Here is my round up of the shows coming to London in May that I am most excited about! I hope this post helps you find something to watch this month…
OPERATION MINCEMEAT
Riverside Studios – Opens 28th April
Following three sold out runs, this musical transfers to a new home! Created by SplitLip, this show is ‘Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding’. It’s the story of the twisted secret mission which won us World War II. It’s meant to be hilarious, and has charmed the critics with an array of 4 and 5 star reviews! I missed out on tickets during it’s last run so bought one immediately when it was announced! It’s selling fast so don’t hang about…
TWO PALESTINIANS GO DOGGING
Royal Court Theatre – Opens 6th May
This play is set in 2043, following Reem and her husband Sayeed. Things are tense, as the fifth Intifada is coming. But on a contested piece of land near their village of Beit al-Qadir, this couple is about to go dogging… This play won the Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award, it combines humour with important political play writing.
- TICKET TIP – all tickets £12 on Mondays at Royal Court
2.22 A GHOST STORY
Criterion Theatre – Opens 7th May
Returning for the third time, with a brand new cast, including Tom Felton and Mandip Gill. The play was nominated for 3 Oliviers and is written by Danny Robins. 2.22 centres around Jenny, a new mum that believes her house is haunted. Her husband Sam is a scientist and doesn’t believe it, but Jenny hears noises at 02.22am each night. Their dinner guests Lauren and Ben agree to stay awake and see what happens…
- TICKET TIP – Tickets from £15 on the show’s website.
MY FAIR LADY
London Coliseum – Opens 7th May
The Lincoln Centre Theatre’s multi award winning production, transfers to London for the summer. This is the first revival of this classic musical in 21 years. Starring Amara Okereke as Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower seller and Harry Hadden-Paton as Henry Higgins a linguistics professor that’s determined to transform her into a “proper lady”.
- TICKET TIPS – From £20 on the show’s website
THE HOUSE OF SHADES
Almeida Theatre – Opens 7th May
Directed by Blanche McIntyre this new play by Beth Steel, follows the Webster family over 5 decades, from 1965 to 2016. This play presents the ever shifting face of working class Britain. Starring the sensational Anne-Marie Duff, as the matriarch of the family. This play was supposed to premiere in 2020, and it’s finally here!
- TICKET TIP – Tickets available from £10
THE FATHER AND THE ASSASSIN
National Theatre – Opens 12th May
The story of the man that murdered Gandhi. This new play follows Nathuram Godse’s life over 30 years during India’s fight for independence, from devout follower of Gandhi to his murderer you will learn what happened in between. Written by Anupama Chandrasekhar, one of India’s most exciting playwrights, for this essential exploration of oppression and extremism.
- TICKET TIP – The National has rush tickets which are sold on Fridays for all performances the following week – you can get £10 tickets this way!
LIFT
Southwark Playhouse – Opens 13th May
Lift premiered in 2013, running for a limited season at Soho theatre, starring Cynthia Erivo. Lift is now returning for a limited run at Southwark Playhouse, with Gartland Productions ensuring this version reflects the landscape of London in 2022. Lift is set in an London underground lift, in a man’s imagination during the 54 seconds of the journey.
- TICKET TIPS – See the show in Previews to save money!
LEGALLY BLONDE
Regent’s Open Air Theatre – Opens 13th May
I don’t think this show needs an introduction, we’ve all seen the hit movie. Courtney Bowman stars as Elle Woods (incredible casting) the fashion merchandising major that’s dumped by her boyfriend and decides to go to Law school and win him back. Directed by Lucy Moss, the co-creator of Six. I imagine this will be the show to see this summer!
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Duke of York’s Theatre – Opens 23rd May
Six time Academy Award nominated actress Amy Adams makes her West End Debut in The Glass Menagerie. This is Tennessee Williams’ first hit play and it is running at The Duke of York’s Theatre for just 14 weeks! Amanda is devastated by her husband leaving, and obsesses over her children, Tom and Laura. Years later Tom reflects on his stifled upbringing.
THE LION
Southwark Playhouse – Opens 25th May
A one man folk musical which tells the true story of survival. 70 minutes of songs, monologues and guitar playing. This is the first revival of Benjamin Scheuer’s autobiographical show of love, loss, despair and hope.
*All images used in this post are from google
What shows are you going to see this month? x
- A PISSEDMAS CAROL – REVIEW – LEICESTER SQUARE
- A CHRISTMAS CAROL – REVIEW – ALEXANDRA PALACE
- A WOMAN WALKS INTO A BANK – REVIEW – THEATRE503
- PETER PAN GOES WRONG – REVIEW – LYRIC THEATRE
- GHOST STORIES BY CANDLELIGHT – REVIEW – SAM WANAMAKER PLAYHOUSE
