Plays

It’s been seven years since Ballet Preljocaj performed their Snow White at Sadler’s Wells. Continuing his exploration of fairytales, the daring contemporary choreographer Angelin Preljocaj turns his attention to a traditional Chinese tale.

Matthew Warchus' big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens' immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).

The multi-award winning La Clique returns to the West End, a decade on from winning the Best Entertainment Olivier Award for its season at the Leicester Square Hippodrome. Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, this original and trailblazing Spiegeltent cabaret show has gone on to tour the globe to international acclaim and now returns to the beautiful Leicester Square Spiegeltent with a magnificent collection of extraordinary new artists and unmissable favourites.

Ida Barr – the people’s pensioner and the Queen Mother of our hearts – is a former music hall singer turned rap star and Underbelly favourite. Her brand of Artificial Hip Hop has thrilled listeners globally from dope cribs to residential care homes.

Now the hip-op hip-hop star, the missing link between music hall and dancehall, presents her Revolutionary Bingo Show. Change the world and win big! Nothing will be the same again after a night of social agitation and tiny acts of rebellion using protest R&B and dissident songs from the 19th Century all rapped up in a communal hip hop style with mass singalongs and lots of that most revolutionary tool of all – laughter!
 

Michael Frayn’s award-winning Noises Off premiered at the Lyric Hammersmith in 1982 and instantly became an iconic British comedy.

With technical brilliance and split-second timing, it takes us behind the scenes with a company of actors in a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the unpredictability of life in the theatre.

Hailed as one of the funniest plays of all time, Noises Off makes its triumphant return to the Lyric almost 40 years on, in a bold new production by Jeremy Herrin (Wolf Hall/This House) for fans to enjoy and new audiences to discover.
 

Rosalind is banished, and with her best friend Celia by her side, she journeys into exile. But not before catching the eye of love-struck Orlando, who is also forced from The Court into the dappled Forest of Arden. 

Shakespeare's fantastical fable of desire, confusion, jealousy and growing up.

"Lord, what fools these mortals be!"

Through live music, playful adventure and physical invention, see the lovers' world transformed into a place of magic, laughter and healing, as we journey into the woods.

Everyone’s favourite Pig family is back, leading an interactive introduction to live orchestra. Watch as Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig learn how to conduct an orchestra, exploring all the different sounds that instruments make together. With George and Peppa, they bring to life some of their favourite music from the show as well as discovering other exciting pieces perfect for little ones. Your little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family, and make their very own Oinkestra!

A piercing look at power and family.

Roger Allam (Les Misérables, The Thick of It) returns to the National for the first time in a decade to play Rutherford in this new production directed by Polly Findlay (Beginning).

In a Northern industrial town, John Rutherford rules both factory and family with an iron will. But even as the furnaces burn relentlessly at the Glassworks, at home his children begin to turn against him.

Githa Sowerby’s astonishing play was inspired by her own experience of growing up in a family-run factory in Gateshead. Writing in 1912, when female voices were seldom heard on British stages, she now claims her place alongside Ibsen and Bernard Shaw with this searing depiction of class, gender and generational warfare.

In this radical take on Shakespeare’s fierce and energetic comedy of gender, Baptista Minola is seeking to marry off her two sons, the sweet-tempered Bianco and the rebellious Katherine. Cue an explosive courtship and a keenly witty portrayal of hierarchy and control.

Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live.

On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins.

From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, a trip to see the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum is an unforgettable Christmas treat.

Travel to a faraway land for the adventures of a dashing pirate, Conrad, and his feisty girlfriend Medora. Will they outfox villainous schemers and find happiness on the high seas?

English National Ballet’s Le Corsaire is “hugely enjoyable entertainment” (The Daily Telegraph). Expect a swashbuckling romp, full of thrilling dancing by an extraordinary cast of performers, with gorgeous decors and costumes created by Hollywood’s Bob Ringwood, all set to a romantic score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

English National Ballet is the only UK company to perform this classic story ballet. Their extravagant production, staged by Anna-Marie Holmes, has enthralled audiences and received rave reviews worldwide, including Paris and Tokyo. It returns to the London Coliseum following glorious performances in 2016.

