Zawe Ashton, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Cox in Betrayal (Photo: Charlie Gray)

Famous faces on the stage this spring

By Eleni Cashell First Published 14 February 2019, Last Updated 20 February 2019

It’s always fun to see a famous face off the TV or movies trying their hand at the theatre. In this completely different environment, you can watch them perform in a more intimate setting, up close and personal. It’s all very exciting!

And there’s plenty of stars coming to Theatreland this spring that you’re bound to recognise…

Tom Hiddleston in Betrayal

Swapping his bad-guy role as Marvel’s Loki for betrayed Robert in Pinter’s iconic play, Tom Hiddleston is coming to the West End.

Part of the Pinter At The Pinter season, Betrayal tells the story of two couples, Robert (played by Tom) and Emma, and their friends Jerry and Judith. But as an extra-marital affair begins to take place over seven years between Emma and Jerry, how long can they keep it secret before Robert finds out?

And the star-studded cast doesn’t stop at Tom Hiddleston either. As Zawe Ashton, known for her roles in Fresh Meat and Not Safe For Work will play Emma, and Daredevil actor Charlie Cox will take on the role of Jerry.

Opening: 5 March

Closing: 1 June

 

Danny Dyer & Martin Freeman in Pinter Seven

The unlikeliest of double-acts is also taking place for the Pinter season. One of Pinter’s one-act plays, cockney geezer Danny Dyer is performing opposite Sherlock and The Hobbit star, Martin Freeman. Which is possibly the greatest sentence we’ve ever had to write.

This new dynamic duo play Gus and Ben in the Pinter classic, The Dumb Waiter. The pair are two hit-men awaiting their next job in an abandoned building…what could go wrong?

Think you know everything about Danny Dyer? Think again…

Opening: NOW!

Closing: 23 February

 

Kelsey Grammar & Nicholas Lyndhurst in Man Of La Mancha

Speaking of unlikely pairings, Kelsey Grammar (Frasier) and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Only Fools and Horses) are both appearing in Man Of La Mancha.

This production has not been staged for 50 years, and it will mark Kelsey’s West End debut, as he dons the role of Miguel De Cervantes/ Don Quixote. Although this isn’t his first steps in Theatreland, as he previously appeared at The Other Palace in the show Big Fish back in 2017.

Nicholas Lyndhurst will be acting opposite Kelsey as Innkeeper/the Captain.

Opening: 26 April

Closing: 8 June

 

Matthew Broderick & Elizabeth McGovern in The Starry Messenger

Kelsey isn’t the only actor making his West End debut this spring, as Hollywood actor Matthew Broderick is also dipping his toes on the London stage.

Although Matthew is no stranger to the theatre, as he’s done plenty over the pond in America. Not only did he appear in the Off-Broadway production of this very show, but he also holds the title of the youngest winner of the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play to date, which he achieved when he was just 22 years old.

In the show, Matthew plays an astronomer at New York City’s Planetarium, who’s a very sad fellow. He’s in an unhappy marriage, his job is under threat, and he’s consumed by grief. But then he unexpectedly meets a young single mum, and his path is changed. Soon this sad astronomer is re-evaluating his life, his faith – and his place amongst the stars.

The Starry Messenger isn’t just full of stars in its narrative, but also its casting, as Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern will be shining brightly in the production too.

Opening: 16 May

Booking until: 10 August

 

Gillian Anderson & Lily James in All About Eve

All About Eve is about two movie stars, so it seems fitting that two actual movie stars take on the roles in this exciting revival.

Gillian Anderson has been away from the West End for the last five years. Although the last time she was here, she had incredible success playing Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, picking up an Olivier Award nomination along the way.

If you’re a Mamma Mia fan (and let’s face it, who isn’t) you probably already recognise Lily James, who played a young Donna in the second film. Also not a newbie to the theatre, Lily was recently in Kenneth Branagh’s West End production of Romeo And Juliet.

Opening: NOW!

Closing: 11 May

 

Sally Field & Bill Pullman in All My Sons

The first of two Arthur Miller mentions in this list; more American legends are heading into Theatreland.  Specifically, two-time Academy and three-time Emmy Award winner Sally Field and Tony Award-winner Bill Pullman.

Sally and Bill play a married couple, Joe and Kate Keller. Set in the 1940s, Joe and Kate have everything they need; a home, two adult sons and a happy and thriving livelihood, they’re essentially the American Dream. But nothing lasts forever and having already lost their eldest boy to war; their comfortable lives are about to be ripped apart with the return of a mysterious figure from the past.

And if those names weren’t enough, Sally and Bill will also be joined by Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who, Victoria). Basically, this show isn’t to be missed!

Opening: 15 April

Closing: 8 June

 

Alex Kingston and Sarah Hadland in Admissions

Jenna Coleman isn’t the only Doctor Who star travelling into the West End this year, as Alex Kingston is coming to Theatreland too (sadly without the TARDIS).

