12 Shows to Book Now for 2025
Links to tickets are in the titles!
Manhunt
What it it? If the head turner in David Byrne’s first year at the Court was Nick Hytner directing John Lithgow in the excellent Giant, then the next headliner is clearly Robert Icke’s Manhunt. Although as left field aesthetically as many Court alumni, the fact his career has largely been based around revivals of classics (like Oedipus in the West End at the moment) has meant new writing powerhouse the Royal Court has technically been off limits to him. Until now…
The Women of Llanrumney
What it it? Set in 18th century colonial Jamaica, Azuka Oforka’s witty new play explores the experience of women during slavery – those who benefited from it, those who were brutalised by it and those who fought to destroy it. The play transfers to Stratford East after a sell-out run at Sherman Theatre, where it opened to five-star reviews all round.
Giant
What it it? If you don’t know by now then you don’t read this newsletter nearly as much as you should! This fabulous play transfers to the West End next year.
Oedipus
What is it? Rami Malek, an Oscar winner for Bohemian Rhapsody, and Olivier winner Indira Varma team up for Ella Hickson’s intimate version of Sophocles’ mighty tragedy, co-directed by Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Shechter.
Unicorn
What is it? A new play by Mike Bartlett (Doctor Foster, King Charles III) about a married couple who decide to spice things up stars Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan and Erin Doherty.
The Brightening Air
What is it? This much-anticipated world premiere from the Olivier-winning writer/director Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl From The North Country, set in 1980s Ireland, is a a tale of family, inheritance, fate and unseen forces.
Elektra
What is it? Brie Larson – Academy Award-winner and literal Captain Marvel – makes her West End debut in a new version of Sophocles’s Ancient Greek tragedy.
The Years
What is it? Eline Arbo’s adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s Booker-nominated autobiography Les Années was a huge hit at The Almeida this year – and now it transfers to the West End. Fabulous storytelling.
The Seagull
What is it? German director Thomas Ostermeier returns to the West End – following last year’s An Enemy of the People – to craft his first original British show. Cate Blanchett will star as vain, insecure middle aged actress Arkadina with Tom Burke as her writer lover Trigorin and Emma Corrin as the young actress Nina who becomes infaturated with him.
Much Ado About Nothing
What is it? Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell will share the stage nightly for the second half of Jamie Lloyd’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane season of Shakespeare, playing bickering lovers Benedick and Beatrice.
Richard II
What is it? Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey stars as Shakespeare’s doomed, dithering monarch in the first show at the Bridge since it gave itself over to Guys & Dolls for two years (about time?).
Punch
What is it? James Graham (Sherwood, Dear England) scored a hit in his near hometown of Nottingham early in 2024 with Punch, a shocking true tale of violence and redemption that transfers to the Young Vic.
