What a brilliant month August was for theatre. More venues reopened, some of the biggest new shows the West End has seen for years opened their doors and life all felt like it was starting to get back to normal.
A new month is around the corner and with it brings more reasons to celebrate - more new shows opening and even more venues re-opening after a long 18 months!
I have changed the format for this months preview - splitting everything into 3 separate categories: London and the West End, UK tours and regional shows; and online and cinema releases. Each category is listed in date order. Hopefully you find this easy to follow but any feedback to make these posts even more simple and helpful are always welcome.
LONDON & THE WEST END
Now - October 9th: OVERFLOW
A hilarious and devastating tour of women’s bathrooms by acclaimed writer and performer Travis Alabanza, catch it at the Bush Theatre. Tickets from https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/
September 2nd - 25th: LEOPARDS
Martin Marquez and Saffron Cooper star in this world premiere about sex, power and consent. Playing at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, tickets from https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/leopards
September 3rd: WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN
A one night only concert at Cadogan Hall, this new song cycle by Carmel Dean celebrates women across history. With a cast including Janie Dee, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Hiba Elchikhe, Kerry Ellis, Cassidy Janson and Rachel John, tickets from https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/well-behaved-women/
September 3rd - October 16th: THE MEMORY OF WATER
Shelagh Stephenson’s poignant and painfully funny comedy about conflicting memories, life and loss comes to the Hampstead Theatre. Tickets from https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2021/the-memory-of-water/
September 3rd - November 27th: INDECENT
The Menier Chocolate Factory reopens with this play that explores the origins of the highly controversial play The God of Vengeance by Sholem Asch. Tickets from https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com
From September 7th: THE WOMAN IN BLACK
The first West End show to reopen this month is Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story which returns to its long running home at the Fortune theatre to continue its historic run. Tickets from atgtickets.com
September 7th - 26th: THE DURATION
Written by Bruce Graham, this play demonstrates the fall out following the impact of 9/11. Playing at the Omnibus theatre in Clapham, tickets are from https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/the-duration/
September 7th - October 30th: CAMP SIEGFRIED
The Old Vic hosts this play set at a summer camp for American youth of German descent as the world unknowingly sits on the brink of the Second World War. Tickets from https://www.oldvictheatre.com
September 14th - 26th: BOYS CRY
Riverside Studios host the world premiere of this new play written and performed by Christian Graham. Exploring self-image, maturity, life after trauma and definitions of manhood, tickets are from https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/boys-cry-9097/
September 14th - 19th: CATCHING COMETS
Two stories told at the same time: a disaster movie about falling in love and a
rom-com about the end of the world. Playing the Pleasance Theatre, tickets are from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/
September 14th - October 2nd: SMALL CHANGE
Peter Gills’ powerful memory play about boyhood, the complex love between mothers and sons and the search for truth is revived at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. Tickets from http://www.omnibus-clapham.org/small-change-2021/
From September 14th: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION
The production returns to County Hall on the Southbank after an 18 month sentence. Watch as a court case is played out with twists and turns, with an audience acting as the jury each night. Tickets from http://www.witnesscountyhall.com/
From September 15th: WICKED
This little known show returns to the Apollo Victoria after a long 18 months. Laura Pick and Helen Woolf return to the roles as the two fabulous Witches. The show also celebrates its 15th anniversary in the West End with a special gala performance on the 29th. Tickets from https://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
From September 16th: MATILDA
Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of the much loved Roald Dahl story returns to the Cambridge Theatre after 18 months to continue thrilling audiences and celebrating 10 years in the West End. Tickets from https://uk.matildathemusical.com/
September 16th - November 6th: BLITHE SPIRIT
