London’s theatres are always abuzz with excellent shows and this September is no exception. We round-up all the new and upcoming plays and musicals we can’t wait to see this month
Words Catherine Hales
Groundhog Day
Where: The Old Vic
When: Until 17 September
What: This reworking of the classic Bill Murray film is a masterstroke from Danny Rubin and Tim Minchin. The music is slick, the acting consistently entertaining and the staging profoundly impressive. Catch this before it closes later this month or pray for an extended run.
Britten in Brooklyn
Where: Wilton’s Music Hall
When: Until 17 September
What: This is another one to catch before it closes on 17 September. Staged in the ever charming and historical Wilton’s Music Hall, this play follows the lives of Benjamin Britten, WH Auden, Carson McCullers and Gypsy Rose Lee in the artistic community at 7 Middagh Street on the eve of World War Two.
Doctor Faustus
Where: Barbican
When: 7 September – 1 October
What: This classic play is given an unconventional twist from the offset as the two leads light a match each on stage; whoever’s match goes out first must play the unfortunate doctor and the other the evil Mephistopheles. Any play put on by the RSC is guaranteed to be a treat and Marlowe’s famous work provides enough meat for any thesp worth his salt to dig into. Warning: you may have to sell your soul for a ticket.
1984
When: Extended to 29 October
Where: The Playhouse Theatre
What: Not new exactly, but finally returned to London after an internationally acclaimed tour and really worth a watch. Orwell’s masterpiece is perfectly staged and throughout Winston Smith’s growing paranoia and anxiety becomes the audience’s own. The most chilling aspect, however, is the relevance to the times we’re living in now. Enjoy watching Big Brother watch you.
Aladdin
When: Dates announced for 2017
Where: Prince Edward Theatre
What: Echoing the success Disney had on the stage with The Lion King, Aladdin looks to be here to stay. And why not? Watch Aladdin and Jasmine take off into a whole new world, Genie explain why you’ve never had a friend like him and Jafar be very evil while accompanied by a parrot. Although definitely a family show, nostalgic adults will definitely find something here to entertain and we won’t tell if you don’t.
