20 Theatre Shows To Watch In April (2024)
As April showers usher in the blossoms of spring, so too does the theatre scene bloom with an array of captivating shows to delight audiences across the UK (not just in London!) There are some fantastic shows opening in April, including the West End transfer of Two Strangers (carry a cake across New York), and with many smaller off-West End shows like Boys On The Verge Of Tears and Thatcher Rite. So let’s get to it, here’s the 20 shows you need to check out in April.
1. Minority Report
20 April - 18 May, Lyric Hammersmith
Loosely based on a 1956 science fiction novel by Philip K Dick, Minority Report has been captivating audiences during its short tour. Now heading to the Lyric Hammersmith in April where the run will conclude, “this tense and atmospheric thriller directly engages the audience with stunning visuals, movement and drama”.
2. Player Kings
1 April - 22 June, Noel Coward Theatre
Heading into the West End for a limited 2-month run, Player Kings is a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV. Adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Ick and featuring Ian McKellen, this new version brings the two parts of the historical drama to the stage. However, this play isn’t for the faint hearted with a run of 3 hours and 20 minutes!
3. Two Strangers (carry a cake across New York)
4 April - 14 July, Criterion Theatre
Fancy indulging in a new musical in April? Two Strangers (carry a cake across New York) finally kicks off its West End run following its successful run over at the Kiln Theatre last year. Starring Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty, this musical promises to be a refreshingly original show that is one part “rom” and two parts “com”.
4. Machinal
17 April - 1 June, The Old Vic
Machinal is based on the true crime story of Ruth Snyder in 1928 that shook a nation. This play takes audiences on a pulse-pounding journey of someone who will be pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of life, expectation and convention.
5. Spirited Away
From 30 April, London Coliseum
At the tail end of April, Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning Spirited Away will have its West End premiere at the London Coliseum. The new show, which will feature the original Japanese cast in this extraordinary production which tells the enchanting tale of Chihiro who while traveling to a new home with her family, stumbles into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba.
6. The Mad Ones
10-20 April, Old Joint Stock Theatre Birmingham
In Birmingham, an original musical plays a limited run at the Old Joint Stock Theatre. The Mad Ones focuses on the story of two girls in a car who are overcoming their grief. The musical inspired a bestselling cast album with thousands of performance videos and viral fan art generating over 20 million views.
7. 97+
12 April, Liverpool Olympia
For one night only at the Liverpool Olympia, 97+ is a new theatrical drama based on the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster. Set in 2012, two Hillsborough survivors John and Steve each deal with the trauma they suffered as young boys, now as middle aged men. Written and directed by Tom Cain, the play heads to the stage once again following its huge success and critical acclaim at the Liverpool Theatre Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
8. Pippin: The 50th Anniversary Concert
29-30 April, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Featuring a stellar cast including Tony Award winner Alex Newell, Olivier Award winner Patricia Hodge and Cedric Neal - Pippin celebrates its 50th anniversary concert in the West End. With an infectiously unforgettable score from Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is a soul-searching exploration of one man’s journey to find himself, his place and purpose in life.
9. The Buddha of Suburbia
18 April - 1 Jun, Swan Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon
Emma Rice adapts the award-winning 1990 novel, which was later turned into an acclaimed TV series for the Stratford-upon-Avon stage. The Buddha of Suburbia follows the life of 17-year-old Karmin in South London in the late seventies. Don’t miss out on this heart-breaking and joyful exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre, and belonging!
10. Gunter
03 - 25 April, Royal Court Theatre
Gunter is set in a village outside of Oxford in 1604 and focuses on Anne Gunter. This play promises a harrowing, real-life tale of abuse and fear set in the idyll of a country scarred by witch trials. It heads to the Royal Court Theatre following its sold-out premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last summer.
11. The Girls of Slender Means
13 April - 4 May, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
The Girls of Slender Means follows the adventures of a group of young women who are caught between hope and unhappiness in the summer of 1945. Adapted from Muriel Spark’s novel by Gabriel Quigley, The Girls of Slender Means brings together romance, work, fashion and politics.
12. Six Chick Flicks
9 April - 29 June, Leicester Square Theatre
Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Six Chick Flicks is one hysterical, fast paced show. Join New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks, and pop culture hilarity.
13. The Light House
2-13 April, Park Theatre London
The Light House is a real-life story about falling in love and staying in love, even when the lights go out and you’re lost in the dark. This is a love letter to life. Our reviewer loved this show at Leeds Playhouse last year, describing it as “manag[ing] to do something unbelievable. Bringing light to a dark place and helping us to feel the most powerful of emotions: Hope.”
14. Frankie Goes to Bollywood
25 April - 11 May, Watford Palace Theatre
From the makers behind Britain’s Got Bhangra, Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a brand new British musical which begins its run at the Watford Palace Theatre this month. Expect a breathtakingly colourful journey of romance, epic songs, and spectacular choreography. This new musical is inspired by the real stories of British women who were caught in the spotlight of the biggest film industry in the world.
15. Cassie and the Lights
3-20 April, Southwark Playhouse Borough
Based on real-life events and interviews with children in care, Cassie and The Lights is a play which celebrates the resilience of teenagers. Heading to the Southwark Playhouse Borough from 3 April, explore this tender and playful examination of what makes a family and what holds it together.
16. Moby Dick
5 -13 April, Royal & Derngate Northampton
A new adaptation of Herman Melville’s book, Moby Dick heads into Royal & Derngate in Northampton for a limited run. Featuring sea shanties played live on stage, this is a fast and vibrant reimagining of this classic story that will be incredible to watch!
17. Northern Ballet's Romeo and Juliet
30 April - 4 May, Theatre Royal Nottingham
The greatest love story ever told is back as the Northern Ballet’s bring their electrifying portrayal back to the stage. Being one of the company’s most beloved and critically acclaimed productions, Northern Ballet’s style of dance breathes new life into Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
18. Boys on the Verge of Tears
11 April - 18 May, Soho Theatre
The world premiere of the Verity Bargate Award winning play opens at the Soho Theatre this month. Featuring five actors in fifty roles Boys on the Verge of Tears is a bold kaleidoscopic tale that covers violence and vulnerability. The entirety of the play is set entirely in the confines of a men’s public toilet.
19. The Promise
6 - 13 April, Birmingham Rep
Made in association with the acclaimed British theatre company Deafintely Theatre, this new play is inspired by the extraordinary experiences of deaf people living with dementia. Combining British Sign Language and English, The Promise will definitely leave you feeling entirely moved in April.
20. Thatcher Rite, Arts Depot London
18 April, Arts Depot London
Look at the personal and political legacy of Margaret Thatcher in the interactive performance of Thatcher Rite at the Arts Depot. Created and performed by Jack Boal, this show contains lip-sync, clown and verbatim theatre that encourages the audience to bring their anger or admiration.
What will you be watching in April? Join us again next month for another round up. If you’d like your show feature for the theatre shows to watch in May (2024) drop me an email on theatreandtonic@gmail.com with information and an image!
