Theatre
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What’s happening this November in theatre
Everything happening on the West End this month that you need to know about
The wind outside is driving us off the pavement and into theatres – luckily, there’s a ton to see in the West End this month. From enormous new musicals adapted from your favourite films to huge names in some of England’s oldest and best-loved plays, this season really has it all. Here’s your full guide to the West End this November.
New West End openings
Too early for Christmas? What a crazy thing to say. If you’re ready to make the sensible decision and get your Christmas theatre fix now, then keep an eye out for not one but two Scrooges taking to the stage this month. Matthew Warchus’ always-beloved adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns to the Old Vic from 15 November for audiences seeking a traditional festive thrill. For those after something a little more atypical, @sohoplace welcomes Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) in an irreverent musical retelling of Dickens’ classic – you can catch A Christmas Carol (ish) from 16 November.
The run-up to Christmas is always a great time to see some family theatre, and St Martin’s Theatre has you covered with The Smartest Giant In Town, based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson, which opens 29 November. If you’re child-free – or looking to escape for an evening – you might want to head to adults-only pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk: What A Whopper! at the Charing Cross Theatre from 23 November.
There’s a couple of very limited runs you won’t want to miss this month. Mozart: Her Story tells the tale of the often sidelined Nan Mozart as she struggles to be heard in the patriarchal 18th century court she grows up in. This brand new musical will be staged in concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 16 & 17 November. Cult musical Frank’s Closet also finally gets its moment on the West End this month, playing at the Arts Theatre on 3 and 17 November for two evenings of frocks and fabulousness.
Tickets on sale now
You’ll have to move fast for these ones – we have exclusive prices on Mean Girls until 31 October, and no fees on Juno and the Paycock until 7 November. Explore more unmissable offers in our theatre guide.
A few West End favourites have also just launched extra dates this month, giving you a fresh opportunity to get your hands on tickets. The spectacular, spectacular Moulin Rouge is now booking until March 2025, as has the hilarious Fawlty Towers. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express has also extended, skating all the way into October 2025.
Last chance shows
Emma Rice’s theatrical version of Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning 1990 novel The Buddha of Suburbia leaves the Barbican Theatre on 16 November – Rice has a strong track record with critically acclaimed productions, and this joyful exploration of love, intimacy and theatre is one not to miss. Also heading off this month is What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, the bold new serious-comedy starring West Wing and Big Bang Theory‘s Joshua Malina – catch it before it leaves the Marylebone Theatre on 23 November.
Other West End theatre news
The Devil Wears Prada opens at the Dominion Theatre
Following a lot of hype and some truly fantastic tube marketing (“She doesn’t take the tube,” read the posters, featuring an unimpressed Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly) The Devil Wears Prada has begun performances at London’s Dominion Theatre. The production also stars WhatsOnStage Award winner Matt Henry as Nigel, Georgie Buckland as Andy and Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily, and features a score by Elton John.
Reviews are in for Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
“A high-energy homage to the Greatest Showman – with all the best anthems,” raves The Times, whilst The Sun calls the new production “the best thing I’ve seen all year”. Come Alive! debuted recently at the Empress Museum, featuring songs from The Greatest Showman along with world-class circus talent. Make sure to secure your tickets!
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