Here’s a guide to some of the shows opening in London this month.
Opening Night, Gielgud Theatre: this new musical conceived and directed by Ivo Van Hove, will see Sheridan Smith return to the West End stage to star in this stage adaptation based on John Cassavetes’ film of the same name. Beginning performances on the 6th March, the story follows that of a theatre company’s preparations to stage a major new play on Broadway but of course it is the drama backstage that will take centre stage. The cast also includes: Hadley Fraser , Shira Haas , Nicola Hughes , Amy Lennox and John Marquez.
Foam, Finborough Theatre: from the 19th March, the Finborough Theatre will present the world premiere of Harry McDonald’s play, which is inspired by the true story of Nicky Crane spanning twenty years of the collision of queer identity and extremist politics in 1970s and 80s London.
Police Cops the Musical, Southwark Playhouse: following a run at the Southwark Playhouse last year, the musical now returns to London performing until the 20th April. It features an original score by Brit Award winning Ben Adams (Eugenius) and choreography by Matt Cole. Set in the 1980’s, the story follows a pair of mismatched police cops who are on the case to bring down the baddest cat in America!
Red Pitch, @Sohoplace: following two sold out runs at the Bush Theatre, Tyrell Williams’ coming of age story, Red Pitch arrives at the @Sohoplace from the 15th March. Directed by Bush Theatre’sAssociate Artistic Director, Daniel Bailey the production will see original cast members Kedar Williams-Stirling (Sex Education), Emeka Sesay (The Power) and Francis Lovehall (Small Axe) all reprising their roles.
Frank’s Closet, Union Theatre: with performances beginning on the 6th March, the UK revival of the musical , written and composed by Stuart Wood follows the story of Frank and Alan a couple on the brink of marriage. However, Alan wants Frank to donate his fabulous collection of the dresses of iconic divas to the V&A, leading Frank to retreats into a fantasy world where he is The Chairman of The Music Hall and is revisited by the divas whose dresses he owns. Set to be a lot of fun, it will run at the theatre until the 30th March.
MJ the Musical, Prince Edward Theatre: this four time Tony Award winning musical celebrating the career of Michael Jackson finally arrives in London this month – and will see Myles Frost reprising his Tony Award winning performance as Michael Jackson. Featuring all of the singer’s biggest hits, this is certain to be a crowd pleasing addition to the West End.
Macbeth (An Undoing), Rose Theatre: this co-production between The Lyceum Edinburgh, New Audience, New York and Rose Theatre offers a re-telling of Shakespeare’s story and placing lady Macbeth right at the centre of it. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy has been written and directed by Zinnie Harris and stars Adam Best as Macbeth and Nicole Cooper as Lady Macbeth. It will run at the theatre from the 8th to the 23rd March.
Harry Clarke, Ambassadors Theatre: from the 9th March until the 11th May, you can catch Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) making his West End debut in the one man show’s UK premiere, which has been compared to The Talented Mr. Ripley and Saltburn. Directed by Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman, the show arrives in Lodnon following runs at the Vineyard Theatre, New York in 2017 and a West Coast premiere run at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2023.
By Emma Clarendon