The Autumn is a wonderful time to visit London. Before the temperature drops too much, the city is ablaze with activity and colour. Parks are a vision to behold as leaves change to vibrant orange and purple. But the best bit is the re-ignition of the London theatre scene. Other than long running musicals, things can feel a bit quiet over the summer. Many artists up sticks to Edinburgh and visitors opt for the outdoors. So if you have a visit to London scheduled for the Autumn, make sure you check out the best London theatre this season.
National Theatre
A British cultural institution, the National Theatre is always worth a visit for high end arts. This Autumn from 15th October, the Olivier Theatre welcomes back Translations. This play by renowned writer Brian Friel stars Ciarán Hinds. It’s a powerful drama about family and community set against turbulent English / Irish relations.
Family Musical
For the lighter side of entertainment, Disney’s Mary Poppins returns to the West End! You can catch it from 23rd October at The Prince Edward Theatre off Shaftesbury Avenue. This 1930’s theatre was the original home for the musical when it first came into being and it promises to wow whole new audiences with spectacular heart and stage magic.
New Work
The Bridge Theatre at Tower Bridge is the place to find new and interesting work on the London theatre scene. The venue was founded by Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr after they departed the National Theatre. So despite being a new venue, it carries weight. This Autumn, Zoë Wanamaker stars in a piece of new writing entitled Two Ladies, and the kids can enjoy an imaginative version of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe from November through the festive season.
Star Studded
With a handful of tickets left, if you can pull some strings or get lucky catch Claire Foy and Matt Smith in Lungs at the Old Vic from 14th October. Directed by Matthew Warchus, this is going to be one of Autumn’s talking points. It’s a mannered comedy tackling relationships, politics and climate change. With the calibre of directing and casting, and a totally on trend subject matter, no wonder this has already been a popular ticket to snap up.
Revival
Peter Nichols’ 1967 play A Day in the Death of Joe Egg is periodically revived, and each time it delivers spectacular casting. The original production starred the legendary Albert Finney. Revivals since then include the 2001 production starring Clive Owen (followed by Eddie Izzard) and Victoria Hamilton. This production at the Trafalgar Studios sees returns to the stage for Claire Skinner and Toby Stephens from September 21st. This venue is a delight, offering intimate surroundings and not a bad seat in the house.
Christmas
The Pantomime at the London Palladium will be Goldilocks and the Three Bears. An unusual title maybe, but one that promises to delight as Paul O’Grady, Julian Clary and Nigel Havers pepper the cast. This Christmas show will certainly offer something distinctly original in a sea of Cinderella’s and Aladdin’s!
Don’t forget the long runners…
But the beauty of the West End is that there is always something spectacular to see. Even if you’ve visited London regularly, or enjoyed extended stays over recent years, there is always a long running show that you’ve probably not caught yet. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace and Hamilton at the Victoria Palace are just two spectacular shows that are still enjoying a great demand for tickets.
This Autumn, perhaps you are enjoying the comfort of a luxury serviced apartment during your trip to London. So why not make the most of a concierge service to arrange theatre tickets, dinner and travel? Then you can spend your evenings enjoying the fantastic culture and entertainment that makes this city special.
