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July Preview: 50 Of The Best Shows To See This Month

Updated: Aug 28, 2021

June has come and gone with theatres miraculously staying open the whole time. While the date to reopen at full capacity of June 21st has been pushed back to July 19th, there is still a whole load of great shows due to open throughout July both with social distancing and at full capacity. Here's just some of the great shows you can enjoy next month:


June 29th - July 18th: STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW

West End stars Nikki Bentley, Gina Murray and Noel Sullivan will star in Maltby & Shire’s musical revue which reopens the Waterloo East Theatre after 16 months for a limited season. Tickets from http://www.waterlooeast.co.uk/


June 30th - August 14th: PIPPIN

A major new London production of Stephen Schwartz's classic Pippin will run in the round at Charing Cross Theatre. Ryan Anderson reprises his role as the young prince from last years production at the Garden Theatre. Tickets from https://www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/


June 30th - July 14th: YOU ARE HERE

Another chance to catch this show recently staged at Southwark Playhouse and filmed. Telling the story of the night of the moon landing, tickets are from https://www.stream.theatre/season/127


July 1st: GILES TERERA: HAMILTON AND ME

The Olivier award winning star of Hamilton releases a book today talking about an actors journey to play Aaron Burr in the show. To celebrate he returns to the Victoria Palace Theatre to discuss his book in this streamed show. Broadcast live at 8.30pm it will also be available to view on demand for a week after from https://www.fane.co.uk/hamilton-and-me


July 1st - 31st: FROM HERE

Grace Mouat and Andrew Patrick-Walker (Brooklyn, Greenwich Theatre) will bring this world premiere musical from Ben Barrow and Lucy Ireland to life at Chiswick Playhouse. From Here explores new beginning through musically interwoven stories, looking at whether we should try again or stay put in the face of struggle. Tickets from https://www.chiswickplayhouse.co.uk/

July 1st - 10th: SUNNYMEAD COURT

A production focused on isolation and connection, Sunnymead Court questions whether reality can match up to the ideals we create. Playing at the Arcolo Theatre in London from July 1st - 4th before heading off on a UK tour from the 5th - 10th, tickets from http://www.defibrillatortheatre.com/productions/sunnymead-


July 1st - 11th: A SUPER HAPPY STORY (ABOUT FEELING SUPER SAD)

Following award-winning, sell-out London and Edinburgh seasons, and prior to appearing off-Broadway, this acclaimed cabaret musical explores how it’s OK to not be OK. Tickets from www.stream.theatre/season/160


From July 1st: THE PRINCE OF EGYPT

There can be miracles when you believe and this show is miraculously re-opening after a long 16 months. Playing to socially distanced audiences for the time being, cast members including Christine Allado and Alexia Khadime return to continue telling the story of Moses. Tickets from https://www.theprinceofegyptmusical.com/


July 3rd - 31st: HOW TO LIVE A JELLICLE LIFE

The most jellicle show in the land (ok, maybe second after Cats) embarks on a tour across the UK this month. Catch it at Birmingham on the 3rd and 4th, Poole on the 8th, Bristol 13th - 15th, with dates in London on the 25th, 30th & 31st. Tickets from http://linktr.ee/jellicle


July 3rd - August 7th: LAST EASTER

A lighting designer, an actress, a prop maker and a drag singer go on a pilgrimage looking for a miracle. Bryony Lavery’s Last Easter plays at the Orange Tree Theatre in RIchmond. Tickets from orangetreetheatre.co.uk


July 4th: SEXTON & FOWLER PRESENT THE BOY NEXT DOOR IN CONCERT

The Bat Out of Hell and Mamma Mia pair return to Crazy Coqs in London to proudly present the first ever concert performance of Rob Fowler’s original musical The Boy Next Door. Inspired by Fowler’s life story, tickets from https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/sexton-fowler-present-the-boy-next-door-in-concert/


July 5th - September 4th: SOUTH PACIFIC

Rodgers & Hammersteins classic plays CHichester Festival Theatre for a summer season starring Gina Beck, Julian Ovenden and Rob Houchen. Tickets from https://www.cft.org.uk/


July 5th - 17th: SWK FEST

Southwark Playhouse plays host to 12 shows that missed out on being staged last year with a different show every night. Tickets from


July 7th - 25th: THE COMEBACK

After its limited run was cut short last year, this play telling the story of two double acts fighting to wrestle control of the most chaotic, farcical and high-stakes gig of their respective careers returns to the Noel Coward Theatre. Tickets from https://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/whats-on/the-comeback


