2021 was the year everything started re-opening again following a pretty awful 2020. The year was full of some incredible theatre that raised the bar considerably. It doesn't show any signs of slowing down either with some incredible titles to look forward to in 2022. Here are just some of the many shows you can catch in the West End and around the UK over the next 52 weeks:
THE DA VINCI CODE (UK Tour)
January 10th - November 12th
Dan Browns iconic story makes its way to the stage with a cast including Nigel Harman and Danny John Jules. It embarks on a UK tour kicking off in Bromley and making its way across the country throughout the year. For dates and tickets, see www.davincicodeonstage.com
BONNIE & CLYDE IN CONCERT (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
January 17th - 18th
Jeremy Jordan returns to Bonnie & Clyde for a special concert production, joined by Frances Mayli McCann. Both performances are currently sold out but keep an eye out for any last minute tickets at https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/bonnie-clyde-the-musical-in-concert/
BROKEN WINGS (Charing Cross Theatre)
January 21st - March 5th
Following an acclaimed performance of Rumi at the Coliseum, Nadim Naaman and Dana Al Fardan bring their other show to London for a short run. Performed in-the-round, Broken Wings takes us on an unmissable musical voyage, exploring issues of gender equality, immigration, the freedom to love who we love, and what ‘home’ really means to us. Tickets from www.brokenwingsmusical.co.uk
VAULT FESTIVAL (London)
January 25th - March 20th
What's better than one show? How about 600 of them? No, that's not a typo.
Taking place in Waterloo, Vault festival featuring the very best in theatre, comedy, immersive experiences, cabaret, family shows and late night events. For the full line up, see https://vaultfestival.com/
SPIKE (Watermill Theatre)
January 27th - March 5th
Ian Hislop and Nick Newman bring their brand new comedy to the Watermill Theatre in Newbury, starring John Dagleish as Spike Milligan. Tickets from watermill.org.uk
MTFESTUK 2022 (the Turbine Theatre)
January 31st - February 12th
The annual festival to showcase brand new pieces of musical theatre returns to the Turbine. The 8 shows being presented this year in workshop form are No Limits, Halls , Wuthering Heights – The Musical, Train On Fire, RuneSical, Father/Son, Jeanne and Queeroes. Tickets from https://www.theturbinetheatre.com/whatson
DIRTY DANCING (Dominion Theatre)
February 2nd - April 16th
Get ready to have the time of your life all over again as the classic returns to the West End for 10 weeks only. Tickets from https://www.dirtydancingontour.com/
CYRANO DE BERGERAC (Harold Pinter Theatre & Glasgow)
February 3rd - March 26th
James McAvoy stars in this eagerly anticipated production which plays in London until March 12th before moving to Theatre Royal Glasgow from March 18th - 26th ahead of a run in New York. With 12,000 tickets priced at £15, tickets are available from thejamielloydcompany.com/
THE NIGHT LARRY KRAMER KISSED ME (New Wimbledon Theatre)
February 3rd - 26th
John Bell makes his stage debut in the multi award-winning Off Broadway hit about a young man's life being changed forever thanks to the power of theatre. Playing the Studio in Wimbledon, tickets from
THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL (UK Tour)
February 3rd - December 3rd
The latest jukebox musical to hit the UK is one of the favourite musical families. See the story of Donny, Jimmy and the whole gang in this world premiere which kicks off a tour at Curve Leicester in February before heading all around the UK throughout the year. Full dates and tickets from TheOsmondsMusical.co.uk
WUTHERING HEIGHTS (National Theatre)
February 3rd - March 19th
Wise Children, Bristol Old Vic and York Theatre Royal team up with National Theatre to bring the epic story of love, revenge and redemption based on the novel by Emily Brontë to the Lyttleton Theatre. Tickets from https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/wuthering-heights
THE FOREST (Hampstead Theatre)
February 4th - March 12th
The latest play from Florian Zeller heads to Hampstead for its world premiere - a story about the conflicting demands of family, career and sexual desire. Tickets from https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2022/the-forest/
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Peacock Theatre)
February 5th - March 26th
