As usual, it has come around pretty quick this year, but never fear: there's still time to book some excellent theatre trips for your mum to say thank you on Mother's Day for doing such a good job with you. Here's a selection of shows we love – both on and to come – featuring mums and not featuring mums, which we think she'll love.
The ultimate tale of motherly love enabling a son to be who he wants to be, this hit musical by Tom MacRae and Dan Gillespie Sells is a heartwarming, sassy treat which makes us want to strut our stuff every time. We know your mum will love it. Apollo Theatre, currently booking until 25 Jan 2020
A young woman finding her way in life and facing the prospect of a family will ring bells with many. But quite apart from that, Waitress is a joyful, truthful and funny night out filled with characters you'd absolutely love to spend an evening or two with in real life. And there's baking. What's not to like? Adelphi Theatre, currently booking until 19 October 2019
The trials and tribulations of being the perfect '50s housewife might not be exactly what mums face these days, but nonetheless Laura Wade's clever, surprising play is a complex treat. And with some sterling performances – led by Katherine Parkinson – it's a blast to watch those '50s skirts twirl all night. Duke of York's Theatre, until 13 April 2019, then Theatr Clwyd from 30 April to 4 May and touring
The Boy in the Dress
This musical, based on David Walliams' hit book, is newly announced and will feature music and lyrics from pop royalty Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers. It's not on yet, alas, but why not be ahead of the game and present your ma with tickets to the show – which opens 27 November 2020. If she could love you any more (we're sure she can't) then she will after you hand those tickets over. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 27 November to 8 March 2020
Mums love Dolly Parton, it's a fact. OK, so maybe it's not a fact, but Parton's tunes are enough to get anyone on their feet. So watch out for this musical adaptation of the classic film which is currently on in the West End and due to head out on a UK tour. It's a feelgood comedy night out with oodles of womenpower thrown in. Savoy Theatre, currently booking until 31 August. UK tour begins 6 September
The Old Vic have played a blinder by getting an absolutely fabulous cast to star in Noël Coward's excellent Present Laughter. At his best, it's hard to beat Coward and when you have Andrew Scott, Indira Varma, Sophie Thompson, Luke Thallon, Suzie Toase and more performing, this is bound to be a winner. The show opens in June – get your mum where she should be in the summer months. Old Vic, 17 June until 10 August
Warning: not for all mums. This raunchy, silly, fabulously entertaining show is Channing Tatum's stage version of the hit film franchise and it showcases a host of brilliant gymnasts, dancers and more in the nightclub vibe of the Hippodrome in London. Expect bare bods and a fair amount of gyrating. London Hippodrome, currently booking until 5 January 2020
Brit musical theatre royalty in the form of Rob Houchen, Celinde Schoenmaker, Liam Tamne, Marie McLaughlin and Malcolm Sinclair join forces with American opera royalty in the form of Renée Fleming and US TV star Dove Cameron to stage this Tony Award-winning musical at the Royal Festival Hall in June. It's a beautiful love story set in Florence in the summer of 1953 and we think it's likely to be a delight. Royal Festival Hall, 14 June to 5 July
Hayley Atwell stars alongside Tom Burke in this intriguing revival of Ibsen's classic play directed by the excellent Ian Rickson (Jerusalem) and adapted by Duncan Macmillan (People Places and Things). Opening straight into the West End, this one will likely sell out quick fire, so what better present for your mum than a quickly grabbed ticket. Duke of York's Theatre, 24 April to 20 July
The Broadway production arrived in London last year to rapturous applause. The sumptuous show is an absolute joy and the songs aren't bad either – from "Whistle a Happy Tune", to "Getting to Know You". We bet that your loved one will love it. The show has ended its run at the Palladium in London, but is about to embark on a UK tour from April.Various venues, from 26 April
|
London | London's West End
|
