OPINION - London theatre is stronger than ever — and now better than New York in one key respect

January has always been a tough month for West End theatre with a large clear-out of shows. Schools are back, so family outings are off, Christmas bills must be paid and dry January often means no alcohol and self-imposed lockdown until half term comes round again.

But this year feels different. Of course, seasonal offerings like the famous Palladium panto close this month on schedule, as do fixed-run “events” with big stars like our Old. Producers usually take a break in January to look for the next big thing. However, for many, those big things have arrived early.