Here’s a guide to some of the shows that you can look forward to seeing this month…
The Comedy About Spies, Noel Coward Theatre: Mischief Theatre are back with a brand new show that will take audiences into a world of spies and comedy. It will see original Mischief Company members Dave Hearn, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit all set to star. The official opening night is set to take place on the 6th May.
The Crucible, Shakespeare’s Globe: this will be the first production of Arthur Miller’s play to be presented at the theatre when it begins performances on the 8th May. It is set to be directed by Ola Ince and star Sarah Belcher as Ann Putnam / Sarah Good, Sarah Cullum as Martha Corey / Ruth Putnam / Cover and Gavin Drea as John Proctor,
Marie and Rosetta, Rose Theatre: from the 2nd to the 24th May, audiences visiting the Rose Theatre in Kingston can see Beverly Knight (making her professional play debut) as Rosetta Tharpe and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Marie Knight to bring to life the story of the ‘godmother of rock ‘n’ roll’, who influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash.
The Deep Blue Sea, Theatre Royal Haymarket: Tamsin Greig is heading back to the West End stage to star in the West End transfer of Lindsay Posner’s production of The Deep Blue Sea which ran at the Bath Theatre Royal last year. Also starring is Finbar Lynch as Miller, with Hadley Fraser and Selina Cadell joining the London run. It is set to officially open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on the 14th May.
Giant, Harold Pinter Theatre: having won Olivier Awards for both John Lithgow and Elliot Levey, Mark Rosenblatt’s critically acclaimed play arrives in the West End following its run at the Royal Court Theatre. It officially opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre on the 1st May.
Just for One Day, Shaftesbury Theatre: following its run at the Old Vic Theatre, this musical based around the Live Aid concert is making its West End debut at the Shaftesbury Theatre from the 15th May.
Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Garrick Theatre: Imelda Staunton is set to star alongside her daughter Bessie Carter in Dominic Cooke’s revival of George Bernard Shaw’s play. It will run in the West End from the 10th May.
Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: the acclaimed musical is set to make its UK debut at the theatre from the 19th May until the 14th June. The cast is set to include: Monique Ashe-Palmer (Storyteller 1), Ben Joyce (Beau), Sophie McShera (Maizy), Georgina Onuorah (Lulu), Keith Ramsay (Peanut), Matthew Seadon-Young (Gordy) and Steven Webb (Storyteller 2). It features a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) and a score by the Grammy Award-winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.
The Frogs, Southwark Playhouse: this revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical will run at the London venue from the 23rd May until the 28th June. Based on a comedy written by Aristophanes, it follows the story of Dionysos and trusty sidekick Xanthias who take a leap of faith straight into Hades to find a cure for an ailing world. The cast is set to include: Kevin McHale, Dan Buckley and Joaquin Pedro Valdes.
Pop Off, Michelangelo!, Underbelly Boulevard Soho : following its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Dylan MarcAurele’s musical comedy arrives in London from the 17th May until the 22nd June. It follows the story of besties-turned-bitter rivals Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. After realising they’re both gay, the two childhood friends attempt to earn divine forgiveness by becoming the greatest religious artists of all time.