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What’s happening this June in theatre
Everything happening on the West End this June that you need to know about
There’s a ton to celebrate on the West End this June, from the arrival of sparkly Broadway transfers to gripping and thought-provoking new theatre. Plus, the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada has finally unveiled its new cast members, and Jodie Whittaker is set to star in a dazzling new adaptation. Here’s your full guide to the West End this June.
New West End openings
There are three incredibly exciting musicals making their London debuts this June – two crossing over from Broadway, and one coming to us all the way from South Korea. Marie Curie: A New Musical has its English language premiere on 1 June at London’s Charing Cross Theatre, where audiences will follow the life and death of the Polish scientist, with book and lyrics adapted from the original South Korean production
We’re sure this one is already marked on your calendars, but if we need to remind you again, Mean Girls the Musical arrives in London’s Savoy Theatre on 6 June. We’d give you one of the movie’s myriad catchphrases here, but trust us, you’d much rather book your seat in the Savoy and see the cast do them justice instead.
Considering Tom Kitt’s Next To Normal won the Pulitzer Prize for theatre back in 2009, it certainly took London a while to finally get the show on our stages. But the wait was worth it when Next To Normal came to Donmar Warehouse last year – and now the production comes to Wyndham’s Theatre on 18 June to make its official West End debut. If you missed it the first time, definitely don’t make the same mistake again.
We’ve also got some returning classics to look forward to this month. Kiss Me, Kate offers a taste of the golden age of musical theatre when it comes to the Barbican on 4 June. Or, if you’re after something a little more 80s, Starlight Express arrives at the Troubadour Wembley Park theatre on 8 June.
There are also some fantastic plays opening this month, including Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew at the Globe Theatre from 6 June. James Graham’s adaptation of Boys From The Blackstuff offers a powerful look into life in 80s Liverpool at the Garrick Theatre, playing a limited eight-week season from 13 June. Over at the Old Vic, James Cordon and Anna Maxwell Martin star in The Constituent, an exhilarating new piece about production about public service opening on 19 June.
Tickets on sale now
Jodie Whittaker heads to the West End this October to star in a thrilling new adaptation of The Duchess Of Malfi. Zinnie Harris’ The Duchess modernises the revenge tragedy to captivating and startling effect – definitely don’t miss your opportunity to grab tickets for this one when it goes on sale this week. You can find all the biggest West End shows at the best prices over on our theatre guide.
Last chance shows
Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to some famous faces this month. Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson wave farewell on 8 June, when Long Day’s Journey Into Night leaves Wyndham’s Theatre. Ian McKellen is also off shortly after, as Player Kings closes on 22 June.
The Government Inspector, Nikolai Gogol’s classic comedy, leaves London on 15 June, as does Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes’ The Hills of California. Jerry’s Girls, the musical celebration of Broadway composer Jerry Herman, also heads off this month, leaving the Menier Chocolate Factory on 29 June.
Other West End theatre news
The Devil Wears Prada announces casting for Andy and Emily
The Devil Wears Prada, the brand-new musical based on the beloved book and film, has announced that Georgie Buckland (Shrek The Musical) will be taking on the role of Andy, originally played by Anne Hathaway, whilst Amy Di Bartolomeo (Six The Musical) will be playing Emily, originally portrayed by Emily Blunt. The production, which also stars Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly, begins performances on 24 October at the Dominion Theatre.
The 39 Steps returns to the West End
The Olivier-winning comedy has announced its return to London this summer, playing the Trafalgar Theatre from 16 August to 28 September. If you’re skeptical about the possibility of four actors playing 139 roles in around 100 minutes, definitely check this one out.
