Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears (and your eyes) as we bestow upon you some recommendations for the must-see theatre shows of the year, courtesy of our partnership with South Western Railway.
Whether you’re a sucker for Shakespeare, mad about musicals or here for the history, these theatre shows are guaranteed to have you cheering at the curtain call.
1. 2:22 A Ghost Story
After three seasons of phenomenal success, it’s only right this supernatural thriller returns to the stage for 2023. Join Jenny (Cheryl Cole) and her husband Sam (Scott Karim) as they investigate the strange goings-on in their new home, resulting in an unwanted run-in with the supernatural.
Where: Lyric Theatre
Until: April 23, 2023
2. Punchdrunk: The Burnt City
Whether or not you’re a history boffin, this immersive theatre experience is guaranteed to blow your socks (or sandals) off. Rub shoulders with the Gods and mortals of ancient mythology on a thrilling labyrinthine adventure, set in the momentous prelude to Greece’s victory in the Trojan War.
Where: One Cartridge Place
Until: September 24, 2023
3. The Lehman Trilogy
If you’re a fan of Sam Mendes’ work, this is definitely one to watch. This three-act American epic follows the lives of three immigrant workers living in America, from the birth of their investment firm to its collapse in 2008. And if the legendary director weren’t enough, we couldn’t not mention that this play is a Tony Award winning production.
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre
Until: May 20, 2023
4. Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial
It’s a British celebrity scandal as good as they bloomin’ come. And we can all agree, for Wagatha Christie not to have hit the West End would have been a criminal waste. So prepare to bear witness to the juiciest details of the week-long court hearings that set the whole of the UK’s tongues WAG-ging.
Until: May 20, 2023
Price: From £30
5. Bonnie and Clyde
Now, this next story needs no introduction. But regardless of whether you’ve seen the film, watching this tale brought to life on stage is another experience entirely. So strap yourself in for a whirlwind neo-noir adventure, complete with an electrifying score and a ton of titillation.
Where: Garrick Theatre
Until: May 21, 2023
6. A Little Life
We have to preface this by recommending that you avoid heavy eye makeup and bring a large pack of tissues. But who doesn’t love a good cry every now and then? Set primarily in New York, A Little Life is a coming of age story following four friends through the hardships of life, love and friendship.
Where: Harold Pinter Theatre
Dates: March 25 – June 18, 2023
7. Back to the Future: The Musical
Run into the welcoming arms of childhood nostalgia and join Marty McFly on an exhilarating voyage back to the future. From the gloriously kitsch set design to the fantastically catchy score, this show is a true West End spectacle.
Where: Adelphi Theatre
Until: July 23, 2023
8. Patriots
Wonderfully topical if nothing else, Patriots is a fascinating exploration into the frenzied struggle for power and one Russian Oligarchs fall from grace following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. And with Tom Hollander as leading man, how could it not be a compelling watch?
Where: Noël Coward Theatre
Dates: May 26 – August 19, 2023
9. Oklahoma!
Another one to add to your list of theatre revivals. But whilst not a word of the original text has been changed, this 21st century retelling of the West End’s first modern musical still manages to be fantastically fun and refreshing.
Where: Wyndham’s Theatre
Until: September 2, 2023
10. Alice’s Adventure Underground
If ever there was a film that lends itself to an immersive experience, it’s Alice in Wonderland. So it comes as no surprise that this world-renowned theatre adventure has returned for another season. Search for a lost Alice on an interactive journey through the enchanting labyrinth – and be prepared to make some important choices along the way!
Where: The Sidings, Waterloo Station
Until: September 10, 2023
Got something else in mind you simply must see? You can get discounted tickets to a fantastic range of theatre shows using this SWR reward.