Alex plays the head of admissions at a highly respected private school, who is forced to question her morals when her son doesn’t get a university place, and his best friend who “ticks more boxes” does.

Starring alongside Alex is comedy-superstar Sarah Hadland, who you may recognise from the hit-show Miranda.

Opening: 28 February

Closing: 25 May

 

Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold, Louis Smith & Jay McGuiness in Rip It Up – The 60s

It’s not just TV and movie stars showing off their acting chops this spring, but also singers and sports stars!

In possibly the most unexpected/best temporary boyband ever, Harry Judd (McFly), Aston Merrygold (JLS), Jay McGuiness (The Wanted) and Olympian Louis Smith are teaming up for a dance show like no other. These Strictly Come Dancing legends aren’t quite ready to hang up their dancing shoes just yet, so are treating audiences with their celebration of song, dance and acrobatics.

Opening: NOW!

Closing: 2 June

 

Shane Richie & Hayley Tamaddon in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Danny Dyer isn’t the only EastEnder coming to the West End, as Shane Richie is donning his highest heels to play Hugo/Loco Chanel in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It couldn’t be further from the drama and pint-pulling at the Queen Vic!

And he’s not the only soapstar that’s going to be shining in this show either, as introducing Miss Hedge…Coronation Street’s Hayley Tamaddon.

Opening: NOW!

Booking until: 28 September

 

David Suchet & Brendan Coyle in The Price

The second Arthur Miller show in this list (we promised another one didn’t we!), has some serious TV royalty in the form of Poirot’s David Suchet and Downton Abbey’s Brendan Coyle.

And this isn’t the first time the pair have performed in this show either, as both took part in the Theatre Royal Bath production before it transferred to the West End.

The Price is all about two brothers, New York cop Victor (Brendan) and surgeon Walter (David). After many years apart, they reunite to sell family furniture in a condemned New York building. But the more they unearth, the more memories are revealed, and revelations soon start coming up.

Opening: Now!

Booking until 27 April 2019

 

Katharine McPhee & Jack McBrayer in Waitress

There’s some sweet casting in the London production of Waitress, but it’s made even sweeter by the appearance of Smash actress Katharine McPhee as Jenna and 30 Rock’s Jack McBrayer as Ogie.

Katharine’s debut in the West End isn’t actually her first time as Jenna, having previously played the role on Broadway. As well as being a well-known TV star, she’s also starred in films such as The House Bunny and is a prolific musician. Not only will she be starring in the show, but Katharine will also be co-hosting the show’s first cast album karaoke night on the Tuesday 19 February alongside Denise Van Outen.

Jack has appeared in a range of comedy roles, including parts in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby and Comedy Central’s Drunk History.

Opening: NOW!

Booking until: 19 October 

 

Katherine Parkinson in Home, I’m Darling

Katherine is well known for her roles in The IT Crowd and Humans, but she’s swapping the IT life to be a housewife in Home, I’m Darling.

She plays Judy, who’s happily married to Johnny. Judy wants to be the perfect 1950s housewife, but the fantasy soon starts to unravel, and the dream becomes harder to achieve.

Like many on this list, Katherine has already played this role in previous productions of the show at Theatr Clywd and the National Theatre in 2018.

Opening: NOW!

Closing: 13 April

 

Jonathan Hyde in Gently Down The Stream

An actor for over 25 years, you’re guaranteed to have seen Jonathan Hyde in your favourite film or TV show. He’s appeared in over 30 films and TV series including, Titanic, The Mummy and Jumanji.

A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Jonathan is now back on stage in Gently Down The Stream. This love story follows Beau (played by Jonathan), a retired American pianist living in London, and Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer. Beau grew up in the 1970s, where being gay was unacceptable and not allowed, while Rufus, who’s younger, is from a new generation of gay men.

Not looking for a long-term relationship, Rufus has none of Beau’s doubts about the possibility of love in the 21st Century. But as he assimilates himself into Beau’s past and present, Beau learns to embrace Rufus as one of the most defining relationships of his life.

Opening: NOW!

Closing: 16 March

 

Please note that shows cannot guarantee that actors will be performing on any given date.

 

Tagged:
admissions alex kingston all about eve all my sons arthur miller betrayal bill pullman brendan coyle danny dyer david suchet elizabeth mcgovern everybody's talking about jamie gently down the stream gillian anderson harold pinter Hayley Tamaddon home i'm darling jack mcbrayer Jonathan Hyde katharine mcphee katherine parkinson kelsey grammer lily james man of la mancha martin freeman matthew broderick Nicholas Lyndhurst pinter at the pinter pinter seven rip it up - the 60s Sally field sarah hadland Shane Richie the price the starry messenger tom hiddleston waitress

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