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News Archive

Theatre recognition in the New Year honours list

Published: 31 December 2018

If it wasn’t obvious enough how much top talent there is in Theatreland, the Queen has recognised and awarded some shining theatrical stars in her New Year honours list. There…Read More

The top 10 theatre stories of 2018

Published: 28 December 2018

And just like that, 2018 is over. But what a year it's been. Like many, we enjoy using the run-up to the new year to reflect on the 365 days…Read More

10 theatre videos from 2018 you have to watch again 

Published: 27 December 2018

As the end of 2018 approaches, and we all start panicking about the fact it’s nearly over already, it’s time to reflect on what has been a spectacular year for…Read More

Simon Callow reads A Christmas Carol

Published: 25 December 2018

Having a cosy Christmas Day under a blanket with a hot chocolate by the fire? Well we've a treat to top it all off: the soothing tones of Simon Callow…Read More

Your London theatre guide to Christmas week & Boxing Day

Published: 24 December 2018

It's finally here! Christmas week is upon us, snow is falling (even if it looks suspiciously rain-like this year...), and the season of joy and goodwill has got us all…Read More

The Illusionists return to the West End

Published: 21 December 2018

Prepare yourselves, because your minds are about to be thoroughly boggled. The smash-hit magic spectacular, The Illusionists - Direct From Broadway, will return to the West End next summer. The…Read More

Waitress casting news, closing shows and West End newcomers – the weekly round-up

Published: 21 December 2018

With only a few days before Christmas, Theatreland is all swept up in the festive spirit…seriously there are Christmas lights and tinsel EVERYWHERE. Along with the joyfulness of Christmas, there’s…Read More

Jack McBrayer joins West End cast of Waitress

Published: 21 December 2018

An early Christmas present for you all! Emmy nominee and 30 Rock star Jack McBrayer will make his West End debut as Ogie in Waitress. Jack, who is best known…Read More

A complete beginner’s guide to pantomime

Published: 20 December 2018

For those of us who grew up with it, pantomime's quite natural to us at this point (“oh no it isn’t!”). But if you've never been lucky enough to encounter…Read More

Further cast announcements for All About Eve

Published: 20 December 2018

The limited run for All About Eve has revealed more cast details, having previously announced Gillian Anderson (X-Files, The Fall, A Streetcar Named Desire) and Lily James (Mamma Mia! Here…Read More

The Royal Opera announces The Monstrous Child

Published: 20 December 2018

The Royal Opera has announced The Monstrous Child, a new opera by young British composer Gavin Higgins, will be directed by Timothy Sheader from Thursday 21 February 2019. The production…Read More

8 things you didn’t know about A Christmas Carol

Published: 20 December 2018

It’s a Christmas classic that’s been reimagined, turned into a musical, shown in the West End without fail every year and is usually responsible for kick-starting that festive feeling! [related-article]…Read More

Opening night: Hugh Dennis and the cast of The Messiah

Published: 19 December 2018

Last week, we spoke to Hugh Dennis, Lesley Garrett and John Marquez - a trio otherwise known as "the cast of The Messiah", the hilarious nativity comedy playing at The…Read More

Christmas presents for theatre fans

Published: 19 December 2018

It’s Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (well, nearly) Tis the season to be jolly…and run around shops panic-buying anything that vaguely resembles a thoughtful gift, so friends and family won’t want to return it…Read More

In rehearsal: Leave To Remain

Published: 18 December 2018

If there’s one thing we love, it’s seeing rehearsal photos of an upcoming West End show (we’re nosy, we can’t help it!). And so Leave To Remain have answered our…Read More

Casting for Edward II and After Edward revealed

Published: 18 December 2018

There’s been a lot of exciting casting news in Theatreland recently, and the good news keeps on coming with Shakespeare’s Globe announcing the full cast for their productions of Christopher…Read More

10 plays you have to see before they close

Published: 18 December 2018

Endings. They're sad. But they're natural. As 2018 comes to a close, we look at 10 plays and comedies which are ending their runs in January. From outlandish cabarets to…Read More

9 shows we can’t wait to see in 2019

Published: 17 December 2018

So you know all about the new musicals coming to London next year. What about those plays and comedies? From plays starring A-list celebs to improvised comedies, TV shows come…Read More

