls honicholls@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://dearenglandonstage.com/

LONDON: Clyde’s (Donmar Warehouse) October 13-December 2, press night October 19. Lynette Linton directs the UK premiere of Lynn Nottage’s play, seen on Broadway in 2021, that’s set in the kitchen of a truck stock cafe, where the staff are people who have been formerly incarcerated and are given a second chance by proprietor Clyde. Linton previously directed Nottage’s Sweat at the Donmar that subsequently transferred to the West End. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/12201AVGSVDJSKHNLNDGDHCNLJPBPLMHR?_gl=1%2a3vnqw9%2a_ga%2aMjcxMzI0MDk2LjE2ODExMjcxMTk.%2a_ga_74MLL7KHM5%2aMTY4MzI3ODE0NS4yLjAuMTY4MzI3ODE0NS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.172740195.156140400.1683278146-271324096.1681127119

Tuesday October 24

REGIONAL: Cowbois (Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) October 14-November 18, press night October 24. A queer cowboy show written by Charlie Josephine, and co-directed by Josephine and Sean Holmes. kate.evans@rsc.org.uk Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/cowbois

• Wednesday October 25

LONDON: Lyonesse (Harold Pinter Theatre) October 17-December 23, press night October 25. Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in the world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s play, directed by Ian Rickson. Thomas plays a  a reclusive and talented actress, who long ago disappeared in mysterious circumstances. 30 years later, she finally feels ready to tell her story – summoning Kate, a young film executive (Lily James), to her remote Cornish home to assist with her glorious comeback. But who really controls the stories we tell, and how we get to tell them? Will these women own their narrative, or will it be swept away from them at any given moment? Press contact: Chloe Pritchard-Gordon Chloe@aboutgracepr.com,  Laura Myers laura@aboutgracepr.com. Website: https://lyonesseonstage.com/

• Thursday October 26

LONDON: To Have and to Hold (Hampstead Theatre) October 20-November 25, press night October 26.  Richard Wilson directs the world premiere of a new comedy by Richard Bean, about ageing parents who just don’t want to be dealt with.  Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/to-have-and-to-hold/

• Tuesday October 31

LONDON: King Lear (Wyndham’s Theatre) Previews from October 21, opens October 31, for a run of 50 performances. Kenneth Branagh directs and plays the title role in a new production of Shakespeare’s play that will subsequently transfer to New York’s The Shed Theatre in autumn 2024.  Press contact: Ben Chamberlain at Bread and Butter PR, ben@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://kinglearbranagh.com/

REGIONAL: Machinal (Bath’s Ustinov Studio) October 20-November 18, press night October 31. Richard Jones directs a new production of Sophie Treadwell’s 1920s play based on the true story of the committal and execution of Ruth Snyder, who with her lover Judd Gray had murdered her husband.  Press contact: Lewis Jenkind at Storehouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk;

• Wednesday November 1

LONDON: The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical (Apollo Theatre) Previews from October 7, opens November 1. The world premiere production of a musical, seen at Chester’s Storyhouse last October, transfers to the West End, with its Chester leads David Hunter and Joanna Woodward reprising their performances. The cast also includes Tim Mahendran, Hiba Elchikhe and Ross Dawes. Based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger and the New Line Cinema film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, it has a book by Lauren Gunderson, original music and lyrics by Joss Stone and Dave Stewart and additional music by Nick Finlow and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan. It is directed by Bill Buckhurst. Producer Colin Ingram comments, “After six years developing this show and an extremely successful try-out in Chester, we are so delighted to present the world premiere of a new British musical based on such a beloved book. This confident, clever and charming musical by British rock royalty Dave Stewart and Joss Stone shows off their musicianship and director Bill Buckhurst and his creative team have created an incredible world to tell this cherished story in the most powerful and emotional way.” Press contact: Amanda Malpass, amanda@amandamalpass.com. Website: http://timetravellerswife.com/

• Tuesday November 7

LONDON: Backstairs Billy (Duke of York’s) October 27-January 27, press night November 7. Michael Grandage directs the world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos’s play, set in 1979, and revolving around the long-time relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon. Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans, the latter returning to the London stage for the first time in over 15 years, star. Press contact: Kate Morley <kate@katemorleypr.com> Website: https://www.michaelgrandagecompany.com/productions/theatre/backstairs-billy

