08453 313 031
IT’S TIME FOR THE CURTAIN TO RISE…
London’s West End theatre scene has been bringing people to the city for hundreds of years and has become the home of iconic and long-running shows including Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and Les Misérables, with the latter soon to be marking a 32-year run.
Although these shows have withstood the test of time, with seats still selling out daily, the city’s theatre scene throughout summer 2017 is awash with fresh shows set to pull in the audiences. Check out our selection of the latest shows set to hit the West End this summer…
KINKY BOOTS
Where: Adelphi Theatre, WC2R
When: Tuesday 15 September –Saturday 18 November
Gaining an Olivier Award for the ‘Best New Musical in 2016’, Kinky Boots is a show inspired by real-life events.
Somewhat new to the West End scene, Kinky Boots documents the journey a factory owner’s son takes in keeping up the shoe business; Price & Son. The inspiring tale takes audiences from the company’s factory floor to one of the fashion capitals of the world – Milan. Packed with foot-tapping songs and dazzling stage design this show is one for fashionistas and musical lovers everywhere!
Tickets start at £23.80 per person.
THE PHILANTHROPIST
Where: Trafalgar Studio One, SW1A
When: Thursday 20 April – Saturday 22 July
An all-star cast join forces on stage for this re-imagining of renowned playwright, Christopher Hampton’s, The Philanthropist.
Actor and theatre director Simon Callow has brought together a cast including Matt Berry, Simon Bird, Lily Cole, Charlotte Ritchie and Tom Rosenthal. The play relays 24 hours in the life of an Oxford University lecturer who hosts a dinner party for his academic friends.
The guests pair off across the evening and the following day must face up to their actions. Cleverly put together, the show is rife with laugh out loud moments and is sure to make the perfect date night activity.
Tickets start at £64 per person.
THE GIRLS
Where: Phoenix Theatre, WC2
When: Until 15 July 2017
The Girls is a musical comedy adaptation of the 2003 heart-warming film, Calendar Girls which itself is based on a true story. The showfollows the famous story of the Women’s Institute who, in a bid to raise money for a memorial, decide to create a nude calendar.
Put two titans of the entertainment world together for a musical, and The Girls, is the result. Take That’s Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the writer of Calendar Girls have combined forces to create this heart-warming stage show.
Proceeds from the show are donated to blood cancer charity Bloodwise, so head to the Phoenix Theatre to enjoy a show full of laugh out loud moments as well as the opportunity to support a worthy charity.
Prices start at £39.50 per person.
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Where: London Palladium, W1F
When: 9 September 2017
First published in 1908, The Wind in the Willows is a tale known by all, and has had many different takes on it over the years. The latest is a production directed by Downton Abbey scribe Julian Fellowes, while George Stiles and Anthony Drewe tackle the music and lyrics. Comedian Rufus Hound takes the lead as Mr Toad (green moustache included), while Shrek the Musical’s Neil McDermott is back on the West End as Chief Weasel. Following runs on the south coast, the playful revamp of a British classic is set to charm adults and children alike.
Prices start at £17.32 per person.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Where: Cambridge Theatre, WC2H
When: Booking until December 2017
“I’m right and you’re wrong, I’m big and you’re small, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
If you instantly recognise this as a quote from Roald Dahl’s best-loved children’s book Matilda, then this award-winning musical is for you.
A bold production for both children and adults alike, playwright Dennis Kelly and musician Tim Minchin, beautifully capture the quirky tale of Matilda on Cambridge Theatre’s stage.
From high energy singing and dancing, to vibrant lighting and stage props, this show breathes new life into Dahl’s tale.
Tickets start at £20 per person.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Where: Dominion Theatre, W1T
When: Booking until 30 September 2017
Made famous by the 1951 movie starring Gene Kelly and following its success in New York and Paris, multi award-winning musical, An American in Paris, has landed in the West End.
The story takes place in a post-World War II Paris and follows the journey of an American ex-GI who is pursuing his dream of becoming an artist. Along the way he meets a young dancer and falls into a world of romance, art, friendship and love.
Featuring catchy tunes including the iconic ‘I Got Rhythm’ and breath-taking dance routines, An American in Paris is not to be missed.
Prices start at £22.25 per person.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1
When: Friday 7 July – Saturday 5 August
Olivier-nominated director and playwright, Matthew Dunster, brings Charles Dickins’ 1859 classic tale to life on stage this July and August.
A story centred around events in Paris and London prior to, and during the upheaval of the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities has been enjoyed by literary fans everywhere since it was first published.
Nestled within the beautiful parkland, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a landmark in itself. A number of classics have been revived on the stage over the years, and A Tale of Two Cities is sure to benefit from the dramatic effect this circular theatre naturally creates.
Tickets start at £30 per person.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Poignant and intense, silver-screen big-shots Sienna Miller and Jack O’Connell will step into the shoes of estranged husband and wife, Brick and Maggie (known as ‘the cat’), for Benedict Andrew’s re-telling of Tennessee Williams’ iconic 1955 play.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof hones in on the lives of wealthy cotton heavyweight Big Daddy’s family – in particular his alcoholic son Brick, and his wife Maggie and is set on their family plantation.
Throughout the show, themes of greed, desire, repression and death are confronted.
Tickets start at £26 per person.
42ND STREET
Where: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane WC2B
When: Until 14 October 2017
42nd Street stars Grammy award-winning talent in Sheena Easton, and features a host of musical hits including We’re in the Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Dames and the titular 42nd Street.
Having first wowed audiences in 1980 with its Broadway debut, this new, fresh take on the story, directed by the Tony award-winning Mark Bramble. For a slice of Broadway glitz and glamour on the West End, check out 42nd Street.
Prices start at £16.95 per person.
