London's theater scene remains vibrant throughout the year, including during January, traditionally a quieter month for other theater capitals. Upcoming weeks will feature new productions, returns of popular shows, and various offerings Off West End.
Bringing back the Bard
The Merchant of Venice 1936 returns for its third engagement in London, set in the East End during the 1930s. Tracy-Ann Oberman reprises her role as Shylock, while Joseph Millson plays Antonio, depicted as a fascist. The production runs through January 25 at the Trafalgar Theater before touring.
Richard II will feature Jonathan Bailey in the title role at the Bridge Theater from February 10 to May 10, directed by Nicholas Hytner. The cast includes Michael Simkins and Amanda Root.
Cymbeline, a lesser-known Shakespearean play, will be staged at Shakespeare’s Globe from January 10 to April 20, directed by Jennifer Tang, with Gabrielle Brooks as Innogen.
Much Ado About Nothing sees Tom Hiddleston return to the stage, playing Benedick opposite Hayley Atwell’s Beatrice at Theater Royal, Drury Lane from February 10 to April 5.
Macbeth will be reprised by the English Touring Theater from February 28 to March 29, featuring Alex Austin and Lois Chimimba, with a focus on the supernatural elements of the play.
Screen stars in classic plays
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof runs through February 1 at the Almeida Theater, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Kingsley Ben-Adir.
Oedipus will be adapted by Ella Hickson, featuring Rami Malek in his London debut, running from January 21 to March 29 at the Old Vic.
Elektra stars Brie Larson in a revival directed by Daniel Fish, running from January 24 to April 12 at the Duke of York’s Theater.
The Seagull features Cate Blanchett and Kodi Smit-McPhee, running from February 26 to April 5 at the Barbican.
The Little Foxes stars Anne-Marie Duff and runs through February 8 at the Young Vic.
Musicals
Oliver! is back at the Gielgud Theater, featuring Simon Lipkin as Fagin and Shanay Holmes as Nancy.
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 runs through February 8 at the Donmar Warehouse, with Declan Bennett in the lead role.
The Producers will be revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory through March 1, featuring Andy Nyman as Max Bialystock.
Cabaret will see Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace join the cast at the Kit Kat Club from January 28 to May 24.
Titanique, a musical parody, runs at the Criterion Theater.
Returning favorites
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake: The Next Generation runs through January 26 at Sadler’s Wells Theater.
The Years returns to the Harold Pinter Theater from January 24 to April 19.
Dear England will run from March 10 to May 24 at the National Theater, featuring Gwilym Lee.
New writing (for timeless plays)
Alterations will be revived at the National Theater from February 20 to April 5.
Three Sisters will be staged in repertory with Cymbeline at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse from January 31 to April 19.
New writing (altogether)
Kyoto runs from January 9 to May 3 at @sohoplace.
The Lonely Londoners will be presented at the Kiln Theater from January 10 to February 22.
Churchill in Moscow runs from February 3 to March 8 at the Orange Tree Theater.
Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew will be staged at the Bush Theater from February 8 to March 22.
Backstroke runs from February 14 to April 12 at the Donmar Warehouse.
Punch will be presented at the Young Vic from March 1 to April 26.