South African choreographer Dada Masilo is not afraid of reinventing a classic.

Her Swan Lake, which opened Sadler’s Wells Sampled in 2014, placed her male Odile in pointe shoes.

For Giselle, Masilo places the definitive Romantic heroine in South Africa.

Deserted by her lover, Giselle, danced by Masilo herself, is guided by a Sangoma, a traditional healer, in a trailblazing feminist take on the classical ballet.

Following a sold out run at the Young Vic theatre, the smash hit, critically acclaimed production of Death of a Salesman transfers to the Piccadilly Theatre for 10 weeks only.
"I don't say he's a great man…but he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall in his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person."

Olivier Award 2016 winners The Showstoppers are back in the West End transforming audience suggestions into all-singing, all-dancing shows with unpredictable and hilarious results.

Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist and two-time Olivier Award-winner Russell Maliphant has long been fascinated by the human body.

Having just celebrated their 60th anniversary, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater bring with them a flood of new and exciting works alongside modern classics in three mixed programmes that demonstrate the unparalleled artistry that defined them.

Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece, and the company’s signature piece, signs off each one of their shows. Performed as a closing prayer, Revelations veers from grief to elation as it explores African-American cultural heritage and spirituality alongside an emotional score of gospel music and blues.

Having just celebrated their 60th anniversary, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre bring with them a flood of new and exciting works alongside modern classics in three mixed programmes that demonstrate the unparalleled artistry that has defined them.

Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece, and the company’s signature piece, signs off each one of their shows. Performed as a closing prayer, Revelations veers from grief to elation as it explores African-American cultural heritage and spirituality alongside an emotional score of gospel music and blues.

Having just celebrated their 60th anniversary, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater bring with them a flood of new and exciting works alongside modern classics in three mixed programmes that demonstrate the unparalleled artistry that has defined them.

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE STAMPEDES INTO WEMBLEY

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!

We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead!

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with the smash hit production of Barmy Britain – Part Four!
Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged by King James I for being a witch? Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man! Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride! After seven sensational years in the West End, Barmy Britain is back!

Experience all the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus when CIRCUS 1903 returns to the Southbank Centre this Christmas with new acts for 2019 including the Brazilian Wheel of Death.

Sensational puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horse puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before, alongside a huge cast of the most unique, jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe. From strong men to contortionists, acrobats to musicians, knife throwers, high wire and much more, CIRCUS 1903 will amaze, captivate, and transport audiences of all ages to the mesmerising Golden Age of circus.

Following a critically-acclaimed, sell-out run, the smash-hit play by Kevin Elyo, writer of the landmark drama My Night With Reg, returns to Trafalgar Studios 2 in January for a strictly limited four week season.

Tony and Greg seem to have love all figured out. They’re in a committed relationship but with room for a little more on the side whenever it takes their fancy. The only rule? Never sleep with the same man twice.

When drop-dead gorgeous Robert walks into their lives, the fragile foundations of their sexual contract are thrown into jeopardy.

Funny, fresh and packed with razor-sharp wit, Coming Clean questions the nature of fidelity and the limits of love.

It’s the show you’ve all been asking for – and it’s brought to you by the people behind the worldwide smash hit, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience.

This fully immersive show transports audiences to The Nags Head to meet the pride of Peckham in a night of wheeling, dealing and eating. 

Hop onto your seats and immerse yourself in the magical world of Beatrix Potter. Watch with delight as your favourite stories and most beloved characters are brought to life in this theatrical spectacular, with beautifully handcrafted puppets, enchanting original songs and a sprinkle of magic.

Look out for the ferocious Mr McGregor, reach heady heights with Jemima Puddle-Duck, do the laundry with Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle and of course, fall in love with the mischievous Peter Rabbit.

After touring the globe, the legendary cabaret YUMMY is making its London debut! Join the ever fabulous and award-winning ensemble as they take you on the most delicious and unpredictable ride of your life.

Join us every Saturday night for a huge line up of the best comedy talent on offer. London Comedy Allstars is your one-stop shop for the biggest laughs, the best location and your new favourite night out. Southbank will be non-stop LOLs.

Here at The Showstoppers’ Kids Show we take your ideas and turn them into marvellous, musical interactive adventures.

