Five must-see theatre shows opening in January 2017

It’s the New Year, and though the West End may be saving most of its major openings for later in 2017, there are still plenty of theatrical treats on offer for those willing to brave January’s chilly temperatures!

The Kite Runner at Wyndham’s Theatre

Following a Californian debut in 2009 and a UK tour in 2013, Matthew Spangler’s adaption of Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling The Kite Runner finally arrives at the Wyndham’s Theatre this month, with a cast led by former Casualty star Ben Turner.

The Kite Runner is at Wyndham’s Theatre from 3^rd January until 11^th March 2017, with a press night on Tuesday 10^th January. Book your tickets here. 

BU21 at Trafalgar Studios 2

After a sell-out run at Theatre503, Stuart Slade’s story of six Londoners following a terrorist attack transfers to Trafalgar Studios 2. That may sound like a bleak evening, but last year’s reviews were all keen to point out the humour Slade adds to the horror.

BU21 is at Trafalgar Studios 2 from 4^th January until 18^th February 2017, with a press night on Wednesday 11^th January. Book your tickets here. 

Wish List at the Royal Court

Winner of the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, and following a well-received run at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, Katherine Soper’s Wish List becomes the Royal Court’s first new play of 2017. Zero-hour contracts and benefits-bureaucracy are under the spotlight at the theatre’s always interesting upstairs space.

Wish List is at the Royal Court from 10^th January until 11^th February 2017, with a press night on Thursday 12^th January, for further information or to book visit here.

Promises, Promises at Southwark Playhouse

Promises, Promises has an impressive pedigree: it is based on the beloved 1960 Jack Lemon film, The Apartment, has a book from Neil Simon and music and lyrics by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The Southwark Playhouse revives the musical 48 years after its West End debut, with Gabriel Vick as the lead.

Promises, Promises is at Southwark Playhouse from 13^th January until 18^th February 2017, with a press night on Tuesday 17^th January, for further information or to book visit here.

Us/Them at the National Theatre

The first in an intriguing series of productions at the National Theatre’s Dorfman space, Us/Them explores the tragic 2004 Beslan school siege from the perspective of the children involved. Despite the subject matter the show is aimed at younger audiences, and was a big hit at last year’s Edinburgh Festival.

Us/Them is at the National Theatre from 16^th January until 18^th February 2017, with a press night on Friday 20^th January, for further information or to book visit here.

Connor Campbell