1. Jonathan Bailey is Richard II

Bailey (film Wicked and COCK, Ambassadors) stars in this Shakespeare directed by Nicholas Hytner (Giant, Royal Court and transferring to the Harold Pinter Theatre) at the Bridge Theatre. Runs 10 February through 10 May 2025 Tickets Our review

• Read on for reasons including Cate Blanchett, Patti LuPone, Olly Alexander and Nicola Walker

2. The Seagull starring Cate Blanchett

Thomas Ostermeir (An Enemy Of The People, Duke Of York’s Theatre) directs Blanchett who returns to the London stage at the Barbican after mixed reviews pre-Covid for When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other at the National where she is now on the board. Cast includes Emma Corrin (Orlando, Garrick Theatre), Tom Burke (Rosmersholm, Duke Of York’s) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (film The Power Of the Dog). Runs 26 February through 5 April 2025. Tickets The last Seagull we saw was Jamie Lloyd’s. Our review

3. Patti LuPone plays the London Coliseum

LuPone (Company, Gielgud Theatre) performs in London on 16 February 2025 with a show entitled A Life In Notes which promises from the 3-time Tony winner ‘an array of sounds that are touchstone and reflections on her life’. Returns only tickets Our review

4. Olly Alexander releases Polari

The former Years and Years (Wembley Arena) star returns with a debut solo LP including the monsta Best Song-nominated Dizzy and song of the month follow up Cupid’s Bow. Released 7 February 2025. A European tour follows featuring UK dates including London Palladium 7 April 2025. Tickets Our review

5. Nicola Walker stars in Unicorn

Walker (The Cane, Royal Court Theatre) stars alongside Erin Doherty (Best New Play monsta-winning Death Of England: The Plays, @SohoPlace) and Stephen Mangan (Private Lives, Donmar Warehouse) in this new Mike Bartlett (Scandaltown, Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith) play about a couple who appear to have it all yet there is something missing. Runs at the Garrick 4 February through 25 April 2025. Tickets Our review

6. Omari Douglas in Lavender

Douglas (A Little Life, Harold Pinter Theatre) stars in Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet and Yew at Bush Theatre by Coral Wylie. It’s about a teenager trying to find themselves through gardening who unearths more than they had bargained for. Runs 8 February through 22 March 2025. Tickets Our review

7. Alterations at the National starring Arinze Kene

Lynette Linton (Shifters, Duke Of York’s) directs Kene (Misty, Bush Theatre) in this tailor’s tale illuminating the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation. Runs 20 February through 5 April 2025 at the venue’s Lyttelton Theatre. Tickets Our review

8. Benidorm Fest and Melodifestivalen 2025

2 of Eurovision‘s most thrilling selection shows, for Spain and Sweden respectively, make their mark this month with Spain choosing its Eurovision entry Saturday 1 February. Preview That’s also the date when the 1st of 5 MF semis start. Heat 1 preview  Heat 2 preview Heat 3 preview Heat 4 preview Heat 5 preview Were you doubting the current enthusiasm for 00s pop, check out Sonia y Selena (eliminated in Benidorm Fest’s 1st semi) following Yo Queiro Bailar and Victoria Silvstedt’s return to joyous pop form.

9. Otherland at the Almeida

Chris Bush (Standing At The Sky’s Edge, National) writes about the break up of couple Jo and Harry and the people they want to become. Stars Jade Anouka (COCK, Ambassadors Theatre) and runs at the Almeida 12 February through 15 March 2025. Tickets

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy Bridge Theatre Tickets
• Have you seen a Jonathan Bailey show before and what did you think of this 1? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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