Theatre
Preview
What’s happening this July in theatre
Everything happening on the West End this month that you need to know about
Whether you’re after a slice of gritty reality or a sparkling escape from the everyday, July in the West End has you covered. We’re saying hello to Imelda Staunton in Hello Dolly!, welcoming Shrek The Musical and A Chorus Line back to our stages, and experiencing powerful political writing from Jeremy O. Harris, Clint Dyer and Roy Williams. Here’s your full guide to the West End this July.
New West End openings
July must be revival season, because there are three dazzling new productions of old favourites heading to the West End this month. On 6 July, we have Hello Dolly! arriving at the London Palladium, starring none other than Imelda Staunton. The same day, The Baker’s Wife returns to London for the first time since its departure in 1990, with a brand new production at the Menier Chocolate Factory. At the end of the month, A Chorus Line dances into Sadler’s Wells, with performances starting on 31 July.
There’s also some excellent theatre arriving. Death Of England: The Plays promises to be a compelling, provoking and occasionally humorous look at the state of the nation, with the three interconnected plays coming to @sohoplace from 23 July. Meanwhile, Jeremy O. Harris’ Slave Play puts America under the microscope over at the Noel Coward Theatre – performances have already begun.
Since the summer holidays are nearly here, we’ve also got some great family theatre arriving in London. Little ones will love The Tiger Who Came To Tea, which opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 8 July, and the whole family can enjoy Shrek The Musical, playing at the Eventim Apollo from 19 July.
Tickets on sale now
Sean O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock returns to the West End this September to tell the story of the Irish Civil War and its impact on the lives on fortunes of one Dublin family. Also on sale is Figaro, an original musical about the musical ambitions of a young woman in mid-1800s Italy and the twists and turns her life takes. You can find all the biggest West End shows at the best prices over on our theatre guide.
Last chance shows
Fan favourite Heathers the Musical will sadly be departing from @sohoplace on 6 July, so there’s just a couple of days left to watch the Heathers swing their croquet mallets. Marie Curie: A New Musical is also heading off, leaving Charing Cross Theatre on 28 July.
Other West End theatre news
Rhea Norwood and Layton Williams debut in Cabaret
Heartstopper’s Rhea Norwood and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s Layton Williams made their cabaret debuts last month as Sally Bowles and the Emcee respectively. They were joined by other new cast members Sally Ann Triplett and Fenton Grey.
Prima Facie returns to cinemas
National Theatre Live’s recording of Jodie Comer in Prima Facie returns to cinemas this autumn. Prima Facie broke records as NTL’s most-watched title, and now more audiences will have the chance to watch Comer’s Olivier-winning turn when the production hits the big screen from September 12.
