Amidst the flurry of holiday festivities and pantomime excitement, London’s theatre scene is set to close out the year with a remarkable lineup of captivating performances. From star-studded Shakespearean productions to charming family entertainment, these upcoming stage shows are designed to captivate and delight audiences throughout the holiday season.
1. A Contemporary Take on “Macbeth”
The Donmar Warehouse is bringing an innovative rendition of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” to the stage, featuring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo in the lead roles. This unique interpretation incorporates advanced binaural sound design, with the audience required to wear headphones for an immersive audio experience. Running from December 8th to February 10th, 2024, this cutting-edge production promises to leave a lasting impression.
2. “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”
In an ambitious stage crossover, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is a prequel to the hit Netflix series. Spearheaded by staff writer Kate Trefry, playwright Jack Thorne, and the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, this performance delves into the early life of the series’ troubled antagonist, Henry Creel.
3. “Pandemonium” – Satirical Look at Downing Street
Renowned satirist Armando Iannucci presents his debut play, “Pandemonium,” showcasing a historical account of the events that unfolded during the Johnson-Truss-Sunak era in Downing Street. With a focus on the pandemic response, the play is directed by Patrick Marber, and runs at the Soho Theatre until January 24th, 2024.
4. “Cold War” – A Musical Adaptation
The Almeida Theatre is home to a new musical adaptation of Paweł Pawlikowski’s indie film “Cold War.” With a star-studded creative team of Elvis Costello and Conor McPherson at the helm, the production follows the tale of star-crossed lovers struggling to escape communist Poland. The show, starring Anya Chalotra and Luke Thallon, runs until January 27th, 2024.
5. “Ulster American”
Riverside Studios presents a revival of David Ireland’s dark comedy “Ulster American,” featuring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, and Derry Girls’ Louisa Harland. The production delves into the misconceptions of an American film star regarding the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The show runs from December 4th to January 27th, 2024.
6. “The Homecoming” – A Pinter Classic Revived
Harold Pinter’s classic play “The Homecoming” returns to the stage at the Young Vic with a refreshed production directed by Matthew Dunster. Starring Jared Harris and Joe Cole, the play sheds light on a man who brings his new wife home to meet his family, only to witness their relationships change dramatically.
7. “Rock ‘N’ Roll” – An Insight into Czechoslovakia’s Revolutions
The Hampstead Theatre presents the first major London revival of Tom Stoppard’s “Rock ‘N’ Roll,” a play that examines the political upheavals in Czechoslovakia throughout the 20th century. Nathaniel Parker and Nancy Carroll take the lead roles, as a student and his teacher traverse different opinions on communism from the Prague Spring to the Velvet Revolution.
8. “Gwyneth Goes Skiing” – A Quirky Production
Coming to the Pleasance Theatre is the quirky and unconventional production “Gwyneth Goes Skiing,” courtesy of Awkward Productions. This peculiar take on Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent legal trial, inspired by a ski slope collision in 2016, runs from December 13th to the 23rd.
9. “Talking About the Fire” – An Experimental Exploration of Nuclear Annihilation
At the Royal Court, Chris Thorpe’s “Talking About the Fire” presents a one-man performance piece examining the probability of human extinction caused by nuclear weapons. Dark and thought-provoking, this experimental play runs from December 6th to the 16th.
10. “Bluey’s Big Play” – A Family Treat
Based on the popular children’s television show, “Bluey’s Big Play” makes its London debut at the Royal Festival Hall from December 20th to January 7th, 2023. The stage adaptation features a story by show creator Joe Brumm and voice recordings from the original cast, performed by puppeteers in a memorable show for the whole family.
Embark on a theatrical journey this December with London’s eclectic mix of premieres, eager to entertain and amaze theatre enthusiasts of all ages.
