Theatre Information, Theatre Tickets for all Theatres in London West End, Manchester and the UK and Ireland
London West End Theatre Shows
Welcome to our West End Show Guide, listed below are all the theatre shows currently playing in the West End of London. We have all the show information and also you can click on the show to see how to get to the west end theatre where the theatre show is playing. We have photos, location maps, show information and you can also book your London theatre tickets online.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre
With a crash of drums and a flash of light, Gareth Gates as Joseph has burst into the West End in his dazzling coat of many colours.
In an energetic and vibrant new staging of the record breaking 1990s London Palladium production, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family classic is entertaining a whole new generation.
This colourful retelling of the biblical story about dreamboat Joseph, his uncanny abilities and his designer coat sings out to young and old alike with a score which is wall to wall hits - including Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do – and is now booking with Gareth Gates until 18 July 2009.
Joseph is nothing short of a phenomenon and it is one of the most endearing shows of all time. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's sparkling family musical has been a hit all over the world. It continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.
With the liveliest, most energetic company of actors, singers and dancers, Joseph is brimming with non-stop action, laughter and infectious fun that will delight both the young and young at heart. Retelling the Biblical story of Jacob's favourite son, Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including, "Close Every Door To Me" and "Any Dream Will Do", which was voted the Broadway Song of the Year.
Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre
A great girls night and must see for fans of the '80s film, Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story On Stage has been a hit on London's West End since it opened in November 2007; even before it even opened in London, the show had sold out for the first six months of its run.
If you are not familliar with the plot of Dirty Dancing, it is based on the romantic comming of age film set in 1963, about Frances 'Baby' Houseman, who, whilst on a family holiday meets, dances (a lot), and ultimately falls in love with Jonny Castle the resort's rough around the edges dance teacher, played by Patrick Swayze.
All this occurs to a by now familliar '80s soundtrack culminating in the finale "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life", performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Dirty Dancing The London musical is definitely worth going to see. Turning the film into a stage show is achieved through a mix of mulimedia, a series of LED screens, display video, stills and live-feed film, all adding depth and a sense of movement.
Stomp at the Ambassadors Theatre
Stomp is a spectacular show which creates unconventional instruments out of the most conventional every day objects. Stomp exhilarating display of percussion, rhythm and movement is a winner with all age groups, stimulating and entertaining the audience like no other show!
The performers of Stomp use a variety of everyday objects - from dustbin lids to water bottles - to great effect, creating some of the most infectious and unusual sounds ever to be seen on stage.
Combining percussion, dance, theatre and comedy, Stomp remains one of the most original shows in the world.
Stomp is an international hit, Stomp is not to be missed!
Carries War at the Apollo Theatre
Carrie's War is the timeless tale of the adventures of Carrie Willow; a young girl evacuated from London during World War II. Packed off to the Welsh mining valleys with her younger brother Nick, she must adjust to life without her parents - under the guardianship of the dictatorial Mr. Evans and his sister.
Returning as an adult, Carrie's memories come alive; whisking us on a breathtaking journey into the past...
Meet the colourful and memorable characters she encountered - Mrs. Gotobed, swotty Albert Sandwich, Hepzibah the 'witch' and the eccentric Mister Johnny; explore the freedom of the Welsh countryside, and discover the magic of Druid's Bottom.....and the curse of the magic skull!
While the war rages elsewhere, Carrie has to fight her own personal battles. Her courage and spirit shine forth in this enchanting piece of theatre; bursting with a captivating mix of adventure, pathos and nostalgia that is guaranteed to engage and delight - generation's young and old.
Remember, relive and discover this unforgettable story of one ordinary girl - living and growing up through extraordinary times.
Carrie's War features traditional songs and hymns and performed by a talented cast of nine; including much-loved British actress, Prunella Scales.
Chicago the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
Having just celebrated ten glittering years in the West End, smash hit musical Chicago the Musical continues to dazzle audiences night after night.
