The Best Shows to See in London this Autumn
From famous faces to five star French drama, London’s West End is bursting with unmissable theatre shows this September. Here’s Culture Whisper’s guide to the best plays to see
Jane Eyre, National Theatre (8 September – 10 January)
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is a bastion of British literature. In this illuminating stage adaptation, the Victorian romance and Gothicism is made potent, poetic and deeply affecting. We were sceptical about a classic novel transformed into experimental modern theatre, but this production pulls it off with aplomb. Book fast; tickets are sure to sell out.
Photograph 51, Noel Coward Theatre (5 September – 21 November)
Hollywood star Nicole Kidman swaps films for the West End. Last time she was on the London stage, Kidman caused a sensation with full frontal nudity. Now she plays a steely scientist whose momentous mind is overlooked in a sexist industry. This new play about the real life drama behind the discovery of DNA impressed in America and is set to put science in the spotlight for its London premiere.
Harlequinade, Garrick Theatre (24 October – 13 January)
This side-splitting farce about backstage catastrophe is revived by the first man of British Theatre, Kenneth Branagh. With a cast composed of the crème de la crème of stage actors and a script bursting with hilarious hi-jinks, Harlequinade will be West End theatre at its best.
Measure for Measure, Young Vic Theatre (1 October – 14 November)
Shakespeare’s problematic comedy gets a bold makeover at London’s coolest theatre. Star actress TV and film actress Romola Garai plays novice nun Isabella in a production that’s billed as ‘deeply emotional but sexy’. With themes of sin, power and sacrifice, Measure for Measure will make the Elizabethan drama startlingly fresh.
The Father, Wyndham’s Theatre (30 September – 21 November)
It’s rare for contemporary foreign plays to make a splash in London Theatres. But, after superlative reviews for a translated version of The Father, French playwright Florian Zeller has become a star this side of the channel. Now, due to popular demand, the heart-wrenching black comedy about dementia transfers to the West End.
Gypsy, Savoy Theatre (until 28 November)
An all-singing, all-dancing West End musical is a rite of passage for all theatre fans in London and Gypsy is the very best in town. The story of a plucky, pushy stage mum’s a mission to make her daughters Vaudeville stars, is revived with style and stunning songs. But the biggest draw is stage stalwart Imelda Staunton’s astounding, almighty lead performance as Momma Rose.
Farinelli & King, Duke of York’s Theatre (14 September – 5 December)
After a sell-out premiere this charming blend of music and story telling is a hot ticket in the West End. The extraordinary tale of mad King Philippe V of Spain and Farinelli the famed castrato performer is a witty and warm celebration of music’s healing power. Expect a richly entertaining evening with candlelight, authentic baroque instruments and England’s most esteemed classical actor, Mark Rylance.