Austentatious announces residency at the Fortune Theatre

Published: 17 December 2018

There's good news for both literary and comedy fans today, as Austentatious: The Improvised Jane Austen Novel has announced a regular residency at the Fortune Theatre from 18 February 2019.…Read More

Final casting for the return of Six announced

Published: 17 December 2018

The countdown to the return of Six The Musical has commenced and today it has been confirmed that the original Arts Theatre cast will be heading back to the West…Read More

Reasons to see: Snow White

Published: 14 December 2018

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Which is the fairest panto of them all? This year, Snow White has invaded London and along with it a star-studded cast. Brought to you…Read More

A Day In The Life: The RSC’s Karen Fishwick

Published: 14 December 2018

It's The Merry Wives Of Windsor as you've never seen them before. In the Royal Shakespeare Company's latest production of the comedy, the play acts as a spin on reality…Read More

11 feel-good theatre quotes to get you in the Christmas spirit

Published: 14 December 2018

What does Christmas mean to you? Overindulging? Panic-buying? Or feeling warm and fuzzy as that Christmas spirit fills you up? Who doesn’t love that feeling of excitement at the sight…Read More

Festive treats, famous faces and casting announcements – the weekly round-up

Published: 14 December 2018

The snow may not be falling yet, and our Christmas trees may already be losing half its pines, but we’re still feeling festive in Theatreland. With pantomimes opening their doors,…Read More

Paul Taylor-Mills launches MT FEST UK

Published: 14 December 2018

For two weeks in February, you can get a taste of new musical theatre at MT FEST UK at The Other Palace. The festival - brought to you by former…Read More

Laura Sargeant recalls her experience of TheatreCraft 2018

Published: 14 December 2018

On Monday 19 November, TheatreCraft 2018, London’s largest free event for 16-30 year olds seeking non-performance careers in theatre, took place at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel. On Wednesday, we enjoyed…Read More

Toast transfers to The Other Palace

Published: 14 December 2018

The critically acclaimed show Toast is transferring to The Other Palace following successful runs at The Lowry, Salford, the Traverse Festival 2018 AND the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Based on author,…Read More

Giles Terera joins the cast of The American Clock at The Old Vic

Published: 14 December 2018

Today, The Old Vic has announced that Olivier Award-winner Giles Terera will be joining the cast of Arthur Miller's The American Clock and will play the roles of Robertson and…Read More

Production photos of Caroline, Or Change released

Published: 13 December 2018

If you haven’t been to see the award-winning musical Caroline, Or Change yet, you’ll want to after you’ve seen these incredible photos from the show. Currently showing at the Playhouse…Read More

London theatres celebrated in The Stage Awards 2019 shortlist

Published: 13 December 2018

A whole host of London theatres are being recognised for their outstanding seasons as The Stage Awards 2019 shortlist was released this morning. The Young Vic Theatre, Almeida Theatre and…Read More

Sophie Edward & Matt Howorth recap TheatreCraft 2018

Published: 12 December 2018

On Monday 19 November, TheatreCraft 2018, London's largest free event for 16-30 year olds seeking non-performance careers in theatre, took place at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel and across multiple West…Read More

7 things you probably didn’t know about Hugh Dennis

Published: 11 December 2018

Quiz shows, improv sitcoms, panel shows and now nativities... Hugh Dennis has done them all. The comedian, actor, writer, impressionist and voice-over artist is probably best-known for the role of Pete Brockman…Read More

Emilia transfers to the Vaudeville Theatre

Published: 11 December 2018

One of literature’s first female voices will be celebrated in the West End in March 2019, when Emilia transfers to the Vaudeville Theatre for a limited run. The show tells…Read More

First look at Snow White, the all-star London Palladium panto

Published: 11 December 2018

Wow. I mean, wow. If these first snaps of this year's star-studded London Palladium pantomime, Snow White, don't get your eyes popping, and your heart welling up with seasonal glee,…Read More

In rehearsal: Celia Imrie, John Simm and more in Pinter Six

Published: 10 December 2018

The theatrical feast that is the Pinter at the Pinter season continues this winter, with a multitude of top stars collaborating to commemorate the work of one of the greatest…Read More

David Hunter talks about A Christmas Carol

Published: 10 December 2018

With the festive season truly here and numerous doors already opened on advent calendars, it’s never been a better time to get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to…Read More

