A new month brings new beginnings…and for Theatreland, that also means new shows!
This October sees an eclectic mix of brand new productions making their way to the West End. From a musical celebration of iconic singer-songwriter Bob Marley and a behind-the-scenes look at Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster movie JAWS to the best pub lock-in you’ve ever been to, it’s looking like a great month for us all. Check out what’s on offer below!
Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical
Opening: 1 October
Reggae fans, you’re in for a treat as a musical celebration of Jamaica’s soul rebel, Bob Marley, comes to life in explosive new production, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical this month.
Arinzé Kene (Disney’s The Lion King, One Night In Miami) will be stepping into the titular role joined by a lively company of performers who will blend together the best of reggae music with the story of Bob Marley’s journey from a life of poverty to becoming a visionary international superstar.
With director Clint Dyer being granted unlimited access to the icon’s platinum-selling catalogue of music, you can fully expect to lose yourself to the rhythm of many classics including Exodus, No Woman No Cry, Waiting In Vain and plenty more.
A Place For We
Opening: 7 October
After being performed for the first time as a staged reading in 2018, Archie Maddocks’ A Place For We – shortlisted in 2017 for both the Bruntwood Prize and Alfred Fagon Award – will be making it’s World Premiere this month at the Park Theatre.
The powerful new play explores London’s ever-changing communities over three generations and what happens when family, tradition and business are on the line. Will they adapt in order to survive or will they stay true to their roots?
If you’re looking to enjoy some fresh new talent from an emerging playwright (who is WELL worth keeping your eye on), be sure to grab your tickets to see this funny and thoughtful comedy during its limited one-month run.
The Shark Is Broken
Opening: 9 October
If you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster movie, JAWS, look no further because The Shark Is Broken will take you on a behind-the-scenes of the making and there promises to be a lot of drama!
From a series of unfortunate events and a faulty shark (or two!) to frustration and drunken bickering, this hilarious new show recreates the famously troubled production of JAWS using first-hand accounts.
Having made a splash at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, we’re so excited to see this tale of friendship and conflict make waves in the West End.
The Beauty Queen Of Leenane
Opening: 14 October
Having last played in London at the Young Vic 10 years ago, this darkly comic tale may not be a complete newbie to the West End but is without a doubt a major revival that’s worth keeping on your radar.
Based in the Irish village of Leenane, Connemara, the Olivier Award-nominated show tells the story of a spinster named Maureen who dreams of a new beginnings when a potential love prospect enters her life. However, Mag, her ageing manipulative mother has other ideas. We don’t want to give away any spoilers here, but when Mag interferes, a series of events unfolds which lead to the play’s breathtaking ending.
This little slice of gothic psychodrama explores the challenges of a savage mother-daughter relationship that promises powerful moving performances interspersed with moments of comedy.
Pride And Prejudice* (sort of)
Opening: 15 October
Jane Austen’s famous love story will see a complete retelling this October as the audacious Pride And Prejudice* (sort of) graces the Criterion Theatre with its presence.
Told through the perspectives of six servants who are tired of being overlooked, this all-female adaption promises men, money, matchmaking and plenty of scandals! And in between all the drama, the cast will be taking to the mics to perform a plethora of classic romantic pop hits including Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain and Candi Staton’s Young Hearts Run Free.
In true Jane Austen style, this show will leave you feeling completely and perfectly and incandescently happy.
The Choir Of Man
Opening: 29 October
Whether you’re in need of a fun night out at the theatre or a feel-good show to blow away the cobwebs, this fun, hilarious and heartwarming show will do the trick.
Imagine a party in the best pub lock-in you’ve ever had. Now times that by ten because The Choir Of Man offers an hour of pub tunes, folk, pop, Broadway and classic rock in a concert that has something for everyone.
From unmatched harmonies to world-class tap, this show is a tribute to the place we’ve all missed over the past year (besides theatre!) – the local pub! Grab a drink and join the boys for a night of song and dance that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised, ready to take on the world.
If you’re not ready to book in advance and are more likely to catch a last-minute show, don’t forget our TKTS booth in Leicester Square is now back open. Pop over and see our friendly experts who can tell you all about what on-the-day tickets are available, many of which are on sale at incredible reduced prices. You can also purchase the same great tickets online here.
What show will you be seeing this Autumn?