With another jam-packed month of theatre coming to a close, we’re looking back at the hottest news, reviews, and audience favourites that came from the month of April.
April delivered a wave of exhilarating theatre news, including an exclusive first look inside the rehearsal room for GIANT at the Harold Pinter Theatre and a sneak peek at Shucked, which makes its UK debut next month. Some of the biggest news stories of the month include two fantastic new additions to the West End this autumn, Paddington the Musical and PUNCH.
Enjoy our April round-up, and we can't wait to bring you more next month!
The most talked about theatre news in April 2025
PUNCH to transfer to the West End
David Shields as Jacob Dunne in Punch. Photo by Marc Brenner
PUNCH stunned the audiences of its Nottingham premiere last year and during its recent run at the Young Vic, it is set to play in the West End this Autumn. The high-powered new play by James Graham is based on the memoir ‘Right From Wrong’, it tells the story of what consequences of one fateful evening that changes a teenager’s life forever. PUNCH will play at the Apollo Theatre from 22 September to 29 November 2025.
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY returns to London this summer
Girl from the North Country at The Old Vic 2017, photo by Manuel Harlan
For the first time since it premiered in 2017, Girl From the North Country will return to the Old Vic this summer for a limited run. Written by Conor McPherson, the story follows a group of wayward travellers searching for meaning in a local guesthouse to over twenty of Bob Dylan’s unforgettable songs. Girl From The North Country will play at the Old Vic from 24 June to 23 August 2025.
Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Paapa Essiedu to star in ALL MY SONS in the West End
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Bryan Cranston and Paapa Essiedu. Credit Oliver Rosser
From the well-renowned playwright Arthur Miller, a brand new adaptation of All My Sons heads to London’s Wyndham’s Theatre at the tail end of this year, directed by Ivo van Hove. The story of a corrupt wartime businessman will feature a phenomenal cast at its forefront, with Paapa Essiedu, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Bryan Cranston announced.
Ncuti Gatwa & Edward Bluemel to star in BORN WITH TEETH at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London
Born With Teeth artwork. Photo by Felicity McCabe
A wickedly witty and thrilling reimagining of the rivalry between two of the most influential people in playwrighting is set to hit the West End in August. Written by Liz Duffy Adams, Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Killing Eve actor Edward Bluemel will bring this new production set in 1591 to life at the Wyndham’s Theatre from 13 August.
PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL to receive world premiere in London this Autumn
Paddington the Musical artwork.
Adapted from the books by Michael Bond, Paddington The Musical is set to make its premiere in an exciting new production at the Savoy Theatre from 1 November. The story follows the cherished bear from Peru to London in search of a place to call home, with a book by Jessica Swale and music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher. This will easily become one of the best family shows to see in London later this year and a brilliant addition to Theatreland.
What London shows are opening in May
An abundance of new shows are opening in London in May. Highlights include the arrival of the Olivier Award-winning Best Musical Revival Fiddler on the Roof, and Tamsin Greig stars in the West End transfer of The Deep Blue Sea at Theatre Royal Haymarket. That’s not all though, because Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter will appear onstage together in Mrs Warren’s Profession from 10 May.
What London shows are closing in May 2025
Sadly in April we will say goodbye to some brilliant productions. Some of the productions you need to see before they conclude include Dear England at the National Theatre, Ghosts at Lyric Hammersmith and Richard II at Bridge Theatre.
What we reviewed in April
The Brightening Air, Old Vic
Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty (Brendan), Seán McGinley (Pierre), Derbhle Crotty (Elizabeth), Hannah Morrish (Lydia) and Chris O'Dowd (Dermot) in The Brightening Air at The Old Vic (2025). Photo by Manuel Harlan
Set in 1980s Ireland, Olivier Award-winning writer and director presents The Brightening Air, a brand new play at the Old Vic. There is a palpably tight-knit cohesion in the troupe including Brian Gleeson and Chris O’Dowd which resonates to the far corners of the Old Vic auditorium. It plays until 14 June 2025.
Ghosts, Lyric Hammersmith
Patricia Allison, Victoria Smurfit and Callum Scott Howells in Ghosts at the Lyric Hammersmith. Photo Credit Helen Murray.
A brand new version of Ibsen’s Ghosts was presented at the Lyric Hammersmith during April. Directed by Rachel O’Riordan, this show proves less of a reworked adaptation and more of a dynamic transformation/Manhunt, Royal Court Theatre. The production features a striking cast including Callum Scott Howells and Victoria Smurfit. It plays until 10 May 2025.
Manhunt, Royal Court Theatre
MANHUNT at Royal Court
Robert Icke’s fresh new production Manhunt presents the story of Raoul Mouat, the man who wreaked havoc three days after being released from Durham prison. The production, which features a powerhouse performance delivered by Samuel Edward-Cook, attempts to offer a more balanced assessment of cause and effect. It plays at the Royal Court Theatre until 3 May 2025.
The top 5 best-selling London theatre shows in April 2025
We are thrilled to announce our 5 best-selling shows in April. This month, our customers have been snapping up tickets to see some great theatre, including Dear England, Retrograde, Fiddler on the Roof, The Comedy about Spies and Choir of Man.
As always, we will see you again next month for another roundup. Have a brilliant month of theatre in May, and make sure you keep up to date with our guide on the best new shows to see in London.
