While your children are excitedly counting down the days until the summer holidays, you’re anxiously eking out every moment of adulthood you have left before your life is overtaken with trips to the swimming pool, playground and children’s parties. That’s why you need a proper night to yourself. Go to the theatre and see something a little more mature before your world becomes one giant rainbow unicorn hyped up on ice-cream.
Here are five top shows to see sans kids while you still can…
The Book Of Mormon
It’s been on your list forever and there’s no time like the present. This cheeky show from the creators of South Park is less kid-friendly than an open box of Tide pods. But it’s brilliant entertainment for adults with a wicked sense of humour.
Following two Mormon missionaries, The Book Of Mormon travels from Utah to Uganda where Elder Pryce and Elder Cunningham must try to convert the locals to Mormonism. But when met with the plight of the village people, their faith is tested – as well as their morals.
Absolutely chocka with crass jokes, genius one-liners, memorable songs and a whole education on Mormons, it’s no wonder it won nine Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards. It really is unlike anything else on the West End and it will appeal to the sense of humour you’re not allowed to let out around your kids.
To find out more and book tickets, visit The Book Of Mormon ticket page.
Consent
As the title may suggest, this courtroom thriller deals with socio-political issues that are at the forefront of many conversations happening right now in the world.
When friends take opposing briefs in a contentious legal case, the justice system is as much on trial as the defendant. The key witness’ past and circumstances are questioned but the defendant’s isn’t. When the case unfolds, we’re left to question: why is Justice blind? Is she impartial? Or is she blinkered?
Nina Raine’s clever, provocative and timely play sold out during its National Theatre run last year. Now, at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Consent has received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. So if you love a crime drama and a springboard for an evening of conversation, this is the one for you.
To find out more and book tickets, visit the Consent ticket page.
Killer Joe
Orlando Bloom playing a cop-cum-contract killer hired to murder the matriarch of a family. Quite a one-liner, huh? Killer Joe is multi-award-winning Tracy Letts’s blackly comic thriller which has made its London return after 13 years.
Telling the story of Joe Cooper (Orlando), Killer Joe sees the Smith family plot the murder of their estranged matriarch for her insurance money. They hire Joe to do it, but once he comes face-to-face with their innocent daughter, the plan spirals out of control.
Thought-provoking, dark, funny and tense. Plus, it has a stellar cast.
To find out more and book tickets, visit the Killer Joe ticket page.
Chicago
Though strictly not for adults only, Chicago is definitely a steamy little number that’s fun for grown-ups to watch while the little one’s at home.
Set in prohibition Chicago, it focuses on two rival performers – and murderers – locked up in the same County Jail, and satirises corruption within the criminal justice system. Laced with deception, affairs, jazz hands and some good ol’ razzle dazzle, it’s a timeless tale with classic songs.
Just don’t blame us if you want to paint the town after you’ve watched it…
To find out more and book tickets, visit the Chicago tickets page.
The Jungle
It sold out during its Young Vic run and has received five-star reviews across the board. The Jungle is a moving and harrowing show which brings a modern-global event to life before your very eyes.
Set in Europe’s largest unofficial refugee camp – known as the Calais Jungle – which became a temporary home for more than 10,000 people in 2015, it covers the lifespan of the camp from its creation to its destruction. Visit the Afghan Café and experience the intense, moving and uplifting encounters between refugees from many different countries and the volunteers who arrived from the UK.
Maybe on this one, you shouldn’t leave the kids at home… at least not the teenagers. It’s an incredibly unique show which will help you gain a new perspective on refugees and the treatment they receive.
To find out more and book tickets, visit The Jungle tickets page.
There are plenty of other shows to see in the West End. Click here to see more London shows.