Plays

You don’t realise how people can hate, Chris, they can hate so much they’ll tear the world to pieces…’

America, 1947. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business.

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.
 

Following record breaking sell out shows, a West End transfer, productions in China, Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany and a smash hit film, the original terrifying live production is back.

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits! A decade later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK from Peebles to Portsmouth, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up.

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.

Birth; marriage; death. And everything in between.

"Do any human beings ever realise life as they live it? Every - every, minute?"

Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play celebrates what it means to be human, the bonds that hold communities together, and our relationships with the ancient past and the eternal tomorrow.

From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Mole and Ratty on their marvellous adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr.Toad. A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic by award winning theatre company Box Tale Soup, this wildly creative Wind in the Willows features fantastic puppetry and a charming original score.

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.
An Edinburgh Fringe favorite, he has sold out there for the last eleven years. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve; this performance is simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate. Supported by driving live percussion and presented so intimately that you can feel the heat, hear every breath, and be immersed in every moment.

A Simple Space evokes real responses in audiences, something visceral rather than cerebral.

Five-star smash-hit Shakespearience returns! The Bard’s best-loved works burst into life in this high-octane, whistle-stop tour of three of Shakespeare’s plays, the perfect introduction for the next generation of budding Romeos and Juliets.
Join Shakespeare's “Men” as they fly through Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and Twelfth Night in a whirlwind hour of mischievous storytelling. With tons of audience interaction, more than a dash of mayhem and a star turn from one lucky adult (shhh, don’t tell!), Shakespearience is the perfect treat for all the family!

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.

Winners of the best Children’s presentation at the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2016 and 2015, and runners up for children’s choice ward 2016 the Trash Test Dummies are as full of laughs as their bins are full of surprises. “Delightfully intelligent, highly entertaining
Returning from a sell out Season at the Edinburgh Fringe with rave reviews, this award winning, sidesplitting slapstick comedy routine takes the household wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump-truck full of hilarity! “Circus and acrobatic show perfect for families.
Nominees of the 2015 Perth Fringe World Circus Award, and winners of the Gas works Circus Showdown 2014, the Trash Test Dummies is a family friendly, circus comedy show like no other. “Dungeree’d Dummies from down under create an adventure playground out of dustbins.
Leigh Rhodes, Thomas McDonald and Amy Nightingale-Olsen are highly skilled circus performers that can trash talk with the best of them. These dexterous dummies take the audience on a journey into their playful imagination, where they invite them to take a fresh look at the humble household wheelie bin."Three men took to the stage with their wheelie bins, what happened next blew our minds.

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE STAMPEDES INTO WEMBLEY

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactve 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!

Jason Byrne returns with his brand-new show, Wrecked But Ready. After 23 consecutive years, Jason is wrecked but he is as ever ready (which is a battery, but he’s more Duracell than Eveready). In particular, the past year has been extremely testing for the wrecked Jason, but despite all this, he’s waiting to spill it out on stage.
No one show is the same, expect all the usual spontaneous fun, come along and witness ‘the outright King of live comedy” (Times).

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. 

‘For them the clock would never strike midnight, the dance and the music could never stop…’

The American Clock turns, fortunes are made and lives are broken. In New York City in 1929, the stock market crashed and everything changed.

Did you ever see the CBS TV show Twilight Zone? If you were around in the '60s and '70s you'll be familiar with its vintage charm. Some stories were terrifying. Some were pretty silly. But they were all irresistible. That hairy monster on the aeroplane engine... nasty. If you haven't seen them, you're in for a huge treat thanks to this tongue in cheek comedy-horror-scifi masterpiece.

Rory’s Dad was an explorer. Well, not literally. Literally he was a Geography teacher. But inside, she knows, he was Bear Grylls.

And when he dies suddenly in an accident, Rory knows he needs her help to make one last expedition.

A new comedy about life, love and staying on your bike!

When retired miner Don and former private school teacher Carol meet by chance after both suffering a loss, they thought they’d found a new beginning. But a bike ride through Europe would test their budding romance, and the road to love is rocky when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

Join them on their hilarious and heartfelt journey, as they reconcile the past, debate the present and worry about the future. Whether they’re saddle sore in Southampton, blistered in Bordeaux or frazzled in Florence, one thing is for sure – it takes two to tandem!

