June 2012
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It's a great summer for London theatre, including some excellent transfers. Edward Lukes recommends some blasts from the past that are proven hits
Abigail's Party at Wyndham's Theatre Southwark's wonderful Menier Chocolate Factory is a fantastic venue and no stranger to West End, or indeed Broadway, transfers. Its latest success is a revival of Mike Leigh's 70s classic Abigail's Party. Lindsay Posner directs a talented cast that has won great reviews for this painfully funny social comedy. Take a trip to suburbia and remind yourself about the decade that taste forgot. Until 1 September 2012. menierchocolatefactory.com
Chariots of Fire at the Gielgud Theatre Having inspired audiences with the Olympic spirit at the tiny Hampstead Theatre, Mike Bartlett's adaptation of the much-loved 1981 film sprints to the Gielgud Theatre from the 23 June. Edward Hall deserves a medal for his excellent direction and, whether you like sport or not, you are sure to be wowed by the cast's athletic prowess. Designer Miriam Buether continues to reshape London's theatres, transforming the auditorium into a stadium that makes you feel part of the race. From the 23 June 2012. chariotsoffireonstage.com
London Road at the National Theatre The National Theatre celebrates a recent hit that started life in its small studio space with a transfer to the much grander Olivier Theatre. London Road, winner of last year's best new musical at, appropriately enough, the Olivier Awards, is based on writer and director Alecky Blythe's interviews with the people of Ipswich after local prostitutes were murdered. It's proof of the old dictum that you can never guess what subject matter will make a hit show. Quoting exactly what those living on London Road said — but in song — it's like no musical you've ever heard before. Until 23 September 2012. nationaltheatre.org.uk
The Royal Court at the Duke of York's Theatre The Sloane Square powerhouse of new writing has a long established relationship with this charming West End theatre. Recent successes mean it can plan to move in for quite a while. Laura Wade's 2010 play Posh is currently showing. A story about the privileged life of Britain's young elite, it's a fascinating insight into class and politics, with plenty of humour. Following this, the excellent Tamsin Greig reprises her role in April De Angelis' Jumpy as mother of a mesmerisingly stroppy teenager, played by the magnificent Bel Powley. And, to really spoil us, from November comes Nick Payne's superb Constellations — a fantastic play that manages to be at once challenging, funny and deeply moving. Posh runs until 4 August, Jumpy until 2 November 2012 and Constellation from 9 November to 5 January 2013. royalcourttheatre.com
Uncle Vanya at the Print Room This tiny theatre in Notting Hill has a big hit on its hands with an excellent new version of the Chekhov classic by Mike Poulton. After a sell-out run it returns for just a few weeks, so get a ticket if you possibly can. Director Lucy Bailey makes the most of the intimate venue that she helped to set up, and William Dudley's design makes you feel this is one Russian dacha you are actually living in — watching becomes as intense as the play itself. Until 7 July 2012. the-print-room.org