From July 8th: PRETTY WOMAN

Danny Mac and Aimie Atkinson return to the new musical adaptation of the classic movie, after closing mere weeks after opening last year. This time it has moved across to the Savoy theatre. Catch it while you can or it will be a big mistake. Huge! Tickets from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/pretty-woman-the-musical/savoy-theatre/


July 8th - 18th: BLACK IS THE COLOUR OF MY VOICE

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, this follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Tickets from www.stream.theatre/season/159


July 10th: CEDRIC NEAL - I LOVE WOMEN

The star of Motown and Back To The Future sings a love letter to some of his favourite and most influential female vocalists in this one night only show at The Crazy Coqs in London. Tickets in person and to stream it from https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/cedric-neal-i-love-women/


July 11th: EMMA HATTON - INTIMATE AND LIVE

The star of Wicked and Evita presents a wonderful showcase of songs from her musical theatre career, personal favourites and also songs by some of her idols. Catch her at Crazy Coqs in London. Tickets from https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/the-crazy-coqs-presents-emma-hatton/


July 12th - September 5th: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

The classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical returns to the Palladium a year later than planned starring Jac Yarrow, Jason Donovan and Alexandra Burke with Linzi Hateley appearing as the Narrator in select performances. The first week will run with social distancing. Tickets from https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/joseph-musical-2021/


July 12th - 17th: DANCE

Christopher Harper and Saffron Coomber star in Matthew Morrison's explosive social media bullying drama which plays at the Kings Head Theatre in London. Tickets from http://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/playmill-dance


July 14th - August 7th: THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE

A brand new, raucous adaptation of Pierre de Marivaux’s romantic comedy, ‘The Game of Love and Chance’ by Quentin Beroud and Jack Gamble, brings Marivaux’s classic comedy of love and class into a modern world of minor royals and major scandals. Lady Silvia Orgon, 58th in line to the British throne, faces a crisis when she falls in love with a man she thinks her family would never accept. Re-opening the new purpose-built outdoor venue Arcola Outside, tickets from http://www.arcolatheatre.com/


July 15th - 25th: FRIEND (THE ONE WITH GUNTHER)

The entire 236 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, ‘FRIENDS’, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Gunther. This new show from acclaimed comic actor Brendan Murphy reimagines the TV classic through the eyes of barista Gunther. Tickets from www.stream.theatre/season/158


July 15th - August 29th: WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD

The acclaimed stage adaptation of much-loved children’s book returns to the West End this summer ahead of a UK tour. Catch it at the Palace Theatre with tickets from https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/what-the-ladybird-heard/


July 16th: SCHMIGADOON!

This brand new TV series launches today. The plot focuses on a couple on a backpacking trip discover a magical town called Schmigadoon which is in a Golden Age musical, and find out they can not leave until they find true love. With a cast including Kristin Chenoweth, Dove Cameron, Cecily Strong, Keegan-Michael Key, Aaron Tveit, Alan Cumming, Jane Krakowski and Ariana DeBose, episodes drop on Apple TV+ every Wednesday from July 16th.


July 16th - August 30th: WONDERVILLE

Magic is returning to the West End with this brand new show taking residency at the Palace Theatre. Wonderville stars Chris Cox, Josephine Lee, Young and Strange, Edward Hilsum, Amazí and Symoné and a series of guest acts. Tickets from https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/wonderville-magic-illusion/


July 16th - August 12th: DORIAN: A ROCK MUSICAL

Filmed at Cadogan Hall, this production re-imagines Dorian Gray as a rock star trapped in eternal adolescence. Stream it from https://www.stream.theatre/season/127


July 17th - August 30th: SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY

The Turbine Theatre in Battersea returns to the jetty for a second year for a season that includes Roles We'll Never Play, In Pieces and shows for all the family. See the full schedule and buy tickets from theturbinetheatre.com


July 17th - August 22nd: BILLIONAIRE BOY

David Walliams book hits the West End stage for a run at the Garrick Theatre. Tickets from https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/billionaire-boy/


July 17th - 31st: GIN CRAZE

Royal & Derngate presents the premiere of April de Angelis and Lucy Rivers’ ambitious new musical Gin Craze! A booze-soaked love ballad from the women of Gin Lane, Gin Craze! is a raucous satire exploring the joyous excesses of Hogarth’s Britain in an ingenious and irreverent new musical. Tickets from http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/


July 20th - 25th: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

Irving Berlin's classic musical is revived for an outdoor production starring Gemma Sutton, Joel Montague and Leon Craig. Playing Betley Court Farm in Staffordshire, tickets from https://www.betleycourtfarmproductions.com/449521754