Bill Kenwright’s production of the disco classic will have its West End Premiere for a strictly limited 8-week run. It will also be preceded by a short UK tour from January 5th. Tickets from sadlerswells.com
DRACULA (UK Tour)
February 7th - April 10th
A thrilling new version of Bram Stoker’s classic adapted and performed by James Gaddas who will play all 15 characters in the show. Kicking off at the Beck Theatre in February, catch it around the UK until April. Tickets from www.draculatheplay.com
STEVE (Seven Dials Playhouse)
February 8th - March 5th
This heartfelt, hysterical, and sharp-witted comedy launches an exciting new venue in Covent Garden. Directed by Andrew Keates, it stars David Ames and Jenna Russell. Tickets from sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk,
RUNNING WITH LIONS (Lyric Hammersmith)
February 10th - March 12th
The first co-production between the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Talawa Theatre
Company is an intergenerational family drama about love, loss and hope: following
three generations of women, it explores what it means to allow those we love to be themselves. Tickets from https://www.lyric.co.uk/
HENRY V (Donmar Warehouse)
February 11th - April 9th
Kit Harington leads the cast in an exciting modern production of Shakespeare's ever popular play exploring what it means to be English and our relationship to Europe, asking: do we ever get the leaders we deserve? Tickets from https://booking.donmarwarehouse.com
BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER (Turbine Theatre)
February 18th - April 16th
The story of an all-American high school cheerleader who seemingly has the perfect life is the first show from MTFestUK to be fully staged. Heading to the Turbine in Battersea, tickets from https://www.theturbinetheatre.com/whatson
GYPSY (Alexandra Palace)
February 21st
For one night only, the iconic musical will play a concert performance featuring seven leading ladies sharing the role of ROSE. They are Tracie Bennett, Nicola Hughes, Melanie La Barrie, Rebecca Lock, Keala Settle, Samantha Spiro and Sally Ann triplett. Tickets from https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/gypsy
SMALL ISLAND (National Theatre)
February 24th - April 30th
The 5 star production of Andrea Levy's novel returns to the National for an encore run. Bringing to life the tangled history of jamiaca and the UK, it plays the Olivier Theatre. Tickets from https://events.nationaltheatre.org.uk
THE WOODS (Southwark Playhouse)
February 24th - March 26th
David Mamet’s extraordinary 1977 ‘battle of the sexes’ play gets its 1st UK revival after 21 years. Directed by Russell Bolam, tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL (UK Tour)
February 28th - May 28th
The Carole King musical returns to the UK tour. With Molly-Grace Cutler playing the legendary singer/songwriter, this production features a cast of actor-musicians. The tour kicks off at Curve Leicester before moving aroun the UK until the end of May. Tickets from curveonline.co.uk
COCK (Ambassadors Theatre)
March 5th - June 5th
Taron Egerton makes his West End debut, joining Jonathan Bailey on Mike Bartlett’s Olivier award winning play about love and identity. Directed by Marianne Elliott, this looks set to be one of the must see plays of the year. Tickets from https://www.cocktheplay.co.uk
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Gielgud Theatre)
March 10th - August 13th
Harper Lee's iconic novel is brought to life in this new play by Aaron Sorkin which has already played to rave reviews on Broadway. Rafe Spall stars as Atticus Finch when this finally hits the West End next year. Tickets from www.tokillamockingbird.co.uk
THE HUMAN VOICE (Harold Pinter Theatre)
March 17th - April 9th
Ruth Wilson will star in Ivo van Hove’s adaptation of Jean Cocteau’s The Human Voice. The searing story of a womans heartbreak over the course of a final phone call with her former lover, it runs for three weeks only. Tickets from www.thehumanvoiceplay.co.uk
ZORRO THE MUSICAL (Charing Cross Theatre)
March 12th - May 8th
This newly re-imagined version featuring music by the Gipsy Kings and John Cameron, returns to London for the first time since its original premiere in 2008. Tickets from www.zorrothemusical.co.uk
THE BURNT CITY (Woolwich)
March 22nd - August 28th
PunchDrunk return to London with their largest live show to date. Set across three Grade-II listed buildings, this immersive adventure tells the story of the Fall of Troy in what looks like true event theatre. For more information and tickets, see http://www.theburntcity.com/
