Here’s a guide to some of the shows to look out for in May…
This beloved musical is preparing to head out on a brand new tour, with La Voix and Claire Sweeney starring as Miss Hannigan (at certain venues). Nikolai Foster’s production is set to open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on the 23rd May and is booking until March 2027.
Mother Courage and Her Children, Shakespeare’s Globe:
Marking the first time that a Bertolt Brecht play is being staged at the Shakespeare’s Globe, this production will take place from the 7th May until the 27th June. Directed by Globe Associate Artist Elle While (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Globe), the production is set to star Michelle Terry as Mother Courage herself.
For those who love a classic musical will want to head to the Barbican to catch Rachel Kavanaugh’s production of High Society, which will begin performances from the 19th May and will run for a limited season until the 11th July. Featuring a suitably starry cast and many of Cole Porter’s most memorable songs…what a swell party this is going to be!
An Ideal Husband, Lyric Hammersmith:
From the 7th May until the 6th June, why not head to the Lyric Hammersmith to catch Nicholai La Barrie’s production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play with a brand new twist. The cast is set to include Suzette Llewellyn, Jamael Westman and Tamara Lawrance.
Having played at the Almeida Theatre, Ava Pickett’s play will make its West End debut from the 2nd May. It follows the story of a group of women who begin to see the story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII to echo in their own lives. The show is directed by Lyndsey Turner.
End of the Rainbow, Soho Theatre, Walthamstow :
Jinkx Monsoon is starring as Judy Garland in this revival of Peter Quilter’s play in a new production directed by Rupert Hands. It will run at the theatre from the 15th May until the 21st June.
Sherlock Holmes, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre:
Opening its new season, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre delves into the world of the famous detective with Joel Horwood’s new play featuring the detective. Running at the theatre from the 2nd May until the 6th June, the production is directed by Sean Holmes (Pinocchio, The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare’s Globe) and is a new mystery involving a mysterious jewel and an unknown woman.
Equus, Menier Chocolate Factory:
May will see the opening of Lindsay Posner’s production of Peter Shaffer’s play, in a co-production with the Bath Theatre Royal. This revival of the play will run at the theatre from the 8th May until the 4th July and is set to star Toby Stephens (Dr. Martin Dysart), Amanda Abbington (Hesther Salomon), Bella Aubin (Jill Mason), Emma Cunniffe (Dora Strang), Paula James (Nurse), Colin Mace (Frank Strang), Ed Mitchell (Nugget/Young Horseman), David Rubin (Dalton) and Noah Valentine (Alan Strang).
Dancing in the Mirror, The Fellowship Inn:
On the 22nd and 23rd May this site-specific play with music inspired by legendary boxer Sir Henry Cooper will take place at The Fellowship Inn in Lewisham, famous for being the training ground of Cooper before his iconic 1963 fight with Muhammad Ali. Written by Sunday Times best-selling author Rhik Samadder, the show will star Sir Henry’s nephew, Neal Cooper who will appear in the show as his uncle.
The festival returns for the ninth year to The Place London, but will also visit Pavilion Dance South West, Dance City, Lowry and Tramway. Presented by the Korean Cultural Centre UK and The Place, the festival bring a selection of Korea’s premier dance companies to the UK, including returning favourites Korea National Contemporary Dance Company (KNCDC). The festival will run from the 13th to the 30th May.