LAST UPDATED: October 13 2022

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from October 10 onwards

THIS WEEK’S OPENINGS

• Wednesday October 12

LONDON: Good (Harold Pinter Theatre) October 6-December 24, press night October 12. CP Taylor’s 1981 play, originally premiered at the Donmar Warehouse under the auspices of the RSC, returns to the West End, in a new production that will star David Tennant and be directed by Dominic Cooke, in a debut for his own new company Fictionhouse, an independent producing company he has established with Kate Horton, his former executive director when he was at the helm of the Royal Court. Co-produced with Playful Productions, it was originally due to premiere in 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic. Tennant will be joined by Elliot Levey, currently starring in Cabaret in the West End. In a press statement, Tennant has commented, “Dominic is one of the UK’s all-time great theatre directors. I am really inspired and delighted to finally… FINALLY… get a chance to work with him, and especially on a wonderful play like C. P. Taylor’s GOOD – a fantastic bit of writing that is more pertinent and resonant now than it has ever been”.  Press contacts: James Lever james@joallanpr.com, Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan jo@joallanpr.com. Website: https://www.goodtheplay.com/

• Thursday October 13

LONDON: The Choir of Man (Arts Theatre) October 1-March 5, press night October 13. The international musical sensation that previously played at the Arts Theatre returns for another season, after an Edinburgh run, with a cast that comprises Michael Baxter, Ben Norris, Levi Tyrell-Johnson, Owen Bolton, Jordan Oliver, Lemuel Knights , Matt Beveridge, Matt Nalton and Matt Thorpe, performing songs by Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry. In a press statement, Norris — who wrote the show’s monologues and originated the role of The Poet that he reprises now — has commented, “I’m delighted that The Choir of Man is returning to the West End, and I’m delighted to be returning with it! Watching this show grow from the charmingly ramshackle Edinburgh Fringe gamble it started life as 5 years ago, into the Olivier-nominated cult hit it has become has been one of the greatest privileges and surprises of my career so far, and one of the greatest joys. The show is so unapologetically feel-good that whatever kind of mood you arrive in at the theatre, it’s impossible not to leave with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. And that goes for the cast as well as the audience!”  Press contact: Arabella  Neville-Rolfe. arabella@anrpr.co.uk  Website: https://www.choirofmanwestend.co.uk/

NEW YORK: The Piano Lesson (Ethel Barrymore Theatre) Previews from September 19, opening October 13. LaTanya Richardson Jackson directs a cast headed by Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle Brooks in a new Broadway production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, that originally premiered on Broadway in 1990. In a press statement, the director has commented, “August Wilson dedicated his life and devoted his talent to dramatizing our stories and our experience. In doing so, he forever changed what it means to be Black in America. His plays built empathy, created community, and showed us the power of representation. The Piano Lesson is one of his most enduring, profound and consequential masterpieces, and I am reveling in this opportunity to present it to Broadway audiences for the first time since its premiere.” Press contact: Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara / Kendall Edwards at DKC O&M. rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com / kendall@omdkc.com
Website: https://pianolessonplay.com/

OPENINGS FURTHER AHEAD

Monday October 17

REGIONAL: Local Hero (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre) October 8-November 19, press night October 17. Chichester artistic director Daniel Evans directs a new musical based on Bill Forsyth’s 1983 film, with a book by David Greig, and songs by Mark Knopfler (formerly of pop group Dire Straits). Press contact: Lucinda Morrison at Chichester. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/local-hero

Tuesday October 18:

LONDON: My Neighbour Totoro (Barbican Theatre) October 8-January 21, 2023, press night October 18. The 1988 animated feature by Hayao Miyazaki, exploring the fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, is adapted for the stage by its original composer Joe Hisaishi in an RSC adaptation, written by Tom Morton-Smith, and to be directed by Phelim McDermott (co-founder of Improbable Theatre). It is designed by Tom Eye, with puppetry created by Basil Twist. In a press statement, Hisaishi, who is also the show’s executive producer, has said, “In Japan, many people are passionate about theatre and musicals, but there are no original Japanese shows or musicals performed in the world. Totoro is a Japanese work famous throughout the world, and so this stage adaptation could have the potential to reach global audiences. That’s what I thought, and I told Mr Miyazaki ‘I want to see such a show’ and he said ‘yes, only if you are going to do it’.Press contact: Bethany Arnold at the RSC, bethany.arnold@rsc.org.uk;  Website: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2022/event/royal-shakespeare-company-my-neighbour-totoro

