Unmissable London Theatre in 2018
2018 is full of treats for all London theatre goers! With everything from Rock and Roll, classic Musical Theatre, brand new shows, bold reimaginings of timeless stories and revivals of shows loved by audiences worldwide, there's undoubtedly something for everyone. Here's our comprehensive guide to London Theatre Tickets, and here's what's not to be missed this year:
New in 2018
Strictly Ballroom The Musical is the uplifting story that inspired the world to dance. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s multi award-winning movie Strictly Ballroom, the first instalment from the acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy, the musical production is a kaleidoscope of colour and fun.
When maverick championship ballroom dancer Scott defies all the rules of competition to follow his heart, he teams up with left-footed partner Fran to win the Pan Pacifics his way. Featuring the film’s classic break-into-song numbers such as Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time alongside electrifying new songs from a host of internationally acclaimed artists.
Drew McOnie (whose dazzling choreography for In The Heights earned him the 2016 Olivier Award) will direct and choreograph the production. Strictly Ballroom is based on the original Australian musical created by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, with a book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce.
The Birthday Party
Stanley Webber (Toby Jones) is the only lodger at Meg (Zoë Wanamaker) and Petey Boles’ sleepy seaside boarding house. The unsettling arrival of enigmatic strangers Goldberg (Stephen Mangan) and McCann disrupts the humdrum lives of the inhabitants and their friend Lulu, and mundanity soon becomes menace when a seemingly innocent birthday party turns into a disturbing nightmare. Truth and alliances hastily shift in Pinter's brilliantly mysterious dark-comic masterpiece about the absurd terrors of the everyday.
Following critically-acclaimed productions of Betrayal, and Old Times, Ian Rickson returns to direct a new production of Harold Pinter’s landmark play, The Birthday Party. With a cast featuring a trio of Olivier Award winners, Golden Globe Award-nominated Toby Jones (The Play What I Wrote, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, Sherlock), Tony Award-nominated Stephen Mangan (The Norman Conquests, Jeeves and Wooster, Episodes) and Tony Award-nominated Zoë Wanamaker CBE (Harlequinade, Passion Play, My Family) star in this comedy of menace.
The Ferryman
Northern Ireland, 1981. The Carney farmhouse is a hive of activity with preparations for the annual harvest. A day of hard work on the land and a traditional night of feasting and celebrations lie ahead. But this year they will be interrupted by a visitor.
‘Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes deliver a tale of passion and violence’
Guardian
West End Favourites
Wicked
Recently acclaimed as 'one of the West End’s true modern classics' (Metro) and a three-time winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and the two-time winner of the Olivier Audience Award, Wicked continues to entertain audiences of all ages after more than a decade of spellbinding performances at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University; the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destines as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Disney's The Lion King
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi-award winning musical will redefine your expectations of the theatre.
Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music.
At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as the King of the Pridelands.
The Woman In Black
Join over 7m theatregoers who have experienced 'The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter' (Daily Telegraph)
Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation. Now celebrating over 28 terrifying years in the West End, Robin Herford’s gripping production is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.
Dreamgirls
Thirty-five years after the ground-breaking original Broadway production, the UK and West End premiere of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls has opened at to the Savoy Theatre to rave reviews. Starring the sensational Amber Riley, Dreamgirls features the classic songs And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going, I Am Changing, Listen and One Night Only. Described by the Evening Standard as 'lavish', 'dazzling' and 'richly emotional', don't miss out on this dream of a show.
Kinky Boots
Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots will transport you from the factory floor to the glamours catwalks of Milan. Winner of every major Best Musical award, this production is guaranteed to be a fabulous night out! Featuring music by icon Cyndi Lauper, this musical celebrates friendships new and old, and the belief that you can change the world if you put your mind to it.
The Book of Mormon
The Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, with Robert Lopez (Frozen, Avenue Q), won nine 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score.
The Book of Mormon follows a pair of mismatched Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that's about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get.