Theatre Openings: from w/c October 9 2023

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LAST UPDATED: October 10 2023

Upcoming openings in London, the regions, and on Broadway from October 9 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

  • Tuesday October 10

BROADWAY: Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre) September 19-January 21, opening night October 10. 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 October 11

LONDON: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Noel Coward 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) World premiere production 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 in April. 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/

LONDON: Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre) September 21-January 6, press night October 12. 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. The cast also features Tom Francis as Joe Gillis), Grace Hodgett Young as Betty Schaefer and David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling. Rachel Tucker will be guest starring as Norma Desmond on Thursday October 12 matinee, and all Monday performances from October 16 to January 6.Press contact: Freya Cowdry at Jo Allan PR, freya@joallanpr.com. Website: https://sunsetboulevardwestend.com/

OPENINGS FURTHER AHEAD

  • 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. The cast includes Deborah Findlay, John Heffernan and Malcolm Sinclair. 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

  • Monday October 23

The Confessions (National’s Lyttelton Theatre) October 19-November 4, press night October 23. Alexander Zeldin returns to the National, where he has previously presented Beyond Caring, LOVE and Faith, Hope and Charity, with The Confessions, which he again writes and directs based on hours of interviews with his mother. Sweeping from Australia in 1943 to London in 2021, it chronicles a tale of self-realisation against the times, following her complex relationships. The cast includes Eryn Jean Norvill and Pamela Rabe in their UK debuts. It is the inaugural production of Zeldin’s own theatre production companies in the UK and France – A Zeldin Company/Compagnie A Zeldin – and is co-commissioned with the National Theatre, RISING Melbourne and Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. The play has already toured to Vienna, Athens, Barcelona and Avignon this year and will continue its European tour into Spring 2024. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website:  https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-confessions/

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

  • Tuesday October 31

LONDON: King Lear (Wyndham’s Theatre) Previews from October 21, opens October 31, for a run of 50 performances to December 9 only. 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/

  • Monday November 6

LONDON: To Have and to Hold (Hampstead Theatre) October 26 (moved from October 20-November 25, press night November 6 (moved from 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 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

LONDON: Mandy Patinkin Live in Concert (Lyric Theatre) November 7-19. Broadway and film/TV star Mandy Patinkin returns to the London stage for a concert run of eight performances only, which he last did here at the Almeida. He is accompanied by Adam Ben-David. Press contact: Amanda Malpass, amanda@amandamalpass.com Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/mandy-patinkin/

  • Wednesday November 8

REGIONAL: The Box of Delights (Royal Shakespeare Theatre) October 31-January 7, press night November 8. Justin Audibert directs Piers Torday’s reimagining of John Masefield’s much-loved children’s classic, telling the story of orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker who finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams, originally staged at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2017. The cast features Callum Balmforth, Mae Munuo, Jack Humphrey, Stephen Boxer, Richard Lynch, Nia Gwynn and Claire Price. Press contact: Dean Asker, dean.asker@rsc.org.uk. Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-box-of-delights/

  • Thursday November 9

LONDON: Mates in Chelsea (Royal Court) November 3-December 16, press night November 9. Royal Court Associate Director Sam Pritchard directs Rory Mullarkey’s new play which takes inspiration from Wilde and Wodehouse to create a contemporary comedy of manners set among the dwellers of south west London who – somehow – remain our country’s ruling class. The cast comprises Amy Booth-Steel, Natalie Dew, Karina Fernandez, George Fouracres, Laurie Kynaston, Philipp Mogilnitskiy and Fenella Woolgar. Press contact: Maisie Lawrence, Maisie@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/mates-in-chelsea/

  • 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 squallop 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 and Sally Ann Triplett as Gran. Choreography is by Stephen Mear.   Press contact:  Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-witches/

