Lots of exciting theatre is heading our way in 2024 – but here is what we are most looking forward to seeing!
The Devil Wears Prada, Theatre Royal Plymouth /Dominion Theatre: based on the best selling novel and film, I’m intrigued to see how this story translates musically to the stage and of course casting is very much a key part of this. It will be particularly intriguing to see who they cast as the formidable Miranda Priestly (played so memorably by Meryl Streep in the film). Expectations will be high for a rather stylish production – but with it being in the safe hands of Jerry Mitchell it should be a lot of fun!
Waiting For Godot, Theatre Royal Haymarket: Ben Whishaw is heading back to the West End stage next year in a new production of Samuel Beckett’s play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from September. Having never experienced the play live for myself, this is certainly on the top of my list to see in 2024.
Plaza Suite, Savoy Theatre: this revival of Neil Simon’s play may have got mixed reviews when it was on Broadway, but I can’t help but wonder if its comedy might be more appealing to a British audience which is why I’m looking forward to catching it when it heads to the Savoy Theatre in January for a strictly limited run. I’m also intrigued to see how real life husband and wife Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker (making her West End debut) work together on stage as they bring to life three very different couples.
The 1979, Finborough Theatre: 2024 at the Finborough Theatre is the European premiere of Michael Healey’s play which will run at the theatre from the 2nd to the 27th January. It follows the story of Joe Clark, who in May 1979 became Canada’s youngest Prime Minister. It is set to be a fast-paced satirical political comedy and as we head into an election year in the UK it will certainly have relevance. As someone who enjoys political satire, this will certainly be right up my street.
Starlight Express, Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1980’s musical is heading back to London from June 2024 in what is set to be a spectacular new production directed by Luke Sheppard (The Little Big Things). Having never managed to catch it during its original run, I will be interested to discover this musical for the very first time – so will be skating along to Wembley to catch it.
Next to Normal, Wyndham’s Theatre: having been critically acclaimed during its original run at the Donmar Warehouse , Michael Longhurst’s production will head to the West End from the 18th June 2024. While casting for this latest run of the musical has yet to be announced, it certainly has a powerful story at the centre of it and I regret missing it the first time around and this gives me the perfect opportunity to catch it!
Hadestown, Lyric Theatre: another show that I’m content to go into blindly to is Hadestown. Combining two mythological stories in a more contemporary way, I’m excited to see this eight Tony Award winning musical when it returns to London from the 10th February 2024. The cast is equally impressive including: Dónal Finn as Orpheus, with Eurydice is to be portrayed by Grace Hodgett-Young (Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre). They will be joined by Melanie La Barrie (& Juliet) as Hermes, Gloria Onitiri (Cinderella) as Persephone and Zachary James (Philip Glass’s Akhnaten) as Hades. The three Fates will be portrayed by Madeline Charlemagne, Allie Daniel and Bella Brown. This is certainly going to brighten up the West End!
Opening Night, Gielgud Theatre: also opening next year is this new musical based on the 1977 by John Cassavetes. Conceived and directed by Ivo Van Hove, it features music by Rufus Wainwright and follows the story of a theatre company’s preparations to stage a major new play on Broadway, however things go wrong behind the scenes when their leading lady is rocked by tragedy. Unlike some of the other musicals opening, it feels as though it has a bit of a grittier feel to it – making it an exciting addition to the West End.
The Hills of California, Harold Pinter Theatre: Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes collaborating? Yes please! This new play follows on from their work on The Ferryman and is set to arrive at the Harold Pinter Theatre from the 27th January. The cast is set to include: Laura Donnelly (The Ferryman, The Nevers, Outlander), Leanne Best (Sweat, Ripper Street, Line of Duty), Ophelia Lovibond (Minx, W1A, The Effect) and Helena Wilson (Vogue World, Jack Absolute Flies Again, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern). Something tells me that there is going to be a lot of hype when it officially opens!
Just For One Day, Old Vic Theatre: this is an intriguing premise for a musical, while it will feature songs by many of the artists who performed at Live Aid in 1985 this musical is more about how the concert came to be. This world premiere is being directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things) and will certainly draw everyone who remembers the concert well and to offer a different perspective of that memorable day.