While we've been finishing off our Easter chocolate and enjoying a few extra days off, Theatreland has been keeping busy announcing new shows, new casts and more!
Here's what's happened in the West End this week!
Cast announcements in the West End
From casting news for long-running West End transfers, to brand new productions heading to London, it's been another busy week for cast announcements!
2:22 A Ghost Story
The new cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story
The sixth cast has been announced for the spooktacular show that's got West End audiences on the edge of their seats. Joining the show when it transfers to the Apollo from 14 May will be Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) as Lauren, Ricky Champ (Eastenders) as Ben, Clifford Samuel (McMafia) as Dan and Jaime Winston (Kidulthood) as Jenny.
The current cast of Cheryl, Jake Wood, Scott Karim and Louise Ford will continue at the Lyric Theatre until 23 April and tickets for both runs are on sale now.
Book 2:22 A Ghost Story tickets
School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play
The cast of School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play
Lyric Hammersmith has announced casting for this UK premiere, which is running between 14 June till 15 July 2023. Directed by Monique Touko (who won the 2022 Stage Debut Award for Best Director), the initial cast are:
- Heather Agyepong (The Power - Amazon Prime)
- Bola Akeju (Ted Lasso - Apple TV)
- Deborah Alli (Undercover - BBC)
- Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Bad Education - BBC),
- Jadesola Odunjo (You - Netflix)
- Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise - BBC)
There is still additional casting to be announced.
Book School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play tickets
We Will Rock You
Ben Elton will join the cast of We Will Rock You
Ben Elton, the writer and director of the hit musical We Will Rock You is going to make his West End acting debut in the show this summer. Joining Elton in the show's return will be:
- Brenda Edwards (Chicago / Hairspray) as Killer Queen
- Lee Mead (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang / Wicked) as Khashoggi
- Ian McIntosh as Galileo Figaro
- Elena Skye (Kinky Boots) as Scaramouche
- Christine Allado (The Prince of Egypt) as Meat
- Adrian Hansel (Ain't Misbehavin') as Brit
- Jenny O'Leary (Heathers) as Alternate Killer Queen.
The cast is completed by Glenn Adamson, Laura Ava-Scott, Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Liam Buckland, David Burilin, Victoria Collins, Isaac Edwards, Leanne Garretty, Lucy Glover, Ryesha Higgs, Ellis Linford-Pill, Shak Mancel James, David McIntosh, Danny Nattrass, Jarryd Nurden, Sam Robinson, Madison Swan, Karen Walker and Rebecca Wickes.
We Will Rock You opens at the London Coliseum on 2 June and will run for a limited 12-week season until 27 August.
New shows in the West End
Get your diaries out and add these upcoming productions to your diaries!
Grenfell: in the words of survivors
Grenfell: in the words of survivors
Running at the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, this verbatim play will be made in collaboration with people and organisations from North Kensington. Grenfell: in the words of survivors will shine a spotlight on the experiences of the community following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical), the cast includes Ash Hunter, Houda Echouafni, Jackie Clune, Joseph Alessi, Keaton Guimarães-Tolley, Michael Shaeffer, Mona Goodwin, Nahel Tzegai, Pearl Mackie and Rachid Sabitri.
Written by Gillian Slovo, the play will be presented in three parts - before the tragedy, during the night itself and a short film - to represent the voices of the local community, the survivors and the bereaved as they continue to campaign for justice.
Grenfell: in the words of survivors will run between 13 July till 26 August 2023.
Pygmalion
The revival of Pygmalion kicks off The Old Vic 2023/24 season
Kicking off the Old Vic Theatre's 2023/24 season will be a revival of Pygmalion. Starring award winners Bertie Carvel as Professor Henry Higgins and Patsy Ferran as Eliza Doolittle, the show will run between 6 September till 28 October 2023.
Written by Bernard Shaw, the story follows Eliza Doolittle, as she becomes a subject of a bet, and the professor who is tasked with making her pass as a high society woman. Further cast and creatives will be announced at a later date.
Closing shows in the West End
Not managed to see these shows yet? You've not got long to book your tickets as they're disappearing from the West End in the coming week.
The Unfriend
The Unfriend closes on 16 April
Closing date: 16 April
What would happen if the friend you made on holiday actually kept to their promise of keeping in touch, and then turned up at your home? That's what The Unfriend explores in this hilarious new comedy written by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who). Directed by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), the all-star cast includes Reece Shearsmith (Inside No. 9), Amanda Abbington (Sherlock) and Frances Barber (Silk).
Medea
Medea closes on 22 April
Closing date: 22 April
Starring Sophie Okonedo and Ben Daniels, Medea is the latest production to open at London's newest theatre, @sohoplace. The plot follows the tragic tale of a woman gripped by grief and rage, and her quest for revenge against the men who've abandoned her. A play that's been gripping audiences for over 2,500 years, don't miss the story of literature's most titanic female protagonist.
What are you seeing in the West End this week? Tag us on social media in your theatre trips and share your memories with us!
It's been a busy week in the West End, with lots of exciting opening nights, casting news and show announcements. Not to mention an additional week of bargain tickets in London Theatre Week!