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The best theatre shows opening in August: London, 2022

By Holly O'Mahony on 28/7/2022

It might feel like the entire theatre industry has run away to Edinburgh this month, but if you're not decamping with them to the Festival Fringe, don't worry: London is awash with new plays too. 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.

WHEN

Wednesday 27 July - Wednesday 24 September

WHERE

Dorfman stage at the National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX

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.

WHEN

Friday 12 - Saturday 27 August

WHERE

Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX

Island of Foam by Stephanie Luning. Photo: Violetta Wakolbinger

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!

WHEN

Saturday 27 August – Sunday 11 September, performance times vary

WHERE

Various locations

Chichester Festival Theatre's production of South Pacific

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.

WHEN

Wednesday 27 July – Sunday 28 August, Performances at 7:30pm with additional 2:30pm matinees

WHERE

Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN

Cruise comes to the West End. Photo: Jack Holden. Credit: Jack Hextall

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.

WHEN

Saturday 13 August – Sunday 4 September, Performances at 8pm (7pm on Sundays) with additional 4pm matinees

WHERE

Apollo Theatre, 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES

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.

WHEN

Monday 18 July – Sunday 4 September, 7:30pm – 9:20pm

WHERE

The Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW | MAP

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.

WHEN

Monday 1 – Sunday 28 August

WHERE

Venues across Camden