Jennifer Saunders resumes her role in Noel Cowards classic play after habing the original run interrupted by that pesky pandemic. This time she's moving to the Harold Pinter theatre. Tickets from atgtickets.com
From September 16th: THE GREAT GATSBY
The immersive experience returns to the West End for a run currently booking until January 2022 welcoming audiences back to the roaring twenties (no, not the current one). Tickets from http://www.immersivegatsby.com/
September 17th & 18th: FAKE NEWS
The story of our time from journalist turned actor and playwright Osman Baig, it plays two nights at the Bridge Theatre. Tickets from http://www.bridgetheatre.co.uk/
September 17th - October 13th: THE LAST FIVE YEARS
After having its run at the Southwark Playhouse interrupted twice, Aria Ents incredible production ransfers to the West End for a limited run at the Garrick Theatre. With Oli Higginson and mOlly Lynch returning to the roles, tickets are from nimaxtheatres.com
September 17th - 24th: THE FUNNY GIRLS
Mia Tomlinson and Rosanna Harris are Barbra Streisand and Joan Rivers in this new comedy playing the studios at New Wimbledon Theatre. Tickets from http://thefunnygirls.co.uk/
September 18th & 19th: WEST END LIVE
Every theatre fans yearly highlight returns to Trafalgar Square after a years absence. Expect performances from all of your favourite shows but be prepared to queue early to get a good spot! More details at westendlive.co.uk
September 21st - 26th: DUMBLEDORE IS SO GAY
This play shines a light on the struggle of coming out when ‘gay’ was a playground insult. Returning to the Pleasance Theatre, tickets are from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/dumbledore-so-gay#overview
September 22nd - October 9th: PENETRATION
Based on seven true stories of rape accusations and acquittals, the world premiere of this new play arrives at The Cockpit theatre. Tickets from https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/.
September 23rd - November 28th: THE MIRROR & THE LIGHT
The third and final novel in the Wolf Hall trilogy has been adapted for the West End stage and will play a limited season at the Gielgud theatre. Tickets from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
September 23rd - October 16th: TOKYO ROSE
Ahead of a UK tour, this new musical arrives at Southwark Playhouse for a limited season. Telling the story of one of America’s most controversial trials for treason, from the point of view of defendant Ikuko Toguri, accused of being the notorious wartime broadcaster. Tickets from https://www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/
From September 24th: &JULIET
The musical sensation telling the story of what would have happened if Juliet survived to a soundtrack of Max Martin classics returns to the SHaftesbury Avenue with a cast including Miriam Teak Lee, Jordan Luke Gage, Cassidy Janson, Oliver Tompsett and Alex Thomas Smith. Tickets from https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/
September 25th - November 13th: HAMLET 2021
The highly-anticipated production of Shakespeare’s great tragedy sees Cush Jumbo make her Young Vic debut as a new kind of Hamlet. Tickets from https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/hamlet-cush-jumbo
From September 25th: LES MISERABLES
While Les Miserables has remained in the West End through various runs of its staged concert, the full production of the show hasn't been seen for 18 months. It is now being brought home as it resumes performances at the Sondheim Theatre. Tickets from delfontmackintosh.co.uk
September 28th - October 16th: SNOWFLAKES
Returning to the Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington is this black comedy that touches on female empowerment and the dangers of the Internet Age. Tickets from https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/
September 28th - October 2nd: SKANK
A funny, dark, and outrightly filthy production from writer Clementine Bogg-Hargroves playing a short run at Chiswick Playhouse. Tickets from https://www.chiswickplayhouse.co.uk/
From September 29th: SIX
The global sensation returns after a month away at its new forever home of the Vaudeville theatre. See the ex-Wives tell their side of herstory. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com
REGIONAL SHOWS & UK TOURS
Now - September 11th: AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN
Simon Reade’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo children’s novel follows Lizzie, her mother – and an elephant from the zoo in 1945 Dresden, Germany, as they flee the Allied fire-bombing in the endgame of the Second World War. Playing the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, tickets from http://barntheatre.org.uk/
Now: 9 to 5
