It's time for another monthly roundup, where we bring you the biggest news from the world of theatre in August and highlight the must-see shows for the coming month!
As summer fades, August delivered some thrilling updates from the heart of the UK theatre scene. This month saw exciting casting announcements for West End hits like Cabaret and Hadestown, and we had the chance to chat with a cast member from the unforgettable immersive experience, Guys and Dolls. Sadly, September will see us bidding farewell to some fantastic productions, including Disney’s Frozen The Musical, which is closing after three successful years in the West End. Enjoy our August roundup!
The most talked about theatre news in August
Lily Collins to make West End debut in Barcelona
Lily Collins and Álvaro Morte. Photos provided by production.
Written by Bess Wohl, an electrifying two-hander play is set to hit the West End this October, and we couldn't be more excited! Lily Collins and Álvaro Morte will make their West End debuts, stepping away from the big screen to star in this gripping production. The play explores an unexpected and intense encounter between an American woman and a Spanish man, who impulsively decides to spend the night together.
Interview with Guys and Dolls’ Owain Arthur
Owain Arthur headshot.
Bridge Theatre’s modern take on the classical musical Guys and Dolls has been amazing audiences since it opened in March 2023. We know our audiences have loved snapping up tickets for this show so we were lucky enough to have a chat with Owain Arthur recently to find out more about what it's like to perform in this show!
Read our interview with Owain Arthur
New cast announced for Cabaret
Katherine Langford and Adam Gillen. Photo Jay Brooks
There’s no stopping the multi award-winning, critically acclaimed production Cabaret and there’s some new faces joining the production in September! From the 23 September Olivier nominee Adam Gillen will play The Emcee and Golden Globe nominee Katherine Langford will take on the role of Sally Bowles.
Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke to star in THE SEAGULL at the Barbican Theatre
Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke headshots.
A new version of Chekhov’s masterpiece is heading to London early next year! Playing for a limited 6-week run at the Barbican Theatre from February, Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke will lead the production that sees how their two characters' lives intersect and how each character battles with ambition, desire and disappointments.
Nassim Soleimanpour’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit announces West End run
White Rabbit Red Rabbit artwork.
Making its West End debut this autumn, the international sensation White Rabbit Red Rabbit will run for a limited season at @sohoplace starting 1 October. In this unique production, performers step onto the stage with no preparation, no director, and no clue what awaits them as they open a sealed envelope containing the script. The stellar cast includes Daisy Edgar-Jones, Michael Sheen, and Callum Scott Howells.
White Rabbit Red Rabbit Tickets
What London shows are closing in September
Hoping to grab some last-minute tickets before shows close in September? Visit our website for a detailed rundown of ten must-see productions, including the smash-hit family favourite Disney’s Frozen The Musical, the unforgettable Hello, Dolly!, and the heart wrenching Next to Normal. Don’t miss your chance to experience these incredible performances before they take their final bow!
What London shows are opening in September
September is shaping up to be an incredible month for theatre enthusiasts, with a host of exciting new shows arriving in the city. Among the highlights is Princess Essex, a play based on the true story of Princess Dinubolu, the first woman of colour to enter a UK beauty pageant. Another standout is Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, an electrifying production that’s set to light up The Other Palace after a successful run at the Lyric Theatre last year.
If you’re a fan of comedy-dramas, don’t miss the stage adaptation of the Netflix hit Kim’s Convenience at Park Theatre—it’s sure to bring plenty of laughs. And for those who love stage adaptations, A Face In The Crowd is a must-see, featuring music by the legendary singer-songwriter Elvis Costello.
What we reviewed in August
I Love You, Now What? - Park Theatre
Andy Umerah and Sophie Craig in I Love You, Now What? at Park Theatre. Photo Lidia Crisafulli.
Originally presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last summer, this extended version of I Love You, Now What? headed to the Park Theatre for a limited run during the month of August. This play was an impressive debut, affording all three actors an excellent opportunity to shine.
Read our review of I Love You, Now What?
A Chorus Line - Sadlers Wells
Redmand Rance (Mike Costa), Chloe Saunders (Val Clarke) and Rachel Jayne Picar (Connie Wong) in A Chorus Line at Sadler's Wells - © Marc Brenner
A Chorus Line which wowed audiences at Leicester’s Curve Theatre back in 2021 had a successful summer run at Sadlers Wells before embarking on an exciting UK tour. A Chorus Line was designed to be a strong ensemble piece, reflective of the company camaraderie any musical needs to foster to be successful.
Read our review of A Chorus Line
The Years - Almeida Theatre
Romola Garai in The Years at the Almeida Theatre. Credit Ali Wright
Based on Les Années, five actors vividly bring one woman’s personal and political journey to life. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing post-war Europe, The Years shines with its remarkable subtlety and blisteringly impressive frankness in each performance.
The Comedy of Errors - Shakespeare's Globe
Daniel Adeosun as Antipholus of Syracuse and Phoebe Naughton as Courtesan in The Comedy of Errors at Shakespeare's Globe (© Marc Brenner)
Shakespeare's shortest and possibly most riotous offering The Comedy of Errors is currently being staged in London. The production is a ebullient burst of madcap mayhem that although the plot has more holes than a colander, the outcomes are intentionally convoluted and slapstick.
Read our review of The Comedy of Errors
Death of England: Closing Time - @Sohoplace
Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Denise) in Death of England: CLOSING TIME. Credit - Helen Murray.
Death of England: Closing Time is a powerful finale to the most dynamic and visceral commentary on contemporary English society in the past decade. Starring Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Erin Doherty, this collection of plays by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams pushes audiences to confront their own ingrained views and subconscious biases.
Read our review of Death of England: Closing Time
The 5 best-selling theatre shows in London during August
We are thrilled to announce our 5 best selling shows in August. This month our customers have been snapping up tickets to see some great theatre including Next to Normal, Mean Girls, Hello Dolly!, Choir of Man and Abba Voyage.
Win two tickets to Wicked
Wicked the Musical.
In celebration of becoming the 10th longest-running show in West End history and with the movie release just months away,our giveaway is still live to win two tickets to see the show for yourself! Head to our Instagram, X, Facebook pages to enter - the competition closes on 2 September.
As always we will see you again next month for another roundup, have a brilliant month of theatre in September.
