We’re back with another monthly round up - bringing you the biggest news from Theatreland, letting you know what shows we reviewed and what shows to look out for over the next month.
June has delivered some great news from London’s theatres including the return of the beloved comedy play The 39 Steps as well as the announcement that next year Disney’s Hercules will head to the West End - there has been a lot to catch up with this month. Don’t forget that the start of a new month will also be big for new shows opening across the city, including Hello, Dolly and A Chorus Line. Let’s get stuck into this month’s monthly round up.
The most talked about theatre news in June
Gina Beck and Michael Simkins to join the cast of Guys and Dolls
Gina Beck and Michael Simkins. Headshots provided by production.
There’s some exciting new casting news for Nicholas Hytner’s multi-award-winning immersive production, Guys and Dolls. From September, Gina Beck and Michael Simkins will take over the roles of Sarah Brown and Arvide Abernathy. You’ll be able to see this new cast before the show closes early next year at the Bridge Theatre.
A third return to the stage for The Lehman Trilogy this Autumn
John Heffernan, Howard W. Overshown, Aaron Krohn in The Lehman Trilogy 2024. Photo by Kevin Berne
A “mesmerising chronicle of an American dynasty” (The Times), The Lehman Trilogy will delight London audiences once again when Sam Mendes’ critically acclaimed production heads back to the West End for a limited run from September. A sweeping story of a family spanning generations and a company that changed the world, The Lehman Trilogy is a must-see for theatregoers!
Giles Terera to join the cast of Dr. Strangelove
Giles Terera. Photo by Chantel King.
With the world premiere stage production of Dr. Strangelove planned for October, the production announces star casting at its helm. The Olivier Award-winning actor Giles Terera will take on the role of General Buck Turgidson alongside Steve Coogan. Stanley Kubrick’s timeless classic will offer audiences an unforgettable blend of dark comedy and biting satire.
UK premiere of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 announced
Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 artwork.
The UK will finally get the chance to see the 12-time Tony Award-nominated Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 as it was announced that it’d be premiering at the Donmar Warehouse in December. The musical adaptation of a segment from Tolstoy’s War and Peace is part of the theatre’s new Artistic Director Timothy Sheader’s first season.
The Great Comet of 1812 Tickets
Disney’s Hercules West End premiere announced
Hercules production shot - photo by Johan Persson.
If you love other Disney stage productions like Frozen The Musical and The Lion King then watch out for Hercules which will head into the Theatre Royal Drury Lane next summer. Besides being directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, there’s little knowledge about the new production but we’re excited still!
What London shows are closing in July
Want to get your hands on some last minute tickets to see a show this month before it closes? There are several outstanding shows playing their final performances and there’s still time to catch them before it’s too late. Our rundown of 5 of them can be read on our post 5 theatre shows closing in July (2024) including the rock musical Passing Strange and favourite Heathers The Musical.
What London shows are opening in July
Audiences are certainly eagerly anticipating the debut of exciting new productions in London in July. Put on your Sunday clothes because Hello, Dolly! arrives at the London Palladium from 6 July, starring the impeccable Imelda Staunton. Looking for something to kick off the summer holidays? Don’t miss out on Shrek The Musical and Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour. We’ve got the full list of the shows you can see in July on our website!
What we reviewed in June
Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Jade Marvin (Momma) and the cast in Starlight Express (Photo Credit Pamela Raith)
22 years after reaching the end of the line, an entirely revamped production of Starlight Express opens in London and hopes to electrify a fresh generation of musical trainspotters at the 2000-seator Troubadour venue.
Read our review of Starlight Express
The Secret Garden, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
The Secret Garden at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Credit Alex Brenner.
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s endearingly quaint piece of Edwardiana has been newly adapted through the joint talents of Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard. This production of The Secret Garden is a play version that is unapologetically aimed at the younger end of the age spectrum.
Read our review of The Secret Garden
Next to Normal, Wyndham’s Theatre
Caissie Levy in Next to Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre. © Marc Brenner
Given the unlikely subject matter, and the simply superb and sensitive way in which the cast and creative team have handled the material, Next to Normal is quite simply a breathtaking achievement. The powerhouse performances from every member of the superb cast, is a testament to the strength and quality of the production.
Read our review of Next to Normal
Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder, Ambassadors Theatre
The Cast of Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder! Pamela Raith Photography.
Bronté Barbé and Rebekah Hinds are a pair of supremely talented performances who manage effortlessly to lift even the kitschest tongue-in-cheek and colloquially corny moments, the producers have hit comedy. Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder embarks on its West End run for a limited time only.
Read our review of Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder
June Top 5 Sellers.
We are thrilled to announce our 5 best selling shows in June. This month our customers have been snapping up tickets to see some great theatre including Starlight Express, Choir of Man, Mamma Mia!, Heathers the Musical and Kiss Me, Kate.
The Big Summer Event!
Are you searching for fantastic deals on the hottest theatre tickets in town? Look no further! Our Big Summer Event has just launched, offering a wide selection of shows from the latest smash hits to enduring West End classics. This offer is available for a limited time, so grab your theatre buddy and experience some of the best performances London has to offer. Don't miss out!
As always we will see you again next month for another roundup, have a brilliant month of theatre in July!