  • Wednesday November 22

LONDON: Ghosts (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse) November 10-Janaury 28, press night November 22. Joe Hill-Gibbins adapts and directs Ibsen’s play, with a cast led by Greg Hicks as Engstrand, Paul Hilton as Father Manders, Hattie Morahan as Helene Alving, Sarah Sliming as Regina Engstrand and Stuart Thompson as Oswald Alving.Press contacts: Claudia Conway claudia.c@shakespearesglobe.com, Alice Rickett: alice.r@shakespearesglobe.com. Website: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/ghosts-2023/

LONDON: She Stoops to Conquer (Orange Tree Theatre) November 18-January 6, press night November 22. Tom Littler directs Freddie Fox, Tanya Reynolds, David Horvitch and Greta Scaachi in Oliver Goldmith’s classic restoration comedy. Press contact:  KatieMD@katemorleypr.com Website: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/she-stoops-to-conquer/about

  • Tuesday November 28

The House of Bernarda Alba (National’s Lyttelton Theatre) November 16-January 6, press night November 28. Rebecca Frecknall makes her NT directing debut, with Alice Birch’s new version of Lorca’s play, starring Harriet Walter as the formidable matriarch of the title. The cat also alludes Isis Hainsworth, Rosalind Eleazar, Thusitha Jayasundera, Lizzie Ennis, Pearl Chandra, Bryony Hannah, Marcia Becky, Eileen Nicholas and Eliot Salt. Press contact: Camilla Dervan at National Theatre, CDervan@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-house-of-bernarda-alba/

  • Thursday November 30

LONDON: Infinite Life (National’s Dorfman Theatre) November 22-January 13, press night November 30. Annie Baker’s new play transfers to the National, direct from its current world premiere run New York’s Atlantic Theater, who are co-producing it with the National. Described in press materials as an “inquiry into the complexity of suffering, and what it means to desire in a body that’s failing you”, it is directed by James Macdonald; the cast comprises Marylouise Burke, Mia Katigbak, Christina Kirk, Kristine Nielsen, Brenda Pressley and Pete Simpson. Press contact: Louisa Terry lterry@nationaltheatre.org.uk. Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/infinite-life/

  • Friday December 1

REGIONAL: Evita (Curve, Leicester) November 27-January 13, press night December 1. Martha Kirby plays Eva Peron in Nikolai Foster’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s music. Also in the cast are Tyrone Huntley as Che, Gary Milner as Peron, Chums Dornford-May as Peron’s Mistress, and Dan Partridge as Magaldi. Press contact: Fiona Moore, press@curvetheatre.co.uk Website: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/evita

  • 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/

LONDON: Cold War (Almeida Theatre) November 30-January 27, press night December 12. The Almeida’s artistic director Rupert Goold directs Conor McPherson’s new stage adaptation of Paweł Pawlikowski’s  2018 Oscar-nominated film, with music by Elvis Costello. The cast includes Anya Chalotra, Elliot Levey and Luke Thallon. Press contact: Zoe Innis, zinnes@almeida.co.uk. Website: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/cold-war/

  • Wednesday December 13

LONDON: Ulster American (Riverside Studios) Jeremy Herrin directs Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland in David Ireland’s social satire, first seen at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre in 2018 during the Edinburgh Fringe, when it won a Fringe First from The Scotsman. Press contacts:  Kate Hassell kate@breadandbutterpr.uk. Website: https://www.ulsteramericanplay.com/

  • 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. The cast includes Shane Attwooll, Kemi Awoderu, Chase Brown, Christopher Buckley, Ammar Duffus, Gilles Geary, Florence Guy, Max Harwood, Michael Jibson, Oscar Lloyd, Louis McCartney,Isabella Pappas, Matthew Pidgeon, Calum Ross, Maisie Norma SeatonPatrick Vaill, Lauren Ward, and Ella Karuna Williams. 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 15

