What’s happening this month in theatre

Everything happening on the West End this month that you need to know about

Spring’s finally here, which means summer’s almost here, which means summer theatre season is just around the corner. There’s some exciting arrivals sailing in with the warmer weather this month – and some sad goodbyes to make. Amongst all the comings and goings we’ve also got some great opportunities for you to see some of the West End’s best and brightest at exclusive prices. Here’s your full guide to the West End this May.

New West End openings

We’ve got three musical theatre openings to look forward to in May. Jerry’s Girls kicks us off on May 18 when it opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory for a special celebration of the life and legacy of Broadway composer Jerry Herman. From May 22, Heathers fans will once again be able to catch the mallet-wielding Heather Chandler onstage – only this time they’ll find her at @sohoplace, London’s most dynamic new performance space.

From May 25, Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder arrives at the Ambassadors Theatre following sell-out runs in Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. This brand new comedy musical follows two true crime podcast hosts who get tangled up in their own dangerous mystery. What’s not to love?

If you fancy something a little more serious, Arthur Miller’s classic A View From The Bridge comes to the Theatre Royal Haymarket from May 22, with Dominic West leading the cast. Duncan Macmillan’s extraordinary People, Places and Th ings will also return to the West End from May 3, with Denise Gough set to reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as struggling actress Emma.

We’ve also got new comedy arriving this month. May 3 sees a brand new rendition of The Government Inspector coming to Marylebone Theatre for mistaken identity hijinks and a winking look at collective delusion. Just a day later on the May 4, London welcomes John Cleese’s brand new stage adaptation of one of Britain’s greatest ever sitcoms, when Fawlty Towers – The Play lands at the Apollo Theatre.

Tickets on sale now

This month also offers plenty of opportunity to see tons of theatre at the best prices, with offers on beloved West End shows like Wicked, Matilda The Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and much more. You can find all the biggest West End shows at the best prices over on our theatre guide.

Last chance shows

A new season brings its fair share of sad goodbyes, and with summer rolling in, we’re saying farewell to some of the shows that gave us such a fantastic spring. Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical will give its last performance at The Other Palace on May 19, whilst Sheridan Smith sadly departs from the stage of the Gielgud Theatre when Opening Night closes on May 18.

Tony and Emmy-winner Billy Crudup also heads off this month after an acclaimed run as the titular Harry Clarke in David Cale’s thriller – you can catch his last performance on May 11. If you haven’t been to @sohoplace to see Red Pitch yet, you’ve got a few days left to squeeze in a trip before it leaves on May 4. This is also the last month to catch For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, which leaves the Garrick Theatre on 1 June.

Other West End theatre news

Mrs Doubtfire celebrates its first anniversary at Shaftesbury Theatre

The musical adaptation of the beloved Robin Williams film is officially a year in to its run at the Shaftesbury Theatre as of May 1, and still delighting audiences with its story of a doting father in disguise.

Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) extends booking period

Haven’t had a chance to catch this uplifting new musical yet? Don’t worry! Two Strangers is now booking until August – and you can save up to 47% on tickets if you book this month. Go see what all those five star reviews are about.