As the summer and city heat up, there are loads of musicals and plays showing all over London. When you can’t see them all, pick a few of the best and spice up your summer with a few of these excellent performances on London’s stages. From William Shakespeare to Roald Dahl, and passing through the reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s Oz, London’s stages are set to offer an exciting array of world-renowned performances this year. Read on below for a few of our top picks and must sees this summer in London!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
If there is one show you see this summer, make it a London world premiere. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by Sam Mendes (director of the Bond film Skyfall) with a world premiere in London in June of 2013. Join the famous Charlie Bucket and feast your eyes on a world of sweets and spectacular splendor on stage.
Wicked
Though not a London premiere, the dazzling spectacle that is Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre is a treat for anyone who hasn’t yet seen it, and a great show to see again for those who have. Wicked is the spellbinding reversal of L. Frank Baum’s original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz using wit and cunning to show another side of story of the witches of Oz.
Othello
What would a summer of London theatre be without one of Shakespeare’s greats? More than 4 centuries after its first performance, Othello again graces London’s stages, playing that the National Theatre through July, and more performances should be announced this month.
Phantom of the Opera
Capturing the hearts of a new theatre goers every year, Phantom of the Opera is in its 26th year with over 10,000 Broadway performances and is the first musical ever to achieve this status. This musical should be on any list of amazing shows to see while it takes the audience through the mystery and intrigue, love and heartbreak, of a disfigured musical genius.
War Horse
Having premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London 5 years ago, War Horse is back in London and the UK this summer! The play is critically acclaimed as “pure animal magic” as an adapted children’s novel that takes you on an unlikely odyssey set at the start of World War I. You can see War Horse the musical on Drury Lane at the New London Theatre as well as on tour in many locations in the UK and globally.
The Book of Mormon
Transferring to West End after an immensely successful showing on Broadway, The Book of Mormon is the hilarious brainchild of the politically incorrect geniuses behind South Park and Avenue Q. The Book of Mormon was praised by the New York Times as “The best musical of this century”. The side-splitting comedic religious satire is playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre throughout the summer season and traces the experience of two Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda who face difficult challenges in connecting with the local populations who are more concerned about challenges of life than in the scripture they bring with.
With only six stunning performances listed here, London’s stages has limitless performance to satisfy any theatre goer’s interests. Check out these shows and others to fill your summer with spectacular effects, witty and hilarious story-lines, and thoughtful productions making Summer 2013 one you will never forget.
Jo Tumble is a culture critic sharing her theater reviews on various outlets – look out for more of her articles on the best plays every season!
