We're only a few weeks into a new year, and there's already been lots of exciting stagey announcements in the West End. With so many new productions coming into London, here's a breakdown of this week's news, including upcoming shows with tickets on sale right here, right now!
In this week's round up, there's an exciting West End transfer, multiple cast announcements and sneak peeks of upcoming shows.
New shows in the West End
From upcoming West End transfers, to opening nights which took place this week, here's what's new in London.
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy
After performing to sold-out rooms at the Royal Court and the New Diorama Theatre last year, the eagerly awaited For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, is finally getting a West End transfer. This award-winning production by Ryan Calais Cameron follows six young Black men in therapy, as they let their hearts and imaginations run wild.
Running at the Apollo Theatre for a limited time between 25 March - 7 May, tickets are on sale now.
Allegiance
George Takei's Allegiance
George Takei marked his West End debut this week with the opening of his brand-new musical, Allegiance. Based on Takei's own childhood experiences in an American internment camp, the show also stars Telly Leung (Glee) and Aynrand Ferrer (Miss Saigon). An epic love story that's already seen success on Broadway, book your tickets for this new, intimate production at the Charing Cross Theatre.
The Unfriend
The Unfriend
Following a critically acclaimed run at Chichester Theatre, The Unfriend opened at the Criterion Theatre last night. Written by Steven Moffat and directed by Mark Gatiss, this dark comedy is actually based on a true story. When Peter (Reece Shearsmith) and Debbie (Amanda Abbington) make friends with Elsa (Frances Barber) on holiday, they don't expect her to turn up at their door when they return home. Now what was supposed to be a casual holiday friendship has become a dangerous nightmare that could put their whole family at risk.
Running between 15 January till 16 April, tickets are on sale now.
Cast announcements in the West End
There are not only new productions in London to get excited about, but also lots of incredible cast announcements too! Here's the latest casting news for shows on sale right now.
Oklahoma!
Oklahoma cast announced
From the yellow brick road of Wizard of Oz to Oklahoma, Georgina Onurah is joining the cast at the Wyndham's Theatre as Ado Annie. Running from 28 February until 2 September, Phillip Olagoke (The Glass Menagerie) also joins the cast as Cord Elam.
The Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera cast announced
Over the coming months, multiple performers will take on lead roles in The Phantom of the Opera.
After nearly ten years away from the show, Earl Carpenter returns to reprise his role of the Phantom between 13 February - 1 April. From the 3 April, Jon Robyns will then take over the role. Holly-Anne Hull, (who is currently the alternate Christine), will play Christine full-time from 23 January. The alternate Christine from 13 February will be Paige Blankson, who recently played Cosette in the Les Misérables tour.
Book The Phantom of the Opera tickets
Olivier Awards news
And finally, the presenter of the Olivier Awards 2023 has been announced as Hannah Waddingham. An Emmy Award winner, Waddingham is no stranger to the stage having performed in multiple productions including Into The Woods and The Wizard Of Oz. The Olivier Awards will take place on the 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall.
