Culture

3 Shows Not to Miss Before they Leave the London Stage

With the London theatre season about to kick off with some exciting plays this autumn—Two Ladies, Dear Evan Hansen—there are a few shows that will be closing in the coming weeks worth a visit. Theatre icon Andrew Lloyd Weber teamed up with Tim Rice to reimagine Evita at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for an emotional, yet stylish staging, while Tennessee Williams’s final play, The Night of the Iguana, continues to captivate audiences with standout performances from Anna Gunn, Clive Owen, and Lia Williams.

However, the show that has truly made its mark on both coasts is Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag. The one-woman show is just as punchy and witty as the writer’s hit television series of the same name. With the impending Evening Standard Theatre awards taking place in November, these shows all closing in September look poised to pickup a few nominations. 

Evita through September 21st

While everyone is familiar with the story of Argentine political leader Eva Perón thanks to the 1996 film adaptation starring Madonna, this summer’s staging at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, creates a fun and immersive experience led by a stellar cast and equally beautiful music by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Samantha Pauly’s performance as the dynamic leader is captivating and amplified by dazzling staging and costumes.

Fleabag through September 14th

If you haven’t seen Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s comedic series then catch up before you check out the writer’s sold-out show. The play is where it all started and Waller-Bridge continues to deliver and provides a funny, yet poignant portrayal of a single woman navigating love and life in London. And while tickets are hard to come by, those who want to experience the brilliance first-hand will have an opportunity to see the show live on September 12th at the Barbican Cinema.

The Night of the Iguana through September 28th

Tennessee Williams’s last play (it was originally a short story written in 1948) comes to life through actors Clive Owen, Lia Williams, and Anna Gunn at the Noël Coward Theatre. Set in Mexico in the 1940s, the story follows Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon (Owen) following his exile from his church. What ensues is a macabre story about humanity and spirituality expertly directed by James Macdonald.