As we head into the final quarter of the year, the nights are getting darker but theatre is just getting more exciting. It's Halloween month and there are some spooky delights mixed in with some brand new shows both in the West End and around the country.
Here are 30 of the top shows opening this month plus a bonus event for musical theatre fans:
ARE YOU AS NERVOUS AS I AM? (Greenwich Theatre)
October 1st - 23rd
This plucky and heart-warming new British musical tells the story of two strong and unique sisters in their search for happiness. Tickets from areyouasnervous.com
THE BOY WITH TWO HEARTS (National Theatre)
October 1st - November 12th
Based on extraordinary real-life experiences, this stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed book is a powerful story of hope, courage, and humanity – and a heartfelt tribute to the NHS. Tickets from https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE (Rose Theatre)
October 1st - 22nd
Carrie Hope Fletcher and Jonathan Slinger star in this revical of the play from Bertolt Brecht. The first major production of Brecht’s epic masterpiece for more than 25 years, tickets from rosetheatre.org
THE CHOIR OF MAN (Arts Theatre)
October 1st - February 5th 2023
They may have closed up the pub for 6 months but The Choir of Man return to their local for another round in this encore season. Tickets from choirofmanwestend.com
RUCKUS (Southwark Playhouse)
October 5th - 29th
Following a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this one-woman thriller comes to London. Performed and written by Jenna Fincken, tickets from www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-little/ruckus
GOOD (Harold Pinter Theatre)
October 6th - December 24th
David Tennant returns to the West End in the revival of this play from C.P Taylor. Directed by Dominic Cooke and also starring Elliot Levey, Good asks the question How is it possible to be a good person when things are falling apart? Tickets from www.goodtheplay.com.
BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER: THE MUSICAL (The Turbine Theatre)
October 7th - November 27th
Following a highly successful and critically acclaimed run (where I gave it 5 stars) earlier this year, one of the best new musicals of the year returns for an encore run with a whole new cast. Tickets from theturbinetheatre.com
EMERGING (The Lowry, Salford)
October 7th - 8th
This world premiere from pioneering company Scarabeus Aerial Theatre explores gender identity, representation and familial love. Available to watch in person and digitally. Tickets from https://thelowry.com/
TRIO (New Wolsey Theatre)
October 7th - 15th
This new intimate musical is set in a buzzing London recording studio. Starring Gina Murray, Ian McLarnon and Richard Costello, tickets from www.wolseytheatre.co.uk.
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO (Barbican Theatre)
October 8th - January 21st 2023
A global premiere of this celebrated 1988 animated feature film brought to the stage by its original composer in this landmark new adaptation.Tickets from https://www.barbican.org.uk/
LOCAL HERO (Chichester Festival Theatre)
October 8th - November 19th
Based on the Bill Forsyth film, with a book by David Greig and music and lyrics by Mark Knopfler stars Gabriel Ebert making his UK stage debut as Mac. Tickets from https://www.cft.org.uk/
JEKYLL & HYDE (Reading Rep)
October 10th - 29th
The world premiere production of Gary McNair’s one-person stage adaptation of Jekyll & Hyde, directed by Michael Fentiman starring Olivier and Grammy award-nominated performer Audrey Brisson. Tickets from at www.readingrep.com.
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST (Southwark Playhouse)
October 11th - November 5th
Oscar Wilde's uproarious vaudeville spectacular features four valiant vaudevillians who will bring their sensational variety acts to the stage - woven into Oscar Wilde’s spooky story of the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville, who vanished without a trace 300 years ago. Tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
THE MOORS (The Hope Theatre)
October 11th - November 5th Inspired by the letters of Charlotte Brontë, the show is a gripping Gothic tale about isolation, ambition, and the struggle to be seen. Tickets from https://www.thehopetheatre.com/
THE POLTERGEIST (Arcola Theatre)
October 12th - November 5th
Philip Ridley's award-winning darkly comic play follows a critically acclaimed digital run during the pandemic. This production, presented by Arcola and Flying Colours Productions, reunites the original company with Wiebke Green directing Joseph Potter. Tickets from http://www.arcolatheatre.com/
TAMMY FAYE (Almeida Theatre)
October 13th - December 3rd
This new musical promises to be one of the most exciting of the year. Written by Elton John, Jake Shears and James Graham, with a cast including Katie Brayben and Andrew Rannells. Tammy Faye is a true story and a testament of faith, resilience and the temptations of success. Tickets from https://almeida.co.uk/
SOMETHING IN THE AIR (Jermyn Street Theatre)
October 13th - November 12th
The world premiere of this captivating and romantic portrait of London tells the stories of Alex and Colin. As the old men’s youth comes to life, so do the young men they once loved. Tickets from https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/something-in-the-air/