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (UK Tour)
March 23rd - July 16th
This bittersweet comedy featuring music from the greatest divas of all time including Edith Piaf, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand hits the road next year. Kicking off in Southampton, the show stars Christina Bianco, Shobna Gulati and Ian Kelsey. Full dates and tickets from littlevoiceuk.com
SOUL SISTERS (UK Tour)
March 25th - May 29th
A new funky feel-good musical is coming to a town near you as Soul Sisters hits the UK. An exhilarating new all-female soul musical that will take you on a journey of success, survival and sisterhood, full dates and tickets at https://soulsistersmusical.com/
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Leeds and Manchester)
April 2nd - May 11th
After 15 years, Hedwig returns to the UK with Drag Race UK star Divina De Campo leading the production. You can catch it at two venues, first in Leeds until April 23rd and then in Manchester from April 27th until May 11th. Tickets from https://homemcr.org/production/hedwig-and-the-angry-inch/
ANYTHING GOES (UK Tour and London)
April 11th - September 3rd
THE best show of 2021 returns for an encore run in 2022, and this time its setting sail around the UK. A short UK tour kicks off in Bristol before heading to Liverpool, Edinburgh and Canterbury. It then anchors up in London for an encore season at the Barbican from July 15th until September. Tickets from https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2022/event/anything-goes
THE CHER SHOW (UK Tour)
April 15th - March 18th 2023
You better believe the Broadway show about the legendary Cher is heading to the UK. Rather than hitting the West End, its UK debut sees it launch an extensive tour around the country. Catch it at a mammoth 37 venues over a 12 month run. Full dates and tickets at www.cheronstage.com
PRIMA FACIE (Harold Pinter Theatre)
April 15th - June 18th
Emmy and BAFTA award winner Jodie Comer makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller's award-winning play which takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game. Tickets from https://primafacieplay.com/
JERUSALEM (Apollo Theatre)
April 16th - August 6th
Ian Rickson's production of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem returns to the West End for a limited 16 week engagement starring Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook. Tickets from www.jerusalemtheplay.co.uk
OKLAHOMA (Young Vic)
April 26th - June 25th
The Rodgers & Hammerstein classic is re-imagined for the 21st Century. Completely re-orchestrated, this version won a Tony award for its Broadway run. Sure to be the hottest ticket in town, get yours from January 11th at https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/oklahoma
GREASE (Dominion Theatre)
May 3rd - October 29th
The first new production of Grease to hit the West End in 29 years, this will feature new staging, directed by Nikolai Foster and new choreography from Arlene Phillips. Playing for 26 weeks only, tickets from https://www.greasemusical.co.uk/
PASSION (Hope Mill Theatre)
May 5th - June 5th
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's multi-award winning show will be revived at the Hope Mill in Manchester for a limited season. With a cast including musical theatre icon Ruthie Henshall, catch this tale of love, sex and obsession for just 37 performances. Tickets from https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/
MY FAIR LADY (London Coliseum)
May 7th - August 22nd
New York’s critically acclaimed and multi award-winning production of Lerner & Loewe’s much loved classic transfers to London for a limited summer engagement in what will be the first major West End revival of the show for 21 years. Tickets are on sale at www.myfairladymusical.co.uk
LEGALLY BLONDE (Open Air Theatre)
May 13th - July 2nd
Lucy Moss brings a new version of Legally Blonde to London to form the centrepiece of Open Air Theatre's 90th anniversary. With every actor possible manifesting roles in this, expect an incredible cast in a show that should be one of the highlights of the year. Tickets from openairtheatre.com
THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Duke of Yorks Theatre)
May 23rd - August 27th
Amy Adams will make her West End debut in a new production of Tennessee Williams's celebrated memory play. Running for 14 weeks, tickets are from https://www.thedukeofyorks.com/
