By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN? Monday 26 January, opens 4 February and runs through 21 March 2026 RUNTIME: 170 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Tom Stoppard died in November and 1993’s Arcadia is considered to be his masterpiece which makes this undercast revival all the more curious.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN? Thursday 15 January 2026, runs through 24 January 2026 (review ticket) RUNTIME: 120 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Non-league Macclesfield beat FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 5 days ago and Gerry & Sewell is the giant-killing theatrical equivalent.
Passenger wrote the music and lyrics for this adaptation of the novel at Theatre Royal Haymarket starring The Full Monty‘s Mark Addy and Jenna Russell (Hello Dolly! London Palladium) running 29 January through 18 April 2026. It’s the story of a man who receives a letter from a long-lost friend and walks from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Tickets Our review
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? ***1/2
WHEN? Friday 19 December, opens 9 January and runs through 7 March 2026 RUNTIME 100 minutes without interval
There’s a clock above the stage ticking forward in real time to the titular High Noon as Billy Crudup’s marshal Will Kane prepares to meet his fate.
It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2025? Over the next week we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2025.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? ***1/2
WHEN? Friday 12 December, opens 6 January and runs through 28 February 2026 and then to Sunderland Empire and Glasgow Theatre Royal RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Patsy Cline’s Crazy and Jamiroquai‘s Virtual Insanity play immediately before curtain up to establish the mood as we enter the mind of Susan played by national treasure Sheridan Smith (Opening Night, Gielgud Theatre).
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? ****
WHEN? Wednesday 10 December, opens 17 December and runs through 7 February 2026
What would you do if you found out on your silver wedding anniversary that you weren’t actually legally married 25 years ago?
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? *****
WHEN? Sunday 7 December, opens 11 December and runs through 11 January 2026 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Bovvered? Christmas is a time of tradition and this year marks the 10th since the return of the pantomime to the boards of the London Palladium.
This winner of 2 Tony Awards is a comedy play written by American comedian Cole Escola spoofing the lives of former US President Abraham Lincoln and wife Mary in the days leading up to his assassination where she might be an alcoholic while he is deeply closeted. Stars Mason Alexander Park (The Tempest, Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Runs 3 December through 25 April at Trafalgar Theatre. Tickets Our review
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? *****
WHEN? Tuesday 11 November, runs through 6 December 2025 RUNTIME: 100 minutes (no interval)
Conor McPherson (The Brightening Air, Old Vic) adapts The Hunger Games which opens this week in London and this won the Best New Play Olivier in 1999.