LONDON: Plaza Suite (Savoy Theatre) January 15-March 31. Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker reprise their Broadway roles in John Benjamin Hickey’s revival of Neil Simon’s classic comedy, playing three different couples occupying the same New York hotel suite. Press contact: Press contact: Simon Raw, Emily Webb, Daniel O’Carroll at Raw PR, simon@rawpr.co.uk,  daniel@rawpr.co.uk. Website: http://plazasuiteuk.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/

  • Tuesday February 13

LONDON: Just for One Day (Old Vic) January 26-March 30, press night February 13. Luke Shepherd directs the world premiere of a musical by John O’Farrell, who also wrote the books for Mrs Doubtfire and Something Rotten, about the day that rock ’n’ roll changed the world — when Live Aid saw 70 leading artists performing for free in front of a global audience of 1.5m at Wembley Stadium, raising £127m for famine relief. The musical, featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders, The Cars, Status Quo, Paul Weller, Sade, The Boomtown Rats, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Ultravox and more. In a press statement, Old Vic artistic director Matthew Warchus has commented, “’For those of us who were around in the ‘80s, Saturday 13 July 1985 I’m sure will be one of those days that is forever etched in our memories. We all remember where we watched Live Aid, who we watched it with, and the pure amazement at the feat that was unfolding before our eyes. It’s these memories and individual stories that are the beating heart of Just For One Day, and I can’t wait for audiences to share in a moment that galvanised the globe once again.” Bob Geldof, whose idea it was, adds: “From seeing Just For One Day throughout its development, if this musical encourages just one person to have a positive impact for the better, then it will be a job well done. I’m looking forward to seeing it at The Old Vic… it better not be shit!” The cast will include Julie Atherton, Ashley Campbell, Jackie Clune, Craige Els, James Hameed, Naomi Katiyo, Hope Kenna, Freddie Love, Emily Ooi and Rhys Wilkinson with further casting to be announced. Press contact: David Bloom david.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk Lewis Jenkins: lewis.jenkins@storyhousepr.co.uk. Website: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/just-for-one-day

  • 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/

  • Tuesday February 20

LONDON: An Enemy of the People (Duke of York’s) February 6-April 6, press night February 20. Ibsen’s play revived in a production conceived and directed by Thomas Ostermeier, in a version by Ostermeier and Florian Borschmeyer, that was originally produced by Schaubühne Berlin. Matt Smith will return to the London stage to play Dr Stockmann, whose discovery that the healing waters in his local baths are contaminated is rejected by his fellow, self-interested citizens.  Press contact: Kate Morley, kate@katemorleypr.com, Katie McDonagh katiemd@katemorleypr.com. Website: https://anenemyofthepeople.co.uk/

  • 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/

  • Saturday May 11

The Artist (Thatre Royal, Plymouth) May 11-25. Drew McOnie directs and choreographs the world premiere stage production of Michel Hazanavicius’s Oscar-winning film. Robbie Fairchilf will star as silent movie icon George Valentin, in a cast that also features Gary Wilmot and Briana Craig. Press contact: Jo Allan jo@joallanpr.com, Kitty Greenleaf kitty@joallanpr.com Website: https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/the-artist/

  • Tuesday October 29

LONDON: Dr Strangelove (Noel Coward Theatre) October 8-December 21, press night October 29. Steve Coogan stars in the first-ever stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film, brought to the stage by Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley (the latter also directs). In a press statement, Coogan comments, “The idea of putting Dr Strangelove on stage is daunting. A huge responsibility. It’s also an exciting challenge, an opportunity to bring this timeless classic to a new audience. Knowing that I will be part of a creative team led by Sean Foley and Armando Iannucci means I will be working with the best people. Sean is a master of stage comedy and Armando and I started working with each other over 30 years ago. We made some memorable comedy together so it’s great to be collaborating with him once again.” Press contacts: David Bloom David.bloom@storyhousepr.co.uk, Nada Zakula nada.zakula@storyhousepr.co.uk. Website:  https://drstrangelove.com/