Spring highlights on stage in the West End

After a sunny few days of an Easter weekend in the capital, it feels like spring has finally arrived. Officially the season runs from 20 March until 21 June this year, so we really should have been skipping through the daffodils for the past three weeks already! But now that we’re in the mood, we thought we’d take a quick look at some of the theatrical highlights heading our way to West End stages over the next couple of months.

For the purpose of this list, we’ve only selected productions whose official openings take place at West End venues between now and 21 June.

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

The hit Broadway jukebox musical, charting the rise of one of Motown’s most popular groups as well as its personal conflicts, is currently in previews and set for a 20 May press night.
Prince Edward Theatre, until 1 October

Aspects of Love

Over three decades after originating the role of Alex Dillingham in the West End, Michael Ball returns to one of the crown jewels of his résumé as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart and Don Black’s Aspects of Love gets reimagined as a chamber piece with Ball now taking on the role of Uncle George.
Lyric Theatre, 12 May to 11 November

Brokeback Mountain

A world premiere stage adaptation of Annie Proulx’s Brokeback Mountain is on its way, led by Tony nominee Mike Faist (Dear Evan Hansen) and Oscar nominee Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) as Jack and Ennis, respectively. The production will also feature songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and direction by Jonathan Butterell, who previously teamed up with producer Nica Burns on Everything’s Talking About Jamie.
@sohoplace, 10 May to 12 August

The Crucible

On the heels of an acclaimed National Theatre run and multiple WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award nominations, Lyndsey Turner’s revival of Arthur Miller’s Salem Witch Trials-based classic is heading to the West End. It’s also added a little House of the Dragon-sized star power in the form of Milly Alcock taking on the role of Abigail.
Gielgud Theatre, 7 June to 2 September

Dear England

Just ahead of the Women’s World Cup (which kicks off in July), the National Theatre presents a new play by James Graham (Best of Enemies), who reunites with director Rupert Goold following their collaborations on Tammy Faye and Ink. Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) will star as Gareth Southgate as the England men’s football team and the psychology behind the ‘beautiful game’ get the stage treatment.
Olivier Theatre, 10 June to 11 August

Grease

The one that you want is back at the Dominion for a return engagement, bringing with it special guest appearances from returning popstars Peter Andre and Jason Donovan and a new dose of Louise Redknapp, sprinkled across the run. As spring comes to an end, make the most of those “Summer Nights”!
Dominion Theatre, 2 June to 28 October

Groundhog Day

Is this déjà vu? Three-time Tony nominee Andy Karl will be playing the principal role of Phil Connors in Groundhog Day at the Old Vic… It’s like it’s 2016 all over again and we can’t wait to repeat attend!
Old Vic, 20 May to 12 August

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical

Those naughty, satirical puppets are on their way to the West End! Al Murray, Matt Forde and director Sean Foley’s live version of the Channel 4 favourite promises parodies of everyone from Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to King Charles III, Harry and Meghan.
Phoenix Theatre, 24 May to 26 August

Mrs Doubtfire

Hellooooooo, poppets! Following its UK premiere run in Manchester, the team behind Something Rotten! (Wayne Kirkpatrick, Karey Kirkpatrick, and John O’Farrell) brings you the stage adaptation of the beloved Robin Williams-led movie, with Gabriel Vick (Avenue Q) stepping into the tights of Euphegenia Doubtfire.
Shaftesbury Theatre, from 12 May

Once on This Island

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s 1990 musical, following a peasant girl named Ti Moune (played by Gabrielle Brooks), a wealthy boy and four island gods, could well be a perfect choice for an al fresco staging this spring.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 10 May to 10 June

Operation Mincemeat

Comedy troupe SpitLip’s fast-paced caper, telling the true story of a well-dressed corpse that wrong-footed Hitler back in 1943, is currently in previews and making its West End debut after a number of highly lauded Off-West End runs.
Fortune Theatre, until 8 July

Patriots

Peter Morgan’s (The Audience) latest hit play, which premiered at the Almeida to great acclaim, transfers to the West End this spring. Set in 90s Russia, where a billionaire businessman battles a new generation of oligarchs in a rapidly transforming nation, the cast features Tom Hollander as well as Will Keen, reprising his recent Olivier-winning role as Vladimir Putin.
Noël Coward Theatre, 26 May to 19 August

The Pillowman

WhatsOnStage Award-winner Lily Allen returns to tread the boards in Martin McDonagh’s (The Banshees of Inisherin) Olivier-winning Best New Play about a writer named Katurian, whose short stories bear striking similarities to a series of local murders. This staging, which also features Steve Pemberton, will mark the first time a woman has played the role of Katurian.
Duke of York’s Theatre, 10 June to 2 September

Rocky Horror Show

The time-warping tuner is back in the West End for a limited run! Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba as Brad Majors, Richard O’Brien’s feisty favourite has garnered a cult following like no other since its 1973 conception. The antici… pation!
Peacock Theatre, 3 May to 10 June

Rose

Following runs at the Hope Mill in Manchester and the Park Theatre in north London, Maureen Lipman reprises the titular role in this solo show about a woman whose tumultuous journey takes her from the devastation of Nazi- occupied Europe to the allure of the American dream.
Ambassadors Theatre, 23 May to 17 June

We Will Rock You

Ben Elton’s madcap musical, set in a dystopian future where rock music has been banned, returns to the West End with Brenda Edwards as Killer Queen and Lee Mead as Khashoggi. Get ready for all of Queen’s greatest hits from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Are the Champions” in an all-new production!
London Coliseum, 2 June to 27 August