London is home to some of the finest theatre in the world, so we reckon you should get out there and watch some of these top shows!
In collaboration with our chums at Fever, we’ve selected a few shows that you really ought to go and see this year. Oh, and while we’re confident you’ll get a decent return of enjoyment on your ticket price investment, we’ve put together a guide on how to nab tickets for less, which you can take a look at here.
1. Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre)
The all-conquering London offshoot of the hit Broadway musical has settled into the lovingly refurbished Victoria Palace Theatre. This hip-hop infused story of America’s Founding Fathers has been showered with glowing praise. Aside from the already legendary musical numbers, reviewers have singled out straight-outta-RADA newcomer Jamael Westman in the role of Alexander Hamilton as the stand out act. Get tickets in the London ticket lottery, or check their site for returns and occasional availability in 2018.
2. Welcome to the Grand (Clapham Grand)
Clapham Grand has hosted many a rollicking night out in its time, and this one will continue the trend. Cabaret experiences are all well and good, but this one’s an immersive cabaret experience, so you’ll be more than a bystander. Performers and dancers will be roving around the venue, bringing the story to you. Pick up a bowler hat and something tasselled, and then grab your tickets here.
3. The Woman in Black (Fortune Theatre)
Even if you’ve seen the Dan Radcliffe version, this chilling theatre experience is still well worth your time. The Woman in Black has used special effects and suspenseful performances to great effect for 25 years. Get thyself a ticket, and possibly a hand to hold, because it’s not a show for the faint of heart.
4. Antony and Cleopatra (The National Theatre, from September)
Network may have come and gone, but the National Theatre ain’t stopping now. They’re a dab hand at putting on a good Shakespearian tragedy, and Anthony and Cleopatra looks set to be another smash. Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play the title lovers in an adaptation by Simon Godwin. Keep your eye on The National Theatre website for ticket releases.
5. Chicago (The Phoenix Theatre, from 26th March)
The musical mega-hit returns to the West End after a five-year hiatus, with a lot of fanfare and all that jazz. Chicago tells the story of nightclub singer Roxie Hart and her cell-block frenemy Velma Kelly, as they prepare to go on trial for murder. Cuba Gooding Jr. – who recently portrayed OJ Simpson in American Crime Story‘s OJ series – takes on the role of Billy Flynn. It’s shaping up to be killer! Get your tickets here.
6. Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare (Leicester Square Theatre)
Still one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The premise is simple: you take a company of classically-trained actors, pick a Shakespeare play, and stage it. Except, each night, one of the performers is singled out beforehand, and fed a steady diet of alcohol for four hours prior to the show. The result is truly spectacular, as the drunkard soldiers on despite forgetting lines/falling over/continuing to drink. Do anything to get your hands on a ticket for Romeo and Juliet or The Merchant of Venice, and then enjoy the spectacle.
7. The Mousetrap (St Martin Theatre)
Agatha Christie’s famous whodunit has had a decent spell in the West End, having clocked up the small matter of 60 years. A group of buddies gather in the countryside, only to discover that – gasp! – one of them is a murderer. You have the means, you have the motive, and now you have the opportunity. Grab your tickets here and then go catch the murderer.
8. An Ideal Husband (Vaudeville Theatre)
Oscar Wilde’s evergreen comedy gets another run in the West End. The ambitions of slick politician Sir Robert Chiltern are thrown into turmoil by the arrival of Mrs Cheveley, and you can bet that the results will be suitably hilarious. Get your hands on a ticket for a suitably Wilde night out!
9. Red (Wyndham’s Theatre)
It’s a double dose of Alfreds here. Alfred Molina stars as legendary painter Mark Rothko, taking on his biggest challenge in art: create defining masterpieces for the Four Seasons restaurant. He grapples with questions about art and commercialism, in partnership with young assistant Ken, played by Harry Potter actor Alfred Enoch. Fans of art (or Alfreds) need to grab their tickets here.
Featured Image: @drapes213