'Murder, Greed, Corruption, Exploitation, Adultery, Treachery...all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts ' ... so begins Chicago, one of the most phenomenal musicals of our times. Creators John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse never back off from their bold, yet sinister, promise. Ten years on Chicago the Musical still remains 'the hottest show in town'
Chicago is the kiss-and-tell story of chorus girl Roxie Hart who kills her lover; Velma Kelly, the glamorous double-murderer and Billy Flynn, the slick and manipulative lawyer keeping them from death row while promising to make them stars, has all the topicality of our celebrity-seeking times. Chicago the Musical also provides some of the most sensational roles in all musical theatre. Be razzled and dazzled by Chicago the Musical: a true Broadway and West End classic.
Chicago the Musical is one of London's most popular and thrilling smash-hit musicals. This multi-award winning production is filled with sensational choreography inspired by Bob Fosse.
The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre
The 39 Steps comedy stage adaptation of John Buchan’s 1935 novel The 39 Steps has been keeping audiences amused at the Criterion theatre for nearly two years, and The 39 Steps won Best Comedy at the Laurence Olivier Awards 2007.
Based on the book and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film noir, The 39 Steps stage version of The 39 Steps was devised by Patrick Barlow (aka The National Theatre Of Brent) and started life at West Yorkshire Playhouse before transferring to the Tricycle theatre and then London’s West End.
The story of The 39 Steps follows Richard Hannay, a bored London gentleman whose life suddenly becomes infinitely more interesting when a woman is murdered in his apartment. Who is she? Why did she take refuge with him? And what are the mysterious 39 Steps? Framed for her murder, Hannay flees London for Scotland on a mission to find out the answers to these and other questions. Along the way he comes across an assortment of unusual and mysterious characters and is reluctantly accompanied by prim Pamela, who inadvertently finds herself handcuffed to Hannay.
This theatrical version of The 39 Steps features all the famous scenes from the hitherto ‘unstageable’ film, including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, Hannay’s escape on the Forth Bridge, a bi-plane crash and the death-defying finale in the London Palladium. With a tongue-in-cheek humour, 1930s costumes and just four cast members playing a reported 150 roles between them, this is a slick, fast-paced, whirlwind of a comedy.
Sunset Boulevard at the Comedy Theatre
Norma Desmond was the greatest silent movie star of them all, until the advent of the talkies made her a has-been. Joe Gillis was a struggling screenwriter until, by chance, he pulled his car into the driveway of 10086 Sunset Boulevard, home to the reclusive Miss Desmond. This chance encounter would change their lives, forever.
Craig Revel Horwood's poignant, compelling and inventive new production sold out prior to the opening of its run at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury last summer and has now transfered to the West End's intimate Comedy Theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's stunning musical adaptation of Billy Wilder's classic 1950 film captures the haunting world of the Golden Age of Hollywood. With book and lyrics by the Oscar-winning partnership of Don Black (Born Free, Diamonds are Forever) and Christopher Hampton (Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Atonement).
We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre
We Will Rock You is set in the future, on a place once called Earth. Globalisation is complete. Everyone watches the same movies, wears the same clothes, and thinks the same thoughts. A safe, happy Ga Ga world.
The Company Computers generate the music and the kids download it. All musical instruments are banned. But resistance is growing. A hero is needed.
Is the one who calls himself Galileo that man, and can he help them Break Free...?
Legendary band Queen, fronted by the dynamic Freddie Mercury before his death in 1991, have been making music together since the 70’s and have now joined forces with writer Ben Elton to bring their unique sound to theatreland...
Arcadia at the Duke of Yorks Theatre
Arcadia, Tom Stoppard’s 'richest, most ravishing comedy' (NY Times), is a dazzling, witty masterpiece of misunderstanding and quest for knowledge, resonating across centuries.
David Leveaux, one of the country’s leading directors, whose other recent West End and Broadway work with Tom Stoppard includes The Real Thing and Jumpers, will direct the first major revival of this brilliant play since its premiere at the National Theatre in 1993.
April 1809, a stately home in Derbyshire…. Thomasina, a gifted pupil, proposes a startling theory, beyond her comprehension. All around her, the adults, including her tutor Septimus, are preoccupied with secret desires, illicit passions and professional rivalries.
