The best theatre to see in April in London, from Player Kings to Spirited Away
From fresh adaptations of beloved classics to thought-provoking original shows, London is heaving with new theatre productions this year.
But with so much to choose from, picking what to see in the capital can feel like a dramatic epic. So we’ve done the heavy lifting for you with a list of our top picks to watch this April...
Opening this month
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
In Jeremy Herrin’s new rendition of Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical, Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the ever-magnetic Brian Cox stars alongside the wonderful Patricia Clarkson, Daryl McCormack and Laurie Kynaston. “I promised myself I wouldn’t make too many comparisons between Cox’s sublime turn in the best TV show in recent years, and his towering performance here,” said the Standard. “But, you know, f**k it: this is O’Neill for the Succession generation.”
Wyndham’s Theatre, to June 8; buy tickets here
Underdog: The Other Other Brontë
“This is not a story about well-behaved women,” says the National Theatre, introducing Sarah Gordon’s new play. A retelling of the life of the Brontë sisters, Natalie Ibu directs Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones), Rhiannon Clements (Vera) and Adele James (Casualty).
NT’s Dorfman Theatre, April 4 to May 25; buy tickets here
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Transferring to the West End after a sell out run at Kiln Theatre (which the Standard described as a “charming two-person musical that riffs on New York romcoms”) this new piece from Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, directed by Tim Jackson, is about the blossoming friendship between upbeat Brit Dougal and New Yorker Robin, his new aunt courtesy of his dad’s second marriage.
Criterion Theatre, April 4 to July 14; buy tickets here
Player Kings
— Player Kings
