Theatre shows in London this winter
Sure, the glitzy West End sparklers can be fun. But after a while, the flashing lights and continual showings year after year can blur into one big, loud, buzzing sugar rush of little substance.
Independent and smaller theatres tend to lean more into diversity and make way for exciting new voices. With London theatre shows on your radar, you can watch in an intimate setting for a fraction of the price. You might even be able to afford a drink too.
By Their Fruits at Theatre 503
Two characters, Him and Her, move in a restricted space in this dynamic choreo-poetic piece. By Their Fruits explores rivalries in love and the fallout and make-up of a couple. Using heightened body language, both physical and verbal, the show keeps its tiny Battersea audience captivated.
On until November 30
Battersea, SW11 | theatre503.com
Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre
Three adopted sisters live in a rambling old house full of eccentrics. Each girl has big ambitions in a world that isn't born for women to thrive. Pauline, Petrova and Posy must navigate who they are, and who they want to be. Katy Rudd’s modern-day adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s revolutionary 1930s novel promises to be just as extraordinary.
On from November 26 – February 22
Southbank, SE1 | nationaltheatre.org.uk
Spring and Other Things at Old Red Lion Theatre
Step back nine years to 2016. It's the year of Brexit, Trump and the warmest spring months on record. Chloe Yate’s semi-autobiographical Spring and Other Things explores how climate anxiety takes her to rock bottom. From a psychiatric ward, she must learn how to fall in love with life again.
On from December 3 – 14
Angel, EC1V | oldredliontheatre.co.uk
Sh!t Actually at Camden People Theatre
Sh!t Theatre, a female double act comprised of Louise Mothersole and Becca Biscuit, brings back their hit Christmas shows, their remakes of familiar Christmas films we all hate to love, or maybe love to hate. Love Actually becomes Sh!t Actually and is pitted against Sing-A-Long Muppet Christmas Carol. For a raucous alternative to the panto, the audience is guaranteed goody bags, free booze and gratuitous nudity. Probably not one for a family affair.
On from December 12 – 18
Camden, NW1 | cptheatre.co.uk
Woman Lawyer at Canal Café Theatre
Loved for its comedy and cabaret, this Little Venice spot hosts a quick turnover of shows. Andrew Doherty (the brains behind Gay Witch Sex Cult) debuts his new show, Woman Lawyer, for one night and one night only on December’s Friday 13. A horror comedy that combines lawyers with ghosts, celebrities with ghouls and the plot of the Saw films, all while prodding at the idea: ‘What if lawyer…was woman?’
Only on for December 13
Paddington, W2 | canalcafetheatre.com
The Happiest Man on Earth at Southwark Playhouse
Born in Leipzig, Germany, Eddie Jaku was only a teenager when he was sent to a concentration camp. After surviving seven years there, he makes a vow to himself to be grateful daily. At 100 years old, he considers himself The Happiest Man on Earth. This extremely moving Mark St Germain adaptation of Jaku’s memoir touches on the importance of standing up to hate and the power of gratitude.
On until December 14
Elephant and Castle, SE1 | southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at The Ambassadors Theatre
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button follows the story of a newborn born as an old man who gets younger the longer he lives. Very curious indeed. Based on the writing of F Scott Fitzgerald, Jethro Compton directs a folky musical version of Fitzgerald’s classic, peppered with sea shanties and set comprised of maritime objects as if the audience has washed up on the Cornish coast.
On until February 15
Covent Garden, WC2H | theambassadorstheatre.co.uk
The Belly of the Beast at Finborough Theatre
Debut playwright Saana Sze takes The Belly of the Beast to the stage on January 7. Black, non-binary and queer, YoungMartha grows up neglected by the school system and questions the institution's purpose. In later years, OldMartha turns to teaching to explore the corporation that's trying to conform them. The Belly of the Beast is a powerful drama staged within the intimate space of Finborough Theatre.
On from January 7 – February 1
West Brompton, SW10 | finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Revenge: After the Levoyah at The Yard Theatre
Set in 2019 Jewish Essex, Malcolm Spivak is fresh from his grandpa’s funeral when he plans to kidnap Jeremy Corbyn. Yes, really. Revenge: After the Levoyah combines political satire with a chaotic heist comedy and it all goes down in a converted warehouse in Hackney Wick.
On from January 8 – 25
Hackney Wick, E9 | theyardtheatre.co.uk
Hold On To Your Butts at Arcola Theatre
Over 65 million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth. Over 30 years ago, dinosaurs ruled the box office. Whether you're a Jurassic Park fan or not, this show promises lots of imagination, talent and comedy, but no dinosaurs. It's a wacky show that sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe and promises a lot of laughter.
On from December 10 – January 4
Dalston, E8 | arcolatheatre.com
Oedipus at the Old Vic
A new adaptation by Ella Hickson sees Sophocles’ transcendent tragedy Oedipus performed by Rami Malik and Indira Varma. An Oracle asserts the importance of finding the murderer of Old King Laius. It is left to Oedipus, the man who solved the riddle of the sphinx to hunt down the perpetrator.
On from January 21 – March 29
Waterloo, SE1 | oldvictheatre.com
The Lonely Londoners at The Kiln Theatre
It's London in the 1950s. Henry Oliver is newly arrived from Trinidad and ready to start his new life. His dreams of a fresh start are quickly dampened by those who see him as a threat. Sam Selvon’s British-Caribbean novel takes to the stage from January 10 - February 22 to present the dreams and realities of Generation Windrush. It's lyrical, and emotional and reveals the brutalities of immigrant life.
On January 10 – 22 February
Kilburn, NW6 | kilntheatre.com
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