Here are some highlights from London’s West End, Off-West End, and regional theatre in the UK for April 2019:
West End Highlights:
- “Hamilton” at Victoria Palace Theatre:
- The ever-popular musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda continued to be a major draw in the West End, telling the story of Alexander Hamilton with its innovative blend of musical styles.
- “Come From Away” at Phoenix Theatre:
- The inspiring musical based on the true events of 9/11, when a small town in Newfoundland welcomed stranded passengers, continued to receive acclaim for its heartfelt performances and uplifting story.
- “Waitress” at Adelphi Theatre:
- Featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, the musical about a waitress and expert pie maker dreaming of a way out of her small town life continued to delight West End audiences with its charming and heartfelt story.
- “Aladdin” at Prince Edward Theatre:
- Disney’s magical musical adaptation of the beloved animated film, featuring stunning special effects, beautiful costumes, and favorite songs like “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me,” continued to enchant audiences.
- “Fiddler on the Roof” at Playhouse Theatre:
- Trevor Nunn’s acclaimed revival of the classic musical about tradition, family, and resilience in a Jewish village in Tsarist Russia featured memorable songs like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Off-West End Highlights:
- “The Hunt” at Almeida Theatre:
- David Farr’s adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg’s 2012 film, directed by Rupert Goold, explored the harrowing story of a man wrongly accused of child abuse in a small town, offering a gripping and thought-provoking production.
- “Ghost Stories” at Lyric Hammersmith:
- Written by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, this spine-chilling play combined live theatre and horror for a thrilling experience. Returning after a previous successful run, it continued to terrify and entertain audiences.
- “Violet” at Charing Cross Theatre:
- This lesser-known musical by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley, about a young disfigured woman’s journey to find healing and acceptance, was revived in a new production that showcased its beautiful score and touching story.
Regional Theatre Highlights:
- “Kinky Boots” at Edinburgh Playhouse:
- The feel-good musical with music by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein continued its UK tour, bringing its story of acceptance and fabulous footwear to audiences in Edinburgh.
- “Macbeth” at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester:
- Christopher Haydon’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy starred Lucy Ellinson as Macbeth, offering a fresh and dynamic interpretation of the classic play that explored themes of ambition and power.
- “The Girl on the Train” at Grand Opera House, Belfast:
- The stage adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ psychological thriller continued its tour, captivating audiences with its suspenseful and gripping narrative.
- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Theatre Royal, Plymouth:
- The timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, featuring popular songs like “Any Dream Will Do,” continued its vibrant and colorful tour, entertaining families and theatre-goers of all ages.
These highlights reflect the rich diversity and vibrancy of theatre across the UK in April 2019, with a mix of blockbuster musicals, compelling dramas, and innovative new productions captivating audiences in both London and regional theatres.
