By Tessa Nolan
Despite the pantomime season being in full swing and the theatres now fully decked out, December actually means the final burst of prestigious theatre to end the year, as celebrities squeeze in a bold play outside of filming season, and big new stage shows launch during the peak attention season. From David Tennant doing Shakespeare to the London stage debut of beloved cartoon dog Bluey, this is blockbuster month.
- Macbeth
A huge pre-Christmas Shakespeare play is always appealing: taking only its return, we would definitely recommend Donmar’s “Macbeth” if it wasn’t ultra-trad, hey nonny, nonny, doublet and hose, because starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. The Scottish play will involve an enhanced binaural sound design that requires audience members to wear headphones – colour us intrigued en masse. - Stranger Things: First Shadow
Undoubtedly the boldest stage crossover since “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” crack team, led by staff writer “Stranger Things” Kate Trefri writing on an original idea by show creators The Duffer Brothers and playwright Jack Thorne, have created an impressive prequel to retro-horror, focusing on the early life of the show’s troubled antagonist Henry Creel.
Phoenix Theatre. Booking until 25 August 2024 - Pandemonium
Master satirist Armando Iannucci warms up a huge West End store next year’s “Dr Strangelove”, sneaking in his debut as a playwright this Christmas. “Pandemonium” is a “historical” play dedicated to the Johnson-Truss-Sunak years on Downing Street, with a particular emphasis on responding to the pandemic. Should at least be funny, and directed by old “Day Today” Iannucci Patrick Marber.
Soho Theatre, until 24 January 2024 - Cold War
While there has been some grumbling over the lack of Polish talent, it cannot be denied that Almeida’s new musical is a very beautiful prospect, as Elvis Costello and Conor McPherson adapt Pavel Pavlikovsky’s indie hit film about a pair of lovers who swear to escape communist Poland. Anya Chalotra and Luke Thallon starred in Rupert Gould’s production. - Ulster America
In a rather famous twist for seasonal bookings Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis return to the stage in Britain for the first time in many years to star alongside Louisa Harland from “Derry Girls” in a revival of David Ireland’s stunningly wild comedy about an American movie star with no clue about the difference between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.
Riverside Studios, 4 December – 27 January 2024 - Homecoming
It’s been a while since we had a major Pinter revival, but now the mysterious titan of the twentieth century has returned to our stages through Young Vic’s main revival Matthew Dunster. Jared Harris and Joe Cole lead the cast of Pinter’s classic about a man who returns to his family with his new wife, only for their relationship to start undergoing very strange changes.
Young Vic, until 27 January 2024 - Rock ‘n’ Roll
If you’re looking for something smarter this Christmas, why not check out the first major London revival of Tom Stoppard’s superb 2005 play about the revolutions of the twentieth century in Czechoslovakia? Nathaniel Parker and Nancy Carroll starred in the drama about a student and his teacher who come to take a completely different view of communism as the century passes from the Prague Spring to the Velvet Revolution.
Hampstead Theatre, 6 December, 27 January - Bluey: Live Theatre
Beloved cartoon dog Bluey makes her stage debut at a new London theatre in live performance. This unique show promises to be spectacular and exciting for the whole family. Audiences will be immersed in the world of Bluey and her friends through amazing special effects and live performances. It’s a great way to spend time with family in the run-up to the holidays. - Wonderful Mirror
This musical, based on the popular novel by Lewis Carroll, promises to be magical and captivating. The show tells the story of a girl named Alice who enters the wonderland through the looking glass and meets various amazing characters. The musical numbers and costumes promise to create an unforgettable atmosphere for audiences of all ages. - Starlight
This theatrical production promises to be vibrant and exciting, featuring famous actors and musical numbers. The plot revolves around a group of ambitious young artists striving for success in the world of show business. The blend of drama, comedy, and music makes this production appealing to a wide audience. - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
This theatrical production is based on the famous adventures of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Audiences will be immersed in an exciting world of puzzles, intrigue, and mystery-solving. The production promises to be engaging and thrilling for fans of detective stories. - A Christmas Carol
This classic Christmas production, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, presents the famous story of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to understanding and compassion. The production promises to be heartwarming and inspiring, with a festive atmosphere and musical numbers.
The new theatrical productions presented in December promise to be exciting and diverse, offering audiences a wide range of entertainment options. From classic works to modern interpretations, the new productions will capture the attention of theater lovers and those looking to spend time with family in the holiday season.
