Theatre is well and truly back! May was jam-packed with incredible theatre, and now it’s time to look forward to June. Here is our round up of the 25 best shows to see in and around London this month. Let us know what you’re seeing this month!
WE WILL ROCK YOU
New Wimbledon Theatre: 30th May – 4th June
The smash hit jukebox musical featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits is on a UK tour. And it’s making a pit stop in Wimbledon during the first week of June. The tour is rumoured to be the last, as there is potential for a biopic musical being produced, following the success of the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
THE HAUNTING OF SUSAN A
King’s Head Theatre: 1st- 26th June
The World Premiere of this play written by the Artistic Director of the King’s Head Theatre, Mark Ravenhill. The play is the story of London’s Oldest Theatre pub. It’s a sit responsive piece which invites the audience to become a part of local history. *Not for the easily frightened.
TONY! THE ROCK OPERA
Park Theatre: 2nd June – 9th July
Park Theatre hosts the world premiere of Tony! The Rock Opera, by Harry Hill and Steve Brown. A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair. The story of how one man went from a peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multi-millionaire in just a couple of decades. It’s bound to be hilarious!
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
Upstairs at the Gatehouse: 8th June – 3rd July
Based on the Best-selling Novel by Paula Hawkins and a Blockbuster film starring Emily Blunt. The Girl on the Train tells the story of Rachel Watson. Rachel spends her train journey to work people-watching. When a woman that she watches from the train goes missing, Rachel finds herself tangled up in the mystery.
THE CONVERT
Above the Stag: 8th June – 3rd July
The Convert premiered at Above The Stag’s CONTACT festival, and now returns with a full production. Written by Ben Kavanagh, The Convert follows Alix and Marcus as they are brought to The Facility to be ‘corrected’. The play is informed by real techniques used against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
THE CAR MAN
The Royal Albert Hall: 9th – 19th June
To celebrate the Royal Albert Hall’s 150th anniversary, Matthew Bourne and his dance company, New Adventures bring their multi-award winning production to the stage. Featuring a company of 65 dancers and musicians, comes a dance-thriller based on Bizet’s beloved Carmen, with one of the most dramatic scores ever written.
JITNEY
The Old Vic: 9th June – 9th July
Following an acclaimed run at the Leeds Playhouse, Jitney transfers to the Old Vic. August Wilson’s modern classic explores the fragile bond between eight men as they live, love and work in a racially segregated, post-Vietnam America.
THE DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2
Donmar Warehouse: 10th June – 6th August
Lucas Hnath picks up where Ibsen’s revolutionary masterpiece left off. Fifteen years after Nora Helmer slammed the door on her stifling marriage, she’s back with an urgent request. But first she must face the family she left behind. An all-star cast including double Olivier Award-winner Noma Dumezweni and Sex Education’s Patricia Allison, bring this play to the Donmar stage for the summer. (You don’t have to have seen Part 1!)
THAT IS NOT WHO I AM
Royal Court Theatre: 10th June – 16th July
Not much is known about Dave Davidson, but apparently he has worked in the security industry for 38 years. In his playwriting debut, he brings to the Royal Court stage a play that focuses on the importance of internet security and identities. That Is Not Who I Am tells the story of Ollie, a man whose identity has been stolen on the internet.
THE MAD HOUSE
Ambassadors Theatre: 15th June – 4th September
Written by Theresa Rebeck comes a dark and funny new play, starring David Harbour and Bill Pullman. In rural Pennsylvania, Michael has returned to his childhood home to look after his dying father. His siblings Ned and Pam soon arrive, determined to work out how much money Dad actually has left and how they’re getting their hands on it.
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN
Theatre Royal Stratford East: 15th June – 17th July
Based on the award-winning picture book by suffragette descendent Kate Pankhurst. Join inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the incredible wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few. Hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world.
TEMPEST
Various Squares & Gardens in London: 15th June – 8th July
The Tempest has been described as the perfect Shakespeare play: it has the love story of Romeo and Juliet, the revenge, intrigue and plotting of Richard III and the magic, fantasy and comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was the last play Shakespeare wrote solo (1610-11) and many equate Prospero’s relinquishing of magic with the playwright’s farewell to the stage.
SIX AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE
19th & 20th June
Worldwide hit musical SIX, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, will play three open-air concert performances at Hampton Court Palace, reuniting the original West End Queens and performing within the iconic main courtyard of their infamous ex-husband’s former residence. Featuring Olivier-Award nominees Jarnéia Richard-Noel (Catherine of Aragon), Millie O’Connell (Anne Boleyn), Natalie Paris (Jane Seymour), Alexia McIntosh (Anna of Cleves), Aimie Atkinson (Katherine Howard) and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Catherine Parr).