Emilia is a new play. The Independent called it ‘extraordinarily rousing'. It's on at the magnificent Vaudeville Theatre from March 2019, starring an all-female cast. Expect a ‘magnificent production’, according to The Stage, and you won't be disappointed. The Times says this play is packed with ‘wit, fierce intelligence and heady intensity’. And they're right...

Award-winning comedian Adam Kay shares entries from his diaries as a junior doctor in this “electrifying” (Guardian) evening of stand-up and music.

Absolute sell-out Edinburgh Fringe 2016, 2017 & 2018, Soho Theatre 2017, UK tour and Duchess Theatre 2018.

The accompanying book, ‘This is Going to Hurt’ is a Sunday Times bestseller, and is being turned into a major BBC series. Copies will be available to purchase and for signature after the performance.

In Leningrad in 1956, Valentina Nrovka has been invited to the Hermitage to offer her opinion on the authenticity of a Matisse painting, as she knew the great artist personally. Her daughter Sophia, also a painter, meets her there to seek her mother’s help, both financially and politically. This first London revival of David Hare’s play since its premier at the National Theatre in 1986 explores a mother and daughter’s fight for personal ideals and domestic responsibilities, as well as the choices made both in life and art. 

Two of the most celebrated British icons of stage and screen, Sir Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid meet on stage in conversation for the first time.

With gilded acting careers spanning several decades, Jacobi and Reid are universally known for their remarkable performances in theatre and television. And yet, the pair met only recently when they were brought together on the set of Sally Wainwright’s phenomenal BBC One romantic drama series, Last Tango In Halifax. This led to them recording a debut album, You Are The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me – a gorgeous collection of duets from The Great American Songbook.

Michael Morpurgo began writing stories in the early ‘70s, inspired by the children he taught in his primary school class in Kent. He has written over 130 books, including The Butterfly Lion,Kensuke’s Kingdom, Private Peaceful and War Horse, which was adapted for a hugely successful stage production by the National Theatre and then, in 2011, for a film directed by Steven Spielberg.

For one night only, Carlos Acosta, the greatest male ballet dancer of our generation is in conversation with Mike Parkinson, youngest son of Sir Michael Parkinson. Born in 1973 the 11thchild of an impoverished family in one of Havana’s poorest districts, Acosta went on to conquer the elite art form. His story is as improbable and enthralling as his dancing so expect captivating dialogue and possibly a short dance demonstration.

Misha Glenny is an Award-winning journalist and author, his international bestselling book, McMafia, was recently turned into the hit BBC TV series of the same name. Alternately very funny and very frightening, Misha Glenny lifts the lid on global organized crime and its corrupt political networks.

Can words still pack a punch in the reign of Twitter?

Have the carriers of thought, the deliverers of argument, the elements of poetry, the sounds that make us human – lost their force in the age of short attention span?

Simon Schama has lived in the house of words for half a century – as historian, art critic, broadcaster and journalist. He has spun the web of words in big books and tight essays; he’s done stand up in Chicago and live cook shows on TV.  Now he has a new collection of writing on everything from Falstaff to Leonard Cohen, pomegranates to populism.

You can hear his words on stage at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on June 2nd.

Presented by Fane Productions as part of the ‘Sunday Encounters at the Haymarket’ season

Join us for the day at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for ‘London Curious’ on Sunday 19th May, where a series of curious adventures with the legendary Iain Sinclair and other leading cultural and social historians, and psycho-geographers, will take you into the heart of our great and teeming metropolis.

It is still one of the best kept secrets in show business that Patricia Routledge trained not only as an actress but also as a singer and had considerable experience and success in musical theatre, both in this country and in the USA.

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.

Direct from Brooklyn’s most notorious nightclub, BLUNDERLAND is an acid trip down the rabbit hole for a variety show unlike any other. This hedonistic party of queer underground excess features the finest acts in international circus, cabaret, and burlesque, tinged with an unmistakable glow of club kid euphoria and arthouse weird.
 