Two hundred years later, academic adversaries Hannah and Bernard, are piecing together puzzling clues, curiously recalling those events of 1809, in their quest for an increasingly elusive truth.
Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre
The Woman In Black treads in the footsteps of the classic ghost story, following the tradition of Charles Dickens and M.R James, of Henry James and Edith Wharton.
Woman In Black is not a horror story or a tale of terror, yet the events build up to a horrifying climax and instil a sense of horror. It relies on atmosphere, a vivid sense of place, on hints and glimpses and suggestions, on what is shadowy, heard and sometimes only half-seen, to chill the reader's blood to the marrow and make reading the book alone at night inadvisable for the faint-hearted.
The Woman In Black was first performed at the theatre-by-the-sea in Scarborough back in 1987. The original production of Woman In Black received rave reviews, paving the way for future productions throughout the country.
Woman In Black reached the West End in 1989 where it has been a major audience puller ever since. Woman In Black success has subsequently reached a global level, having spread to the US, South America and through to the Tokyo theatre scene, and beyond.
Unanimously acclaimed by the critics and now celebrating over 20 years in the West End, The Woman In Black combines the power and intensity of live theatre with the cinematic quality of film noir.
Little Night Music at the Garrick Theatre
The critically acclaimed, sell-out Menier Chocolate Factory production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical A Little Night Music, directed by Trevor Nunn, transfers to the Garrick Theatre for a strictly limited season.
A Little Night Music, based on Ingmar Bergman's film Smiles of a Summer Night, A Little Night Music is set in 19th -century Sweden where affairs of the heart are uppermost in everyone's thoughts.
A Little Night Music is hailed as a witty and stylish celebration of romance, the story centres on the elegant actress Desiree Armfeldt and the spider’s web of sensuality, intrigue and passion that surrounds her and features the classic “Send in the Clowns”.
The cast is led by Jessie Buckley, Kaisa Hammarlund, Alexander Hanson, Maureen Lipman, Kelly Price, Alistair Robins, Gabriel Vick and Hannah Waddingham.
Avenue Q at the Gielgud Theatre
Avenue Q now booking into its third hysterical year!
Brash, vulgar and just downright funny - you've never seen a musical like Avenue Q before! The characters on this downtown street in New York are out of work, out of luck and desperately seeking their purpose in life; just what are you supposed to do with a B.A. in English? Avenue Q is a hilarious show you'll want to see again and again.
Avenue Q is now starring Daniel Boys (from BBC's search for a Joseph, Any Dream Will Do), along with a hugely talented cast of performers and puppets. Don't let your life suck or be the only person on your street who hasn't seen it yet - book your tickets for Avenue Q today!
"The funniest show in town" - Sky News
"A monster hit" - Sunday Times
Phantom of the Opera at the Her Majestys Theatre
The legendary, unforgettable musical The Phantom of The Opera traces the tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer shamed by his physical appearance into a shadowy existence beneath the majestic Paris Opera House.
A newly installed state-of-the-art digital sound system now makes Andrew Lloyd Webber's spine-tingling score sound better than ever. The combination of opulent sets and costumes, and fabulous special effects creates a theatrical experience not to be missed.
The Phantom of The Opera is now booking until April 2009.
"Remains the most exciting musical in London" - Daily Mail
Sister Act at the London Palladium
Sister Act is a divine new musical comedy which will raise the roof at the London Palladium from 7 May 2009.
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won't be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood.
Based on the smash-hit movie, Sister Act features a brand new score by eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, whose credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and most recently the hit movie Enchanted.
Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Disney presents The Lion King - the award-winning musical.
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney's multi-award winning musical, The Lion King, will redefine your expectations of theatre.
A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney's much-loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
Thriller at the Lyric Theatre
"Thriller - LIve", the non-stop hits just keep on coming from "I Want You Back", "I'll Be There", "Show You The Way To Go", "Can You Feel It", "Rock With You", "She's Out Of My Life", "Thriller", "Beat It", "Ben", "ABC", "Man in the?Mirror", "Dirty Diana", "Billie Jean", "Earth Song", and many, many more.