LONDON: Something in the Air (Jermyn Street Theatre) October 13-November 12, press night October 18. World premiere of Peter Gill’s latest play, co-directed by Gill with Alice Hamilton. The east features Ian Gelder and Christopher Godwin as Alex and Colin, two now elderly men, whose youth comes to life in the play as do the young men they once loved. Claire Price, James Schofield, Sam Thorpe-Spinks and Andrew Woodall complete the cast.  Press contact: David Burns, david@davidburnspr.com; Website: https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/something-in-the-air/

• Wednesday October 19

LONDON: A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain (Gate Theatre) October 19-November 5. The Gate Theatre, originally founded above a pub in Notting Hill which it has occupied for over 43 years, relocates to a new home in Camden, sharing the space at 26 Crowndale Road, operated by Teatro Technis. Last hear the Gate presented Dear Elizabeth there; it will now debut its new relationship there with Sami Ibrahim’s A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain, directed by Gate Associate Director Yasmin Hafesji, and produced in association with Paines Plough and Rose Theatre. This poetic fable tells a story of an impenetrable immigration system that mirrors our own. Press contact: Cliona Roberts, cliona@crpr.co.uk Website:  https://www.gatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-sudden-violent-burst-of-rain/

• Thursday October 20:

LONDON: Marvellous (@sohoplace) October 15-November 26, press night October 20. The brand-new @sohoplace theatre — the West End’s first brand-new theatre in half a century, a flexible 602 seater auditorium that will open in an in-the-round configuration with a transfer from Stoke’s New Vic Theatre — the oldest purpose-built, in-the-round theatre in the UK. Theresa Heskins’s production of Marvellous is based on the true story of Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin, that he wrote with Malcolm Clarke and has adapted for the stage himself with Heskins. In a press statement, Nica Burns — owner of the theatre — has commented, “Marvellous is precisely that, marvellous. A wonderful production of a heartwarming and uplifting tale about an extraordinary man who decided he would lead an exceptional life. And against all the odds, he has and does. The New Vic in North Staffordshire, led by its brilliant director Theresa Heskins, is an absolute jewel of a regional theatre, the cultural beacon of the area and the beating heart of its community. As we open our new theatre in-the-round, we are honoured to be collaborating with and learning from the expertise of the New Vic’s amazing team.” Press contacts: Jo Allan PR, Kitty Greenleaf  kitty@joallanpr.com, Jo Allan Jo@joallanpr.com.  Website: https://sohoplace.org/ 

REGIONAL: Dido and Aeneas (Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio) October 14-November 5, press night October 20. Isabelle Kettle directs Purcell’s opera about Dido, the widowed Queen of Carthage, and her lover the Trojan prince, Aeneas, shipwrecked on his way to Italy, where he will found a new Troy. The musical director will be Michael Papadopoulos. Press contact: Lewis Jenkins at Storyhouse PR, lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk Website: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/dido-and-aeneas/

• Friday October 21

LONDON: My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) Garrick Theatre, October 21-November 6. Rob Madge stars in their autobiographical play about their childhood as a stage struck kid, from child actor (appearing as Artful Dodger in Oliver! at Drury Lane, and as Gavroche in the 25th anniversary Les Miserables at the 02). Originally premiered at Battersea’s Turbine Theatre in 2021, it has just completed a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run at the Underbelly. It is directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet). PR: Emma Holland, emma@emmahollandpr.com. Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/my-sons-a-queer/

• Wednesday October 26:

LONDON: Tammy Faye (Almeida Theatre) October 13-December 3, press night October 26. World premiere of a musical, based on a true story about television evangelism, with music by Elton John,  lyrics by Jake Shears (of the Scissor Sisters), and book by James Graham. Almeida artistic director Rupert Goold directs a cast that will feature Katie Brayben (Olivier winner for playing Carole King in the London premiere of Beautiful) as Tammy Faye, Andrew Rannells (original co-star of The Book of Mormon on Broadway as Jim, and Olivier Award-nominee Zubin Varla as Jerry Falwell. The cast is completed by Kelly Agbowu, Amy Booth-Steel,, Ashley Campbell, Peter Caulfield, Danny Collins, Richard Dempsey, Fred Haig, Georgia Louise, Robyn Rose, Nicholas Rowe, Martin Sarreal, Steve John Shepherd and Gemma Sutton. Press contact: Alexander Milward, amilard@almeida.co.uk; Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/tammy-faye/11-oct-2022-3-dec-2022

REGIONAL: A Christmas Carol (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon) October 26 to January 1, press night to be announced. The RSC’s adaptation of Dickens’s story, originally premiered in 2017 and revived the following year, returns. It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and written by David Edgar, the RSC’s most produced living playwright whose history with the company spans some four decades, from Destiny in 1976 and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby in 1980 (also adapted from Dickens) to Written the Heart in 2011 and his own solo one-man show Trying it On in 2019. Press contact: Dean Asker at the RSC, dean.asker@rsc.org.uk. Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/a-christmas-carol/

Tuesday November 1

NEW YORK: Parade (New York City Center) November 1-6. Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond star in a gala production of Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry’s musical that was originally premiered at Lincoln Center’s Beaumont Theatre in 1998, winning Brown a Tony for Best Original Musical Score and Uhry the Tony for Best Book of a musical. https://www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/

• Thursday November 3:

BROADWAY: Almost Famous (Bernard B Jacobs Theatre) Previews from October 3, opens November 3 (changed from September 13/October 11). New musical version of Cameron Crowe’s 2000 film, featuring book and lyrics by Crowe, with music and lyrics by Tom Kitt. Jeremy Herrin will direct a cast that includes Chris Wood, Anika Larsen, Solea Pfeiffer, Drew Gehling and Casey Likes. In a statement, Crowe commented, “Broadway fans and rock fans have so much in common. We obsess over the music, we pore over every possible recording we find, and we treasure those moments when an artist stands on a stage, opens their heart in that most personal way, and creates real magic.  Suddenly everything seems possible. Almost Famous has always been about the power of that connection: hearing a piece of music for the first time, looking into a person’s eyes and feeling the electricity, finding your tribe. The line ‘it’s all happening’ has always been so key to the show, and now that we’re heading to Broadway, it’s finally come true.  It actually is… all happening.” It received its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in 2019.  The company is led by Chris Wood, Anika Larsen, Solea Pfeiffer, Drew Gehling, Rob Colletti and Casey Likes. Press contacts Rick Miramontez / Amanda Meyer / Ellie Detweiler at DKC/O&M,  rick@omdkc.com / amanda@omdkc.com / ellie@omdkc.com. Website: http://www.almostfamousmusical.com/

• Sunday November 6

REGIONAL: Cinderella (Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester) November 1-December 11, press night November 6. The revised 2013 Broadway version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1950s television musical Cinderella is to receive its UK premiere at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre. Venue founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton will direct and choreograph respectively, with Whelton also co-directing.Press contact: Kate Goerner KateGoernerPR@outlook.com. Website: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/cinderella

