Hilarity, stardust, and all-out spectacle: London’s Theatreland’s Spring influx of superb shows truly has every base covered this new season. We’ve picked out some of the shows opening this month that you need to see.
Ugly Lies The Bone
Olivia Darnley (Kacie) and Kris Marshall (Kelvin) in Ugly Lies The Bone at the National Theatre (Photo: Mark Douet)
Now booking at the National Theatre, Lyttelton until 6 June
Rachel: Ugly Lies The Bone is the European Premiere of award-winning playwright Lindsey Ferrentino’s funny and honest new therapy drama. Boasting a line-up that features Ralf Little, Kris Marshall and Kate Fleetwood, the show will explore the world of Virtual Reality Therapy, and the breathtaking new worlds it can take us to.
Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead
Daniel Radcliffe (Rosencrantz) and Joshua McGuire (Guildenstern) in rehearsals for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead at The Old Vic (Photo: Manuel Harlan)
Now previewing, press night 7 March; The Old Vic
Jim: Daniel Radcliffe doing Stoppard already makes this timeless play one of the most exciting shows of the season, let alone when you throw in co-stars Joshua McGuire and David Haig. If you haven’t seen any of the brilliant trio on the stage just yet, this is a perfect opportunity to see him at his best in a comedy classic, with the brilliant David Leveaux directing at The Old Vic.
Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
Imelda Staunton plays Martha in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (Photo: Charlie Gray)
Now previewing, press night 9 March; Harold Pinter Theatre
Dan: Imelda Staunton. Conleth Hill. Luke Treadaway. Imogen Poots – if ever there were a cast list which screamed of stage star quality… So combine that with a classic theatrical text like the thrilling marital drama Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, penned by the revered late playwright Edward Albee, and I’m far more excited than afraid of Virginia Woolf this month.
A Dark Night In Dalston
Now previewing, press night 13 March; Park Theatre
Robin: The Park Theatre continues to solidify its burgeoning reputation with brilliant show after brilliant show. Utilising the visceral nature of its intimate Off-West End auditorium, A Dark Night In Dalston promises to fully exact the dramatic intensity available in the space, with Michelle Collins starring as a warm-hearted lady who shelters a young, observant Jewish man after he’s attacked on a council estate, finding comfort in the process. In case you haven’t had the chance to visit the Finsbury Park venue yet, why not this March?
The Miser
Now previewing, press night 13 March; Garrick Theatre
Robin: Comic genius abounds in this exciting adaptation of Molière’s tale of the battle between passion and purse strings. Audiences may need to hold their sides close for fear of them splitting, because not only does the show star two-time Olivier Award-winner Griff Rhys Jones in his long-awaited return to Theatreland’s spotlight, but also Mathew Horne (of Gavin & Stacey fame) and a personal favourite star, Lee Mack. For your fresh Spring chuckles, get down to the Garrick.
Seventeen
Now previewing, press night 14 March; Lyric Hammersmith
Dan: We all wish sometimes that we could be teenagers again, and in this unique play by the acclaimed playwright Matthew Whittet, some veteran stage actors are about to do just that. Promising to turn our notions of adolescence on their head, Seventeen will be funny, wise, and moving.
Stepping Out
Now previewing, press night 14 March; Vaudeville Theatre
Sinead: Who doesn’t dream of being a rhythmic genius, dancing out a beat with grace and style like the legendary, Gene Kelly? The reality however, sees us flapping around as though we are trying to squish a fast moving, imaginary bug with our toes; or is that just me? On a journey to let lose the day-to-day struggles of life and find a new rhythm seven women, and one man, turn to a weekly dance class to tap away their troubles. The heart-warming comedy Stepping Out, directed by Olivier Award-winner Maria Friedman, comes to the West End following a nation-wide tour. With an all star cast, including the much loved Amanda Holden, Stepping Out has to be top of the list to see this month!
An American In Paris
Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope in An American In Paris (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Now previewing, press night 21 March; Dominion Theatre
Jim: This Tony-winning musical should be listed as one of the eighth wonders of the world. Robbie Fairchild and Leanne Cope’s chemistry onstage are sublime, and how lucky are we to get to see them reprise their star turns from the Paris and New York productions. This is a BIG show, perfect for the whole family, with some of the best dancing I’ve ever seen. It has romance, art, dance and the perfect amount of Broadway pizazz. Can’t miss it.
Don Juan In Soho
David Tennant In Don Juan In Soho (Photo: Helen Maybanks)
Previews from 17 March, press night 28 March; Wyndham’s Theatre
Rachel: David Tennant is back on stage! Celebrate! He’s taking on the role of Don Juan in a show that promises to be savagely funny and disgracefully sexy. The show, Don Juan In Soho, is playing in London after its first outing at the Donmar 10 years ago, and is directed by its playwright Patrick Marber.
The Wipers Times
George Kemp, James Dutton and Dan Tetsell in The Wipers Times (Photo: Philip Tull)
Previews from 21 March, press night 27 March; Arts Theatre
Sinead: 100 years after the battle of the Somme, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s The Wipers Times plays at the Arts Theatre. Telling the extraordinary true story of human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity, The Wipers Times follows two officers of the First World War as they discover a printing press and create a cheerful newspaper designed to lift the spirits of those on the frontline. If you’re looking to lighten your days and remind yourself just how great humanity can be, get down to the Arts Theatre this March!