To bring to life on stage the distinctive higth-energy dancing and pulsating sound of many of pop's greatest hits, "Thriller - Live" blends eye-popping video footage and effects together with dazzling choreography by the show's award-winning director Gary Lloyd, who has previously worked with Leona Lewis, Will Young, Gareth Gates, Emma Bunton, Robbie Williams, Pink, Anastacia, Lemar; Rachel Stevens, Kelly Clarkson and Girls Aloud.
"Thriller - Live" was originally conceived and created by Executive Director of the show, Adrian Grant, a long time associate of Michael Jackson, and author of 'Michael Jackson - The Visual Documentary'.
In a phenomenal, unparallelled career, Michael Jackson has to date sold more than 750 million records, had 13 number one singles - more than any other male artist - and is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001.
His numerous other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records, including one for "Thriller" as the world's best-selling album of all time - 100 million copies and counting.
An early star of MTV and the art of making pop videos, Michael broke down racial barriers, transformed the art of the music video and paved the way for modern pop music. 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the "Thriller" album with the release of the double-disc album "Thriller 25", containing the original nine tracks from "Thriller", re-mixes and a new song called "For All Time".
The album reached number one in eight countries, number two in the US, number three in the UK and was top 10 on over 30 national charts. To celebrate Michael's 50th birthday, Sony BMG released a compilation album, "King of Pop" which featured tracks voted for by his fans.
Calendar Girls at the Noel Coward Theatre
Tim Firth’s stage adaptation of the hit film Calendar Girls comes to the Noel Coward theatre after completing its current regional tour. Lynda Bellingham, Patricia Hodge, Sian Phillips, Gaynor Faye, Brigit Forsyth, Julia Hills and Elaine C Smith star in the Yorkshire set drama.
At First Glance it should look like your classic WI Calendar. Jams, cakes, sewing and all that. Except for one tiny thing... the ladies aren’t naked, they’re nude.
A group of extraordinary women, members of a very ordinary Yorkshire WI, persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Overcoming their initial reserve, the friends drop their dressing gowns, modesty spared only by artfully placed cakes, knitting and flower arrangements.
Puzzling their husbands, mortifying their children, and riding the wrath of the outraged WI, they spark a global phenomenon. As interest snowballs, the CALENDAR GIRLS find themselves revealing more than they’d ever planned.
A very British story with a very British heart, CALENDAR GIRLS is quirky, poignant and hilarious. Adapted by Tim Firth from his smash hit Miramax film of the same name, it is based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story.
War Horse at the New London Theatre
At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.
'So exhilarating it makes you rejoice to be alive. Its sheer skill and invention are awe-inspiring' - The Times
'War Horse only confirms the National's extraordinary knack of turning children's literature into the finest drama. Stunning' - Sunday Times
The National's epic is based on War Horse, the celebrated novel by the Children's Laureate (2003-05) Michael Morpurgo . Actors working with magnificent, life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company lead us on a gripping journey through history.
Spring Awakening at the Novello Theatre
Spring Awakening: A New Musical. Innocence rocked!
In a world where grown-ups hold all the cards, three school friends experience the exhilarating, turbulent journey into adulthood...
Spring Awakening is a vibrant and poignant story about a brilliant young student Melchior, his troubled friend Moritz, and Wendla, a beautiful teenage girl - all on a voyage of personal discovery and sexual awakening.
Inspired by Frank Wedekind's 1891 masterpiece of repressed emotion and adolescent passion, Spring Awakening explodes onto the Lyric stage driven by a thrilling contemporary score.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre
Get ready for the ride of your life! Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - The Musical is rolling into London's West End in March 2009 and parking at the Palace Theatre for the ultimate feel-good theatrical experience!
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of.
With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a score featuring more than 20 dance-floor classics, this wildly fresh and funny new musical is a sensational journey to the heart of fabulous!
Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre
Now commonly regarded as one of the all time great British musicals, Blood Brothers has touched the hearts and minds of a generation of theatregoers in dealing with two of the most pressing social issues of our time - inequality and unemployment.
A single mother in financial desperation gives away one of her new-born twin sons and attempts to keep them from discovering one another's true identity. However, their lives become unavoidably linked and her secrecy leads them to a tragic ending.
X-Factor favourite Niki Evans joins legendary musical Blood Brothers. One of last year's most popular X-Factor semi finalists has landed the much coveted leading role of Mrs Johnstone, in Willy Russell's musical Blood Brothers.
Mum of two Niki Evans, from Birmingham, won the hearts of millions as one of the most popular female artists ever to appear in the hit TV show with her extraordinary renditions of such songs as ‘Fields of Gold', ‘Songbird', and ‘All That Jazz'.
Grease at the Picadilly Theatre
Grease' is without a doubt one of the world's most loved musicals, spawning several hit movies (including 'Grease' starring John Travolta and Oliva Newton John), many stage revivals, and a soundtrack that just about anybody could sing along to.
Written by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs, 'Grease' originally opened in Chicago in 1971 with such glowing reviews that the musical was moved first to an off-Broadway location in New York, and then to the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway - all within a year of it's original opening!
The production was so successful that it had to move again to the Royale Theatre and later to the Majestic Theatre - all in order to keep up with the demand for shows and seats. In 1973 'Grease' opened on the West End at the New London Theatre, with Richard Gere starring in the lead role as Danny.
Later revivals on the West End featured such stars as Tracey Ullman and Craig McLachlan, and the musical has effectively become one of the mainstays of London theatre.
La Cage Aux Folles at the Playhouse Theatre
The sell-out Menier Chocolate Factory production is transferring to the Playhouse Theatre for a strictly limited season, starring Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson.
The idyllic existence of Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of the La Cage Aux Folles club, is threatened when Georges' son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, they all decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle...but can they keep it up?
La Cage Aux Folles is a timeless and deliciously funny tale of family values, unconditional love, and above all, the need to be proud of who we are.
Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre
Experience the multi award-winning Jersey Boys -based on the electrifying true life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. With spectacular performances of their hits, follow the rollercoaster journey of a group of working class boys from the streets of New Jersey, who worked their way to the heights of international pop stardom.
This sensational production features many of the band's worldwide hits, including: Oh What a Night, Beggin', Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don't Cry and many more.
"Exhilarating, Exuberant - a total joy of a musical" Marcel Berlin - The Guardian
Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre
Les Misérables (pronounced /le? ?m?z?'r??b/; French pronunciation: [le mize'?a?bl?]), colloquially known as Les Mis or Les Miz, is a musical composed in 1980 by the French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg with a libretto by Alain Boublil. Sung through, it is perhaps the most famous of all French musicals and one of the most performed musicals worldwide. On October 8, 2006, the show celebrated its 21st anniversary and became the longest-running West End musical in history the following performance, and is still running (though it has changed venues)
Among the most famous songs of this Tony Award-winning musical are "Castle On A Cloud", "I Dreamed a Dream", "One Day More", "A Heart Full of Love", "Stars", "Bring Him Home", "Do You Hear the People Sing?", "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables", "Master of the House", "Little People", "A Little Fall of Rain", and "On My Own".
Les Miserables is based on the 1862 novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. Set in early 19th-century France, it follows the intertwining stories of a cast of characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution.
The characters include a paroled convict named Jean Valjean who, failing attempts to find work as an honest man with his yellow ticket of leave, breaks his parole and conceals his identity; the police inspector Javert who becomes obsessed with finding Valjean; Fantine, the single mother who is forced to become a prostitute to support her daughter Cosette; Cosette, who, after her mother's death, becomes Jean Valjean's adopted daughter and who eventually falls in love with a revolutionary student named Marius Pontmercy; the Thénardiers, the unscrupulous innkeepers who initially foster Cosette, and who thrive on cheating and stealing; Éponine, their young daughter who is hopelessly in love with Marius; Gavroche, a young beggar boy and the young son of the Thénardiers; and a student leader Enjolras who plans the revolt to free the oppressed lower classes of France. The main characters are joined by an ensemble that includes prostitutes, student revolutionaries, factory workers, and others.