ABBA VOYAGE (ABBA Arena)
From May 27th
Does this count as theatre? Who cares? It's ABBA. Catch the four members of the group as digital versions of themselves called ABBAtars in this innovative show in their brand new purpose built arena in London featuring their classic hits as well as songs from their latest number one album. Tickets from https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/abba-voyage
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY (UK Tour)
June 25th - January 21st 2023
The award-winning smash-hit returns to embark on its first UK Tour following an opening 5-week season at 3Olympia Theatre Dublin. The production will tour to Canterbury, Southampton, York, Salford Quays, Newcastle, Bath, Nottingham, Cheltenham, Plymouth, Bradford, Cardiff and Sheffield. Full dates and tickets from www.girlfromthenorthcountryshow.com
THE SEAGULL (Harold Pinter Theatre)
June 29th - September 10th
Having closed during previews in March 2020, Anton Chekhov's The Seagull finally returns to finish what it started with a cast including Emilia Clarke. Tickets from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-seagull/harold-pinter-theatre/
BILLY ELLIOT (Curve Leicester)
July 7th - August 14th
Curve Leicester will stage the first new UK production of an iconic musical. With new choreography, it will run for six weeks only. Tickets from www.curveonline.co.uk
101 DALMATIANS (Open Air Theatre)
July 12th - August 28th
Previously delayed due to the pandemic, the postponed 101 Dalmatians takes up residency in Regent's Park for a limited season. Tickets from openairtheatre.com
SOUTH PACIFIC (Sadlers Wells & UK Tour)
July 16th - November 19th
Chichester Festival Theatre's incredible revival of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic comes to London next year for a month run at Sadlers Wells from July 27th. It will also embark on a UK tour starting in Manchester on July 16th. Full dates and tickets from www.southpacificshow.com
SISTER ACT (Eventim Apollo & UK Tour)
July 19th - August 28th
After being delayed multiple times, the new production of SIster Act heads to London for a summer run, though Whoopi Goldberg will no longer be appearing in this run. It will also embark on a UK tour from June onwards. All dates and tickets from https://www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk/london/
INTO THE WOODS (Theatre Royal Bath)
August 19th - September 10th
Having had its planned run at the Old Vic cancelled, the new adaptation of Sondheim's classic takes place in Bath next year. Tickets from https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/event/into-the-woods/
MRS DOUBTFIRE (Manchester Opera House)
September 2nd - October 1st
It may have only just opened on Broadway but we won't have too long to wait before the adaptation of the classic movie crosses the pond. Opening in Manchester for a short run next year, don't be surprised if a West End run follows. Tickets from www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk
ANTIGONE (Open Air Theatre)
September 3rd - September 24th
A contemporary retelling of Sophocles’s epic story by Inua Ellams, catch it at Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park with tickets from openairtheatre.com
THE WIZARD OF OZ (Curve Leicester)
November 19th - January 8th 2023
Delayed from its original run, Curve Leciesters production of the timeless classic finally arrives for a Christmas season. Directed by Nikolai Foster and featuring a live orchestra playing songs from both the classic film and songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, tickets from https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/
CLAUS THE MUSICAL (The Lowry)
December 14th - January 8th 2023
The world premiere will open in Salford for a Christmas season next year. Bringing to life the beloved L.Frank Baum childrens classic The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, this is set to appeal to the child in everyone. Tickets from www.thelowry.com
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. With many more shows set to be announced and some juicy rumours out there about Broadway transfers, revivals and exciting new works hitting the West End, it looks like 2022 is going to be another incredible year for theatre!
What are you most looking forward to next year? Let me know in the comments or at twitter.com/ATDazzles. Keep checking back here throughout the year to see reviews of many of the shows listed here plus lots more!