The UK tour of the feelgood Dolly Parton musical kicks off this month with dates in Southampton (until Sep 4th), Bradford (7th - 11th), Edinburgh (14th - 18th), Canterbury (21st - 25th) and Aylesbury (Sep 28th - Oct 2nd) with dates continuing until March 2022. With a cast including Louise Redknapp, tickets at https://9to5themusical.co.uk/tour/
Now: BLOOD BROTHERS
The latest UK tour of WIlly Russell's classic continues this month with dates in Oxford (until Sep 4th), Southampton (7th - 11th), Nottingham (14th - 18th), Newcastle (21st - 25th) and Cheater (sep 28th - Oct 2nd). Tickets at https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/blood-brothers-the-musical
Now: HAIRSPRAY
Brenda Edwards and Norman Pace are among the cast for the UK tour production (not to be confused with the current West End one) which this month plays in Liverpool (until Sep 4th), Aylesbury (6th - 11th), Bradford (13th - 18th), Brighton (20th - 25th) and Birmingham (27th - Oct 2nd). Tickets at https://www.hairsprayuktour.com/tour-dates/
Now: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The new UK tour of this much loved Disney classic continues its premiere run in Bristol until September 18th before heading to Liverpool for a limited season on September 23rd. Tickets from https://www.beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk/
Now: GREASE
The classic musical continues its tour around the UIK, this month hitting Stoke (until Sep 4th), Woking (7th - 11th), Dartford (13th - 18th), Bristol (21st - 25th) and Edinbiurgh (Sep 27th - Oct 2nd). Tickets from https://greasethemusicalontour.com/tour-tickets/
Now: HEATHERS
The UK tour continues this month with dates in Nottingham (until Sep 4th), Newcastle (7th - 11th), Sheffield (14th - 18th), Birmingham (21st - 25th) and Canterbury (Sep 28th - Oct 2nd). The West End run also finishes up on September 11th. Tickets for all dates at https://www.heathersthemusical.com/uk-tour
Now: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
The UK tour continues this month with dates in Birmingham (until Sep 4th), Southend (7th - 11th), Leicester (13th - 18th), Cardiff (20th - 25th) and Bristol (28th - Oct 2nd). Tickets from https://priscillauktour.com/tour-dates/
Now: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Ore Oduba leads the cast in this new tour production which this month heads to Dartford (until Sep 3rd), Plymouth (6th -11th), Llanduno (13th - 18th), Sunderland (20th - 25th) and Birmingham (27th - Oct 2nd). Tickets from https://www.rockyhorror.co.uk/tour-dates
Now: SIX The West End may be without the Queens for a few weeks but the touring production is still going around the UK. This month it's at Oxford (until Sep 5th), Nottingham (7th - 12th), Birmingham (14th - 18th), Norwich (20th - 25th) and Leicester (28th - Oct 3rd). Tickets from https://www.sixthemusical.com/uk-tour/tickets
From September 1st: EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
The West End run might be pausing this month but you can still catch Jamie around the UK as it kicks off its new UK tour with Layton Williams and Shane Richie. This month it plays Salford (Sep 1st - 12th), Birmingham (14th - 18th) and Leicester (20th - 25th). All dates and tickets at https://www.everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk/2020-uk-tour/
From September 1st: BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS
The UK tour of the Disney classic continues this month with dates in Southend (Sep 1st - 5th), Milton Keynes (15th - 19th), Woking (21st - 25th) and Norwich (Sep 28th - Oct 3rd). Full dates and tickets at https://www.bedknobsonstage.com/tour-dates
From September 3rd: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
The Tennesee Williams classic gets a new outing beginning with a short run at Curve Leicester (Sep 3rd - 18th) before heading to Liverpool (Sep 22nd - Oct 2nd) with more dates and venues in the following months. Tickets from www.curveonline.co.uk
From September 4th: WAITRESS
After being closed early due to the pandemic, Waitress returns for its long awaited debut UK tour, starting off in London with a run at Wimbledon (Sep 4th - 11th) then heading to Leeds (14th - 18th), Crawley (20th - 25th) and Sheffield (Sep 28th - Oct 2nd) with an extensibe list of venues over the next year. Lucie Jones returns to the role as Jenna. Tickets from https://www.waitressthemusical.co.uk/
From September 7th: WHERE TO BELONG
A powerful and moving autobiographical story of Victor Esses’ journey to find home. As a Jewish-Lebanese, Brazilian gay man, Esses explores how to find your place in a complex world of identities. The tour kicks off in Oxford (Sep 7th) then Harlow (9th), Beford (18th) and Cardiff (23rd). For ticket details see twitter.com/victoresses
September 7th - 11th: EDUCATING RITA
The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage hosts Kimberley Hart Simpson and Keith Hill in their take on this famous movie. Tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-mowlem-theatre/.
