Theatre
Preview
Everything new in the West End this month
All the shows arriving in the West End this month, plus the most exciting new tickets now on sale
The weather outside might be fickle, but you can depend on London theatre this month to deliver a great day out. From creative new musicals to unmissable drama – and the arrival of a comedy legend at the Trafalgar Theatre – there’s too much to see not to brave the wind and rain. Wrap up warm and grab your ticket to one of April’s exciting new arrivals, and we promise it’ll be more than worth the trip. Here’s everything coming to the West End that should be on your radar this month.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Opening 1 April at The Old Vic
Based on the landmark novel by Ken Kesey, writer Dale Wasserman and director Clint Dyer bring this bold new production to the stage at the Old Vic, with Aaron Pierre, Giles Terera and Olivia Williams starring. In a psychiatric facility, the long-term patients have been stripped of their humanity, until the arrival of gambler and provocateur Randle P. McMurphy shakes up their day to day – and sparks something long-dormant in the silent Chief Bromden.
The Boy At The Back Of The Class
Opening 7 April at Queen Elizabeth Hall
Following a successful tour, this enchanting piece of children’s theatre comes to London for just 11 performances. Based on the best-selling book, The Boy At The Back Of The Class tells the story of Ahmet, the new arrival in class, who his classmates come to learn has fled his own war-torn country. Inspired by Ahmet’s bravery, the class hatches ‘The Greatest Idea In The World’ – a plan to reunite Ahmet with his family.
Gravity
Touring 10 – 28 April
If you won’t be able to get to London this month, you don’t have to miss out entirely – three of musical theatre’s brightest talents will be bringing a piece of the West End to a theatre near you. Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker have all enjoyed landmark runs as Elphaba in Wicked, but they’ll be pulling from across their extensive back catalogues in this tour, which will see them perform songs from We Will Rock You, Cats, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls, Evita, Joseph, The Great Gatsby, Sunset Boulevard, Chicago and more.
World’s Greatest Lover
Opening 12 April at The Other Palace
Who deserves the title of greatest lover in history? Contendors Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade will be battling it out live on stage in this electric new pop-powered musical. With a score by Eurovision finalists Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal and X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris starring alongside an impressive ensemble cast of West End and recording stars, this is set to be an incredibly fun, feelgood night of theatre.
Grace Pervades
Opening 24 April at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Ralph Fiennes brings his celebrated portrayal of Sir Henry Irving to the West End stage in this highly anticipated London transfer of Grace Pervades. The new play by David Hare explores the relationship between Irving, the greatest actor of the Victorian age, and actress Ellen Terry, played by Miranda Raison. It was never known if the two were lovers, but regardless, their bond undoubtedly changed British theatre forever.
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Opening 25 April at the Other Palace
Based on the bestselling memoir, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind tells the amazing true story of William Kamkwamba, whose imagination, curiosity and inventive powers were a deliverance to his drought-stricken Malawi village. At just thirteen-years-old, William’s idea to build a windmill and harness the power of the wind carries him further than anyone expects him to go. This uplifting, inspiring true story becomes a brand new musical this month at the Other Palace, created by Richy Hughes and Tim Sutton.
Oh, Mary!
Catherine Tate joins the cast from 27 April at the Trafalgar Theatre
The uproarious, irreverent comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln continues to delight at the Trafalgar Theatre – and it’s soon to welcome a true legend of British comedy. From 27 April, Catherine Tate takes over from Mason Alexander Park as Mary, playing the president’s wife in the weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination as she rails against the confines of her marriage and dreams of a career on the stage. You won’t want to miss this one. Read our review here.
The Truth
Opening 9 June at the Apollo Theatre
Newly on sale and opening this summer is Oscar-winning writer Florian Zeller’s hilarious, devious comedy about relationships and the secrets they hold. Starring Tony Award-nominated Stephen Mangan, comedy icon Ardal O’Hanlon, TV star Sarah Hadland and double Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee, The Truth follows two couples and the tangle of secrets between them – the consequences of which no one is ready to face…
Trainspotting: The Musical
Opening 15 July at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Also newly on sale and opening this July is Irvine Welsh’s musical adaptation of his bestselling book and the acclaimed film. Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly return, this time in a bold new musical theatre version of Welsh’s story of poverty, addiction and youth counterculture. Combining music from the film with powerful original songs, this provocative new show is set to be a theatrical event that will have all of London talking. Read our interview with Irvine Welsh here.
