New shows for the New Year
Here are our entertainment team's picks of new shows coming to the West End this winter and in to 2009. We've also heard that Jason Donovan will star in a production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert next March. We'll keep you up to date with the latest theatrical developments, but call us for more details on what to see, and browse our calendar for suggestions on upcoming plays, concerts, gigs and exhibitions.
Three Days of Rain
Opens at the Apollo Theatre on Tuesday 10 February 2009 with previews from Friday 30 January 2009.
James McAvoy (Shameless, Atonement) takes a break from Hollywood to star alongside Lyndsey Marshal (The Hours) and Nigel Harman (Eastenders) in this moving comic drama about families and generation gaps. We have access to press and party nights for this play, so call if you want us to put you on the invite list. We'll send you the details as soon as they're confirmed.
Entertaining Mr Sloane
Trafalgar Studios, from Tuesday 22 January to Saturday 11 April 2009
Gavin and Stacey's Mathew Horne stars in Joe Orton's darkly comic masterpiece. Kath and Ed are emotionally desperate siblings battling for the attention of their charming new lodger, Mr Sloane, in a sexually charged conflict that leads to blackmail and murder. Ten has access to press and party nights for this play. We're waiting to confirm details, but let us know if you're interested and we'll put you on the invite list.
Spring Awakening
Lyric Hammersmith, from Friday 23 January 2009
Tony Award-winning coming-of-age musical gets its UK debut in Hammersmith. Three school friends embark on a journey of personal and sexual discovery, backed by an 'alt-rock' soundtrack.
View from the Bridge
The Duke of York's Theatre, from February 2009
Arthur Miller's play about jealousy, suspicion and betrayal comes to the West End for the first time since 1995. Ken Stott plays Eddie Carbone, a man consumed, and ultimately ruined, by his sexual feelings towards his orphaned niece. Rich Major, our entertainment specialist, says: ‘It's a classic play by arguably the world's finest playwright in recent memory, and it will be interesting to see how Lindsay Posner has updated the direction."
Piaf
Vaudeville Theatre, till Saturday 24 January 2008
Pam Gems' play about the life and music of Edith Piaf was a critical and commercial hit when it was staged at the Donmar Theatre over the summer. It's now moved to the Vaudeville Theatre for a limited 14-week run, so there's another chance to see Elena Rogers' acclaimed performance in the lead role and hear renditions of Piaf's most famous songs, including Non, je ne regrette rien and La vie en rose.
La Cage Aux Folles
Playhouse Theatre, till Saturday 10 January 2009
Gay couple Georges and Albin lead an idyllic life in St Tropez. Georges is the proprietor of cabaret club La Cage aux Folles, while drag queen Albin is the nightspot's star attraction. But their carefree existence is threatened when Georges' son decides to marry the daughter of a homophobic right-wing politician who wants to close down the club. Rich says: ‘This is a big, bouncy and fun production of the hit musical.'
Treasure Island
Theatre Royal Haymarket, until Sunday 1 March 2009
Keith Allen stars as Long John Silver in this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story of pirates, mutiny, buried treasure and adventure on the high seas. ‘This should be a fun family production,' says Rich. ‘Expect plenty of swashbuckling action.'
