Star attraction: top London shows featuring famous faces

What could be better than a night at the theatre? A night at the theatre starring your favourite A-lister, of course. And this summer, there’s no shortage of famous faces popping up in shows across the capital – from Hollywood ‘s finest to homegrown talent. Here, we guide you through the best of them… 

Pixie Lott in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The diminutive pop star makes her acting debut in the role made famous by Audrey Hepburn. Adapted by Richard Greenberg and directed by Nikolai Foster, this stylish production of Truman Capote’s novella also gives Lott the chance to showcase her vocal talents with some gorgeous songs – including the haunting Moon River.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is on at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17^th September 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

 

Rebel Wilson in Guys and Dolls

Having already cut her musical teeth as Fat Amy in the Pitch Perfect movies, Aussie actress Rebel Wilson joins the cast of the critically acclaimed musical for a limited run. For eight weeks only, Wilson takes on the role of the long-suffering Miss Adelaide in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s witty tale of mobsters and molls.

Guys and Dolls is on at the Phoenix Theatre until 21^st August 2016. For further information or to book visit here.

 

Newton Faulkner in American Idiot

English singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner is best known for his acoustic, chart-topping albums. Now the musician – who once performed in a Green Day tribute band – takes on the lead role of Johnny in the award-winning musical, based on the band’s own songs. Following a UK tour, American Idiot returns to London for a limited summer season.

American Idiot is on at the Arts Theatre until 25^th September 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

 

Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl

After a brief period away from the stage, Sheridan Smith has reprised her role as Fanny Brice. Once again garnering rave reviews for her all-singing, all-dancing performance, she proves just why she’s one of the best actors of her generation. A story that is by turns poignant and hilarious, this is the perfect vehicle for Smith’s exceptional talents.

Funny Girl is on at the Savoy Theatre until 8^th October 2016, for for further information or to book visit here.

 

Dominic Cooper in The Libertine

Our very own Dominic Cooper is currently hot property. Having recently starred in several Hollywood blockbusters, this September he’s returning to London – where he began his stage career as part of the original cast of The History Boys. Cooke will play the hedonistic poet and lothario, the Earl of Rochester, in The Libertine – a role previously made famous on screen by Johnny Depp.

The Libertine is on at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 22^nd September 2016 until 3^rd December 2016, for further information or to book visit here

 

Jesse Eisenberg in The Spoils

Not satisfied with being an award-winning actor, the prolific Jesse Eisenberg has also carved out a successful writing career. Now the resident New Yorker has combined the two and is currently starring in his own play, The Spoils, alongside Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones). Eisenberg is compelling as the obnoxious Ben, who sets out to destroy his school crush’s relationship and win her back.

The Spoils is on at Trafalgar Studios until 13^th August 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

 

Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard

Beverley Knight, the one-woman musical powerhouse, can do no wrong when it comes to musicals. Having wowed audiences in the brilliant Memphis, and as Grizabella in Cats, this summer she reprises the lead role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. During her six-month run, Knight’s soulful voice will undoubtedly raise the roof as she belts out Whitney Houston’s timeless classics.

The Bodyguard is on at the Dominion Theatre until 7^th January 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

 

Matt Smith in Unreachable

Just what happens to Dr Who when he’s retired from whizzing around the galaxy in a Tardis? Well, this one is currently starring in Anthony Neilson’s hypnotic new play at The Royal Court. Smith plays a film director on an obsessive quest to capture the perfect light, bringing his trademark intensity to the role. Created in the rehearsal room, Unreachable is a fascinating, improvisational study of the creative process.

Unreachable is on at the Royal Court until 6^th August 2016, for further information or to book visit here

Alexandra Newson