Lastest British Theatre News - Week Ending 20th September 2024

Here’s the latest roundup of the most exciting theatre news and developments from theatre in London and the UK:

New Productions and Openings

1. Major New Shows in London:

• Giant opened at the Royal Court Theatre on 20 September, with a stellar cast including John Lithgow, Romola Garai, and Rachael Stirling. This dark comedy, directed by Nicholas Hytner, tackles the legacy of Roald Dahl, offering a provocative exploration of antisemitism and artistic responsibility.

• Coriolanus at the National Theatre continues its strong run, starring David Oyelowo as the title character. Directed by Lyndsey Turner, this production delves into Shakespeare’s tale of a Roman general who succumbs to his disdain for the public, with a modern interpretation that has been highly praised by critics.

• A Face in the Crowd, the new musical collaboration between Elvis Costello and Sarah Ruhl, opened at the Young Vic. This adaptation of the 1957 film explores the rise of a populist demagogue, examining media influence and its consequences in today’s political landscape. Starring Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas, the production runs until November.

2. Other Noteworthy Openings:

• The Cabinet Minister began at the Menier Chocolate Factory on 21 September. This political farce, set in the 1890s, highlights the comedic struggles of a government minister attempting to salvage his career and family’s reputation amidst mounting debts.

• Juno and the Paycock, starring J. Smith-Cameron and Mark Rylance, also began its run at the Gielgud Theatre on 21 September, celebrating the centenary of Sean O’Casey’s Irish classic. The play delves into the lives of a working-class Dublin family during the Irish Civil War.

3. The Rocky Horror Show concluded its two-week run at the Dominion Theatre on 20 September. Jason Donovan reprised his role as Frank-N-Furter in this ever-popular cult classic, delighting audiences with its signature mix of eccentricity and audience participation.

Upcoming and Extended Shows

• Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist returned to The Other Palace for an extended run, blending historical events with a pop soundtrack. The musical revisits the infamous scandal where Marie Antoinette was accused of defrauding French jewellers over a diamond necklace, combining history with modern music to appeal to contemporary audiences.

• Waiting for Godot, featuring Ben Whishaw and Lucian Msamati, continues at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This acclaimed production of Samuel Beckett’s existential masterpiece is set to run until December.

Regional Theatre and Touring News

• The UK tour of War Horse continues after kicking off at the New Wimbledon Theatre earlier in the month. This emotional tale, famous for its groundbreaking puppetry, will tour through cities including Salford, Southampton, and Plymouth over the next 18 months.

• The politically charged musical Cable Street, based on the 1936 anti-fascist demonstrations, returned to the Southwark Playhouse for a second run following its successful earlier performances. The show taps into the historical and political tensions of 1930s Britain while drawing modern parallels.

Casting Announcements and Celebrity News

• Cate Blanchett is set to make her return to the stage in 2025, starring in Chekhov’s The Seagull at The Barbican. She will appear alongside Tom Burke in what promises to be a much-anticipated revival directed by Thomas Ostermeier.

• Brian Cox will headline The Score at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2025. The play explores ambition, betrayal, and the intense personal relationships within the political world, with Cox’s casting generating significant excitement.

Industry Events and Initiatives

• Sustainability in theatre continues to grow, with productions increasingly adopting practices from the Theatre Green Book to reduce environmental impact. This initiative is gaining widespread support across UK theatres as the industry works toward more eco-friendly production methods.

Upcoming Highlights:

• Come Dine With Me: The Musical continues at the Turbine Theatre, offering a lighthearted and musical adaptation of the hit reality TV show.

• The quirky and camp I Wish You Well, based on the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial, opened at the Criterion Theatre for a strictly limited run, following rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe earlier this year.


This week’s theatre highlights capture the rich variety that continues to define the London stage, from captivating political dramas like The Cabinet Minister to the playful camp of I Wish You Well. With big names like Cate Blanchett returning to the stage and powerful new productions exploring both historical and contemporary themes, it’s a great time to dive into the vibrant theatre scene. Whether you’re drawn to the philosophical depth of Waiting for Godot or the cheeky charm of The Rocky Horror Show, there’s something for every theatre lover. Don’t miss out—book your tickets now at BritishTheatre.com and ensure your spot for these unforgettable performances.