Mad about Lin-Manuel Miranda? Crazy about Sienna Miller? Intrigued by immersive theatre? 2017 has already been a blockbuster year for London & West End theatre. So what else is in store? When can you go? And how can you get the best seats?
Here, with our top ticketing tips, are the unmissable shows that the rest of 2017 has to offer.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
When? 13 July – 7 October
Where? The Apollo Theatre. Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London, W1D 7EZ.
Who? Sienna Miller (Layer Cake; American Sniper) and Jack O’Connell (Skins) star in this new production of Tennessee William’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece.
Why? The play is one of Tennessee Williams’ best known works and was his personal favourite. Dubbed a twentieth century masterpiece, and with its star-studded cast, it’s potentially the biggest must-see of the year (after Hamilton, of course).
In the play, a southern family gather at Big Daddy’s cotton plantation to celebrate his birthday; Maggie (Miller) fights to save her marriage to his son Brick (O’Connell) as they tiptoe around family secrets and sexual tensions that threaten their relationship. Sounds intense, right?
How do I book? Book tickets for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof online or in person at the Apollo Theatre. Book in advance to get the best seats and prices (best availability from August).
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
When? Currently open until January 2018
Where? The Dominion Theatre. 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, Fitzrovia, London W1T 7AQ.
Who? Featuring the Royal Ballet’s Leanne Cope and New York City Ballet’s Robert Fairchild.
Why? The multi-award-winning production is dancing up a storm in the West End after opening to a record-setting 28 five-star reviews in March. American GI Jerry Mulligan is starting his career as a painter in Paris when he meets beautiful young dancer Lise. With songs from George and Ira Gershwin, choreography that truly takes your breath away, and a whopping 28 five-stars, it’s probably worth seeing what all the fuss is about.
How do I book? You can book tickets for An American in Paris online (there is a no booking fee offer on until the 22 July) or rock-up at the venue and queue-up from 10 a.m. on the day of the performance to get some limited-release day tickets for £20.
Top tip: The Dominion has some of the best leg-room in the West End. Even rear stalls seats are good, and because the theatre is wide, you won’t feel far away.
DREAMGIRLS
When? Currently open until February 2018
Where? The Savoy Theatre. Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0ET.
Who? Amber Riley, the American actress best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones in Fox comedy-drama series Glee, plays Effie White.
Why? The much-anticipated new production, featuring classics ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’, ‘One Night Only’ and ‘Listen’, follows the journey of a trio of young female singers called The Dreams on their stormy journey from their hometown of Chicago up the greasy pole of success and celebrity. You’ll probably have goosebumps by the interval, and you’ll definitely be standing by the end. Dreamgirls is truly an unmissable show.
How do I book? You can book tickets for Dreamgirls online. And for the more spontaneous (or perhaps last-minute) people, you can queue at the venue from 10 a.m. Monday – Friday to get £20 tickets for same-day performances. Also, any returned tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis, so there’s still a chance of bagging some decent seats!
HAMILTON
When? Opening November 2017
Where? The Victoria Palace Theatre. Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 5EA
Why? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is a history lesson in American independence, covering the real events surrounding America’s political foundation as well as Alexander Hamilton’s intriguing love life. In 2016, the show was nominated for a record-breaking 16 Tony awards, and won 11, as well as breaking all sorts of records on Broadway – not least for the amount of money it can demand for tickets.
How do I book? As anticipated, demand was extremely high and tickets sold out pretty swiftly after going on sale earlier this year. However, it’s rumoured that more tickets will be released in early autumn. Follow Hamilton’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
When? 28th September 2017 – 10th February 2018
Where? The Garrick Theatre. Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH.
Who? Stand-up comedian Ross Noble, Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather), Summer Strallen (The Sound of Music), and Hadley Fraser (Les Misérables) star in this musical version of the classic 1974 film.
Why? Wickedly inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel, the revamped, restyled production reunites legendary filmmaker and comedian Mel Brooks and Tony-award winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman with the creative team behind their previous hit, The Producers. Think about it. A comical cult horror film parody featuring the one and only Ross Noble. What is there not to love?