I REMEMBER IT WELL
Gielgud Theatre: Sunday 19th June 2022 – 3:00pm, Sunday 26th June 2022 – 3:00pm, Sunday 3rd July 2022 – 3:00pm
Dame Judi Dench in conversation with her friend Gyles Brandreth. On a roller-coaster trip down memory lane as together they explore the legendary actress’s extraordinary life and times, from her childhood in York in the 1930s to her latest Oscar nomination in 2022. For three special performances at the Gielgud Theatre. The story of Dame Judi’s life – of course you’ll want to see it!
UNFORTUNATE
Underbelly Earls Court: 21st June – 16 July
Fat Rascal Theatre brings Unfortunate to London following complete sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and around the UK. This parody musical everyone’s favourite Disney Diva, Ursula, as she gives her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour, it’s time to take the plunge and dive into this year’s hottest night out.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
London Palladium: 24th June – 17th September
Tale as old as time… Beauty and the Beast is stopping in London on it’s UK tour. The show is spending the summer at the London Palladium. 28 years after its Broadway debut, members of the original creative team have reunited on this new production that features all of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
PEAKY BLINDERS
The Camden Garrison: Opens June 24th
An immersive experience that places you in the heart of one of the world’s most popular TV series. Get dressed up and fully immerse yourself in Tommy Shelby’s world. As the story unfolds you will experience live sets, unmissable character interactions, competitive game play and ultimately determine whether Tommy Shelby and his family succeed in their ambition to take London. From the creators of Gatsby and Dr Who Time Fracture!
FAVOUR
Bush Theatre: 24th June – 6th August
Favour is a touching and hopeful family drama that tackles duty, addiction and the battle of putting yourself back together. Writer of Diary of a Hounslow Girl Ambreen Razia’s remarkable new play, a new Bush Theatre and Clean Break co-commission, tells a strikingly frank story of a working-class Muslim family in a way you’ve never seen before on stage.
ANYTHING GOES
Barbican Theatre: 25th June – 3rd September
The sold-out musical sensation, Anything Goes returns by popular demand. Featuring a 50 strong cast and ensemble of the finest we have to offer on the London stage and a full-sized live orchestra, this uplifting production of Anything Goes features heartwarming romance, farcical fun and spectacular show stopping dance routines. With an All Star cast including Kerry Ellis, Bonnie Langford, Denis Lawson and Simon Callow.
METAMORPHOSIS
Lyric Theatre: 27th June & 4th July
Following its critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run in 2021, one of Maria Caruso’s greatest creations comes to London for 2 performances. A dance theatre work, heavily influenced by the artist’s ballet and modern vocabularies, the audience is immersed in the emotion of the creator’s true story and selfless expression on the stage
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE
Richmond Theatre: 27th June – 2nd July
One of Britain’s greatest modern plays, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, currently touring the UK, stops in Richmond for a week. The Olivier Award-Winning comedy-drama from Jim Cartwright has earned international acclaim across the globe, including a Golden Globe winning smash-hit film starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine. Scarborough, North Yorkshire 1992. Meet Little Voice and Mari Hoff. A mother and daughter central to the heart of this Northern fairy-tale, but as far apart in character as can be.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
New Wimbledon Theatre: 27th June – 2nd July
This production began at Chichester Festival Theatre, before running in the West End and at Sadler’s Wells, it’s currently on a UK tour and coming to Wimbledon for a week! High-energy choreography and sumptuous set design (including over 14,000 litres of water on stage every night) combine with the charm, romance and wit of one of the world’s best- loved films. Singin’ in the Rain features the glorious MGM score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the legendary Singin’ in the Rain.
THE SEAGULL
Harold Pinter Theatre: 29th June – 10th September
Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) makes her West End debut as Nina in Anya Reiss’ unique 21st century modernisation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, with direction by Jamie Lloyd. Following on from the return of the critically-acclaimed, five-star production of Cyrano de Bergerac, The Jamie Lloyd Company brings Chekhov’s tale of love and loneliness to the Harold Pinter Theatre from 29 June for 11 weeks only.
A-TYPICAL RAINBOW
Turbine Theatre: 30th June – 7th August
A-Typical Rainbow is the World Premiere debut play by autistic writer JJ Green that asks: could a kinder, more joyful world lie at the end of the rainbow? Boy has always seen the world differently to most people. Where they see monochrome, he sees the world in vivid and brilliant technicolour.
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