Mamma Mia The Musical at the Prince of Wales Theatre
Over 30 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia the ultimate feel-good show!
Writer Catherine Johnson's funny tale unfolds on a Greek island. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Every night over 17,000 people around the world see the show, and everyone's having the time of their lives!
There are currently a total of 11 productions (nine resident productions and two tours) of Mamma Mia playing internationally - more than any other musical. Mamma Mia is the world's number one show and a must-see!
Carousel at the Savoy Theatre
Carousel, a truly great classic musical, has opened to rave reviews at the Savoy Theatre.
Carousel is a story of two star-crossed lovers - Billy Bigelow, a handsome but ill-mannered carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a naive and selfless young mill worker - is set to one of the most ravishing and celebrated scores of all time, including The Carousel Waltz, If I Loved You, June is Bustin' Out All Over and You'll Never Walk Alone.
In this sensational new production, "Lesley Garrett has a natural effervescence and powerhouse voice" (Financial Times) in the pivotal role of Nettie. "Jeremiah James's Billy Bigelow is outstanding" (Observer) and "Alexandra Silber boasts a star-is-born quality" (Evening Standard) as Julie Jordan.
Carousel is directed by award-winning Lindsay Posner and choreographed by Adam Cooper, Carousel is a timeless and powerful fable of love, passion and redemption is not to be missed.
Hairspray at the Shaftsbury Theatre
Hairspray, a truly great classic musical, has opened to rave reviews at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Michael Ball stars as ‘Edna Turnblad’, leading the cast of the smash hit multi-award winning musical “HAIRSPRAY”. The show introduces 22 year-old complete unknown Leanne Jones, making her first professional appearance, playing ‘Tracy Turnblad’.
In Hairspray it's 1962 - the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program. "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!
Hairspray, The Broadway hit, directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, premiered at New York's Neil Simon Theatre in 2002 winning EIGHT Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Mousetrap at the St Martins Theatre
The world's longest-running play of any kind, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is now in it's 56th year!
The Mousetrap has now been running for 56 years during which time over 23,000 performances have been given. It is quite simply a great piece of theatrical history because of what it is, a whodunit written by the greatest crime writer of all time.
A West End staple for over 50 years,The Mousetrap is the longest consistently running play in the history of British theatre.
This world record breaking production continues to enthral, to entertain and to thrill audiences who still flock to the St Martin's Theatre from every corner of the globe. In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner....
The Mousetrap has been thrilling audiences from around the world for as long as Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. They have shared Silver and Ruby jubilees and recently both enjoyed their Golden celebration.
During this phenomenal run there have been no fewer than 297 actors and actresses appearing in the play, 86 miles of shirts have been ironed and over 320 tons of ice cream sold. Some cast members are in the Guinness Book of Records, David Raven as the 'Most Durable actor' for 4575 performances as Major Metcalf, and the late Nancy Seabrooke for a record breaking 15 years as an understudy.The Mousetrap first entered the record books many years ago on 12th April 1958 when it became the longest running show of any kind in the history of British Theatre.
In 2000 the set was replaced for the first time during the run at St Martin's Theatre, still to the same design as the original. This task was completed over a weekend without the loss of a performance.
Join the millions who have already discovered whodunnit, but will not share their secret...
Waiting for Godot at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
When Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot exploded on to the London stage 50 years ago, it shocked as many people as it delighted. There had never been a play like it. Two tramps clowning around, joking and arguing, repeating themselves, as they wait through one day and then another, waiting for the mysterious Godot.
The combination of music hall, poetry and tension redefined what is possible in theatre, so that these days Waiting for Godot is accepted as one of the most significant plays of the 20th century. Beckett’s characters have lost none of their power to fascinate and amuse and this production, directed by the acclaimed theatre and film director, Sean Mathias, has attracted the sort of great actors that the play deserves.
