The show will go on
After months of lockdowns, our appetite for live performance is greater than ever. Lucky, then, that London’s theatre scene is bouncing back with an exciting mix of revived classics and long-anticipated newbies. Looking for the best plays and musicals to book? Each month we’ll update this guide with the best London theatre showing now.
Best Musicals in London / A Guide To Theatres Reopening
London Theatre: West End Shows To Book For November 2021
Cabaret
Playhouse Theatre
He’s spent the past decade starring in blockbuster movies, but this winter Eddie Redmayne will turn his attention back to the West End for a new production of Cabaret. He’ll be reviving his role as the Emcee which he first played 20 years ago in an Edinburgh Fringe production, starring alongside Jessie Buckley as showgirl Sally Bowles. Set in Berlin on the cusp of the 1930s, the hit musical charts the friendship between Sally and writer Cliff Bradshaw, with the plot revolving around a cabaret venue called the Kit Kat Club. From 15 November 2021
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Picadillly Theatre
Ever since Baz Luhrmann’s pop musical debuted back in 2001, Moulin Rouge has been the musical for those dreaming of living la vie de bohème in Paris. The glitzy stage version never gets old – and this November it’s coming to London. A riot of music, colour and opulence set in 19th century Paris, the show follows the love affair of writer Christian and courtesan Satine. A brilliant score features reworked pop hits including Lady Marmalade and Diamond’s Are a Girl’s Best Friend, plus original song Come What May, which was written for the film. From 12 November 2021
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The Ocean at the End Of The Lane
Duke of York’s Theatre
Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, acclaimed production The Ocean at the End Of The Lane has arrived at the West End. Adapted by Joel Horwood from Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name, the fantasy play tells the story of an unnamed man who finds himself transported back to his 12th birthday. A spectacle of special effects, magic and puppetry, the play blurs the line between imagination and reality. Expect to be charmed and terrified at the same time in this dark coming-of-age tale. Showing now
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Palace Theatre
The most awarded play in history, this one needs no introduction. But for those yet to see Jack Thorne and JK Rowling’s epic two-part Harry Potter stage series, now’s your chance, as it returns to the West End this October. Dazzling effects, shock plot twists and a stellar cast makes for a spellbinding adventure in this unique theatrical experience, set 19 years after the 2007 novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Showing now
BOOK:
The Book of Mormon
Prince of Wales Theatre
Since it debuted at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2013, The Book of Mormon has been delighting audiences with its witty, satirical humour. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone – the duo behind South Park – the show follows the journey of two Mormon missionaries who travel to Africa to promote their religion. It’s fun and light-hearted – but also thought-provoking, with a catchy soundtrack featuring fan favourites like I Believe and I Am Africa. From 15 November
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Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Now in its 15th year, Wicked is one of the longest running West End musicals of all time. No surprise to anyone who’s seen it: from the heart-warming story to its epic costumes and endlessly catchy songs, Wicked is a true masterpiece. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the play re-imagines the Land of Oz, proposing an alternative universe to that of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At its core, Wicked is the story of a deep friendship between two young women: the ostracised green Elphaba – later known as the Wicked Witch of the West – and beloved blonde Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. From 15 September 2021
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Blithe Spirit
Harold Pinter Theatre
First performed in 1941, Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit was written to offer some much-needed comedic relief during the Second World War. Perhaps it will have a similar effect post-lockdown at its upcoming run at the Harold Pinter Theatre, where Jennifer Saunders will return as eccentric clairvoyant Madame Arcati. We saw a snippet of Saunders in action at Theatre Royal Bath in 2019, where the play managed a short run before the pandemic hit. The West End run stars original cast members Geoffrey Streatfeild and Lisa Dillon as Charles and Ruth Condomine, a couple literally haunted by a past relationship when a medium (Saunders) conjures up the ghost of Charles’ first wife at a séance. Once again, sure to be absolutely fabulous. 16 September – 6 November 2021
BOOK:
Matilda
Cambridge Theatre London
The musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 classic, Matilda, has garnered rave reviews since its first run in Stratford-upon-Avon. It transferred to the West End in 2011, scooping up a whole host of awards over the years and going on to tour the world. Written by Dennis Kelly, with a sparkling score from Tim Minchin and Imogen Cole starring as young bookworm Matilda, it’s a heart-warming show for all the family. 16 September 2021 – 29 May 2022
BOOK:
Jerusalem
The Apollo Theatre
Ian Rickson’s production of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem is returning to London’s West End for a 16-week season. The award-winning play tells the story of Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron, played again by Mark Rylance, with Mackenzie Crook reprising her celebrated role as Ginger. 16 April – 6 August 2022
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& Juliet
The Shaftesbury Theatre
We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet – but what if we could rewrite the final scene? & Juliet imagines a different ending to the Shakespearian tragedy, one where Juliet wakes up, packs her bags and heads off to Paris with her friends. Miriam-Teak Lee returns to the starring role – for which she won an Olivier award – to the soundtrack of pop hits by Swedish producer and writer Max Martin, who created songs for the likes of Britney, Ariana Grande and The Backstreet Boys. From 24 September 2021
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Cinderella
Gillian Lynne Theatre
This year’s most talked about theatrical launch is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, set to be his first musical in six years. There have been countless stage adaptions of this classic fairy tale – but none by such an exciting writer as Emerald Fennell, the name behind recent Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman. This version shakes up tradition too, with Webber describing his Cinderella – played by Les Miserables alumni Carrie Hope Fletcher – as ‘fiesty and fiery’. 25 June 2021 – 13 February 2022
BOOK:
Pretty Woman: The Musical
The Savoy Theatre
The musical version of iconic 90s film Pretty Woman was poised to put on a sell-out season at the start of 2020, but then Covid happened. It’s back this July though, this time at the Savoy Theatre, with Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac taking on Vivian and Edward, originally played by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Expect outstanding choreography from Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell alongside an uplifting original score from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Until 12 December 2021. Photo by Helen Maybanks.
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