My London theatre guide in London is always inspired by Matt Wolf, NYTimes Theatre Critic. He hosts the Theatre Overview course I do at the V&A, which is like eating the best box of chocolates for 6 weeks. I cannot recommend this course more if you love theatre.
Matt is so insightful and honest about what he likes and what he is looking forward to. His enthusiasm is infectious, and with this group of theatre enthusiast, I get a good overview of what is worth seeing.
My theatre guide is always a mix. For 2024 I’ve included a few shows I saw last year, that I still think are worth seeing. I’ve also added my pre-theatre restaurant guide so you can sort your whole evening out in one hit.
My theatre guide for Spring
Motive and the Cue: In my top 3 shows for 2023, it’s theatre at its absolute finest. Set during the rehearsal period, Mark Gatiss plays Sir John Gielgud directing Richard Burton in Hamlet. It is set in New York just after Burton married Elizabeth Taylor. Noel Coward Theatre for 10 weeks only. Closes 23 March 2024.
Long Day’s Journey into Night : Brian Cox of Succession comes to London in Eugene O’Neill’s classic. Directed by Jeremy Herrin. Opens March 2024. Tickets available now.
Nye at The National: Starring Michael Sheen at Nye Bevan. Opens in February 2024.
Hills of California : The dream team Sam Mendes and Jez Butterworth are back with this new play set in Blackpool in 1976. At 3 hours long I was worried. You could shave 15mins here and there, but some mighty fine writing and sterling performances.
Plaza Suite : Savoy Theatre with Matthew Broadwick and Sarah Jessica Parker come to London with the Neil Simon play. Limited run. If you got a ticket, well done. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t have paid £300 for the privilege. LATEST NEWS the run has been extended into April. So if you couldn’t get tickets now is your chance. BE QUICK!
Dorian Gray : Haymarket Theatre with Succession star Sarah Snook playing every role. It is 2 hrs long with no interval, just how we like it Shiv. Her performance is PHENOMENAL. No words to describe how extraordinary her dynamic performance. It will blow you away. Closes 11 May 2024.
Harry Clarke starring Billy Crudup. This has been a sell out in America, and it is coming to London for 9 weeks only. If the stateside reviews are anything to go by, it will be a good night out. 9 March – 11 May 2024.
Book ahead for the Summer
Hello Dolly : Imelda Staunton is Dolly Levi and I think I am more excited to see this than anything else this year. She arrives at The London Palladium in July for 10 weeks only.
Ian McKellen in Player Kings Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 at Wimbledon Theatre. If you can still get a ticket, it will be worth it to see the legend before he tours and comes into the West End on 1 April – 22 June 2024.
A View From The Bridge starring Dominic West. Fresh from The Crown, this is his first step back onto the London stage in quite a while. 23 May – 3 August 2024. Book early and you can still get seats for £25.
Kiss me Kate at The Barbican : Cole Porter sunshine for those musical lovers… It is also starring Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar with Broadway legend Stephanie J Brock. 4 June – 14 September 2024.
A Chorus Line at Sadlers Wells. One. Singular. Sensation… Yes I’m totally up for this to be back in London. 31 July – 25 August 2024.
Finally, NT Live has announced some really fabulous plays that audiences queued to see. Take a look and book for 2024 – it includes The Motive and the Cue.
I will constantly update this post so that it remains as current as possible.
Looking for more in London check out my monthly Super Seven for a curated inspirational look at what’s on in London each month.