MARVELLOUS (@Soho Place)
October 15th - November 26th
A brand new theatre is opening in the West End, and its first show is the New Vic production of Marvellous adapted for the stage by Neil Baldwin and Theresa Heskins. The joyful and inspiring true story of someone who has defied all expectations to lead the most amazing life, tickets are from www.sohoplace.org
TO STEVE WITH LOVE: LIZ CALLAWAY CELEBRATES SONDHEIM (Crazy Coqs)
October 17th - 22nd
Broadway favourite Liz Callaway brings her critically acclaimed, deeply personal concert of the songs of Stephen Sondheim for its London debut. Tickets from https://www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs/
A SINGLE MAN (Park Theatre)
October 19th - November 26th
The world première of Christopher Isherwood’s novel. This is a darkly amusing study of grief, love and loneliness. This new adaptation from Simon Reade stars Theo Fraser Steele as George. Tickets from www.parktheatre.co.uk
MY SON'S A QUEER (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?) (Garrick Theatre)
October 21st - November 6th
Rob Madge's incredible solo show hits the West End following a run in Edinburgh. Celebrating the joy and chaos of raising a queer child, find out why I gave this 5 stars when I saw it last year. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com
MARY (Hampstead Theatre)
October 21st - Novenber 26th
Rona Munro’s new political thriller is set in 1567 and centres around James Melville, an intelligent, charismatic and skilled diplomat who is also one of the most loyal servants of Mary Stuart, the troubled Queen of Scots. Tickets from https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2022/mary/
MUSICAL CON (ExCel London)
October 22nd - 23rd
The UK’s first ever musical theatre fan convention will bring thousands of musical theatre fans and enthusiasts together under one roof for the first time. Ovrer one special weekend, meet your favourite performers and attend some special sessions. Tickets from www.musicalcon.co.uk
JORDAN LUKE GAGE (Here @ Outernet)
October 23rd
The star of Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers, &Juliet and Bat Out Of Hell does his first ever headline concert at the brand new venue in central London. Having already teased his setlist online, expect favourites from all those shows plus a lot more. Tickets from https://www.fw-live.com/jlg
DADDY ISSUES (Seven Dials Playhouse)
October 24th - November 19th
A thrilling one woman play written by Lewis Cornay is a startling dark comedy about 23 year old Imi. Isolated, she finds herself slipping further and further from reality, trapped inside her mind as she tries to explain the complexities of grief, Cliff Richard and dead dogs. Tickets from https://www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk/
AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH (Soho Theatre)
October 24th - 29th
Sarah Louise Young's fantastic tribute to the iconic singer returns to London for one week. Whether you are a lifelong lover of Kate, a newer convert or don't know the first thing about her, there's something for everyone here. Tickets from sohotheatre.com
SOUTH AFRICA ROAD TRIP (Peacock Theatre)
October 25th - November 5th
A swinging and exuberant musical experience, including uplifting songs, sensitive songs, close harmony and invigorating dance and music. Tickets from www.sadlerswells.com
JORDAN GRAY: IS IT A BIRD? (London Palladium)
October 28th
Following a sold out run at Soho Theatre, Jordan Gray brings her critically acclaimed hit Edinburgh Fringe show to the Palladium for one night only. Bringing together her love of superheroes, her strong Essex roots and her life as a transgender woman, tickets from https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/jordan-gray/
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (Charing Cross Theatre)
October 29th - December 17th
A compelling portrait of humanity, love, duty and redemption set against the backdrop of a beautiful and conflicted paradise, this musical by Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson is back in London in a brand new production. Tickets from http://www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/
WEST END MUSICAL HALLOWEEN (Lyric Theatre)
October 31st
A spooktastic celebration of some Halloween themed musicals feauring performances by Courtney Bowman, Luke Bayer, Shanay Holmes, Sophie Isaacs, Jordan Shaw and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com
EMOJILAND (Garrick Theatre)
October 31st
The off-Broadway hit comes to the West End for one night only in a concert production starring Blake Patrick Anderson, Laura Baldwin, Louise Dearman, Olly Dobson, Hiba Elchikhe, Renee Lamb, Hannah Lowther, Tim Mahendran, Natalie Paris, Oliver Saville, Jonny Weldon and Dean John Wilson. Tickets from https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/emojiland/
Another fabulous month in store with plenty to keep everyone entertained. Look out for reviews from me for a lot of these throughout the month.
If you are involved with or know of any shows opening in November, feel free to contact me on any of my socials or send me an email before October 24th to get them included in the next preview.
Let me know in the comments, on twitter or instagram what you're looking forward to seeing this month - and hopefully see you in the theatre.