Theatre News

Opening: Arcola Line, Nation, Hale’s Carol & Priory

Amongst the major openings in London – in the West End and further afield – this week are:

OPENING TONIGHT, Monday 23 November 2009 (previews from 18 November), Timberlake Wertenbaker‘s new play The Line opens at the Arcola Theatre for a three-week run. Starring Henry Goodman and Sarah Smart as Edgar Degas and Suzanne Valadon, the play examines the relationship and growing interdependence that develops between the two artists after meeting in the 1890s.

** DON’T MISS the chance to get 2-for-1 tickets to The Line on performances until 28 November – click here for details! **


OPENING TUESDAY, 24 November (previews from 11 November), Mark Ravenhill‘s adapatation of Terry Pratchett’s 2008 novel Nation opens at the NT Olivier. Directed and co-designed by Melly Still (Coram Boy, The Revenger’s Tragedy), Nation centres on the efforts of two teenagers to rebuild a civilisation in the aftermath of a cataclysmic volcano. It continues in rep until 28 March 2010.

ALSO ON TUESDAY, This Wide Night, Chloe Moss’ play about two women striving to return to normality after leaving prison, returns to at Soho Theatre for a two week run following its acclaimed premiere in 2008.


OPENING WEDNESDAY, 25 November 2009 (previews from 11 November), Panto returns to the West End as Gareth Hale stars as Scrooge in Susie McKenna and Steve Edis‘ adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the Arts Theatre (See News, 12 Aug 2009). In conjunction with the show, the venue will transform its front of house area to create a “Victorian themed foyer offering Dickensian treats”. Until 10 January 2010.

** DON’T MISS the chance to get top-price tickets to A Christmas Carol for just £22.50 (usual price £32.50) – click here for details! **


OPENING THURSDAY, 26 November 2009 (previews from 24 November), Mikhail Bulgakov’s biographical play Moliere, or The League of Hypocrites is revived in London for the first time in 25 years at the Finborough Theatre, directed by Blanche McIntyre. Until 19 December.

ALSO ON THURSDAY (previews from 19 November), Michael Wynne’s new comedy The Priory, featuring a cast including Jessica Hynes, Rachael Stirling and Alastair Mackenzie, opens at the Royal Court Downstairs. Focussing on a group of 30-somethings who gather to see in the new year, it “takes a microscope to modern dilemmas about life, love and retro board games”. Until 9 January 2010.