Galentine’s Day theatre shows to book to see with your gal pals

Galentine’s Day is this Friday, 13 February.

Despite the date, we are not looking at any bad luck – in fact, we’re in luck, with so many fabulous theatre productions to see across the country. Telling the stories of courageous women who changed the face of history, pop culture, music and beyond, as well as modern-day celebrations of girlhood and femininity.

1536

Margot Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, are among the powerhouses bringing Ava Pickett’s hit play to the West End. Set in Tudor England (much like another show on this list, also named after a number), centres on three women in Essex whose lives are disrupted by gossip and rumours from a certain king (guess who?).

Plays at the Ambassadors Theatre from 2 May to 1 August

The Devil Wears Prada

You’ve watched the film, you’re awaiting the sequel, and now is the time to see the story on stage. Whether you’re a Miranda, an Andy, or an Emily, keep your eyebrows as is (IYKYK) and head to the West End for a fun-filled and stylish musical.

Plays at the Dominion Theatre

Dita von Teese: Nocturnelle

The reigning queen of burlesque is back in the UK with a new show inspired by the magicians of the 19th century, which is described as “an exquisite blend of old-Hollywood allure, theatrical magic and high art.”

On tour, playing in Edinburgh on 13 February

Here and Now

Don’t lie in a lost and lonely part of town… enjoy a blast of Steps nostalgia with the WhatsOnStage Award-nominated Here and Now! Set in a seaside superstore, the new musical continues on its first-ever tour.

On tour, playing in York on 13 February

I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical

Alexandra Burke will play her lifelong icon, Chaka Khan, in a new bio-musical about her life and career. Featuring all of her hits and appearances from portrayals of iconic figures from Joni Mitchell to Prince, the cast made their world premiere debut at the BBC’s Big Night of Musicals, so there is much to look forward to.

Plays at Peacock Theatre from 5 to 28 March before heading to Eastbourne and Coventry

Inter Alia

WhatsOnStage Award-nominated Inter Alia, starring WhatsOnStage Award nominee Rosamund Pike, arrives in the West End from the National. From the team behind Prima Facie, the new play follows Jessica Parks, a Crown Court judge whose professional life intersects with her roles as a mother and friend.

Plays at Wyndham’s Theatre from 19 March

The Secret Garden

This much-loved but rarely-staged musical will play where it is set – in Yorkshire, this spring! Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic, the story follows the newly orphaned Mary Lennox, who is sent to live on the moors with her widower uncle and discovers Aunt Lily’s mysterious yet neglected garden.

Plays at York Theatre Royal from 17 March

John Proctor is the Villain

The Tony Award-nominated sensation is having its UK premiere next month, and it’s a hot ticket. Kimberly Belflower reimagines the legacy of The Crucible within a modern American high school. Lorde’s tune “Green Light” plays a major part in this radical new play, exploring girlhood, empowerment and feminism. The run is currently sold out but it’s always worth keeping an eye out for returns and ticket offers.

Runs at the Royal Court from 20 March to 25 April

The Ladies Football Club

While World War 1 forced men onto the front line, the women of Sheffield took their place in the factories – until lunch breaks, where they found a new passion for football. This world premiere production, written by Stefano Massini, adapted by Tim Firth and directed by Elizabeth Newman, is sure to score a place in your heart.

Plays at Sheffield Crucible from 28 February

Legally Blonde

Omigod, you guys! Little Miss Woods, comma, Elle and Bruiser are back in a new revival from director Nikolai Foster. Musical theatre favourites, Amber Davies, Hannah Lowther and more, make up the cast.

On tour, playing at Curve, Leicester on 13 February

Magic Mike Live

The Royal Ballet of Leicester Square, Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike continues to enchant and thrill (and woo) audiences night after night, with live music, acrobatics, dance, and much, much more.

Plays at Hippodrome Casino

Marie and Rosetta

It is tragic that, before now, the profound effect that Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight had on contemporary music has largely gone amiss. There’s a reason why Tharpe is heralded as the “godmother of rock ‘n’ roll.” Between them, they helped reshape genres and alter tastes, all in a racist, misogynistic world that rarely gave them space to show off their groundbreaking talents. Now, in George Brant’s two-hander, Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu put that right.

Plays at @sohoplace from 28 February

Mean Girls

Get in, losers! The WhatsOnStage Award-winning stage adaptation of the ultimate noughties chick flick is hitting the road for its first ever UK tour. Regina George has granted permission for you to wear pink, regardless of what day you see it.

Heading out on tour from 23 February, starting in Manchester

Six

A night of chatting about your wrong-doing ex with the girls? Count us in! The mega hit from Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss needs little to no introduction to our wonderful WhatsOnStage readers – just know you can see it reigning over London at the Vaudeville Theatre or on tour.

Plays at the Vaudeville Theatre and on tour

Spitfire Girls

The hit play from Katherine Senior is flying in for a second UK tour! Set on New Year’s Eve in 1959, it follows two women reunited years after their service in the Second World War.

Heading out on tour from 26 February, starting in Winchester

Titanique

Ok, girlfriends! Set sail on a riotous voyage set to the tunes of the legendary Céline Dion and experience Titanic in a way like never before – both involving tears, just with emotions lightyears apart.

Plays at Criterion Theatre

Waitress

Waitress will be opening up in theatres across the country as the Sara Bareilles musical heads out on a new tour. This time, Carrie Hope Fletcher will be wearing the blue apron as pie maker Jenna, who plans out a new life for herself and her baby with the help of some friends.

Heading out on tour from 28 March, starting in Wimbledon

Playing later in the year: Heathers (on tour), Calendar Girls (on tour), Sylvia (on tour), 9 to 5 (on tour), Dirty Dancing (on tour)