Features

What to watch: best shows to see this week

In our weekly round-up we have a look at some of the major shows opening across London and further afield

Ben Hewis

Ben Hewis

| London | London's West End | Off-West End |

9 July 2018

Alex Young, Matt Lucas, Barry Humphries, Meow Meow, Adam Godley and Ben Miles
Alex Young, Matt Lucas, Barry Humphries, Meow Meow, Adam Godley and Ben Miles
© Johan Persson/Mark Douet

There's something for everyone in this week's top openings from a Lloyd Webber revival to an open air Shakespeare, Matt Lucas' return to the stage to a star-studded three-hander at the National. What will you be going to see this week? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.


Kelly Price and Felix Mosse
Kelly Price and Felix Mosse
© Pamela Raith

5. Aspects of Love

Hope Mill Theatre until 9 August

The Hope Mill Theatre is fast becoming the northern hub of musical theatre, with several recent hit productions making their way down to the capital. Next up is Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Charles Hart's musical (famous for the song "Love Changes Everything") about passion and love across three generations of a family in 1940s France and Italy. Cast includes Jerome Pradon and Kelly Price.

Get a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsals.

Barry Humphries and Meow Meow
Barry Humphries and Meow Meow

4. Barry Humphries' Weimar Cabaret

Barbican until 29 July

Best known for playing Dame Edna Everage, entertainment legend reunites with cabaret star Meow Meow to present this tribute to the jazz-infused music of the Weimar Republic. The pair evoke 1920s and '30s Berlin and resurrect songs by oft-forgotten composers of the time who were condemned as 'degenerate' by the Nazis.

Olivia Vinall and Keziah Joseph
Olivia Vinall and Keziah Joseph
© Jane Hobson

3. As You Like It

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 28 July

Carry on soaking up the rays in the Forest of Arden as Max Webster directs Shakespeare's comedy about sibling rivalry and mistaken identity. Featuring new music from Noah and the Whale frontman Charlie Fink, and a cast including Olivia Vinall and Maureen Beattie.

Flick through our gallery from the rehearsal room

Alex Young and Matt Lucas
Alex Young and Matt Lucas
© Johan Persson

2. Me and My Girl

Chichester Festival Theatre until 25 August

Daniel Evans directs a new staging of L Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber's comedy musical, about a cockney barrow boy who learns he is the heir to a country estate.
The show – which stars Matt Lucas, Caroline Quentin, Clive Rowe and Alex Young – features songs including "The Sun Has Got His Hat On", "Lambeth Walk" and "Me and My Girl".

Find out what Clive Rowe picked for his Top 5 Showtunes.

Adam Godley, Ben Miles and Simon Russell Beale
Adam Godley, Ben Miles and Simon Russell Beale
© Mark Douet

1. The Lehman Trilogy

National Theatre until

After picking up an Olivier Award this year for The Ferryman, director Sam Mendes moves on to Stefano Massini three-hander, adapted by Ben Power. Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley and Ben Miles star in this piece about the spectacular collapse of global financial firm Lehman Brothers.

See the cast in preparation.

Related Articles

See all

Latest Reviews

See all

Theatre news & discounts

Get the best deals and latest updates on theatre and shows by signing up for WhatsOnStage newsletter today!