Features

Top ten selling shows on WhatsOnStage in October

Find out what you were all booking tickets for over the month of October

42nd Street
42nd Street
© Brinkhoff Moegenburg
It's been a jam-packed month of theatre, which, with the Christmas season approaching, shows no sign of slowing. Here's what gems you were all booking over October.


Kyle Soller and John Benjamin Hickey in The Inheritance
Kyle Soller and John Benjamin Hickey in The Inheritance
© Tristram Kenton

10. The Inheritance

Noël Coward Theatre, until 19 January 2019
It may be a two-play epic, but audiences are still lapping up Stephen Daldry's critically-acclaimed production of Matthew Lopez's beautiful play about homosexuality and identity set in New York. And what with a few brand new Evening Standard Award nominations just announced, the piece is still very much a hot ticket.

Snow White
Snow White

9. Snow White

London Palladium, 8 December to 13 January 2019
It's panto time of year again, oh yes it is! The London Palladium's pantomime has firmly cemented its reputation as one of the best Christmas treats in all the land. This year it's Dawn French strutting her stuff alongside Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and many, many more. Get this on your Christmas list quick before it all sells out.

8. Waitress

Adelphi Theatre, from 8 February 2019
Launched in London in September, Sara Bareilles' musical about a troubled small-town waitress has been a palpable hit on Broadway. And it will arrive in the West End in February 2019. The cast has yet to be announced, but what with ticket sales, it's clear you all can't wait to see it whoever is starring.

Jonathan Pryce and Amanda Drew in The Height of the Storm
Jonathan Pryce and Amanda Drew in The Height of the Storm
© Hugo Glendinning

7. The Height of the Storm

Wyndham's Theatre, until 1 December
Legendary Miss Saigon and Game of Thrones actor Jonathan Pryce teams up with another legend Eileen Atkins in the latest of Florian Zeller's plays to make it over here. It's a slippery, terribly moving drama with two superb performances at its heart.

Alex Thomas-Smith as Tink and Christina Bennington as Raven
Alex Thomas-Smith as Tink and Christina Bennington as Raven
© Specular

6. Bat Out of Hell

Dominion Theatre, until 5 January 2019
Having got wind that Jim Steinman's gloriously bonkers musical would be closing in January 2019, you all rushed to bag tickets. There's a new Strat in town in the shape of Jordan Luke Gage and by all accounts he's great. Catch this one before it ends next year.

Benoît Maréchal, Alexandra Burke and Micha Richardson
Benoît Maréchal, Alexandra Burke and Micha Richardson
© Centre: Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

5. The Bodyguard

Glasgow Theatre Royal, 3 to 29 December and then touring
The newly announced The Bodyguard touring cast caused a flurry of activity on the booking side of things this month Benoît Maréchal (Spiral) and Micha Richardson (Legally Blonde) play Frank Farmer Nicki Marron respectively and join the already announced Alexandra Burke. We will always love her.

l-r Anna Van Ruiten, Natalie Kassanga (Diana Ross) and Cherelle Williams (The Supremes) - Motown the Musical
l-r Anna Van Ruiten, Natalie Kassanga (Diana Ross) and Cherelle Williams (The Supremes) – Motown the Musical
©Tristram Kenton

4. Motown the Musical

Shaftestbury Theatre, until 20 April 2019
That Motown sound is a huge draw to a lot of people and this month was no different. Motown continues to delight audiences at the Shaftesbury Theatre, with its mix of songs by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson. It's also out on tour too, so if you're not in London check it out.

Gillian Anderson and Lily James 'All About Eve''
Gillian Anderson and Lily James All About Eve
© Perou

3. All About Eve

Noël Coward Theatre, from 2 February until 11 May 2019
The Oscar winning film is adapted into a play by visionary director Ivo van Hove with an astounding cast. Gillian Anderson and Lily James lead as Margo Channing and Eve Harrington in this thrilling, dark story about fame and manipulation. Opening in February, it's definitely time to get those tickets booked in.

Rosalie Craig in Company
Rosalie Craig in Company
© Brinkhoff/Moegenburg

2. Company

Gielgud Theatre, until 30 March 2019
Opening in October to a stream of fabulous reviews must have done something to make you all rush out to book this revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical. It's not a simple re-staging, though, and features a gender-swapped Bobbie at its heart. With excellent performances and superb direction from Marianne Elliott, this one is without a doubt one of the shows of the year.

42nd Street
42nd Street
© Brinkhoff Moegenburg

1. 42nd Street

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, until 5 January
Theatre Royal Drury Lane plays host to that old classic 42nd Street, which is again closing early next year. Don't miss the chance to see the razzle dazzle revival with a ridiculous number of sequins and chorus girl legs. It's old-school musical entertainment like no other.