UK BLOG

Broken Glass at the Vaudeville Theatre
Having started out at Kilburn's Tricycle Theatre last year, Arthur Miller's 1994 play is the story of a Brooklyn couple and the effect of events in Europe just before World War II have on their relationship. Director Iqbal Khan received rave reviews, as did his fine cast: the eminent Antony Sher, award-winning Stanley Townsend and the beautiful Tara Fitzgerald (whose cheekbones alone are worth the trip). Classy stuff.
Until 10 December 2011 (nimaxtheatres.com)

Crazy For You at the Novello Theatre
Director Timothy Sheader's annual musical at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is always such a joy it's sad when the season finishes. Thankfully, this year's show, Crazy For You, is moving indoors to the Novello Theatre. This Gershwin tribute piece has so many hits that your head will spin like a record, and Sheader's expert touch is evident to all. Joined by his regular choreographer Stephen Mear and the cast from Regent's Park, his perfect summer show is now the perfect winter one.
From 8 October 2011 (crazyforyouthemusical.com)

Driving Miss Daisy at the Wyndham's Theatre
A real treat from Broadway.  Starring James Earl Jones and Boyd Gaines, who have no fewer than six Tony Awards between them, and with Vanessa Redgrave flying the flag for us Brits, this is one to book early for. Famous as a film, Driving Miss Daisy, Alfred Uhry's moving story of friendship was originally a play and it's great to see it return to the stage.
26 September - 17 December 2011 (daisywestend.com)

Jersusalem at the Apollo Theatre
Back triumphant from Broadway, having bagged a Tony Award for his performance Mark Rylance continues to shine in Jez Butterworth's universally acclaimed play. Having started out at the Royal Court, Jerusalem may be funny but it is also an ambitious, state-of-the-nation piece that many said wouldn't work in the West End — thankfully they have been proved wrong. Sadly, the fun can't go on forever — the run is strictly limited to 14 weeks and it will be your last chance to see it.
8 October 2011 - 14 January 2012 (jerusalemtheplay.com)

The Pitman Painters at the Duchess Theatre
Lee Hall's phenomenally successful drama (think Billy Elliot with paintings instead of ballet) also returns from Broadway to the West End. Following the story of the Ashington Group, 1930s colliery men whose lives are changed by an art history class, it's an inspiring story of ambition, art and plenty of heart. Like many of the plays in this list, it started out in the kind of small venue (in this case Newcastle's Live Theatre) most at risk from current funding cutbacks, which means the play has never been so relevant.
From 5 October 2011 (nimaxtheatres.com)

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