Eight shows to check out in the coming months.

OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE

Neil Gaiman’s critically acclaimed novel is here given the National Theatre stage treatment. Described as a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, the story takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. 
“There are moments of utter theatrical magic,” says Neil, in talking about the stage adaptation, “but the things that demolish me emotionally are the moments of forgiveness, or a hug between two characters. The internet phrase for it is ‘all the feels’, and really it is the emotion that I hope people will take away. I’d love it if you took away what it was like to be a kid and to have less power...
“And of course there’s the astonishing puppetry and magic. I had always dreamed of stage magic being used for seamless illusion. This is always in service of the story, but you’re going to see miracles.”
When a man returns to the home in which he grew up and the pond where he used to play, he finds himself transported back to his 12th birthday. There, his remarkable friend, Lettie, claims that the pond is in fact an ocean - a place where everything is possible. 
But as they plunge into a magical world, they find themselves confronting ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them...

Tuesday 12 - Saturday 16 September

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SISTER ACT

After seeing her gangster boyfriend kill an employee, Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier is placed on a witness protection programme and hidden in a convent, where she proceeds to take over the rehearsals of the in-house choir of nuns. Thanks to her musical expertise, the choir becomes a huge success and church attendances go through the roof. 
But in giving the church a new lease of life, Deloris may inadvertently have jeopardised her own safety...
Based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg movie of the same name, this fun-filled spectacular of a show boasts a real feelgood factor and stars Lesley Joseph.

Monday 25 - Saturday 30 September

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LA BAMBA!

A new musical inspired by the life and legacy of rock & roll legend Ritchie Valens, La Bamba! follows the journey of 17-year-old Sofia as she looks to fulfill her dream of becoming a huge musical star. 

The show sees dancer Pasha Kovalev make his musical theatre debut, with Siva Kaneswaran, from boyband The Wanted, also starring. Pasha’s Strictly co-star, Graziano Di Prima, is responsible for the choreography.

“The dance in La Bamba! is a bit of everything,” says Graziano, “with the flavour of samba, salsa, and a flourish of tango. So this show is going to be a party for everyone!” 

Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 October

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CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL

Based on a true story originally dramatised in a star-studded 2003 film, Calendar Girls tells the terrific tale of a group of women who spark a global phenomenon when they decide to pose nude for a charity calendar. 

Tim Firth & Gary Barlow’s award-winning stage version of the hit movie stars Tanya Franks, Maureen Nolan, Lyn Paul, Amy Robbins, Paula Tappenden, Marti Webb and Honeysuckle Weeks.

Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 November

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SIX THE MUSICAL

From Tudor queens to battling boss-women, Six The Musical sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the stage to tell their own versions of their lives. 

Sitting somewhere between a Girls Aloud gig and a traditional musical, the one-act production has been a runaway success since premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017. 

The production sees the cast being ably supported by all-female band The Ladies In Waiting.

Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 December

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THE DRIFTERS GIRL

Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell was the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved.

Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 January

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PRETTY WOMAN

Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show that took London’s West End by storm, guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart. 

Monday 15 - Saturday 20 July

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CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we meet absent -minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands. 

Tuesday 22 - Sunday 27 October 2024