Summer 2016: Five must-see theatre shows in London

With the sweltering temperatures of recent days, the best option would be to escape the bustling streets and enjoy one of the many plays on in London. Whatever you are craving, the capital is offering this season, whether it be Guys and Dolls starring Rebel Wilson or Ralph Fiennes’ mesmerising Richard III. Here is a selection of some of the best on now and to come.

Young Chekhov at the National Theatre

Opening to overwhelming acclaim at the Chichester Festival, this is set to be yet another outstanding series of plays for the National. Adapted by David Hare and performed by an ensemble of actors, watch the plays – The Seagull, Platonov and Ivanov – singularly or if you want, all in one sitting.

Young Chekhov is on at the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre from 14^th July until 8^th October 2016. Book your tickets here.

Photo: Johan Persson

How the Other Half Loves at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Alan Ayckbourn’s play, which at times can feel dated, is perfectly suited to London in a heatwave: the only thing that seems to undermine the city’s fast pace of living is to take it back to a version of the past. This 1960s comedy of manners, centred on a love affair between two classes, is classic, enjoyable theatre.

How the Other Half Loves is on at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 7^th July until 1^st October. Book your tickets here.

Read our review of How the Other Half Loves here. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre

Bringing magic to the stage and already on everybody’s lips, the eighth Harry Potter story will be officially opening on 30^th July after over a month of previews. Performed in two parts, the production is made up of two plays that should be seen either on the same day (matinee and evening) or over the course of two.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on at the Palace Theatre from 30^th July 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

The Deep Blue Sea at the National Theatre

This highly rated show, starring Helen McCrory and directed by Carrie Cracknell, is a masterpiece and has to be seen. Take a walk along the Southbank after enjoying the show, what better way to spend an evening? Even If you can’t get to the National, the production is also being screened live to cinemas on 1^st September.

The Deep Blue Sea is on at the Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre from 1^st June until 21^st September 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

Read our review of The Deep Blue Sea here.

Photo: Richard Hubert smith

Richard III at the Almeida Theatre

“A version of the same power play is happening all over the world all the time.” That is why Richard III should be seen, according to Ralph Fiennes. Not only is the acting exceptional, with Fiennes in the title role and a notable performance from Vanessa Redgrave, but it perfectly captures, as only Shakespeare can, the unchanging nature of human politics.

Richard III is on at Almeida Theatre from 14^th June until 6^th August 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

Read our review of Richard III here.

Photo: Miles Aldridge

Georgie Cowan-Turner
Featured photo: Johan Persson