NO MAN'S LAND Leads September's Top 10 New London Shows
By: Marianka Swain Aug. 30, 2016
The capital is never short of theatre temptations, whether big West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From two theatrical titans taking on Pinter to the RSC in London and an unusual dining experience, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews...
1. No Man's Land, Wyndham's Theatre
Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Harold Pinter at his cryptic best: it's an irresistible combination. Following a hit Broadway run, the titanic pair return to the UK stage in Sean Mathias's production, which also features Owen Teale and Damien Molony.
2. Imogen, Shakespeare's Globe
Reflecting Emma Rice's gender-conscious season, there's a new title character for Matthew Dunster's modern-day version of Cymbeline - and presumably a new focus. EastEnders' Maddy Hill stars, and the cast also includes Jonathan McGuinness, Matthew Needham, Joshua Lacey, Martin Marquez, Ira Mandela Siobhan and Erica Kouassi.
3. Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3), Royal Court
Suzan-Lori Parks's trilogy of short plays, which follow an African-American slave promised freedom in exchange for joining the the Confederate Army during the Civil War, were critically acclaimed in their Off Broadway run. Jo Bonney's UK production stars Steve Touissaint, Jimmy Akingbola, Tom Bateman, John Stahl and Nadine Marshall.
4. The Alchemist/Doctor Faustus, Barbican
This month, the RSC's London Season brings two hit productions to the capital: Polly Findlay's resonant revival of Ben Jonson's satire, and Maria Aberg's dynamic take on Marlowe's play, which features two actors swapping the roles of Faustus and Mephistophilis. Read our interview with Maria Aberg
The Alchemist from 2 September, Doctor Faustus from 7 September, both until 1 October
5. The Emperor, Young Vic
Colin Teevan adapts Ryszard Kapuscinski's astonishing book about Ethiopia's Haile Selassie, and the mesmerising Kathryn Hunter takes on multiple roles in this theatrical fable, from servants to autocratic ruler. The world premiere, directed by Walter Meirjohann, features live music from Temesgen Zeleke and movement by Imogen Knight.
6. Vanities: The Musical, Trafalgar Studios
Lauren Samuels, Ashleigh Gray and Lizzy Connolly star in Racky Plews's intimate musical about three best friends growing up in Dallas in the Sixties and how a culture built on cheerleading, sororities and beauty shaped their self-image. Read our interview with Lauren Samuels
7. Labyrinth, Hampstead Theatre
Beth Steel's resonant new thriller centres on Wall Street's excessive lending to South American countries in the Seventies, which triggered a massive financial crisis. Anna Ledwich directs a cast that includes Tom Weston-Jones, Martin McDougall, Sean Delaney and Philip Bird.
8. Dinner at the Twits, The Vaults
This immersive dining experience promises an evening of unforgettable disgusting delights, served up in celebration of Roald Dahl's centenary by Les Enfants Terribles and ebp in association with culinary wizards Bompas & Parr and Creature of London. Read producer Emma Brunjes's taste bud-teasing blog
9. Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Shoreditch Town Hall
Alice Birch's modern feminist classic, examining the language and forces that still limit women in the 21st century, comes to the capital following runs in Edinburgh and Stratford. RSC Deputy Director Erica Whyman directs Emma Fielding, Emmanuella Cole, Beth Park and Robert Boulter.
10. Waiting For Waiting For Godot, St James Theatre
Dave Hanson's parody takes aim at Beckett and showbiz through the story of two understudies waiting to go on. Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) directs this New York import, and the cast features Simon Day, Laura Kirman and James Marlowe. Read Dave Hanson's blog
Photo credit: Johan Persson, Helen Maybanks, Richard Lakos/RSC
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