The best theatre shows opening in August: London, 2022
From a charming children's show to urgent pieces about the climate and austerity, plus two bumper festivals, August's best theatre covers all bases
All of Us, National Theatre
Ian Rickson (Jerusalem) directs this new work by award-winning author, comedian and actor Francesca Martinez, about a woman trying to protect her nearest and dearest when austerity threatens everything.
Read more ...The Trials, Donmar Warehouse
The talent of tomorrow star in Dawk King’s new warning cry about the climate. A Donmar Local production, The Trials’ young cast members play jurors responsible for judging their elders for their crimes against the planet. Natalie Abrahami (Machinal, Swive) directs.
Read more ...Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (GDIF)
The 27th edition of the annual festival runs for 17 days and takes place entirely outdoors, spanning a broad spectrum of the arts, incorporating theatre, dance and large-scale installations – and it's (almost) entirely free!
Read more ...South Pacific, Sadler’s Wells
Chichester Festival Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1949 musical South Pacific docks at Sadler’s Wells this summer. Steered by the theatre’s artistic director Daniel Evans (Me and My Girl, Fiddler on the Roof), the production has been praised for emphasising the anti-racist message of the Broadway hit, which concerns the American and French colonisation of the Pacific Islands.
Read more ...Cruise, Apollo Theatre
Jack Holden’s Aids drama Cruise captivated at the West End's Duchess Theatre in 2021. Now it returns for a second West End run.
Read more ...The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Gillian Lynne Theatre
Escape to Narnia this summer as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to life in the West End. Spectacular staging, a talented cast and a new musical score breathe fresh life into CS Lewis’s classic book.
Read more ...Camden Fringe, various locations
Over 200 events spread across over 20 venues: Camden Fringe is back for 2022, democratising the city’s live performance scene and offering a stage to anyone looking to try out new material. Look out for sketch comedy, poetry nights, musicals, dance and more.
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