You decide where the story is set, who we meet and where we go. Harry Potter on the moon? Done! Peppa Pig and the Gruffalo meet dinosaurs inside a dolls house? No worries!

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR GROWN UPS!: Children (and ONLY children!) are in charge in – no cheating please! Kids get to decide who our heroes are and what happens next in every story. All they need to do is shout out their ideas and The Showstoppers will bring them to life, right there on the spot. They can even join in!

If your children could create their very own dream musical show, where would they start? A magical castle under the sea? A spooky graveyard? And who would the characters be? A super hero? A crocodile? A fairy? From their imaginations straight onto the stage – we’ll bring their ideas to life.

One day. Six cities. A thousand stories.

Following two sell-out runs at the National Theatre and a world tour, Inua Ellams’ acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles comes to the Roundhouse this summer.

Newsroom, political platform, local hotspot, confession box, preacher-pulpit and football stadium. For generations, African men have gathered in barber shops to discuss the world. These are places where the banter can be barbed and the truth is always telling.

Amber and Tom are in the first year at their elite American university. Their paths cross and they connect in ways that seem innocent enough at first. But after they hook up at a party and spend the night together things start to become more clouded. They agree on the drinking, they agree on the attraction, but what actually happened between them?

This deeply felt, funny and thought-provoking play comes from the award-winning playwright Anna Ziegler (Photograph 51). With wit and urgency, ACTUALLY investigates the highly charged topic of sexual consent, the complex intersection of race and gender politics, our crippling desire to fit in, and the three sides to every story.

“Undeniably funny, poignant and profound”- New York Magazine

“Gripping. Beautifully rendered and complex” - LA Times

“Explosive, timely and riveting”- The Boston Globe

In a small Nigerian town Ben, Obembe and their two older brothers slip away to fish at a forbidden river. Unnoticed and carefree they continue until the prophecy of a madman changes the course of their lives forever.

Based on the Man Booker Prize shortlisted novel by one of Africa's major new voices, New Perspectives’ critically acclaimed award-winning production of Chigozie Obioma’s powerful allegory of brotherhood, vengeance and fate adapted by Gbolahan Obisesan arrives in the West End for the first time.

Join us this summer for an outdoor promenade performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the beautiful grounds of St Paul’s Church in the heart of Covent Garden.

Amid the rubble of the old politics a populist King rose to power, promising a return to England’s golden age. But now he is dead, murdered; and in the following bloodbath his brother has seized the throne.  

A masked figure has been seen, stalking the shadows. There is whisper of a resistance, gathering in the dark.

To be or not to be, that is the question - but can the nation’s heir, Hamlet, find the answers?

Uphold the state; or join the rebels?

Be ready to choose in this thrilling contemporary production of Shakespeare’s greatest play. 

This vibrant, outdoor production of Victor Hugo’s epic tale of injustice, survival and love will be a spectacular adventure for all the family.

ZooNation’s smash-hit sensation Some Like It Hip Hop thrilled audiences and critics when it opened in 2011, prompting five-star reviews and standing ovations with its infectious “wit, heart and magnificent energy” (The Independent).

Message In A Bottle is the spectacular new dance-theatre show from triple Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting including Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, Walking on the Moon, Fields of Gold, Englishman In New York and Shape of My Heart.

A village alive with joyous celebrations is suddenly under siege. Everything changes forever. Determined and daring, three parted siblings step out on their own extraordinary adventures. With a mix of exhilarating dance styles, dazzling footwork and breathtaking athleticism set to the music of Sting, Message In A Bottle tells a vital and uplifting story of humanity and hope.

Message In A Bottle is the latest masterpiece from the ground-breaking creator behind Some Like it Hip Hop, Into The Hoods, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (choreography) and SYLVIA, and features the astonishing talents of dance storytelling powerhouse, ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.

Direct from a sold-out season at Kiln Theatre the five star, hit play, The Son, transfers to the Duke of York’s theatre for ten weeks only from 24 August.
 
Written by the internationally acclaimed Florian Zeller, lauded by The Guardian as ‘the most exciting playwright of our time’, The Son is directed by the award-winning Michael Longhurst and forms the final part of the critically acclaimed trilogy with The Father and The Mother.
 