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are both renowned Shakespearean actors at Stratford-upon-Avon, in the West End and on Broadway. They first worked together in Tom Stoppard’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favour for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1977 and more recently in the X-Men film trilogy, as Magneto and Professor X. Each of them has established their own iconic screen persona, as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and as Star Trek’s Jean-Luc Picard.
Their new partnership with Beckett will be the theatre event of the year.
Oliver at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Oliver is the new production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane promises to be even more spectacular than ever before, starring Rowan Atkinson as Fagin, a cast and orchestra of over one hundred and an exciting new Nancy and Oliver. The sensational score is full of Lionel Bart's irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I'd Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more.
Rupert Goold (Best Director, 2008 Olivier Awards), will be restaging Sam Mendes acclaimed production, and along with Tony award winning director and choreographer Matthew Bourne will be using every inch of London's greatest musical stage with even more sensational sets by Anthony Ward.
Be the first to get your tickets for Oliver so that you won't have to pick a pocket or two to get in.
Woman in Mind at the Vaudeville Theatre
Clergyman's wife, Susan, bored, restless and frustrated with life in general and her family in particular, escapes to a happier, more exciting dream world of her own imagining. But when Susan's two worlds start to overlap and finally collide, danger threatens.
After a critically-acclaimed run in Scarborough, Janie Dee heads the cast as Susan, in this major revival of Alan Ayckbourn's bitter sweet 1985 comedy hit, directed by the author for the first time in over two decades.
Don't miss Janie Dee's first West End performance in an Ayckbourn play in almost 10 years. In 2000, Dee's performance in Ayckbourn's Comic Potential at the Lyric Theatre received theatre's most prestigious drama awards, an achievement only ever matched by Dame Judi Dench: The Olivier, London Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Theatre Best Actress Awards. For the Broadway transfer she received further awards and honours including: Obie, Theatre World, Lucille Lortel, Drama League Citation and Drama Desk Nomination for ‘Best Actress'.
The Last Cigarette at the Trafalgar Studios
The last word from one of Britain’s greatest dramatists, The Last Cigarette is a ground-breaking new production adapted by Hugh Whitemore and Simon Gray from Simon Gray’s literary masterpiece The Smoking Diaries:'cryingly funny and intensely moving' (The Daily Telegraph).
Richard Eyre directs a star cast Jasper Britton, Felicity Kendal and Nicholas Le Prevost in this heart-stopping and critically acclaimed production that is an unmissable theatrical event. Sardonic, humane, intelligent and often outrageously funny, it was completed just before the author’s death last summer.
Gray faced life - and death - with unflinching courage and defiant humanity; even when writing about his own mortality, he lost none of his prodigious talent to entertain. His other plays include Butley, Otherwise Engaged, Quartermaine's Terms, Hidden Laughter and The Common Pursuit, and his volumes of memoirs include Fat Chance, Enter a Fox, The Smoking Diaries and Coda.
Hamlet at the Wyndhams Theatre
The King of Denmark is dead. Consumed with grief, Prince Hamlet determines to avenge his father's apparent murder, with devastating consequences for his family and the kingdom.
Artistic Director Michael Grandage will direct Jude Law as Hamlet Shakespeare's iconic revenge tragedy.
An exciting one-man version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, performed by Raoul Bhaneja (Runaway, The Dresden Files, The Sentinel), a Shakespeare Globe International Member. This unique retelling of one of Shakespeare's most beloved classics uses original text and is presented in the brave and bare intimacy of an empty stage.
Combining the ancient art of storytelling and the modern "one-man show", this drama is directed by Robert Ross Parker, a Brooklyn-based director hailed by the New York Times for his directorial "expert craftsmanship".
'An extremely stimulating production... What an amazing feat!' - Atom Egoyan, Filmmaker and Academy Award Nominee
'Bhaneja's reading doesn't miss an iambic beat in taking the playgoer from "Who's there?" to "the rest is silence" in just over two hours. It's an extraordinary interpretation that allows the great play to speak for itself.' - Matt Radz, The Montreal Gazette