Here’s an overview of the theatre scene in London’s West End, Off West End, and regional theatre in December 2018:
West End Theatre:
The West End, known for its grand productions and historic theatres, had a variety of popular shows running in December 2018:
- Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre: The musical phenomenon continued to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling and powerful performances.
- The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical remained a favorite with its iconic music and stunning sets.
- Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre: This epic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel continued to draw crowds with its moving story and memorable songs.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre: The two-part play, an extension of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, was still a major draw for fans.
- The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre: Disney’s beloved musical, known for its breathtaking visuals and music, continued to enchant audiences.
Newer and popular shows during this time included:
- Company at the Gielgud Theatre: Marianne Elliott’s gender-swapped revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical received critical acclaim.
- Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre: This heartwarming musical about the aftermath of 9/11 in a small Canadian town began previews in December.
- Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre: This musical biography of the legendary singer was a hit with fans of her music.
Off West End Theatre:
Off West End theatres offered a diverse range of productions, often in more intimate settings. Notable productions in December 2018 included:
- The Inheritance at the Young Vic: This two-part play by Matthew Lopez, exploring the lives of gay men in New York a generation after the AIDS crisis, moved to the Noël Coward Theatre after a successful run at the Young Vic.
- Nine Night at the Trafalgar Studios: Natasha Gordon’s play, focusing on the Jamaican tradition of nine-night mourning, was praised for its exploration of family and cultural identity.
- Hadestown at the National Theatre: Anaïs Mitchell’s folk opera, which intertwines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with Hades and Persephone, had a critically acclaimed run before heading to Broadway.
Regional Theatre:
Regional theatres across the UK offered a variety of performances in December 2018, including many seasonal productions. Highlights included:
- The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon: The RSC continued its repertoire with productions of Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol, and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
- The National Theatre in London’s South Bank: The National Theatre offered a range of productions, including War Horse, a powerful adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel.
- The Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre: This theatre hosted The Producers, a musical comedy by Mel Brooks, which was a festive hit.
- Birmingham Repertory Theatre: The REP staged Peter Pan, a family-friendly adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, which was popular during the holiday season.
These productions reflect the rich and varied theatre scene in the UK in December 2018. From the grandeur of the West End to the innovative and diverse offerings of Off West End and regional theatres, there was something for every theatre lover to enjoy during the festive season.
