If you’re looking to beat the January blues with a trip to the West End, you’ll definitely want to check out our roundup of shows closing this month, many of which are in our New Year Sale offering tickets for £10, £20, £30 or £40.
From musicals and pantos to dance and opera, there are must-see show for everyone.
Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt
Garrick Theatre – Until 11 January
Following the success of his number one best-selling non-fiction book, Adam Kay is back with his smash-hit show based on diaries from his time as a junior doctor in the NHS.
The one-man show covers everything from gruesome operations, memorable patients, embarrassing situations, and the work, dedication and sacrifices involved in working for the National Health Service.
Adam’s story spanning several years on labour wards will make you laugh, cringe, appreciate your doctor, and possibly never want kids!
Curtains
Wyndham’s Theatre – Until 11 January
After Jessica Cranshaw, star of the new Broadway-bound musical Robbin Hood, has been murdered on stage on opening night, the entire cast and crew are suspects. Time to call in the local detective, Frank Cioffi, who just happens to be a huge musical theatre fan.
Starring Jason Manford (The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls) and Carley Stenson (Les Misérables, Legally Blonde, Shrek, Spamalot and Hollyoaks), this hilarious comedy packed full of catchy songs, unforgettable characters and plot twists galore is the perfect treat for the whole family.
Dick Whittington
Theatre Royal Stratford East – Until 11 January
Pantos are the tried and trusted pick-me-up and luckily for us, Dick Whittington is still running at Stratford East! Join Dick Whittington on his quest to find adventure, fame and fortune. Will he defeat the villainous rodent who’s taken control of the city?
Expect the much-loved Stratford East mix of original show-stopping songs, belly-tickling laughs and sprinkle of magic (and perhaps a bit of snow) in this theatrical treat for all ages.
Goldilocks And The Three Bears
London Palladium – Until 12 January
Step into the sensational circus and follow Dame Betty Barnum (Gary Wilmot) and her daughter Goldilocks (Sophie Isaacs) as they fight to save their circus, which is under threat from an evil rival circus owner. Luckily for them, they’ve got some madcap circus friends to save their Big Top from ruin.
Featuring an all-star cast including BBC’s Matt Baker and Paul O’Grady and packed with jaw-dropping stunts, hilarious comedy routines, lavish sets, glittering costumes and remarkable special effects – as well as internationally renowned circus acts – Goldilocks And The Three Bears is an extravaganza like no other!
Cinderella (The Vaults)
The Vaults Theatre – Until 12 January
If you’re looking for an alternative show to catch, The Vault’s Christmas panto, Cinderella combines British traditions, banter and lots of beer! Set in a good old fashioned pub, you can look forward to meeting all your favourite characters along with plenty of spilled pints, lairy behaviour and – of course – bad karaoke.
So grab your tickets, go get a pint from the on-stage bar and settle in for an hour and a half of raucous festive joy.
An Act Of God
The Vaults Theatre – Until 12 January
God is back… and she’s got a lot to say! An Act of God sees a dissatisfied deity delivering a fresh set of Ten Commandments specifically for the modern world. Assisted by her devoted angels (Matt Tedford and Tom Bowen), God (Zoe Lyons) will answer some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since creation.
This sinfully funny comedy delivers a new meaning to divine intervention as The “One” gives the first and last word on everything mankind has wrought on the planet.
Le Corsaire
London Coliseum – Until 14 January
In the English National Ballet’s hugely enjoyable Le Corsaire, you will travel to a faraway land for the adventures of a dashing pirate, Conrad, and his feisty girlfriend Medora. Follow along to see if they will outfox the villainous schemers and find happiness on the high seas.
With gorgeous decors and costumes created by Hollywood’s Bob Ringwood, Le Corsaire is set to a romantic score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. If you’re a fan of opera or dance, you will definitely want to snap up these tickets before the stunning show closes this month.
Potted Panto
Southwark Playhouse – Until 11 January
This is a panto like you’ve never seen it before! Complete with seven pantomimes in just 80 minutes, and starring former CBBC TV presenters Dan and Jeff, Potted Panto comes fresh off the back of the duo’s hugely successful Potted Potter world tour.
With a Fairy-Godchicken, an unexpected Mayor of London, a heart-rending turn from Jack’s cow, Daisy, and efforts to play seven dwarves between two people, this spectacularly silly, splendid and sensational show is the perfect last-minute treat for the family.
RSC: Measure For Measure
Barbican Theatre – Until 16 January
Measure For Measure tells the story of a novice nun who becomes the love interest of a corrupt official. When he offers to save her brother from execution in return for sex, she has no idea where to turn for help. When she threatens to expose him, he tells her that nobody would believe her.
Written by Shakespeare in the early 1600s, Measure For Measure is a drama whose story and themes feel even more pertinent today so don’t miss this last chance to grab some tickets. And if you’d like to find out more, check out our interviews with the cast on the Official London Theatre YouTube channel.
NYT: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Criterion Theatre – Until 17 January
Shakespeare fans will definitely want to add this to their diary! As part of the National Youth Theatre REP season, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been inventively and playfully directed by former National Theatre New Works Resident Director, Matt Harrison working in association with Kneehigh.
Set in a seaside town inspired by Whitby, North Yorkshire, this brand new abridgement stars some of London’s best talent from the 2019 NYT REP Company and draws upon sexuality, gender politics and fish and chips to the fore.
A Christmas Carol
The Old Vic – Until 18 January
If you’re looking to hold onto Christmas for that little bit longer, you’ll be pleased to know that Matthew Warchus’ critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens’ festive classic, A Christmas Carol is still playing at The Old Vic.
From the magical set design to the choir of angels, this joyous adaption by Jack Thorne promises to give you all the festive fuzzy feels.
RSC: As You Like It
Barbican Theatre – Until 18 January
In As You Like It by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Kimberly Sykes gives Shakespeare’s much-loved romantic comedy a modern twist.
Follow the story of Rosalind after she is exiled from her home and banished from everything she knows. When she catches the attention of Orlando, will love conquer all, or is it merely a madness? Find out in this playful and imaginative version complete with twists, turns and of course, love!
RSC: The Taming Of The Shrew
Barbican Theatre – Until 18 January
Reimagined by Justin Audibert, The Taming Of The Shrew turns Shakespeare’s battle of the sexes on its head. Yes that’s right; this is the 1590s with women in charge.
In this unique interpretation by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Baptista Minola is finding a way to sell off her son Katherine to the highest bidder. Expect an explosive battle in this electrically charged love story that offers a fresh take on its portray of hierarchy and power.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Theatre Royal Haymarket – Until 19 January
Based on the classic picture book written by Judith Kerr OBE, this Olivier Award-nominated production tells the story of an encounter between Sophie, her Mummy and a huge stripy tiger. Inviting him in for tea, they have no idea of how hungry he is or what chaos it will ensue! Packed with sing-a-longs, interactive fun and plenty of imaginative magic, this show is sure to delight parents and kids alike.