by January 9: The Unfriend
Steven Moffat’s silly comedy about a suspicious American widow who invites herself to stay with a British couple she met on a cruise returns to the West End, keeping Frances Barber as mediator with Lee Mack and Sarah Alexander now reluctant hosts.
Wyndham Theatre, London WC2 (theunfriend.com), until March 9, in previews now
January 24: The Most Valuable Goods
A solo adaptation/translation by director Nicolas Kent of Jean-Claude Gumberg’s best-selling novel – “a story about the Holocaust”, in which a woodcutter’s wife finds an abandoned Jewish child.
Marylebone Theatre, London, NW1 (mostpreciousgoods.com) until February 3; preview from 22 January
January 28: Plaza Suite
Although this revival of Neil Simon’s 1968 New York comedy was met with sniffy reviews in 2022, Sarah Jessica Parker’s West End debut opposite another famous face – her husband’s – will be in high demand spouse – Matthew Broderick, playing three couples in one hotel room. .
Savoy Theatre, London WC2 (plazasuiteuk.com), until March 31; preview from 17 January
31 January: The King and I
Call the Midwife’s Helen George teams up with Asian-American actor Darren Lee to reenact the relationship between English governess Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam as his Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Bartlett Sher directs this six-week run in the West End.
Dominion Theatre, London W1 (nederlander.co.uk), until March 2; preview from 20 January
February 1: Mirror
Jonny Lee Miller plays a minister of culture in an authoritarian regime trying to nurture new playwrights in Sam Holcroft’s slippery play on ideas about truth and censorship, transferring from the Almeida. Directed by Jeremy Herrin.
Trafalgar Theatre, London, SW1 (almeida.co.uk), until April 20; preview from 22 January
February 6: Metamorphosis
The highlight of Frantic Assembly’s frenetic and reliable UK tour sees Lemn Sissay adapt Kafka’s story about a man who wakes up one morning to find himself “transformed from winner to burden”.
Lyric Hammersmith, London W6 (lyric.co.uk), until Mar 2; preview from 1 February
February 6: California Hills
The latest from Jez ‘Jerusalem’ Butterworth heads straight into the West End. “An Linn Dubh, 1976. In the sweltering back streets… the Webb Sisters are returning to their dying mother’s guest house.” Directed by Sam Mendes. The cast includes Laura Donnelly (The Ferryman).
Harold Pinter Theatre, London SW1 (hillsofcaliforniaplay.com), until June 15; preview from 27 January
February 13: Only for one Day
John O’Farrell lives on that day in July 1985 when a star-studded rock concert called Live Aid changed hearts and minds; included is music by David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Elton John, and of course The Boomtown Rats. Directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet).
Old Vic, London SE1 (oldvictheatre.com), until March 30; preview from 26 January
February 15: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Succession star Sarah Snook plays 26 characters in a critically acclaimed adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s Faustian tale of beauty and debauchery, adapted by Sydney theater company artistic director Kip Williams.
Theater Royal Haymarket, London SW1 (doriangrayplay.com), until May 11; previews from February 6
February 19: Double Feature
John Logan – the US playwright (Red) and Bond screenwriter – divides his attention between Hitchcock’s filming of Marnie in a replica Suffolk cottage and trouble brewing – in a real-life Suffolk cottage – between Vincent Price and director Michael Reeves on Witchfinder General. Directed by Jonathan Kent.
Hampstead Theatre, London NW3 (hampsteadtheatre.com), until March 16; previews from February 8
February 20: Enemy of the People
Matt Smith returns to the stage for the first time since Lungs at the Old Vic to star in German director Thomas Ostermeier’s acclaimed version of Ibsen’s play about a whistleblower who confronts the whole town. Expect audience participation and bursts of rock music.
Duke of York Theatre, London WC2 (anenemyofthepeople.co.uk), until April 6; previews from February 6
February 21: Home of Hades
Anais Mitchell’s musical, jazzy, multi-Tony winning take on the story of Orpheus and Eurydice began off-Broadway, received a major tryout at the National in 2018 and as well as its run on Broadway is now heading to the West End. showing.
Lyric Theatre, London W1 (uk.hadestown.com), until August 4; previews from February 10
February 27: The Human Body
A new one from Lucy Kirkwood (Chimerica, Mosquitoes) stars Keeley Hawes and Jack Davenport in a drama set in 1948 Shropshire where a Labor councilor meets a local boy who has changed the outlook of Hollywood and discovers that her life changed. A final performance from Michael Longhurst as AD Donmar.
Donmar Warehouse, London WC2 (donmarwarehouse.com), until April 13; previews from February 16
February 13: Leap into the Dark
a stage performance of Ron Hutchinson’s play to mark the 100th anniversary of the first UK radio play; eight multi-role actors to honor the Beeb at their best – and at their worst.
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle upon Lyme (newvictheatre.org.uk), until Mar 2; previews from February 9
February 28: Standing at the Sky’s Edge
Adaptation of the Olivier award-winning musical from singer-songwriter Richard Hawley and his Sheffield co-creator Chris Bush – traversing the story of the Park Hill social housing scheme, as it has been over three generations, from the sixties to the present day.
Gillian Lynne, London WC2 (skysedgemusical.com), until August 3; previews from February 8
March 6: No
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in this “surreal and fantastical journey through the life and legacy of the man who changed the British welfare state”. Written by Tim Price, directed by Rufus Norris.
Olivier National Theatre, London, SE1 (nationaltheatre.org.uk), until May 11; preview from 24 February
March 26: Opening Night
Sheridan Smith stars in Ivo van Hove’s adaptation of John Cassavetes’ celluloid backstage drama about a new Broadway play, with music by Rufus Wainwright.
Gielgud Theatre, London W1 (Opening NightMusical.com), until July 27; previews from March 6
