Father's Day shows to see in the theatre

Father's Day is just around the corner (16 June!), so we'd encourage you to avoid showing up at the family home empty handed and get your dad the gift of theatre. Here are ten shows we reckon the old man in your life would like. But for more inspiration, why not head over to our dedicated Father's Day mini guide?

The Illusionists

Magic! Mayhem! Watch people and things disappear before your very eyes in this latest incarnation of the hit illusions show. It features the likes of 'The Mentalist' Chris Cox, 'The Manipulator' Yu Ho-Jin and 'The Futurist' Adam Trent. Blow your dad's mind. Shaftesbury Theatre from 6 July to 1 September

Six

Whether your dad is up on feminism or not, here's a chance to teach him all about how history tends to gloss over the women. Six is bound to convert him to an all-championing her-story fanatic. He may say he's not having fun, but secretly he definitely will be. Arts Theatre, currently booking until January 2020

Fiddler on the Roof

This classic musical has the story of a father right at its heart. And in Trevor Nunn's brilliant revival, Andy Nyman and a superb cast tell the story with fresh perspective. Read our five star review and book. Playhouse Theatre, currently booking until September 2019

The Lehman Trilogy

This is the story of a three brothers and how they set up one of the most notorious banks of the modern world. With three excellent performances, and direction from Sam Mendes, there's a lot your dad is going to like about this. Piccadilly Theatre, until 3 August

Hobson's Choice

It may not be a portrait of the best father in the world, but Tanika Gupta's five star version of this 1915 play is not one to miss. The overbearing Hobson – here changed to Hari Hobson in '80s Manchester – doesn't listen to his family. It's a lesson a dad should be listening to, amirite? Royal Exchange, Manchester, until 6 July

Local Hero

Pure dad rock comes here in the form of Mark Knopfler's soundtrack to the adaptation of the much-loved film. David Greig's version arrives at the Old Vic and yes, it's not on for a while, but best to nab them before they sell out. Old Vic, from June 2020

The Life I Lead

The dad in Mary Poppins, the professor in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, David Tomlinson made a career out of playing loveable dad-like roles. Here, comedian Miles Jupp pays tribute to his memory in this one-man play about Tomlinson's life and career. Wyndham's Theatre, from 16 September to 21 September

Touching the Void

Excruciating and remarkable, the story of Joe Simpson's climbing accident was made into a stage play by the Bristol Old Vic and toured last year. Now it returns, to the Bristol Old Vic first and then to the West End and it's likely your dad will love to live the adventurer's life vicariously, through the comfort of a seat in a warm dark theatre. Duke of York's from 9 November to 29 February

Tree

Dad (and mum and brother and sister) favourite Idris Elba teams up with Kwame Kwei Armah on Tree, one of the main events at this year's Manchester International Festival. Alfred Enoch stars alongside Sinéad Cusack in the piece, which is one man's journey into the heart of contemporary South Africa. There's great music to boot. It arrives at the Young Vic in London later in the year too. Upper Campfield Market Hall, Manchester, 29 June to 10 July

The King and I

If your dad's more into something classic and a little sentimental, let him go all squidgy at this beautiful revival of Rodger's and Hammerstein's beautiful musical. Touring the UK until March 2020