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London theatre: best plays to see in August 2021

By Holly O'Mahony on 2/8/2021

Curtains are rising above an enticing cluster of new shows, both on and off the West End. From Kae Tempest's first foray into ancient Greek mythology to the welcome return of two golden age musicals, here are the best new plays to see in London this August.

Kae Tempest's Paradise at the National Theatre

Paradise, National Theatre

Performance poet, recording artist and playwright Kae Tempest turns their lyrical talents to the story of Philoctetes in a power new take on the Greek myth. Paradise premieres at the National's Olivier Theatre with Ian Rickson directing.

WHEN

Until Saturday 11 September, 7pm-10pm

WHERE

National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX

Carousel, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Travel back in time and across the Atlantic for a story of love and loss on the Maine coast. Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1945 hit musical Carousel comes to life at the Open Air Theatre in a new revival by artistic director Timothy Sheader and Olivier-winning choreographer Drew McOnie.

WHEN

Until Saturday 25 September, 7:45pm-10pm

WHERE

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

2:22 – A Ghost Story, Noël Coward Theatre

Popstar Lily Allen makes her West End debut in 2:22 – A Ghost Story, a new play by award-winning writer Danny Robins (BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist). The production is premiering at the Noël Coward Theatre this August under the direction of Matthew Dunster (Hangmen, A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter).

WHEN

Until Saturday 16 October, performances at 2:30pm, 3pm and 7:30pm depending on date

WHERE

Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4AU

Megan Mullaly and Robert Lindsay. Anything Goes promotional image

Anything Goes, Barbican Theatre

Last seen in London some 16 years ago, the multi-award-winning musical Anything Goes is full of joy, fun and excitement, and as such the ideal show to celebrate audiences' release from Covid-19 lockdown… fingers crossed!

WHEN

Until Sunday 17 October, 7:30pm Thursday, Saturday & Sunday at 2:30pm. Dur.: 2 hours 30 mins inc one interval

WHERE

Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London E2CY 8DS

Constellations, Vaudeville Theatre

Constellations, Nick Payne’s celebrated two-hander that draws on advanced physics to illustrate the infinite possibilities facing a relationship, has returned to the West End with four diverse and starry casts portraying the focal couple. Stepping into the roles this month are Omari Douglas (It’s a Sin) and Russell Tovey (Being Human, Years & Years), who will embody the story as a same-sex couple until Saturday 11 September. Anna Maxwell Martin (Line of Duty) and Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) are also playing the couple, from Friday 6 August to Sunday 12 September.

WHEN

Until Sunday 12 September, Performances times vary, dur 70 mins

WHERE

Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH

Disney's Frozen, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Elsa told us to 'Let it go,' but we simply can't. We're still obsessed with Frozen. Now, along with watching the two Frozen films on repeats, Londoners can experience the icy magic live as Disney's musical theatre version of the tale transfers to London after impressing on Broadway.

WHEN

Friday 27 August – Sunday 3 April 2022, 7:30pm – 10pm

WHERE

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF

Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's Globe

With Sean Holmes's colourful production of A Midsummer Night's Dream already a certified success, there's reason to feel excited for his take on the Bard's Twelfth Night, starring the Globe's artistic director Michelle Terry as the disguised protagonist Viola.

WHEN

Until Saturday 30 October

WHERE

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

Score free kids' tix to fab shows like Wicked with Kids' Week

Kids' Week 2021

Kids' Week is the ultimate godsend for busy mothers, fathers, sisters and aunts desperate to keep their kids entertained (and educated) throughout the long month of August, whereby all under-16s get to go free to many of the best shows that London has to offer.

Official London Theatre has announced the official programme for Kids' Week 2021, which runs from 1-31 August. Amélie the Musical, David Walliams' Billionaire Boy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Everybody's Talking About Jamie are just some of the many, many shows taking part in the scheme. And Dinosaur World Live, Doctor Who: Time Fracture and Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain are among the experiences.