Meanwhile, Stephen Tompkinson and Jessica Johnson continue their touring production of the show with the same dates at The Capitol in Horsham. Tickets from https://www.educatingrita.co.uk/
From September 7th: SCHOOL OF ROCK
The UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical kicks off in Hull (Sep 7th - 18th) then heads to Wolverhampton (21st - 25th) and Woking (Sep 27th - Oct 2nd) with all dates and tickets available at https://uktour.schoolofrockthemusical.com/tour-dates/
From September 9th: THE DRESSER
Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly star in Ronald Harwood’s highly acclaimed drama which opens at Theatre Royal Bath (Sep 9th - 18th) then heads to Cheltenham (21st - 25th) and then Brighton (Sep 28th - Oct 2nd). Tickets at https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/the-dresser-1
From September 9th: ROCK OF AGES
For those about to rock, the UK tour kicks off this month with a cast including Kevin Clifton. Opening in Birmingham (Sep 9th - 11th) it then plays Liverpool (14th - 18th), Wimbledon (21st - 25th) and Milton Keynes (Sep 28th - Oct 2nd). Tickets and all further dates at https://www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/tour/
From September 9th: GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
A no-holds-barred comedy romp through everything life throws at a modern-day woman with a soundtrack of some iconic pop anthems. Catch Stephanie Dooley, Maurren Nolan, Niki Evans and Leanne Jones all over the UK. Full dates and tickets at www.justwannahavefun.co.uk
September 10th - 25th: LONE FLYER - THE LAST FLIGHT OF AMY JOHNSON
The Watermill Theatre in Newbury hosts this powerful drama by Ade Morris about one of Britain’s greatest female pilots. Tickets from watermill.org.uk
From September 11th: CHICAGO
Faye Brookes, Sinitta, Darren Day and Divina De Campo team up for this new UK tour of the iconic musical. This month it launches at Glasgow (Sep 11th - 18th) before heading to Abderdeen (20th - 25th) and Edinburgh (Sep 27th - Oct 2nd). All dates and tickets at https://chicagothemusical.com/international-tour/
From September 11th: BAT OUT OF HELL
After a delay, the first UK tour of this musical honouring Meat Loaf and the late Jim Steinman's greatest hits kicks off. The cast includes Glenn Adamson and Martha Kirby. It kicks off this month at Manchester Opera House until October 2nd. For all further dates and tickets, see http://www.batoutofhellmusical.com/
From September 14th: DEAD LIES
KIimberly Wyatt, Harriet Thorpe and Clive Mantle star in Hilary Bonner’s scandalous thriller. It kicks off a UK tour in Barnstaple (Sep 14th - 19th) before heading to Malvern (21st - 25th) and Lichfield (Sep 28th - Oct 3rd). Tickets at https://deadlies.co.uk/
From September 17th: NOT: LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER
DH Lawrence's classic gets a Mel Brooks style parody treatment. Kicking off in WOrthing in September 17th, it works its way around the UK until November. Full dates and tickets at https://happyidiot.co.uk/tours/
September 17th - 25th: NHS THE MUSICAL
Theatre Royal Plymouth hosts this new musical informed by first-hand accounts from NHS staff. Tickets from http://www.theatreroyal.com/
September 28th - November 6th: DAVID COPPERFIELD
An actor-musician adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic runs at The Barn Theatre in Cirencester. Tickets from http://barntheatre.org.uk/
From September 28th: HARPY
Su Pollard reprises her role in a brand new production of the one-woman Edinburgh Fringe hit. The tour kicks off in Portsmouth from September 28th - 29th. Tickets from https://kingsportsmouth.co.uk/