National Theatre reveals full Follies casting

Published: 7 December 2018

As if one round of critical and audience acclaim weren't enough - not to mention 10 Olivier Award nominations (with 2 wins including Best Musical Revival) - the National Theatre…Read More

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

Published: 7 December 2018

Chestnuts, open fires, sleighs, donkeys, little drummer boys… there are some Christmas stalwarts that never fail to conjure up the festive season – and Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol…Read More

Big cast announcements, closing musicals and the start of our New Year Sale- the weekly round up

Published: 7 December 2018

With just over two weeks till Christmas, Theatreland has never been busier with new cast members arriving, new openings and fond farewells on the horizon. All this, plus we launched…Read More

Shane Richie joins cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Published: 7 December 2018

It’s not just Jamie that everyone is talking about at the moment, but also the new additions to this award-winning West End show that keep on coming. And they’re about…Read More

Win tickets to see Switzerland

Published: 7 December 2018

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Reasons to see: Fiddler On The Roof

Published: 6 December 2018

The original 1964 Broadway production of Fiddler On The Roof was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning nine, and ran for a record-setting total of 3,242 performances before opening in…Read More

In rehearsal: LMTO’s A Christmas Carol

Published: 6 December 2018

It just ain't Christmas without A Christmas Carol. And, luckily for us, A Christmas Carol is all over London this year! From Simon Callow's intimate telling at the Arts Theatre,…Read More

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Joseph

Published: 6 December 2018

Far from closing the door and shutting out the lights, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is returning to the West End in June 2019 at The London Palladium. Joseph…Read More

Star Trek’s Marina Sirtis to make West End debut in sci-fi play

Published: 6 December 2018

Star Trek: The Next Generation actress Marina Sirtis will make her West End debut in a new play, Dark Sublime, at Trafalgar Studios 2 next summer. Sirtis, who is best…Read More

Hamilton dominates 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards nominations

Published: 5 December 2018

Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical truly is Non-Stop! Hamilton, following its record-breaking 13 Olivier Award nominations this year (yielding 7 wins), has garnered 12 nominations for the 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards, dominating a…Read More

5 London musicals you have to see before they close

Published: 5 December 2018

Last week we told you about all the new musicals coming to London next year. Exciting times. But, as there are so many shows opening, room has to be made…Read More

Win the ultimate theatre-lover’s prize

Published: 5 December 2018

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Michelle Collins to star in My Dad’s Gap Year

Published: 4 December 2018

Former Coronation Street and EastEnders star Michelle Collins will star in a new comedy, My Dad's Gap Year, at the Park Theatre from next month. The knockabout comedy, which centres…Read More

Waitress serves up principal West End casting

Published: 4 December 2018

The West End premiere of new musical Waitress has served up another hot slice of casting – and the show’s looking like a treat to die for. Fresh from the…Read More

General booking opens for Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale

Published: 4 December 2018

General booking has opened for Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale, one of the industry’s longest running audience development initiatives. Thousands of theatre tickets for a wide range of top…Read More

Further casting announced for All My Sons

Published: 3 December 2018

The stars keep pouring onto the London stage and there's no sign of it stopping any time soon. Earlier this year, it was announced that All My Sons will play…Read More

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical to open at The Other Palace

Published: 3 December 2018

If you love an unpredictable story, original songs and a high probability for silliness, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is the show for you. And if you're yet to see it,…Read More

December picks: shows to see this month

Published: 1 December 2018

On the 1st day of December, my true love gave to me: OfficialLondonTheatre.com's top shows to see this month! And while we're not quite your true love (as far as…Read More

New shows, a big West End comeback and Caroline Flack – the weekly round-up

Published: 30 November 2018

As we start counting down the final days of 2018, we look forward to what's to come in Theatreland over the next few months. In this week's round-up, we tell…Read More

Bonnie Langford’s working 9 To 5 The Musical – full cast revealed!

Published: 30 November 2018

Showbiz legends, showbiz legends everywhere! Dolly Parton has revealed full casting for 9 To 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre - and Bonnie Langford's joining in the fun. Playing…Read More

Joseph is coming back to the West End!

