As ever London can summon the cream of the crop of acting, comedy, and music talent starring in world class productions.
Cirque du Soleil stages its annual takeover of the Royal Albert Hall from January 9 to March 2. This year, Corteo sees a reconfigured seating split the Victorian hall into two halves. Meaning cortege in Italian, the show promises to be a joyous procession, a festive parade of angels and acrobats imagined by a clown.
A fresh version of Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver! is now running in the West End. (Image: Johan Persson) Oliver! Lionel Bart’s timeless musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel was fully reconceived by director and choreographer Matthew Bourne for Chichester Festival Theatre in the summer. The hit show, produced by Cameron Mackintosh, has just transferred to the West End’s Gielgud Theatre with tickets on sale now.
Clueless is another new musical comedy based on a hit coming-of-age film which follows in the stiletto-heeled footsteps of Mean Girls and Heathers. A modern spin on Jane Austen’s Emma, it follows Cher Horowitz at Beverly Hills High as she tries to makeover new friend Tai, and features a score by KT Tunstall and lyrics by Glenn Slater. (Sister Act) Performances begin at Trafalgar Theatre on February 15.
The cast of Titanique, now playing in the West End. (Image: Chad David Kraus) Titanique now running in the West End will absolutely ensure that the heart will go on for Jack and Rose. Fresh from New York, this “hysterical musical fantasia” is now running at the Criterion Theatre and blends the music of Canadian superstar Céline Dion with the eleven-time Oscar-winning blockbuster film to tell one of the greatest love stories of all time.
My Neighbour Totoro returns to the West End at the Gillian Lyne Theatre from March 8 and is another chance to see the RSC’s award-winning staging of the Studio Ghibli animation, about two young girls moving to the country where the encounter a magical ancient protector of the forest.
Evita will see whether superstar director Jamie Lloyd can do for Eva Peron what he did for fading movie star Norma Desmond. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s show about the Argentine first lady plays at the London Palladium for 12 weeks only from June 14. No word yet on the casting but after Nicole Scherzinger’s triumph in this year’s Sunset Boulevard, expect a star name in the lead role.
Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright Reese Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton bring a live spin off of their BBC comedy horror ‘Inside No. 9’ to Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End from January 27 with the pair performing familiar characters in eerie and absurd stories alongside new material.
Rami Malek and Indira Varma appear in Oedipus at The Old Vic in January. (Image: Nadav Kander) Oedipus follows hot on the heels of Robert Icke’s modern updating now in the West End. The Old Vic is offering an “intimate and revelatory” version of Sophocles’ play, starring Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die) and Indira Varma (Present Laughter, Game of Thrones). Ella Hickson’s adaptation is co-directed by Matthew Warchus and choreographer Hofesh Shechter, and runs from January 21.
Unicorn is a new play by Mike Bartlett (Dr Foster, Life) starring Nicola Walker, Erin Doherty and Stephen Mangan. Running at The Garrick Theatre from February 4, this World premiere follows happily married couple Polly and Nick who have two children, successful careers, and a third person in their relationship to give it extra sparkle.