From September 30th: THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Wendi Peters, Bill Ward and Sam Jackson star in this new adaptation, touring the UK from this month. It begins in Bromley from September 30th - October 2nd. Tickets from https://www.tiltedwigproductions.com/
ONLINE STREAMS AND CINEMA RELEASES
September 2nd: FOLLIES
The National Theatre production of this Sondheim classic includes a cast of Imelda Staunton and Janie Dee. Catch it in cinemas for a limited time. For showings, check https://follies.ntlive.com/
September 3rd - 26th: WALLACE & GROMIT IN CONCERT
A cracking, award-winning orchestral show for the whole family! Stream it at https://www.stream.theatre/season/188
September 3rd: SOUTH PACIFIC
As the summer run comes to an end at Chichester Festival Theatre, there's one last chance to stream this fantastic production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic with a cast including Julian Ovenden, Joanna Ampil and Rob Houchen. Stream it at https://www.cft.org.uk/cft-at-home
September 3rd: CINDERELLA
Just what 2021 needed - a new adaptation of Cinderella. Sorry, Andrew Lloyd Webber but this one has an incredible cast of exceptional talents including Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, Beverley Knight and Idina Menzel. Though it also has James Corden so you can't win them all. Stream it today from Amazon Prime Video.
September 8th - December 5th: THE SYSTEM
Emily Head’s sharp psychological thriller is streaming on demand to audience following its world premiere live stream last week. Tickets on sale from https://originaltheatreonline.com/productions
September 10th: COME FROM AWAY
The original Broadway cast have reunited to film this incredible and heartwarming musical that is currently wowing audiences in the West End. Released on the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, it streams from Apple TV.
September 17th: THE THEATRE CHANNEL
Episode 8 of this brilliant series hoours Stephen Schwartz with performances from Alice Fearn, Louise Dearman, Christine Allado and Cedric Neal. Narrated by Schwartz himself, it also includes a performance from the current London production of Pippin.
Stream it from https://www.stream.theatre/season/107
September 17th: EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
The long delayed film of the West End sensation finally arrives on Amazon Prime Video. With Max Harwood in the lead role, let's hope everybody talks about this for all the right reasons.
September 23rd: CLOSER THAN EVER
Kerry Ellis, Lee Mead, Grace Mouat and X Factor winner Dalton Harris star in this revival of Maltby and Shire's award winning revue. Available on www.broadwayhd.com
September 24th: DEAR EVAN HANSEN
The movie adaptation of the Broadway and West End smash stars the forever young Ben Platt ahead of his next role as a 4 year old probably. The bad news is we have to wait to catch it in the UK another month but Americans get to witness it in cinemas this month.
This is also the month the lights go back on on Broadway. The following shows are opening up over there this month:
Hadestown - September 2nd
Waitress - September 2nd
Chicago - September 14th
Hamilton - September 14th
The Lion King - September 14th
Wicked - September 14th
Six - September 19th
Come From Away - September 21st
Moulin Rouge - September 24th
The Lehman Trilogy - September 25th
Aladdin - September 28th
As always, please let me know in advance to be included in these monthly posts. Tweet or message me at twitter.com/ATDazzles or email me at site.allthatdazzles@gmail.com