Another month to round up as April comes to a close! Read all of the best in news, reviews and what to see in May from London Box Office.
April has ushered in a whirlwind of excitement in London's theatres. Fantastic productions such as Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) and Machinal have premiered, while the news of My Neighbour Totoro transferring to the West End next year has delighted theatregoers. Additionally, we've finally discovered the cast for Mean Girls this summer! Today we highlight the best stories of the month and more from London theatres this April.
Top theatre news this month
Priscilla The Party! to close next month
The cast of Priscilla the Party! Credit: Marc Brenner
The all-singing, all-dancing immersive party and theatrical experience is heading out of London earlier than planned. Be swept off your feet by the dazzling costumes, catchy tunes, and heartwarming story of love, friendship and self-discovery. You only have until 26 May to experience the infectious energy and fabulous performances in London.
Book Priscilla The Party Tickets
Ncuti Gatwa to make National Theatre debut in The Importance of Being Earnest
Ncuti Gatwa headshot.
A new production of Oscar Wilde’s joyful and flamboyant comedy has been announced for the National Theatre later this year. It stars the brilliant actor Ncuti Gatwa who is the brand new Doctor on Doctor Who! Gatwa is joined by more incredible actors including Richard Cant, Sharon D Clarke and Hugh Skinner for the production!
Book The Importance of Being Earnest Tickets
Wicked becomes 10th longest-running West End show
Lucy St. Louis and Alexia Khadime in Wicked The Musical.
The West End stage musical phenomenon which tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz hit a historic milestone in April. Wicked is now the 10th longest-running show in the West End where it continues to engage audiences with its fresh perspective on friendship, power and identity.
West End transfer announced for My Neighbour Totoro
Following on from its astounding two year success at the Barbican Theatre, My Neighbour Totoro is heading to a new home next year when it transfers to the West End. The adaptation of the celebrated 1988 Studio Ghibli film translates to the stage well and lots more people will now be able to see what the hype was about with this one!
Book My Neighbour Totoro Tickets
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Oliver! to open in the West End
Oliver promotional image
Arriving back in London 15 years after its last revival, Oliver! will head back to the West End later this year thanks to a collaboration between Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne. An all time favourite with theatre fans everywhere, Oliver! offers audiences a show packed with a compelling narrative, iconic songs, and lively choreography.
What London shows are closing in May
Want to get your hands on some last minute tickets to see a show in May before it closes? Here are some of the productions you can see before it's too late!
Cruel Intentions The Musical
Cruel Intentions - Pamela Raith Photography
A huge hit with audiences and critics, Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is a seductive and scandalous musical adaptation of the infamous 1999 film. The story of love, lust and betrayal alongside some of the greatest ‘90s pop classics will give you a stellar show!
- Playing at The Other Palace
- Booking until 19 May 2024
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray production image.
It’s a performance which has enabled Sarah Snook to achieve an Olivier Award, this is a full on show which sees her play all 26 roles in the story. Experience this stunning portrayal of Oscar Wilde’s exploration of vanity, morality and the consequences of unchecked desires whilst you can.
- Playing at Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Booking until 11 May 2024
A Mirror
A Mirror promotional image
Known for its engaging and brilliantly clever storyline, A Mirror is an elusive play that centres around censorship, authorship and free speech. Jonny Lee Miller stars in the production which transferred to the West End following a successful run at the Almeida Theatre.
- Playing at Trafalgar Theatre
- Booking until 15 May 2024
Red Pitch
RED PITCH promotional image
A smash hit play, Red Pitch focuses on brotherhood in a production which is fast-paced and sharp-edged in its delivery. Written by Tyrell Williams, this is a play which tells the powerful story of gentrification vs regeneration and how this has an impact on London’s communities.
- Playing at Sohoplace
- Booking until 4 May 2024
What London shows are opening in May
Audiences are certainly eagerly anticipating the debut of exciting new productions in London in May. Some of the shows opening next month include Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge, the return of the hit play People, Places & Things and Heathers The Musical. Do you need help deciding what you should go and see next month? We’ve rounded up the best of the shows to see in London in May on our website to help you out.
What we reviewed in April
Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), Criterion Theatre
Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at the Criterion Theatre.
Performing at the Criterion Theatre following a sold-out run at the Kiln Theatre, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) is a new musical which has generated a huge buzz! Performed by Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty, the endearing charm inherent in the two characters adds oodles of oomph to a sweet show and the strongest reason to go see this well-deserved addition to the West End’s current productions.
Read our review of Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York
Underdog: The Other Bronte, National Theatre Dorfman
Kwaku Mills (Ensemble), Rhiannon Clements (Anne Brontë), Gemma Whelan (Charlotte Brontë) and Nick Blakeley (Ensemble) in Underdog: The Other Other Brontë at the National Theatre (c) Isha Shah
Sarah Gordon’s sometimes brash and roguishly modernist take on Yorkshire’s famous literary sisters UNDERDOG: THE OTHER OTHER BRONTË is as a whole a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking revisionist exploration.
Read our review of Underdog: The Other Bronte
The Comeuppance, Almeida Theatre
Yolanda Kettle, Ferdinand Kingsley, Katie Leung, Tamara Lawrance and Anthony Welsh in The Comeuppance at the Almeida Theatre. Credit Marc Brenner
The Comeuppance centres on a group of friendships who gather hours before their high school reunion. Whilst personal storylines provide the relatable nuggets which help us connect to the characters, the writer/director team of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Eric Ting also use the 20 year time period as a framing device to evaluate the major events which have served as a backdrop and whose impact has sometimes been profound and insidiously scarring.
Read our review of The Comeuppance
April Top 5 Sellers.
We are thrilled to announce our 5 best selling shows in April. This month our customers have been loving The Picture of Dorian Gray, Choir of Man, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Mamma Mia! and Cruel Intentions The Musical.
As always we will see you again next month for another roundup, have a brilliant month of theatre in April!