• Monday November 13

BROADWAY: Harmony (Ethel Barrymore Theatre) Previews from October 18, opening night November 13. Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s musical, which has been in development and received a number of regional productions in the last quarter of a century, is to finally arrive on Broadway, directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle who staged the show’s New York premiere in 2022, presented by off-Broadway’s National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The show tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, who in the 1920s and 1930s sold millions or records and made dozens of films, catapulting its six members from singing in Berlin subway tunnels to international stardom. The cast is led by Sierra Boggess, Chip Zien and Julie Benko, with the Comedian Harmonists played by Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, and Steven Tesley. Press contacts: Rick Miramontez / Pete Sanders / Amanda Meyer / Ellie Detweiler rick@omdkc.com / pete@omdkc.com / amanda@omdkc.com / ellie@omdkc.com. Website: https://harmonyanewmusical.com/

• Thursday November 16 

LONDON:  Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) November 9-December 23, press night November 16. Tim Jackson directs and choreographs a new British musical by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, originally produced as The Season at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate and Ipswich’s New Wolsey. The cast comprises Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com.

• Tuesday November 21

LONDON: The Witches (National’s Olivier Theatre) November 7- January 6, press night November 21.New musical version of Roald Dahl’s popular story about a band of witches determined to squalor every single stinking child in England. With a book by Lucy Kirkwood and songs and lyrics by Dave Malloy, Lyndsey Turner directs a cast that includes Katherine Kingsley as the Grand High Witch, Daniel Rigby as Mr Stringer. Choreography is by Stephen Mear.   Press contact:  Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-witches/

• Monday December 4

LONDON: Pacific Overtures (Menier Chocolate Factory) November 25-February 24, press night December 4. Matthew White directed a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s and John Weidman’s 1976 musical in a co-production with Umeda Arts Theater in Japan, where it has already been a huge success in Tokyo and Osaka.  Press contact: Kate Morley <kate@katemorleypr.com> Website: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/pacific-overtures/

Tuesday December 5

LONDON: The Homecoming (Young Vic) November 27-January 27, 2024, press night December 5. Matthew Dunster directs the Harold Pinter classic for the Young Vic. In a press statement, Dunster has commented, “I’ve always loved Pinter’s work. He can take working class situations and hone them into something really poetic, crystalized and potent. His plays are about patriarchal force and what it takes to resist that, whether at home or in the state. The Homecoming encapsulates this and poses big, universal questions about power. I’m excited by the challenge of this play and I can’t wait to return to the Young Vic.” Press contact: Su-Ann Chow-Seegoolam, Su-AnnChow-Seegoolam@youngvic.org, Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Karllydie@youngvic.org   Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-homecoming

• Wednesday December 6

LONDON: The Enfield Haunting (Ambassadors Theatre) November 30-March 2, press night December 6. Catherine Tate and David Threlfall star in Paul Unwin’s new play, based on a famous poltergeist event. It will be directed bye Angus Jackson. Prior to the West End, it will play at Brighton Theatre Royal (November 14-18) and Richmond Theatre (November 21-25). Press contact:Nada Zaukula at Storyhouse,  nada.zakula@storyhousepr.co.uk. Website: https://enfieldhauntingplay.com/

• Saturday December 9

LONDON: Peter Pan (London Palladium) December 9-January 14, press night to be announced. Julian Clary is Seaman Smee and Jennifer Saunders is Captain Hook in this year’s Palladium panto, also featuring regulars Paul Zerdin as Starkey, Nigel Havers as Pirate Nigel, Gary Wilmot as Mrs Henrietta Hook, and Rob Madge as Tink. Michael Harrison returns to direct and produce his eighth Palladium panto, with set designs by Mark Walters and costume designs by Hugh Durrant created especially for The London Palladium and choreography by Karen Bruce. Saunders, who is making her panto debut, comments, “I could not be more delighted to be doing my first panto ever at the Palladium. I am a huge fan of panto and The Palladium always delivers. I wouldn’t want to be in Peter Pan’s tiny soft shoes let me tell you, because I am going to give Hook my all!”  Press contacts: David Bloom, david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Rebeccas Byers, rebecca.byers@storyhousepr.co.uk at Storyhouse PR. Website: https://palladiumpantomime.com/

