This season we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to great theatre. What’s worth seeing? Which shows should you book right now? Where on earth do you start? Sit back and relax, Arts Hub has it covered with our pick of autumn’s hottest shows from around the UK.
What has been your favourite show this autumn? Tell us below in the comment section!
1. Six Characters in Search of an Author (www.gielgud-theatre.com)
Luigi Pirandello’s ground-breaking work is a mind blowing exploration of the idea of reality and imagination in our present society. More relevant than ever, it is a dark tale which speaks to a media obsessed society.
Runs up until November 8, Gielgud Theatre, London
2. When We Dead Awaken (www.liverpool08.com/Stage/events/details.asp?id=TMP-190591)
Unity theatre, Riksteatern and Vasterbottensteatern specially collaborate to present the final dramatic work from legendary playwright, Henrik Ibsen. Brought to life by a team of English and Swedish artists under the direction of Josette Bushell-Mingo When We Dead Awaken is set to be a spectacular visual theatre experience.
Runs from October 23 to November 1, Unity Theatre, Liverpool
3. Brief Encounter (www.seebriefencounter.com)
Kneehigh Theatre brings Noel Cowards classic film, Brief Encounter, back to the place where it first premiered. However, this time around it is completely live! Yes, you’ve read right a live, theatrical remake of the film at the Cinema Haymarket. Allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of old school romance and glamour. It is the last, ever, ever, ever chance to catch this special production, so book fast.
Runs until November 16, Cinema on the Haymarket, London
4. Six Acts of Love (www.tron.co.uk)
Writer Ionna Anderson comes back to her birthplace for the world premiere of her touching and funny new play. Six Acts of Love explores issues of love and death from the perspective of a middle-aged woman forced to reassess her life. Directed by new artistic director of the Tron Thetare, Andy Arnold, with a cast featuring Una McLean and Barbara Wilshere.
Runs until October 11, The Tron Theatre, Glasgow
5. Babul and the Blue Bear (www.20storieshigh.org.uk)
Created by theatre company 20 Stories High Babul and the Blue Bear use their own unique fusion of creative arts to explore themes of cultural identity, divided loyalties and racial tension within multi-cultural Britain. Rap, theatre, grime music, body-popping, mask and puppetry all come together in this excitingly dynamic show.
Until November 7, touring various venues around UK.
6. Oliver! (www.oliverthemusical.com)
Rowan Atkinson and Jodie Prenger, winner of the BBC show I’d Do Anything star in the up-coming production of Oliver. Atkinson as Fagin is sure to be a treat.
Runs from December 12, Theatre Royal, London
7. Hedda Gabler (www.gate-theatre.ie)
Brian Friel builds on his reputation for re-writing classic theatrical works with one of the most highly anticipated shows of the 2008 Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival. Ibsen’s ‘female Hamlet’ takes centre stage at The Gate in this exciting new adaptation of Hedda Gabler.
Runs from September 30 to October 11, The Gate Theatre, Dublin
8. Spectacular (www.forcedentertainment.com)
Frontrunners in new British theatre, Forced Entertainment present their absurd and humorous new work as they embark on a UK tour. Spectacular explores the dynamics of death and playing dead whilst examining the strange contact between an audience and two performers on-stage.
Runs from October 16 to December 6, the UK tour hits various venues in London, Manchester, Coventry, Lancaster, Taunton and Glasgow.
9. Cherry Blossom (www.traverse.co.uk/show_detail.php?id=542)
World premier of spectacular new multi-media theatre piece by Scottish playwright Catherine Grosvenor. Cherry Blossom features a bilingual, Scottish and Polish cast exploring ideas, myths and realities of migration and identity in 21st Century Europe.
Runs from 27 September to October 11, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
10. Oedipus (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk)
Eagerly awaited, this up coming production of Sophocles’ tragedy is powerfully re worked by Frank McGuinness. The line up includes Ralph Fiennes as Oedipus, Alan Howard as Tiresias, Jasper Britton as Creon and Clare Higgins as Jocasta.
Runs from Oct 8, National Theatre, London
What has been your favourite show this autumn? Tell us below in the comment section!
