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Theatre

Unmissable shows to catch this summer

By Lucy Brooks on 31/7/2018

Sure, sitting inside a stuffy theatre may not seem the obvious way to spend the heatwave. But with such a bumper selection of plays opening, and the last chance to see some smash hits, it's well worth it. Plus, one of them is actually outside.

The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre

Sam Mendes directs an epic boom and bust story of the Lehman Brothers over three generations.

WHEN

01 Jul 2018 – 30 Nov 2018, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

National Theatre
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

Othello, Shakespeare's Globe

As the founding artistic director of The Globe, Mark Rylance is an expert in staging and performing Shakespeare. So it's quite the coup for Michelle Terry to tempt Rylance back for the new season. He will play Iago opposite award-winner André Holland (Moonlight and Selma) as Othello, with Claire van Kampen (aka Mrs Mark Rylance) directing.

WHEN

20 July – 13 October 2018

WHERE

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT

Ian McKellen's King Lear, Duke of York's Theatre

The almighty Ian McKellen plays King Lear as Jonathan Munby's triumphant revival transfers from Chichester to the West End.

WHEN

11 Jul 2018 – 03 Nov 2018, 7:00 PM – 10:20 PM

WHERE

Duke of York's Theatre
104 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4BG

Hallelujah! by Alan Bennett, Bridge Theatre

Allelujah!, Bridge Theatre

If it aint broke, don't fix it... Nicholas Hytner directs a new play by History Boys writer Alan Bennett, recreating the winning National Theatre formula for the sleek new Bridge Theatre.

WHEN

11 Jul 2018 – 28 Sep 2018, Monday to Saturday 19:45, Wednesday and Saturday matinees 14:30

WHERE

Bridge Theatre
One Tower Bridge, London, SE1 2UP

Artwork of Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey from Walt Disney’s Fantasia which provided the inspiration for The Vaults' Sounds and Sorcery. Image © Disney

Sounds and Sorcery: Celebrating Disney Fantasia, The Vaults

Immerse yourself in the fantastical world of Disney's Fantasia as the classic cartoon is re-imagined in a multi-media theatrical experience at The Vaults. Sounds and Sorcery combines world-class classical music, majestic installations and drama to transport audience members into an ethereal realm.

WHEN

03 Jul 2018 – 30 Sep 2018, Tuesday – Saturday evening slots between 18.30 and 20.30; Matinees slots between 13.30 and 15.30

WHERE

The Vaults
Leake St , London , SE1 8SW

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre to stage As You Like It

As You Like It, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

All the world's a stage, but usually you have to sit inside a theatre to watch a play. However, this summer, Shakespeare's pastoral comedy As You Like It will be brought to life in the middle of Regent's Park, at the Open Air Theatre.

WHEN

06 Jul 2018 – 28 Jul 2018, 7:45 PM – 10:15 PM

WHERE

Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park
Inner Cir, Westminster, London, NW1 4NU

Home I'm Darling, National Theatre

Laura Wade, the playwright who carved up the misogyny of elitist Oxbridge societies in 2010 hit Posh, is back to skewer sexist notions of perfect housewives.

WHEN

24 Jul 2018 – 05 Sep 2018, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

WHERE

National Theatre
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

A Monster Calls, Old Vic theatre

Mourning, imagination and a giant creature rule the stage in the world premiere of A Monster Calls. Patrick Ness' 2011 novel is adapted by ever-imaginative director Sally Cookson.

WHEN

07 Jul 2018 – 25 Aug 2018, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

WHERE

The Old Vic
The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

The One, Soho Theatre

The bold, ballsy debut play by Drywrite Theatre's Vicky Jones returns to Soho Theatre for a limited run. Book pronto if you're a fan of Fleabag.

WHEN

05 Jul 2018 – 25 Aug 2018, Performances at 3pm and 7:15pm

WHERE

Soho Theatre
21 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3NE

LAST CHANCE: Consent, Harold Pinter Theatre

After a sell-out 2017 premiere at the National Theatre, Consent is just as impressive on the West End. Don't miss Nina Raine's thrilling examination of truth, justice and betrayal.

WHEN

18 May 2018 – 11 Aug 2018, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

Harold Pinter Theatre
Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4DN