July 21st: THE BEST OF THE WEST END

The Royal Albert Hall will host a celebration of the West End in aid of Acting for Others. Performers include Ben Forster, Ruthie Henshall, John Owen-Jones, Mazz Murray, Mica Paris, Layton Williams, Lauren Samuels, Matt Henry MBE, Sophie Evans, Matthew Croke, Kerry Ellis, Gina Murray, Anna-Jane Casey and Friederike Krum. Tickets from https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2021/the-best-of-the-west-end/


July 21st - August 21st: MY NIGHT WITH REG

Kevin Elyot’s award-winning dark comedy heads to the Turbine Theatre in Battersea. Stephen K Amos, James Bradwell, Edward M Corrie, Paul Keating, Gerard McCarthy and Alan Turkington will star in the piece set in the summer of 1985 where, for Guy and his circle, the world is about to change forever, thanks to the mounting AIDS crisis. Tickets from TheTurbineTheatre.com


July 21st - October 23rd: OLEANNA

The Arts Theatre reopens its doors for the first time in 16 months for Oleanna - a play that brilliantly explores the explosive consequences of a seemingly innocuous conversation on an American campus between a college professor and female student. Tickets from https://artstheatrewestend.co.uk/events/oleanna


From July 22nd: COME FROM AWAY

Welcome back to the rock as this heartwarming tale about the residents of Gander in the wake of the September 11th terror attacks returns to its home of the Phoenix Theatre after being closed since March 2020. Tickets from atgtickets.co.uk


July 22nd - August 1st: QUENTIN CRISP - NAKED HOPE

‘Naked Hope’ depicts the legendary Quentin Crisp at two distinct phases of his extraordinary life. Firstly, in the late 1960s in his filthy Chelsea flat. The second part of the play transitions the audience to New York in the 1990s. Here a much older Quentin, finally embraced by society, regales the audience with his sharply observed, hard-earned philosophy on how to have a lifestyle. Tickets from www.stream.theatre/season/161


July 23rd - August 7th: OPERATION MINCEMEAT

Returning to the Southwark Playhouse following a sold out run, this is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. Tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk


July 23rd - October 17th: ANYTHING GOES

The classic Cole Porter musical sails into the Barbican for a limited season starring Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal, Gary Wilmot and the unapologetic Sutton Foster. Tickets from https://www.barbican.org.uk/


July 27th - August 21st: ALL THAT

Part of Kings Head Theatre;s "Queer season", All That is a whip-smart domestic drama of love, sex and monogamy. Tickets from http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/all-that


July 27th: LAUREN SAMUELS & SOPHIE EVANS CELEBRATE JUDY GARLAND

The two West End stars unite after appearing together on TV show Over The Rainbow. Celebrating the legendary Judy Garland at the Crazy Coqs at Zedel, tickets are available both in person and online from https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/lauren-samuels-sophie-evans-celebrate-judy-garland/


From July 27th: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Returning to its long running home of Her Majesty's Theatre, the Phantom is the back. Starring Killian Donnelly, Rhys Whitfield and Lucy St Louis this will be a new production of the classic with a reduced orchestra. Tickets from https://lwtheatres.co.uk


From July 28th: JERSEY BOYS

The hit musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons returns to the West End in the brand new refurbished Trafalgar Theatre. Get your tickets from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jersey-boys/trafalgar-theatre/


July 28th - August 21st: JOHN & JEN

Southwark Playhouse plays host to this new musical from Andrew Lippa. An emotional rollercoaster of a musical that explores the dynamics of family relationships. It stars Rachel Tucker and Lewis Cornay. Tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk


From July 28th: TINA

The smash musical about the legendary Tina Turner returns to the Aldwych Theatre to continue its sold out run. With Aisha Jawando returning as Tina, tickets are available from tinathemusical.com


From July 29th: THE LION KING

The circle of life continues as The Lion King finally returns home to the Lyceum Theatre to continue its beautiful telling of the Disney classic. Tickets are available from https://thelionking.co.uk


July 30th - 31st: GREASE

The new UK tour of the iconic musical kicks off with two nights at Curve Leicester. Directed by Nikolai Foster and starring Peter Andre, Tickets from https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/grease-the-musical/


July 30th - September 5th: SINGIN IN THE RAIN

Sadlers Wells hosts this revival of the Olivier award winning classic musical with a cast including Kevin Clifton and Faye Tozer. Tickets available from sadlerswells.com


July 31st - September 25th: CAROUSEL

A year later than planned, the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic comes to Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park for a summer season. Tickets from https://openairtheatre.com/production/carousel


What a fantastic month we all have ahead of us! With July 19th looking increasingly likely, let's hope this is the month theatres operate at full capacity for the first time in a long time!

For anything you would like included in my August post, tweet or message me at twitter.com/ATDazzles or email me at site.allthatdazzles@gmail.com

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