As February comes to a close and a new month approaches, we're looking back at the biggest news, reviews, and audience favourites of the month!
It’s been an exciting time for theatregoers, with plenty of thrilling announcements about what’s to come this year. From Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre to The Hunger Games: On Stage and Austenland, there’s so much to look forward to! We also had the chance to review some incredible productions, including Much Ado About Nothing and The Last Laugh.
Enjoy our February round up; we can't wait to bring you more next month!
The most talked about theatre news in February 2025
National Theatre’s Ballet Shoes to return this Winter
Ballet Shoes production image. Photo by Manuel Harlan
After a sensational run at the National Theatre that wrapped up this month, Ballet Shoes is set to make a triumphant return this Christmas for even more magical performances. Directed by Katy Rudd and adapted by Kendall Fever, Ballet Shoes will run at the Olivier Theatre as part of Director and Co-CEO Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season. A huge hit with audiences and critics, and we can’t wait for it to return.
Full cast announced for The Great Gatsby for London Coliseum
Jon Robyns, Amber Davies, Frances Mayli McCann, Jamie Muscato, Rachel Tucker and John Owen-Jones. Photo by Danny Kaan.
The full cast has been announced for the highly anticipated London premiere of The Great Gatsby, set to open in London in April. Bringing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic characters include Jamie Muscato, Frances Mayli McCann and Corbin Bleu.
Hadestown reveals new cast for West End production
Desmonda Cathabel, Dylan Wood, Cedric Neal and Chris Jarman. Headshots provided by production.
The critically acclaimed production marked its second year in the West End this month, following its return to the city for the first time in five years. From 11 March, a stellar new cast, including Cedric Neal, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, and Desmonda Cathabel, will take the stage at the Lyric Theatre.
The global stage premiere of THE HUNGER GAMES: ON STAGE announced
The artwork for The Hunger Games: On Stage
Adapted from Suzanne Collins’ first book, The Hunger Games: On Stage has officially announced details for its London premiere. Written by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, the production will take place at the brand-new 1,200-seat Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. The Hunger Games: On Stage will be a huge hit when it begins performances in the Autumn.
Major new revival of Into The Woods announced at the Bridge Theatre
The artwork for Into the Woods.
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved musical returns to London for the first time since 2016, opening at the end of the year. Directed by Jordan Fein and designed by Tom Scutt, this enchanting production, which reimagines classic fairy tales with a unique twist, begins performances on 2 December.
What London shows are opening in March
March is bursting with exciting theatre highlights! The Little Prince, following sold-out runs in Paris, Sydney, Dubai, and on Broadway, makes its highly anticipated London debut. Meanwhile, the award-winning Dear England returns to the National Theatre, and Ryan Calais Cameron’s gripping thriller Retrograde transfers for a new run.
What London shows are closing in March
In March, we’ll be bidding farewell to several outstanding productions that have captivated audiences over their runs. Among them is Macbeth at the Lyric Hammersmith, a gripping retelling of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy that has enthralled theatre lovers with its bold direction and powerful performances. Also taking its final bow is The Last Laugh at the Noël Coward Theatre, a sharp and thought-provoking production as well as Oedipus at The Old Vic. Be sure to catch these remarkable shows before they close!
What we reviewed in February
Second Best, Riverside Studios
Asa Butterfield in Second Best. Photo Hugo Glendinning
Asa Butterfield makes his stage debut in the one-man show Second Best at Riverside Studios. Directed by Michael Longhurst and featuring a playfully inventive set by Fly Davis, the production follows the fictional story of the boy who came second in the race to play Harry Potter in the beloved film series.
Read our review of Second Best
The Years, Harold Pinter Theatre
Romola Garai, Gina McKee, Deborah Findlay, Harmony Rose-Bremner and Anjli Mohindra in The Years at Harold Pinter Theatre. Credit Helen Murray.
The Almeida’s stunning, all-female success from last year, has transferred to the West End and deservedly so. Based on Director Eline Arbo’s Dutch translation of Les années) a cast of five women take us on a journey of the author’s life from 1941-2006… and what an incredible journey it proves to be.
KENREX, Southwark Playhouse
Jack Holden in KENREX. Photo by Manuel Harlan.
After its acclaimed transfer from Sheffield last year, the gripping true-crime drama KENREX is a must-see. This hard-hitting and mesmerising production tells the astonishing story of a small town rising up to reclaim control after a decade of tyranny under one man. Created by Jack Holden, Ed Stambollouian, and John Patrick Elliott—who also provides live onstage music—the show is based on real-life events in the Missouri town of Skidmore.
Much Ado About Nothing, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The cast of Much Ado About Nothing. Photo by Manuel Harlan
Jamie Lloyd presents a bold new production of Much Ado About Nothing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane as part of his limited Shakespeare season. Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star in this show which was always destined to be a sell-out.
February Top 5 Sellers
We are thrilled to announce our 5 best-selling shows in January. This month our customers have been snapping up tickets to see some great theatre including Fiddler on the Roof, Choir of Man, Titanique, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.
As always we will see you again next month for another roundup, have a brilliant month of theatre in March when Spring finally arrives!