How do I book? You can book tickets for Young Frankenstein online or in person at the venue.
IRIS THEATRE
When? 21 June – 3 September
Where? St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED.
Why? Promenade around the world-famous grounds of St. Paul’s Church with Iris Theatre’s signature-style immersive productions of Hansel and Gretel and Macbeth. Their fresh and vibrant shows are affordable, accessible and cater to all ages in the heart of London. Guaranteed to fright and delight, you’d be a fool to miss this unique experience.
How do I book? You can book tickets for Iris Theatre productions online.
THE GREAT GATSBY
When? Currently open until 10 September
Where? Gatsby’s Drugstore. 2 Pilgrimage Street, London, United Kingdom, SE1 4AU.
Why? Described as the theatrical event of the year, this immersive adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgeral’s seminal jazz-age novel is a night you’ll remember! The cocktails are flowing, the music is playing, the party is in full swing, and there’s the chance of more than a little scandal. Slip on your best 1920s dress and your dancing shoes, and step into the heart of the action in one of the greatest stories or the 20th century!
How do I book? You can book tickets for The Great Gatsby online. And if you fancy a late one with a little less theatre and a little more partying, book tickets for The Great Gatsby Lates.
Top tip: Due to high demand, tickets sell fast, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
HAIR THE MUSICAL
When? 4 October – 3 December 2017
Where? The Vaults Theatre. Arch 236, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN.
Why? 50 years since its debut, Hair The Musical has become more of a cultural and social phenomenon than a show, and is just as relevant now as it was back then.
Walk through the 60s to explore what it is to be free in this fully-immersive production, featuring psychedelic design and artwork, 60s-themed pop-up restaurants, and stalls brimming with tie-dye masterpieces and flower headdresses.
How do I book? You can book tickets for Hair The Musical online.
SHIT-FACED SHAKESPEARE
When? Currently open until 16 September
Where? The Leicester Square Theatre. 6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX.
Why? 2017 sees Shit-faced Shakespeare stagger to London with a brand spanking new take on Much Ado About Nothing. Described as a ‘deeply highbrow fusion of an entirely serious Shakespeare play with an entirely shit-faced cast member’, this show is perfect if you’re feeling a little less than equipped to take on a deeply moving, thought-provoking drama. Sit back, relax and giggle away at this ludicrously funny, light-hearted show.
How do I book? You can book tickets for Shit-faced Shakespeare online or in person at the venue. The box office is open 2 hours prior to the first performance.
TRUMP – THE PANTO!
When? 12 – 30 December
Where? The Leicester Square Theatre. 6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX.
Why? London’s number one dream-team panto producers are back to present their seasonal sauciness with Trump – the Panto! In a magical land far, far away, political overlords expel a ragtag bunch of fairy tale characters from the mystical woods. The intrepid characters embark on an unthinkable quest over the wall in search of the great Trump. Based on “a true story of alternative facts”, this adult pantomime is guaranteed to be a a night of hilarity (depending on your political stance, of course). You can read more about the show here.
How do I book? You can book tickets for Trump – the Panto! online or in person at the venue. The box office is open 2 hours prior to the first performance.
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD PARTS 1& 2
When? Currently booking until 22 July 2018
Where? The Palace Theatre. Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 5AY.
Why? The play recently won a record-breaking nine Olivier Awards, including Best New Play and Best Director, making it the most awarded West End production in the history of the Olivier Awards. If that isn’t reason enough to see a play, then I’m not sure what is…
How do I book? We’d strongly advise registering for updates. Each time tickets have been released they have sold out within hours. The next release of advance tickets is in Autumn 2017. You can sign up to the newsletter for here. If you’re a little hesitant to hand over your email address, you can follow the play on Twitter, Facebook and Instgram for updates.
Check out all the exciting shows the West End has to offer and get the very best seats via From The Box Office. Enjoy the rest of 2017 and happy theatre-going!
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