• Tuesday December 12

LONDON: Rock ’n’ Roll (Hampstead Theatre) December 6-January 27. Nina Raine directs a new production of Tom Stoppard’s 2006 play, originally premiered at the Royal Court. Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/rock-n-roll/

• Thursday December 14

LONDON: Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Phoenix Theatre) Previews from November 17, press night December 14. Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin co-direct the world premiere of a new play by Kate Terry, a writer and co-executive producer of the Netflix series of the same name, that is being brought to the stage by Netflix and Sonia Friedman. The series, created by the Duffer Brothers, has run to four series so far; the fourth one scored a record breaking 13.5billion hours viewed. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com; Website: https://uk.strangerthingsonstage.com/

• Friday December 15

LONDON: Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse) December 8-February 10, press night December 15.  Max Webster directs David Tennant returns to the Donmar, where he previously appeared in Lobby Hero, to star in the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy, directed by Max Webster, associate director of the theatre where he has directed Henry V. Tennant is joined by Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com/events/12601ADHGSMRHJGRGJSDPTNTCRCGQHPQN?_ga=2.106030659.156140400.1683278146-271324096.1681127119&_gl=1%2aw3j0%2a_ga%2aMjcxMzI0MDk2LjE2ODExMjcxMTk.%2a_ga_74MLL7KHM5%2aMTY4MzI3ODE0NS4yLjEuMTY4MzI3ODE3OS4yNi4wLjA

• Tuesday January 9

LONDON: The Unfriend (Wyndham’s Theatre) December 16-March 9, press night January 9. Steven Moffatt’s dark comedy returns to the West End, after its original transfer from Chichester’s Minerva Theatre previously played at the Criterion. Directed by Mark Gatiss (Moffat’s co-writer on TV’s Sherlock and Dracula), Lee Mack joins the cast to replace Reece Shearsmith, with Frances Barber reprising her performance in the title role. Also in the cast are Sarah Alexander and Nick Sampson. Press contacts: Ben Wooldridge benw@breadandbutterpr.uk,Ben Chamberlain ben@breadandbutterpr.uk,Matthew Sedman  matthew@breadandbutterpr.ukWebsite:  https://theunfriend.com/

• Monday January 22

LONDON: Dana H.  (Royal Court Theatre Downstairs) January 16-March 9, press night January 22. Lucas Hnath’s play, adapted from interviews with his mother, who was a psych ward chaplain who was held captive by a patient in a series of Florida motels for five months, receives its UK premiere, with Deirde O’Donnell reprising her 2022 Tony award winning performance in the title role, in which she meticulously lip-synchs to the actual interviews.  This Goodman Theatre / Center Theatre Group / Vineyard Theatre production is directed by former Royal Court associate director Les Waters. Press contact: Maisie Lawrence maisie@breadandbutterpr.uk, Ella Gold, EllaGold@royalcourttheatre.com    Website:https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/dana-h/

• Wednesday February 14

LONDON: The King and I (Dominion Theatre) January 20-March 2, press night February 14. Bartlett Sher’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, originally revived at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont in 2015, and subsequently seen at the London Palladium in 2018, returns to London, to play a limited season at the Dominion Theatre following its current UK national tour. Darren Lee and Call The Midwife’s Helen George star in the title roles, as the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens respectively. Press contact: Hannah Tollman at Neil Reading PR Hannah@neilreadingpr.com Website: https://kingandimusical.co.uk/

Thursday February 15

LONDON:  King Lear (Almeida Theatre) February 8-March 30, press night February 15. Yaël Farber, who last directed Macbeth at the Almeida, directs Danny Sapani in the title role of Shakespeare’s epic play. Press contact: Zoe Innis, zinnes@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/king-lear/

• Monday February 19

LONDON: Double Feature (Hampstead Theatre) February 8-March 16, press night February 19. Jonathan Kent directs a new play by John Logan (whose previous plays include Red and Peter and Alice, and the book for Moulin Rouge). Press contact: Clare Jepson-Homer, ClareJH@hampsteadtheatre..com. Website: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2023/double-feature/