I’m telling you. I don’t understand what’s happening to me.
 
Nicolas is going through a difficult phase after his parents’ divorce. He’s listless, skipping school, lying and thinks that moving in with his father and his new family may help. A fresh start. When he doesn’t settle there either, he decides that going back to his mother’s may be the answer. When change feels like the only way to survive, what will he do when the options begin to run out?

Go and get two bicycle-wheels.’

‘There are no more bicycle-wheels.’

‘What have you done with your bicycle?’

‘I never had a bicycle.’

Nothing stirs outside. In a bare room, Hamm, an old, blind tyrant, is locked in a stalemate with his servant Clov. Interrupted only by the nostalgic musings of Hamm’s ancient, dustbin-dwelling parents, this bleakly funny double act cling stubbornly to their routine of casual savagery and mutual dependence.

Richard Jones (The Hairy Ape, Into the Woods) directs Beckett’s macabre comedy in which hope and cruelty are the last things to die.

Endgame will be presented in a double bill with Samuel Beckett’s rarely seen short play Rough for Theatre II, performed by members of the company.

A shocking assassination in the heart of London. In a bizarre mix of high-stakes global politics and radioactive villainy, a man pays with his life.

At this time of global crises and a looming new Cold War, A Very Expensive Poison sends us careering through the shadowy world of international espionage from Moscow to Mayfair.

John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch) directs Lucy Prebble’s (The Effect, ENRON) reimagining of Luke Harding’s jaw-dropping exposé of the events behind the notorious death of Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.

The Girl who Fell is a poignant and darkly funny play about loss, guilt and Snapchat from the “provocative and entertaining” Sarah Rutherford (Telegraph), former Writer in Residence at Park Theatre and writer of sell-out hit Adult Supervision.

Enter a world of wonder at the home of pantomime, as the magical Goldilocks and the Three Bears come to the West End for Christmas! Following last year’s sold-out production of Snow White, for five weeks only the iconic London Palladium will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible and anything could (and will) happen.

This festive extravaganza is packed with riotous comedy routines, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts, international circus acts and an all-star cast including Paul O’Grady who rejoins Palladium favourites Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot alongside Matt Baker (The One Show).

Joining the cast will also be a series of speciality acts including internationally renowned illusionist Phil Hitchcock, The Skating Medini (Asia and Dylan Medini) – a dynamic high-speed roller-skating act from one of Italy’s oldest circus families, Sascha Williams – ‘Rola Bola’, from the Belli Family Circus in Germany and Europe’s youngest stunt rider Peter Pavlov and the ‘Globe of Speed’.

Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…

Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by a London Palladium spectacular that’s just right at the home of pantomime!
 

Following a critically acclaimed UK tour, the brand-new stage adaptation of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin transfers to the West End for a strictly limited nine-week season.

Cephalonia 1941. Captain Corelli, an enigmatic young Italian officer, is posted to the idyllic Greek island as part of the occupying forces. The Captain is soon thrown together with Dr Iannis’ strong-willed and beautiful daughter Pelagia, who discovers all of the complexities of love, and how it can blossom in the most unexpected and profound way.

The war has ended. Antigone, daughter of Oedipus, learns her brothers are dead.

Forced onto opposing sides, they have killed each other in battle.

When Creon, King of Thebes, grants the honour of a burial to one but not the other, Antigone and her sister must choose where their loyalties lie.

This epic tale of humanity versus leadership centres on a young woman with the courage to defend her beliefs – whatever the cost.

On a space station orbiting Solaris, three scientists have made contact with a new planet.

Sent from earth to investigate reports of abnormal activity on-board, Kris Kelvin arrives to find one crew member dead and two who are seeing things that cannot be explained.

When her dead lover appears to her, it seems she too has fallen victim to the mystery of this strange planet. Should she return to reality, or is this her chance to turn back time?

Have the crew been studying Solaris – or has it been studying them?

This psychological thriller asks who we are when we’re forced to confront our deepest fears.

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever!

Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!

“No talent at all when it comes to cooking – as you will discover – but when it comes to pissing off my children – immense talent – Olympian talent.”