After touring the globe, the legendary cabaret YUMMY is making it's London debut! Join the ever fabulous and award-winning ensemble as they take you on the most delicious and unpredictable ride of your life.
Winners of "Best Production" and "Best Ensemble" (Cabaret) at the 2018 Green Room Awards, YUMMY has become synonymous with breath-taking drag, music, circus, and burlesque. The show is outrageous as it is avant garde, and is known for its refreshing new style.
Featuring an unbelievable cast including: Valerie Hex (Taylor Mac, Glory Box, and BRIEFS), Karen From Finance (International drag super star), Zelia Rose (#1 Burlesque Artist in the World, 21st Century Burlesque), Hannie Helsden (La Soireé, Burly Q Club), Jandruze (Dark MOFO, Discordia), Benjamin "Bendy Ben" Hancock (Chunky Move, Lucy Guerin Inc), and Joni in the Moon (Western Australian Music Awards Pop Song of the Year, 2016). Come and join the stars of YUMMY as they lead a new wave of outrageous, joyful, and innovative cabaret.

As seen on ITV1’s This Morning, BBC1’s Bafta Awards 2018, SKY’s Around the World in 80 Tricks and star of the west-end hit magic show Impossible- Break-dancin’ magician Magical Bones returns to the Underbelly South Bank, to unbox a brand-new set of explosive street magic.

Bones’ originality stands alone, so look forward to back-flip card tricks, back spinning whilst solving a rubik’s cube, as well as intricate sleight of hand effortlessly combined with jaw-dropping break-dance moves. Come and experience an awe-inspiring journey that includes lots of laughter & smiles, with tons of genuine ‘OMG!’ moments along the way!

From the professional piss-heads behind the hit show Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare comes the all singing, all dancing, all drinking, younger sister, Sh!t-Faced Showtime.

We’re back this Summer with our own New York tale of Guy meets Doll; A hilarious cocktail of gangsters, gamblers and missionaries, all mixed up with one special ingredient; A cast member who’s genuinely sozzled. We’ll be nicely passing out the whisky for four hours to one lucky actor before curtain-up. What could possibly go right?

The Thinking Drinkers are back on tour with a brand-new, hilarious, intoxicating bar-hop through history. Enjoy five free drinks as the award-winning experts take you from the symposiums of Ancient Greece to the classic British boozer via Wild West saloons, Victorian gin palaces and the secret Speakeasy. You'll learn a lot, you'll laugh a lot and, don't forget, you get five free drinks.

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.
Line ups TBA. Past acts include Josie Long, Ed Gamble, Phil Wang, Jayde Adams, Suzi Ruffell and more.

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.

Chores a runaway success story in 2018, winning Audience Favourite at Prague Fringe, selling out and adding extra shows at Brighton Fringe, was a runner-up for Best Children's Show at Perth FRINGEWORLD 2018 and won the Weekly Award for Best Children's Show at Adelaide Fringe. Now, Chores is set to thrill audiences at Underbelly Southbank Festival!

Join Kelsey Grammer for an intimate evening this June to celebrate his illustrious career for one night only. Hosted by English broadcaster, comedian and writer Iain Lee this is an evening not to be missed.

The multi award-winning Spanish-based company dedicated to producing magical shows for family audiences, Aracaladanza, have been favourites at Sadler’s Wells since their Family Weekend debut in 2008.

Using costume design, music, light, rhythm and movement, they bring the audience into a dreamlike universe, filled with possibilities.

Multi-award-winning company, Police Cops, fresh from a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe and winners of ‘Amused Moose Outstanding Show Award 2018’, bring you a comedy blockbuster; an 80’s low-fi sci-fi set in the most dangerous place on Earth… Space!

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.

The very best variety acts from all around the world do their awe inspiring and death defying performances for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families…but without the rude bits! 

Louise Jameson and Thomas Mahy star in Robert Chevara’s acclaimed production of Philip Ridley’s Vincent River.
Davey has seen something he can never forget. Anita has been forced to flee her home. Tonight, they meet for the first time... and their lives will change forever.
Philip Ridley’s modern classic was a huge success when it premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 2001, and a West End smash at Trafalgar Studios in 2007. This year, it returns to Studio 2 as a new production direct from the Park Theatre.
Thrilling, heartbreaking and darkly humorous by turns, it is now seen as one of the most powerful explorations of hate crime - and society’s need to crush ‘difference’ - ever written.