West End Shows are continuing to open in line with government COVID guidelines. July 2021 sees some exciting additions opening and others returning to West End Stages. Part One of Two.
July 2021 sees West End Shows opening and re-opening as safely as possible in line with government guidance. Here’s our list of what will entertaining audiences from July.
THE PRINCE OF EGYPT
Dominion Theatre – Re-opens 1st July
BOOK TICKETS
Returning to the Dominion Theatre on 1 July, experience the epic emotion, soaring music and breathtaking dance of “the huge popular hit” (LBC) from multi-Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell).
Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.
With a cast and orchestra of 60 artists, this spectacular re-imagining of the classic DreamWorks Animation film features the Academy Award-winning song When You Believe.
THE COMEBACK
Noel Coward Theatre – From 29 June
BOOK TICKETS
The original and hilarious new comedy, is set to delight all generations at the Noël Coward Theatre this July. This debut play from The Pin’s award-winning Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen – ‘destined to become one of the great comedy duos’ (Radio Times) – tells the story of two double acts fighting to wrestle control of the most chaotic, farcical and high-stakes gig of their respective careers. Directed by Emily Burns, The Comeback will have audiences doubled over laughing and wiping a tear away at the end with its heart-warming exploration of bittersweet nostalgia and the enduring power of friendship. This show is a much-needed dose of feel-good, dizzying escapism with real emotional heart, and a celebrity guest each night to boot.
Up-and-coming comics Ben and Alex have been booked in the warm-up spot for a beloved but fading double act’s comeback tour. Neither duo are delighted to be playing to a sparse crowd in a sleepy, seaside town, but when it’s revealed that a Hollywood director is in the audience, both acts glimpse a final chance for their big break. Cue sabotage, mistaken identity and full-on farcical mayhem, as the performance, descends into a desperate battle for the limelight.
PRETTY WOMAN
Savoy Theatre – From 20 July
BOOK TICKETS
Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Experience their iconic story and be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and theatre, Pretty Woman: The Musical will lift your spirits and light up your heart.
Pretty Woman: The Musical features direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray), an original “blazing rock score” (Daily Mail) by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of ’69, Heaven) and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton.
Aimie Atkinson (Six, In The Heights) is “magnetic and brings power and depth” (Evening Standard) to the role of Vivian Ward and Danny Mac (White Christmas, Sunset Boulevard) “plays businessman Edward Lewis brilliantly” (The Sun) in the smash hit Pretty Woman the musical.
ANNA X
Harold Pinter Theatre – From 10 July
BOOK TICKETS
Immersed in an addictive world of front-row fashion shows, private views, and endless parties, Anna and Ariel find themselves struggling to keep up with New York’s dazzling social elite. How far will two outsiders go to construct the identities they want? And at what price?
Golden Globe Award-winner Emma Corrin (Netflix’s The Crown)and Royal Television Society’s 2019 Breakthrough star Nabhaan Rizwan (Informer, BBC) make their West End debuts in this searing tale of self-invention, determination, and deceit. Inspired by real events, ANNA X is a new play by Joseph Charlton (Brilliant Jerks, VAULT Festival), directed by Daniel Raggett (The Human Voice, Gate Theatre), coming to the Harold Pinter Theatre.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
London Palladium – Opening 12 July
BOOK TICKETS
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat enjoyed a completely sold-out season this year, with audiences giving the new production nightly standing ovations. Critics were also unanimous in their acclaim for the legendary musical – the first major collaboration by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – as it returned to The London Palladium starring Jac Yarrow, Jason Donovan and Alexandra Burke.
Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international number one tours, and productions in over 80 countries as far afield as Austria and Zimbabwe and from Israel to Peru. The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.
WONDERVILLE
Palace Theatre – From 16 July
BOOK TICKETS
Six incredible acts. A vaudevillian journey of illusion. WONDERVILLE brings its magic to the West End this Summer.
Wonderville brings together some of the greatest illusionists live on stage in a breath-taking display of magic and illusion that will electrify, surprise and leave theatergoers in awe at what they are seeing.
Don’t miss this fresh spin on one of the greatest historical art forms, magic. Five acts will appear at each performance and showcase their incredible talents. The acts are the multi-award-winning Mind Reader and TV star Chris Cox, star of Britain’s Got Talent’s Josephine Lee, stage illusionists Young and Strange and Magic Circle Champion Edward Hilsum. Amazi and Symoné are our 5th act, each playing selective performances during the run. Amazi is an international hula hooper and Symoné combines hula hooping, roller skating and dance, they both currently hold a Guinness World Record.
Be transported to a variety performance like no other – comedy, illusion, magic, entertainment and mystery make it a fun night for all the family.
You’ll be amazed, entertained and puzzled as this show like no other has to be seen to be believed!