Newbury, 1997. Sal is attempting to cook dinner for the family. She and husband David have pulled off a coup and gathered their brood back home for the weekend. Eldest son Carl is bringing his new girlfriend to meet everyone for the first time; middle daughter Polly is back from Cambridge University for the occasion; and youngest Tom will hopefully make it out of detention in time for dinner.

Sal and David would rather feed their kids with leftist ideals and welfarism than fancy cuisine. When you’ve named each of your offspring after your socialist heroes, you’ve given them a lot to live up to…

“When I was your age I wanted to be in a band and sleep with Mick Jagger – and Jimi Hendrix – so who am I to judge the choices you’ve made so far?”

An ordinary man. A remarkable journey.

Peter Gynt has always set his heart on being special, on being a unique individual, on being unlike anyone else. When he steals the bride from a local wedding, he sets off on a lifetime journey which will take him to Florida, to Egypt, to a mountain of trolls, and finally, only when death approaches, back to his home in Scotland.

In this radical new version, David Hare kidnaps Ibsen’s most famous hero and runs away with him into the 21st century. James McArdle takes the title role in this epic story of transformation, following his acclaimed performances in Platonov and Angels in America. He is reunited with David Hare and Jonathan Kent, the partnership behind the triumphant Young Chekhov at Chichester Festival Theatre and the National Theatre.

1981, South London. Thatcher’s Britain.
 
Jab. Double jab, cross. Jab, hook to body.
 
Leon and Troy are best mates trying to figure out their place in the world amid mounting unemployment and simmering racial tensions. After finding solace in Charlie’s gym, they start forging their path into the ruthless world of professional boxing.
 
Roy Williams’ bruising play examines what it was like to be a young black man in 1980s Britain and asks, how can you fight a system that’s desperate to see you fail?
 

Best remembered for playing Mr Banks in Disney's classic film Mary Poppins, David Tomlinson was renowned for playing the classic English gent, forthright, proper, and a loveable fool. His meeting with Walt Disney came to encapsulate his incredible life full of adventure and heartbreak.

The man who portrayed one of cinema's most famous patriarchs was defined by his relationship with his own father - a remote eccentric, who was hiding an extraordinary tragicomic secret.

THE LIFE I LEAD sees Miles Jupp, one of Britain's leading comics and actors (Mock the Week, The News Quiz, Rev, The Durrells) bring David Tomlinson's remarkable story to life.

A richly comic and moving tale of fathers and sons across the generations, THE LIFE I LEAD fills in the blanks behind a very well-known face.

After a critically acclaimed national and international tour, Carlos Acosta’s eclectic Cuban company bring a second programme of ballet and contemporary works to Sadler’s Wells.

In a thrilling collaboration, dancers of Birmingham Royal Ballet and Ballet Black appear on stage together in a mixed bill featuring Cathy Marston’s National Dance Award-winning The Suit, Twyla Tharp’s sizzling tribute to Old Blue Eyes, Nina Sinatra Songs and a new work from Jack Lister, commissioned as part of Ballet Now.

True to its 19th century origins and the original steps of Marius Petipa, David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s production of Giselle is the perfect opportunity to see one of the most exquisite examples of this classical ballet in its traditional form. 

Started in 2010 by French choreographer Boris Charmatz, theatre director Emmanuel Demarcy Mota and Fondation d’entreprise Hermès, Danse Élargie takes place over a gruelling two-day marathon at the acclaimed Théâtre de la Ville.

Open to all disciplines, and with just two restrictions, the bi-annual contest is a competition like no other. To enter, the work must include at least three performers and come in at under ten minutes.

Game-changer in the world of tap, Michelle Dorrance had dedicated herself to exploring the capabilities of America’s original dance form. In an exhilarating diverse triple bill, her company proves just what tap can do.

ZooNation’s smash-hit sensation Some Like It Hip Hop thrilled audiences and critics when it opened in 2011, prompting five-star reviews and standing ovations with its infectious “wit, heart and magnificent energy” (The Independent).

Scouring the globe each year for the next generation of contemporary dance talent, Rambert2 selects its dancers for both their technical virtuosity and their raw energy.

Born in Israel and now based in France, the double Bessie Award-winning choreographer Emanuel Gat initially trained as a conductor before shifting his attention to dance.