My Neighbour Totoro
Following its record-breaking, multi-Olivier Award-winning run at the Barbican, the Royal Shakespeare Company's enchanting adaptation of Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro returns to the West End. This family-friendly production, celebrated for its imaginative stagecraft and heartfelt storytelling, follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they discover magical woodland spirits in the Tokyo countryside. Performances begin on 8 March at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
The Seagull
Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett makes a highly anticipated return to the London stage in a new adaptation of Chekhov's The Seagull. Directed by Thomas Ostermeier, Blanchett plays celebrated actress Arkadina, whose arrival for a weekend at the family’s country estate sparks a storm of personal struggles and desires, as her son Konstantin tries to step out of her shadow, while aspiring young actress Nina (Emma Corrin) becomes fixated on Arkadina’s lover, played here by Tom Burke. Until 5 April at the Barbican Theatre.
Here We Are
The National Theatre presents the European premiere of Here We Are, the final musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. When Leo and Marianne Brink decide upon the perfect spot to take their friends, they are beset by a series of strange events. Directed by Joe Mantello, the production boasts a stellar cast, including Denis O'Hare, Jane Krakowski, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Martha Plimpton. From 23 April to 28 June 2025 at the Lyttelton Theatre.
Unicorn
Mike Bartlett’s new play stars the great Nicola Walker alongside Stephen Mangan as a couple who have taken the decision to open up their marriage in an attempt to reignite the spark. What could possibly go wrong? In the hands of director James MacDonald, this most contemporary of plays is full of provocative and funny promise. Until 26 April at The Garrick.
Richard II
Shakespeare's historical drama Richard II is in for a fresh interpretation at the Bridge Theatre, with the new production aiming to shed light on the timeless themes of power and identity, thus resonating with modern audiences. As its dashing star Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, Bridgerton) quipped on the Graham Norton Show, ‘So it's an extraordinary sort of examination of the character, but also of an autocratic leader. And for some reason, we thought it might be quite a good time to do that.’. Former National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner directs and, as such, we can expect stellar things. Until 10 May at The Bridge Theatre.
Elektra
Sophocles’ original story of revenge and retribution is showing now at The Duke Of York’s Theatre until 3 April, with Oscar-winner Brie Larson giving a stellar turn as the woman who kills her mother, Clytemnestra (Stockard Channing) and stepfather Aegisthus. Acting with her brother, Orestes, this bloody act of vengeance is carried out to avenge the duo’s murder of Agamemnon, Elektra and Orestes’ father, whom they killed upon his return from a decade leading the Greek army at Troy. (Clytemnestra, for her part, acted in retribution for Agamemnon’s sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. And so it goes on.) Electrifying.
Much Ado About Nothing
Tom Hiddleston made his name as Coriolanus and has come back the Bard again and again throughout his career. Now he’s starring in Much Ado at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 5 April alongside the always excellent Hayley Atwell. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this ‘tender battle of wits’ promises to be an absolute joy.