• Wednesday February 21

LONDON: Hadestown (Lyric Theatre) Previews from February 10, press night February 21. The Anaïs Mitchell-scored musical returns to London, where it was first seen in 2018 at the National Theatre, for a West End run. In a press statement, she has said, “We’re all thrilled to be bringing Hadestown back to London!  We truly loved our time at the National Theatre in 2018 and felt so welcomed by your city that it feels like a homecoming to be returning (to the West End)!  I’m excited to work in and with the fantastic theatre community of London, and to share the newest version of our show, as there was a great deal of development pre-Broadway based on things we learned at the National!  And it’s always a curious gift to witness how this epic myth vibrates differently in different places and times.  That is, West End Hadestown will be its own world- born of London and the now- and we can’t wait to discover it.” Rachel Chavkin directs again, joined by her Broadway creative team including choreographer David Neumann and designers Rachel Hauck (sets), Michael Krasss (costumes), Bradley King (lighting), and Kevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (sound).  Casting is to be announced. Press contact: David Bloom david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Lewis Jenkins lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk  Website: https://uk.hadestown.com/

• Thursday February 22

LONDON: The Big Life (Theatre Royal Stratford East) February 16-March 30, press night February 22. Tinuke Craig directs a 20th anniversary revival of the musical that was originally premiered at Stratford East before transferring to the West End. It has a book by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson, lyrics by Siren and music by Paul Joseph. Press contact: Tom Kershaw-Green tom@joallanpr.com Website: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-big-life

• Tuesday February 27

LONDON: Nachtland (Young Vic) February 20-April 20, press night February 27. Patrick Marber directs the UK premiere of Marius von Mayenburg’s satire about marriage, legacy, and the rise of the new right. In a press statement, Marber has commented, “Nachtland is a jagged, modern satire but when the laughter stops, there’s a haunting disquiet underneath. I want the show to be thrilling and surprising, the kind of theatre I love.” Press contact: Su-Ann Chow-Seegoolam, Su-AnnChow-Seegoolam@youngvic.org, Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, Karllydie@youngvic.org   Website: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/nachtland

• Friday March 15

LONDON: Sister Act – the Musical (Dominion Theatre) March 15-August 31. Sister Act — the Musical is returning to London yet again, with a reprise for the 2022 production that played at Hammersmith Apollo; it will now play at the more central Dominion Theatre, with Beverley Knight returning to the role of Deloris Van Cartier that she first played in 2022 for the first part of the run, from March 15 to June 8, and then succeeded by Alexandra Burke, ahoy returning to the role that she previously played in the 2016 tour, from June 10 to August 31.  The musical, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, has a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane. It is directed by Bill Buckhurst, and produced by Jamie Wilson, Gavin Kalin, Kevin McCollum and Leicester’s Curve Theatre. Press contacts: Simon Raw, Emily Webb or Daniel O’Carroll simon@rawpr.co.uk, emily@rawpr.co.uk, daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website: https://www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk/london/

• Wednesday March 27

LONDON:  MJ – The Musical (Prince Edward Theatre) Previews from March 6, press night March 27. Myles Frost reprises his Tony winning performance as Michael Jackson in the London transfer of MJ, directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, with a book by Lynn Nottage. Press contact: David Bloom david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Lewis Jenkins lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk  Website: https://london.mjthemusical.com/?_gl=1*mkmkgn*_ga*OTAwMzIyMzk1LjE2ODQ3NDg1MDA.*_ga_19T79CV6QG*MTY4NDc0ODUwMC4xLjEuMTY4NDc0ODc5NC4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.183079077.285530715.1684748500-900322395.1684748500

• Tuesday April 2

LONDON: Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Wyndham’s Theatre) March 19-June 8, press night April 2. Jeremy Herrin directs a cast led by patriarch James Tyrone in Eugene O’Neill’s classic family of family dysfunction, with Patricia Clarkson as his wife Mary, and Alex Lawther and Daryl McCormack as his sons Edmund and James Jr respectively. Louise Harland completes the cast as Cathleen. The last London revival of the play, in 2018, also played at Wyndham’s, with a cast led by Jeremy Irons and Lesley Manville. In a press statement, Herrin — whose company Second Half Productions is producing it — has said, “A great play is always relevant and Long Day’s Journey Into Night is, it’s often argued, the greatest play of the 20th Century. With its searing honesty and blistering depth of emotion, it must be up there. What is impossible to argue with is that we have the best cast and, in Lizzie Clachan, one of the most exciting designers in the country, to discover what makes O’Neill’s masterwork relevant for now.” Press contact: Kate Hassell at Bread and Butter PR, .kate@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://longdaysjourneylondon.com/