As we approach the end of January, Theatreland has been busy with opening nights, casting announcements and show extensions. If one of these headline-making shows gets your attention, why not book your tickets today!
This week there's actors unexpectedly reprising their roles, last chance to see productions and exciting extension news.
Cast announcements in the West End
From entire ensemble announcements of big productions, to two returns to the stage, here are some of the exciting cast announcements from the West End this week.
2:22 A Ghost Story
Jake Wood in 2:22 A Ghost Story
Following illness during the rehearsal period, Hugo Chegwin sadly had to withdraw from the role of Ben in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Replacing Hugo is Jake Wood (EastEnders), who originated the role of Ben when the production first opened last year. Jake went on to win a WhatsOnStage Award for his performance.
2:22 A Ghost Story is at the Lyric Theatre until 23 April 2023
Book 2:22 A Ghost Story tickets
Back To The Future
Cory English returns to Back to the Future the Musical
Cory English has been announced as the next Doc Brown in Back to the Future the Musical. Currently played by Roger Bart, Cory will take over the role after 20 March, when Roger heads across the pond to perform in the Broadway production. No stranger to the time machine, Cory previously played Doc Brown between November last year and January 2023.
But that's not the only news to come from Hill Valley. It's also been revealed that the show will be using the Gala Pro app - this allows audiences to access individual closed captioning and audio descriptions through their mobile phones.
Booking till October 2023 at the Adelphi Theatre, get your tickets below!
Book Back To The Future tickets
The SpongeBob Musical
The SpongeBob Musical
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? This cast! Casting has been announced for the SpongeBob Musical, which arrives at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall between 26 July - 27 August 2023.
The cast includes:
- Gareth Gates as Squidward
- Divina De Campo (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) as Sheldon J Plankton
- Lewis Cornay (Book of Mormon) as SpongeBob
- Irfan Damani as Patrick
- Chrissie Bhima as Sandy
- Richard J Hunt as Mr Krabs
- Sarah Freer (Zog and the Flying Doctors) as Pearl
- Eloise Davies (Grease) as Mrs Puff
- Hannah Lowther (Heathers) as Karen
- Rebecca Lisewski (Strictly Ballroom) as Mayor
Book The SpongeBob Musical tickets
Show Extensions in the West End
Not had a chance to catch these fantastic shows yet? Don't panic, they've just announced they're extending - but don't leave it much later to book your tickets!
Mamma Mia! The Party
Mamma Mia! The Party
Extending until the 3 September 2023
Book Mamma Mia! The Party tickets
To Kill A Mockingbird
To Kill A Mockingbird
Its final performance will now be on the 20 May 2023 at the Gielgud Theatre
Book To Kill A Mockingbird tickets
Closing shows in the West End
It's always hard to say goodbye, especially to West End shows. Over the coming weekend, two shows are leaving London's Theatreland.
As You Like It
As You Like It at SohoPlace
This Shakespearean classic has been given a modern twist in this immersive production. Performing at @SohoPlace in the round, the show has been purposely built for accessibility, so captioning can be seen from every seat.
Closing on the 28 Jan 2023, you don't have long to catch this inclusive show.
Mother Goose
Mother Goose at the Duke of York's Theatre
The goose is flying out of London and continuing its UK tour. Starring Ian McKellen, John Bishop and Oscar Conlon-Morrey, this epic pantomime features fairies with hefty vocals, tapdancing puppets and plenty of mayhem.
Mother Goose plays its final show at the Duke of York's Theatre on the 29 January 2023.
New shows in the West End
From upcoming West End transfers to opening nights of iconic revivals, it's been another busy week for London theatre!
A Streetcar Named Desire
A Streetcar Named Desire transfers
Currently wowing audiences at The Almeida, A Streetcar Named Desire is transferring to the Phoenix Theatre from 20 March - 29 April 2023.
Directed by Rebecca Frecknall, many of the current cast will be reprising their roles for the West End transfer. This includes Patsy Ferran (Summer and Smoke) as Blanche, Oscar nominee Paul Mescal (Normal People) as Stanley, Anjana Vasan (Summer and Smoke) as Stella and Dwane Walcott (Hamlet) as Mitch.
The Elephant Song
The Elephant Song at the Park Theatre
Opening this week, The Elephant Song is running at the Park Theatre until 11 February 2023.
The production tells the story of a missing psychiatrist, and Michael, the young mental health unit patient who is a suspect in his disappearance. Packed with mind games and verbal tugs-of-war, this show will keep you guessing until its haunting finale.
Noises Off
Noises Off at the Phoenix Theatre
This iconic farcical comedy opened at the Phoenix Theatre this week. Noises Off follows the hilarious antics of a fictional touring company as they attempt to put on a play. Witness the chaos unfold backstage and onstage in Michael Frayn's highly celebrated play. The cast includes:
- Felicity Kendal (The Good Life) as Dotty Otley
- Jonathan Coy (Relatively Speaking) as Fredrick Fellows
- Matthew Kelly (The Dresser) as Selsdon Mowbray
- Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders) as Belinda Blair
Running for a limited season until 11 March 2023, tickets are on sale now.
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!