Here are the highlights in theatre across London’s West End, Off-West End, and regional venues in the UK for September 2019:
West End Highlights:
- “Hamilton” at Victoria Palace Theatre:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical continued its reign in the West End, enchanting audiences with its innovative retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s life. This vibrant production, blending hip-hop, jazz, blues, and R&B, remained a must-see, offering a captivating glimpse into American history through a modern lens.
- “Les Misérables” at Queen’s Theatre (now Sondheim Theatre):
- The timeless classic “Les Misérables” continued to draw crowds with its powerful story of love, redemption, and revolution. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, this enduring musical provided an unforgettable theatrical experience with its stirring songs and epic narrative.
- “The Lion King” at Lyceum Theatre:
- Disney’s spectacular musical, “The Lion King,” mesmerised audiences with its stunning visuals and enthralling music by Elton John and Tim Rice. The tale of Simba’s journey to kingship, brought to life with extraordinary puppetry and vibrant costumes, offered a breathtaking and magical evening for all ages.
- “Come From Away” at Phoenix Theatre:
- This heartwarming musical, based on the true events of 9/11, continued to resonate with audiences. “Come From Away” told the inspiring story of a small Newfoundland town that welcomed stranded airline passengers, celebrating human kindness and resilience through its uplifting performances and moving score.
- “Dear Evan Hansen” at Noël Coward Theatre:
- Making its highly anticipated West End debut, “Dear Evan Hansen” captivated theatre-goers with its poignant portrayal of a young man’s struggle to belong. The Tony Award-winning musical, featuring a beautiful score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, tackled themes of identity and connection with sensitivity and depth.
Off-West End Highlights:
- “The Son” at Duke of York’s Theatre:
- Florian Zeller’s profound drama, “The Son,” continued its critically acclaimed run. Directed by Michael Longhurst, this powerful exploration of a family grappling with mental health issues starred Laurie Kynaston in a deeply moving performance that left audiences reflecting long after the curtain fell.
- “Lungs” at Old Vic Theatre:
- Matt Smith and Claire Foy reunited on stage for Duncan Macmillan’s “Lungs,” a raw and intimate exploration of love, parenthood, and climate anxiety. This stripped-back production, directed by Matthew Warchus, captivated audiences with its intense and thought-provoking dialogue.
- “The Antipodes” at National Theatre (Dorfman):
- Annie Baker’s “The Antipodes” offered a fascinating and surreal exploration of storytelling and creativity. Directed by Lila Neugebauer, this enigmatic play invited audiences into a writers’ room where reality and imagination blurred, creating an intriguing and immersive theatrical experience.
Regional Theatre Highlights:
- “Blood Brothers” at Theatre Royal, Norwich:
- Willy Russell’s beloved musical, “Blood Brothers,” continued its UK tour, drawing audiences into the tragic tale of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth and fated to meet again with devastating consequences. This emotionally charged production, featuring timeless songs, delivered a powerful and unforgettable evening.
- “The Mousetrap” at Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton:
- Agatha Christie’s iconic whodunit, “The Mousetrap,” celebrated its enduring legacy as it toured the UK. This classic murder mystery, known for its clever plot twists and gripping suspense, kept audiences guessing until the final reveal, proving why it remains a staple of British theatre.
- “Calendar Girls The Musical” at King’s Theatre, Edinburgh:
- Based on the true story and the hit film, “Calendar Girls The Musical,” by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, continued to charm audiences with its heartwarming and humorous tale. This uplifting production, featuring memorable songs and a delightful cast, celebrated friendship and community spirit.
- “A Taste of Honey” at Lowry Theatre, Salford:
- Shelagh Delaney’s groundbreaking play, “A Taste of Honey,” enjoyed a revival as part of a UK tour. Directed by Bijan Sheibani, this classic work explored themes of race, class, and gender in 1950s Britain, offering a raw and poignant look at the struggles of a young woman finding her way in the world.
These highlights from September 2019 showcase the rich diversity of theatrical offerings across the UK, from blockbuster West End shows to innovative Off-West End productions and captivating regional tours. Whether in London or beyond, theatre enthusiasts were treated to a wealth of extraordinary performances and unforgettable experiences.
September 2019
The Amygdala by Sophie Fox at Theatre503 | Review