• Tuesday November 8

LONDON: From Here to Eternity (Charing Cross Theatre). October 29-December 17, press night November 8. Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s musical, adapted from the novel by James Jones, which premiered at the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre in 2013, returns in its first London revival in a newly revised production, developed by director Brett Smock at New York’s The REV Theatre Company and at Maine’s Ogunquit Playhouse, that has been designed specifically for the Charing Cross Theatre. In a press statement, Rice has commented, “It’s wonderful to have From Here To Eternity back in London. Since its world premiere in the West End in 2013, there have been two excellent productions in North America, both directed by Brett Smock, and I’m delighted he’s bringing the latest iteration of the show back across The Pond. Katy Lipson and her team are the perfect partners: young, dynamic and energetic – like the fighting men of G Company. It’s been a treat to get back to the writing desk with Stuart, too.If you like your musicals soft and fluffy, this show is not for you. We have nothing to offer but danger, betrayal, heart-break, hope, blood, sweat and tears!” It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Bill Kenwright and Heartaches Limited. Press contact: Kevin Wilson. kevinwilsonpr@gmail.com. Website: https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/from-here-to-eternity

• Thursday November 10

BROADWAY: Kimberly Akimbo (Booth Theatre). Previews from October 12, opens November 10. New musical, featuring book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire based on his 2000 play of the same name, with music by Jeanine Tesori. Victoria Clark reprises her performance in the title role that she first gave in the musical’s premiere at Atlantic Theatre in November 2021.  Press contact: Polk & Co, Matt Polk / Tom D’Ambrosio /Lauren Duffy / Emma Bird. Website: https://kimberlyakimbothemusical.com/

• Saturday November 12

REGIONAL: White Christmas the Musical (Hall for Cornwall, Truro) November 12-19, then touring to Nottingham, Sunderland and Liverpool. New tour for a production of Irving Berlin’s musical first seen in the UK at Curve, Leicester, will star Jay McGuiness, Lorna Luft and Michael Starke newly joining Dan Burton, Jessica Daley and Monique Young who return to the show. Press contact: Daniel O’Carroll, daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website: https://www.whitechristmasthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour/

• Sunday November 13

BROADWAY: The Old Man & The Pool (Vivian Beaumont Theatre) October 28-December 30, opening night November 13. Mike Birbiglia writes and performs his solo show, previously seen in LA and Chicago, for a limited run of 70 performances. Press contact: Leslie Papa, leslie@vivacityny.com, Whitney Holden Gore, whitney@vivacityny.com, Macy Sullivan, macy@vivacityny.com at Vivacity Media Group.Website: https://mikebirbigliabroadway.com/

• Tuesday November 15

LONDON: The Sex Party (Menier Chocolate Factory) November 4-January 7, press night November 15. World premiere of Terry Johnson’s latest play, which he also directs. His other original plays include Dead Funny, Insignificance, Hysteria, Hitchcock Blonde and Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick. He has previously worked at the Menier at a director of La Cage Aux Folles (which subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway), and Rookery Nook. The cast comprises Oscar winning actor Timothy Hutton (‘Ordinary People’), Will Barton, Amanda Donohoe, Lisa Dwan, John Hopkins, Jason Merrells, Pooya Mohseni, Molly Osborne and Kelly Price. Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com Website: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com

• Thursday November 17

BROADWAY: & Juliet (Stephen Sondheim Theatre) Previews from October 28, opens November 17. The current London hit musical based on the back catalogue of pop composer Max Martin (running at the Shaftesbury)d transfers to Broadway, with a cast that includes Stark Stands as Shakespeare, Betsy Wolfe as Anne, Paulo Szot as Lance, Ben Jackson Walker as Romeo and Lorna Courtney as Juliet, with Melanie La Barrie reprising her London performance as Nurse. Website: https://andjulietbroadway.com/

• Sunday November 20

BROADWAY: KPOP (Circle in the Square) Previews from October 13, opens November 20. 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/

• 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. Press contact: Amanda Malpass,  amanda@amandamalpass.com. Website: https://elflondon.com

• 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/

BROADWAY: Ain’t No Mo’ (Bealsco) 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), John Bishop (as Vic Goose) and Mel Giedroyc (as the 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. 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

• 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/

• Wednesday December 14

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/

• 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/

• 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/

• 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/

• Thursday February 8

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

Friday February 9:

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: 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/

• Thursday March 9

LONDON: Guys and Dolls (Bridge Theatre) February 27-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

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/

• 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

• 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

• Wednesday May 17

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: 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

• 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 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