11th January 2019
London’s theatres have been flourishing in the city since the late 1500s – a history that has made London’s West End world-famous for theatre, musicals and other performing arts. London’s Theatreland is just a short stroll away from The Athenaeum, while theatres across the city host a vibrant and exciting calendar of performances throughout the year. As the temperature takes a plunge in January, there’s nothing quite like getting cosy in one of London’s theatres to take in a world-class performances.
Here are some of our top picks for London theatre shows in January 2019.
True West
This theatre production launched at the Vaudeville Theatre at the end of 2018 and runs until 16 February 2019. Starring Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington, True West tells the story of warring brothers set in the Californian Desert.
Home, I’m Darling
This play about a woman’s aspirations about life as a 1950s housewife started in a theatre in Wales, and is moving to the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End in January 2019 after previously selling out the National Theatre. A production combining humour with the trials of life, Home, I’m Darling is planned to run for 11 weeks only.
The Band
This show by former Take That star Gary Barlow and Tim Firth launched in December for a limited run until 12 January 2019. It’s a tale that is as familiar today as it was in the 1990s when the play was set, following five young girls who become obsessed with a boyband who are set to rule the world. The girls reunite 25 years later in Prague to watch the band one last time.
9 to 5 The Musical
This hotly anticipated musical that will bring Dolly Parton’s music to life on stage in London arrives at the Savoy Theatre on 29 January 2019. The story follows three co-workers surviving under a difficult boss, with Dolly Parton’s biggest hits acting as their soundtrack.
The Book of Mormon
This musical comedy has won four Olivier Awards and has had audiences crying with laughter since 2013, thanks to song lyrics penned by South Park creators. The show follows two Mormon missionaries who try to preach their religion in Uganda, but find uninterested locals have other things on their minds. The show is currently taking bookings at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre until the end of March 2019.
Les Miserables
Another London classic, Les Miserables has been running in London for more than 30 years, and it’s still going strong. Widely hailed as one of London’s best musicals, the show is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel set in 19th century France. It is currently being performed at Queen’s Theatre.
Mamma Mia!
Ideal for those looking for a truly feelgood musical, Mamma Mia! follows the story of the newly engaged Sophie on a Greek island paradise. With a soundtrack of classic ABBA hits, Mamma Mia! has been keeping audiences coming back to the theatre in London for more than 17 years. It is currently taking bookings at the Novello Theatre until September 2019.
The Phantom of the Opera
Another stalwart of London’s theatre scene, The Phantom of the Opera has been running in London since 1986. A romantic tragedy that follows the journey of a young ballet dancer, this is a show that continues to captivate audiences to this day. It is currently showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The Lion King
The theatre version of Disney’s classic has been running in London for more than 17 years. The Serengeti Plains are stunningly represented in the Lyceum Theatre, while all the show’s favourite characters truly come to life thanks to some of the world’s most creative costume designers. This is a London musical to truly immerse yourself in.
Wicked
A re-imagined story of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is a show that tells the previously untold story of a friendship between two girls who meet at sorcery school. They go on to have amazing adventures in Oz, with one of them becoming Glinda the Good and the other becoming the dreaded Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked is currently taking bookings at the Apollo Victoria Theatre until November 2019.
Matilda the Musical
Inspired by the classic Roald Dahl children’s book, Matilda the Musical tells the tale of a young girl who starts out in a children’s home, but continues on to have a magical and inspiring journey in life. Having won multiple awards, Matilda the Musical remains close to the hearts of London’s theatre-goers – and the show is currently taking bookings at the Cambridge Theatre until May 2020.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
This is the last chance to see this critically-acclaimed children’s show at London’s Piccadilly Theatre. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is all about an inspiring young boy who becomes a would-be detective. The show runs until 23 February 2019.
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