Published: 30 November 2018

Way, way back many centuries ago... well, half a century ago, Andrew Lloyd Webber dreamnt up one of the world's most beloved musicals. Now, after a decade, Joseph And The…Read More

In rehearsal: Nine Night

Published: 29 November 2018

Whoever knew that a wake could be so much fun? Natasha Gordon, it turns out, whose hit debut play Nine Night follows the events of a traditional Jamaican Nine Night Wake.…Read More

Caroline Flack is Chicago’s new Roxie Hart

Published: 28 November 2018

TV star Caroline Flack will join the cast of Chicago from 10 December 2018, playing Roxie Hart until the end of the show's West End run on 5 January 2019.…Read More

7 facts about The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Published: 28 November 2018

Tomorrow night, the smash-hit, multi-Olivier Award-winning show The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time returns to London. It wowed audiences in its first run with its unique and…Read More

Playlists Challenge: Motown The Musical’s Jay Perry

Published: 28 November 2018

We Heard It Through The Grapevine that today (28 November) is the 89th birthday of Motown and musical legend, Berry Gordy! The rags-to-riches story of Gordy, who rose from assembly…Read More

Dick Whittington is headed to Theatre Royal Stratford East

Published: 27 November 2018

As we prepare for this year's panto season, Theatre Royal Stratford East is getting a jump start on 2019. Today, the Stratford-based theatre announced that next year's festive production will…Read More

Calum Finlay tells us all about Switzerland

Published: 27 November 2018

When people think of Switzerland, thrilling doesn't usually come to mind. However, Joanna Murray-Smith's play may change your mind. Switzerland tells the story of author Patricia Highsmith - famed for…Read More

See The King And I on the big screen this week

Published: 26 November 2018

Missing a show can be devastating. And as time whizzes by in a blink of an eye, it's so easy to do. Luckily, thanks to recent initiatives in the theatre…Read More

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery has a new cast

Published: 26 November 2018

The people have spoken! Due to popular demand, Mischief Theatre's The Comedy About A Bank Robbery has been extended. The smash-hit show will now run until 3 November 2019 giving you…Read More

In rehearsal: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Published: 23 November 2018

7 Olivier Awards in its original West End run. 5 Tony Awards on Broadway. Show-stopping choreography and heart-warming drama. And its massively eagerly anticipated return is just a week away.…Read More

McPheever hits London, Evita returns and more – the weekly round-up

Published: 23 November 2018

Fresh out the oven is our weekly round-up of theatre news. Find all of the week's biggest theatre news stories below and get informed without having to trawl the internet…Read More

Casting announced for Coming Clean’s Trafalgar Studios transfer

Published: 22 November 2018

Casting has been announced for the Trafalgar Studios transfer of Coming Clean, the heart-breaking, award-winning play revived at the King's Head Theatre. The news will see Tony played by Lee…Read More

David Thaxton to star as The Phantom Of The Opera

Published: 22 November 2018

"Sing once again with me!" David Thaxton will star in the title role of The Phantom Of The Opera for a limited West End run, commencing later this year. Thaxton will join…Read More

Jamie Lloyd directs Evita in 2019 Regent’s Park Open Air season

Published: 22 November 2018

Jamie Lloyd will direct Evita at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in 2019, concluding the venue's exciting newly-announced season. Following on from recent triumphs with Jesus Christ Superstar - which…Read More

Katharine McPhee to star in Waitress!

Published: 22 November 2018

Get ready to call the doctor because McPheever is about to hit London! Katharine McPhee will be making her West End debut when she reprises the role of Jenna in…Read More

Star gazing: The famous faces on the West End stage this winter

Published: 21 November 2018

Fancy being in the same room as your fave celeb? Short of scoping out their social media feed and behaving in a slightly unlawful manner, the best way of doing…Read More

Hampstead shows Maisie Williams in I And You free on Instagram

Published: 21 November 2018

It's not often you're encouraged to get your phone out before a performance begins. But in a ground-breaking initiative by the Hampstead Theatre, in association with picture-powered social network Instagram,…Read More

Macbeth at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Published: 20 November 2018

Shakespeare’s Globe kicks off their Winter season in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse with the famously bloodthirsty tale of a Scottish king’s quest for power. Directed by Robert Hastie, the production…Read More

First look at Summer And Smoke in the West End

Published: 20 November 2018

The throes of winter may well be upon us, but Summer And Smoke has arrived in the West End to heat things up. Transporting us to a scorching Mississippi summer…Read More

Editors' Pick