Here’s a guide to some of the shows to look out for in June…
With an all star cast including Helen George, Felicity Kendel and Julian Ovenden as well as music provided by Cole Porter, High Society is certainly one of this summer’s highlights. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, this musical adaptation of the play ‘The Philadelphia Story’ by Philip Barry includes songs such as “True Love,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and “Well, Did You Evah!”.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre:
Directed by Atri Banerjee (The Glass Menagerie, Royal Exchange; Julius Caesar, RSC), William Shakespeare’s comedy arrives at the magical outdoor theatre from the 20th June until the 18th July.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Watermill Theatre:
Also officially opening in June is the Watermill Theatre production of this classic musical. Bringing this story of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, his children Jeremy and Jemima, and Truly Scrumptious to life is director Paul Hart. The cast includes Mark Curry as Grandpa Potts, Christian Edwards as Caractacus Potts and Lydia Louise as Truly.
Arcadia, Duke Of York’s Theatre:
Tom Stoppard’s play arrives back onto the West End stage from the 20th June. Directed by Carrie Cracknell, the cast includes: Nikki Amuka-Bird as Hannah Jarvis, Oliver Chris as Bernard Nightingale, Aaron Anthony as Richard Noakes, David Buttle as Captain Brice, Matthew Doswell as Gus Coverly / Augustus Coverly, and Yolanda Kettle as Lady Croom.
This brand new musical from the creators of 42 Balloons, Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote is a story of Earth meeting Humanity and what happens after the sparks fly. It will run at the theatre from the 13th June until the 6th September.
Atonement, Chichester Festival Theatre:
Adapted from Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel by Christopher Hampton, the production will run at the theatre until the 20th June. Directed by Adam Penford, the cast is led by Jessica Turner (Wallenstein CFT, The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich RSC) plays the older Briony Tallis; Miriam Petche (HBO/BBC’s Industry) plays Cecilia, and Jasper Talbot (Redlands) plays Robbie.
Running for a strictly limited run from the 4th June until the 4th July, Martina Laird’sdebut play is a story about power, passion and danger. It is directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Justin Audibert.
Ride the Cyclone, Southwark Playhouse:
Having had a successful run at the same theatre last year, Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell’s show returns to London from the 19th June. This time around, the cast is set to include Divina De Campo as The Amazing Karnak. The musical follows the stopry of a group of teenagers who are caught up in an accident and offered one opportunity to return to life.
West End Live, Trafalgar Square:
This free to attend musical theatre celebration returns on the 20th and 21st June, featuring a wide range of performances from shows currently available to see on stage. It offers a real opportunity for musical theatre fans to come together and celebrate musicals in all shapes and forms.