A stargazers guide to theatre to book: famous actors live on stage

By CW Contributor on 27/10/2016

There's something magical about London's live theatre, but it's extra-irresistible if there's a chance to see celebrities on the West End. Recently we've had Benedict Cumberbatch, Glenn Close, Bradley Cooper and Nicole Kidman (to name just a few). If you missed these, don't worry, there's plenty of famous actors on stage in London this year and next. And when there's the perfect symbiosis between sizzling script and super hot star, we want to be in the front seats, watching — annoyingly, so does everyone else.

For a star safari, here's the shows to book fast, before the herds of superfans!

Damian Lewis, London West End, Theatre Royal Haymarket

The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? Theatre Royal Haymarket

Damian Lewis is virtuosic on stage. His performances are always perfectly pitched – his physical prowess (he’s a tall, powerful man) is enriched by a psychological complexity. Even in a scene crowded with starry names, you can’t take your eyes off him.

Next year, he’ll take the lead in new production of Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? And tickets are already on sale.

Art, Old Vic

Seasoned theatre goers will remember the play Art by Yasmina Reza. This French play caused a sensation in London's West End back in 1996.

Amidst Disney Musicals and big bug budget Broadway imports, it was (and still is) astonishing for a contemporary foreign drama about modern art to continue pulling the crowds.

Rufus Sewell, who's just finished smouldering on our screens in ITV's Victoria, will return to the stage to play Serge.

With such star power, we predict a sell out.

Tom Stoppard revival: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Old Vic Theatre

50 years since its premiere at the Old Vic, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is revived on the same stage in 2017, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire.

It was the play that made up-and-coming young playwright Tom Stoppard into a household name, now widely heralded as 'greatest living playwright' and the Shakespeare of our generation.

Public booking for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the Old Vic opens at 12 noon on Wednesday 2 November 2016.