West End theatres have finally been able to open their doors this week thanks to the next round of restrictions easing, so I have rounded up a few of the best productions that will be taking to the stage over the upcoming couple of months. As I was planning what to see over the summer, I realised that quite a few of the shows on my list to see are actually not coming back until around September, so here is the best of what will be on at the West End during May, June and July.
Six, Lyric Theatre
A retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s wives in the style of a pop concert, Six has become renowned across the globe over the past couple of years – and will even debut on Broadway when theatres finally re-open there. Originally at the West End’s Arts Theatre, Six will be run socially distanced at the Lyric for a limited period – get tickets to find out why it is taking the theatre world by storm!
Running from: 21st May – 29th August
Prices range from: £29.50 – £67.50
Buy tickets here
Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, Apollo Theatre
Next door to Six is Everyone’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo, a real-life story set in Sheffield about a teenager who dreams of becoming a drag queen. With a film adaptation due to be released this year, this feel-good is definitely one not to be missed.
Running from: 20th May – 29th August
Prices range from: £20-£95
Buy tickets here
The Re:Emerge Season, Harold Pinter Theatre
Three brand new plays will run over the course of this summer at the Harold Pinter theatre, centred around issues such as climate change and the internet. Firstly, Walden, starring Gemma Arterton, focuses on two sisters and their rivalry as one returns from a year-long mission to the Moon. J’Ouvert is the story of two best friends set in the iconic Notting Hill carnival, and Anna X focuses on keeping up with the social elite of New York, and stars The Crown’s Emma Corrin.
Running from: Walden; 19 May-12 Jun, J’Ouvert; 16 Jun-3 Jul, Anna X; 9 Jul-4 Aug
Prices range from: £18-£60 (I have sat in Dress Circle Row E of the Harold Pinter before, and think £30 for those seats is excellent value for money)
Buy tickets: Walden / J’Ouvert / Anna X
Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, London Palladium
The classic musical Joseph returns to the Palladium this summer, with Jac Yarrow and Jason Donovan returning to their roles as Joseph and the Pharoah respectively, and Alexandra Burke joining the cast as the Narrator. Joseph is perfect for family viewing; guaranteed fun!
Running from: 1st July – 5th September
Prices range from: £20 – £150 (I recommend trying to nab some of the £25 grand circle Row A tickets – but be quick, they’re going fast!)
Buy tickets here
Les Miserables: The Staged Concert, Sondheim Theatre
My personal favourite musical has been revamped into a concert form this summer to allow for social distancing between its large ensemble. It has been running for over 35 years and doesn’t have any plans to stop anytime soon, but why not see its new format – especially as Lucie Jones is going to be incredible as Fantine!
Running from: 20th May – 5th September
Prices range from: £39.50 – £97.50
Buy tickets here
Hairspray, London Coliseum
Michael Ball reprises his role of Edna Turnblad this summer – it doesn’t get any better than that, right? Postponed from last year, the classic musical Hairspray will be running all through summer and is definitely going to be the most warm-hearted show in town.
Running from: 21st June – 29th September
Prices range from: £17.50 – £125
Buy tickets here
Cinderella, Gillian Lynne Theatre
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical, written by Emerald Fennell and starring Carrie Hope Fletcher as the lead, will be making its long-awaited opening this summer and if snippets from the soundtrack are anything to go by, this is bound to be a hit.
Running from: 25th June
Prices range from: £19.50 – £134.50
Buy tickets here
All links of where to buy tickets are where they are sold at the lowest price, mostly the official vendor.
Which shows are you dying to see this summer?
