London

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-duchess-of-malfi-trafalgar-theatre"><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-duchess/trafalgar-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Duchess (of Malfi)</a>, Trafalgar Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/454204166_18440662519019585_7867756338058106142_n.jpg" alt="Jodie Whittaker is The Duchess of Mali at London's Trafalgar Theatre" class="wp-image-4082" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/454204166_18440662519019585_7867756338058106142_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/454204166_18440662519019585_7867756338058106142_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/454204166_18440662519019585_7867756338058106142_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/454204166_18440662519019585_7867756338058106142_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/454204166_18440662519019585_7867756338058106142_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The brilliant Jodie Whittaker, known for breaking new ground as the first female Doctor in&nbsp;Doctor Who, makes her long-awaited return to the stage in&nbsp;The Duchess (of Malfi) from Sat 5 Oct &#8211; Fri 20 Dec.&nbsp;This production revisits John Webster’s dark Jacobean tragedy, which tells the story of a young widow whose defiance against her corrupt brothers leads to betrayal and devastation. Directed with a contemporary lens, the production aims to shed new light on the themes of power, gender, corruption and the patriarchy. Whittaker’s marking her return to the stage after a 12-year hiatus and it’s a good choice for those who love classic theatre with a modern twist.



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-duchess/trafalgar-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Duchess at Trafalgar Theatre</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oedipus-wyndham-s-theatre"><a href="https://www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/oedipus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oedipus</a>, Wyndham&#8217;s Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image.jpg" alt="Mark Strong and Lesley Manville in Oedipus at the Wyndham Theatre in London" class="wp-image-4081" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Prepare yourself for a night of gripping drama with&nbsp;Oedipus&nbsp;at Wyndham&#8217;s Theatre, opening Fri 4 Oct. Lesley Manville, who recently wowed us as Princess Margaret in&nbsp;The Crown, is joined by Mark Strong, whose steely performances in everything from&nbsp;Kingsman&nbsp;to&nbsp;Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy&nbsp;have kept us on the edge of our seats for years. Together, they’re set to bring a fresh, electrifying dynamic to this ancient tale, which reimagines the classic story as a tense political thriller, directed by the visionary Robert Icke,&nbsp;who has presented Oedipus as an ambitious politician, rather than a king, and Jocasta, his wife, as his complex life partner.&nbsp;Tickets are already flying off the shelves faster than you can say “Greek tragedy” so book while you can.&nbsp;



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/oedipus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oedipus at Wyndham&#8217;s Theatre</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-juno-and-the-paycock-gielgud-theatre"><a href="https://www.gielgudtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/juno-and-the-paycock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno and the Paycock</a>, Gielgud Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="918" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Juno-and-the-Paycock-starring-J-Smith-Cameron-and-Mark-Rylance.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="Mark Rylance and J. Smith Cameron in Juno and the Paycock at the Gielgud Theatre" class="wp-image-4085" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Juno-and-the-Paycock-starring-J-Smith-Cameron-and-Mark-Rylance.jpg-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Juno-and-the-Paycock-starring-J-Smith-Cameron-and-Mark-Rylance.jpg-copy-300x275.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Juno-and-the-Paycock-starring-J-Smith-Cameron-and-Mark-Rylance.jpg-copy-768x705.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Who doesn&#8217;t love Mark Rylance? Britain&#8217;s most celebrated stage actor joins forces with&nbsp;Succession&nbsp;star J. Smith Cameron in this poignant revival of Seán O&#8217;Casey’s&nbsp;Juno and the Paycock. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Irish Civil War, this production dives deep into themes of poverty, resilience, and familial bonds. With Rylance&#8217;s knack for bringing deep humanity to his roles and Cameron&#8217;s commanding stage presence, this production promises to be an emotionally charged evening of theatre. Opening on Sat 21 Sept, it’s already generating a lot of buzz—don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a season highlight.



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gielgudtheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno and the Paycock at Gielgud Theatre</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-macbeth-harold-pinter-theatre"><a href="https://www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk/shows/macbeth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macbeth</a>, Harold Pinter Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1408" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Cush-Jumbo-and-David-Tennant-in-MACBETH-Donmar-Photo-by-Marc-Brenner.jpg" alt="David Tennant and Cush Jumbo in Macbeth at the Harold Pinter Theatre London" class="wp-image-4078" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Cush-Jumbo-and-David-Tennant-in-MACBETH-Donmar-Photo-by-Marc-Brenner.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Cush-Jumbo-and-David-Tennant-in-MACBETH-Donmar-Photo-by-Marc-Brenner-213x300.jpg 213w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Cush-Jumbo-and-David-Tennant-in-MACBETH-Donmar-Photo-by-Marc-Brenner-727x1024.jpg 727w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Cush-Jumbo-and-David-Tennant-in-MACBETH-Donmar-Photo-by-Marc-Brenner-768x1081.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



OK OK it&#8217;s sold out already but they&#8217;re bound to extend the run (or you can get lucky with some no-shows on the night). David Tennant, who captured Muddy’s heart as our favourite Doctor Who, is making a much-anticipated return to the London stage from Tue 1 Oct &#8211; Sat 14 Dec in&nbsp;Macbeth. But this isn&#8217;t just any production—it&#8217;s a cutting-edge, immersive experience. Thanks to binaural technology (pardon?!) audiences will be plunged directly into the troubled mind of Shakespeare&#8217;s most tormented hero. You&#8217;ll wear headphones, experiencing a 3D soundscape that pulls you into the darkest corners of Macbeth’s psyche, designed by the award-winning sound designer Gareth Fry. Cush Jumbo, known for her fierce performances in&nbsp;The Good Wife, is already being lauded as a Lady Macbeth, who has&nbsp;‘a remarkable combination of steel and softness’.&nbsp;This production promises to be both intense and innovative. Beg, borrow or literally steal for a ticket.



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk/shows/macbeth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macbeth at Harold Pinter Theatre</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-royal-court-theatre"><a href="https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/giant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant</a>, Royal Court Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="795" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/John-Lithgow-c-Jessica-Howes-795x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4108" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/John-Lithgow-c-Jessica-Howes-795x1024.jpg 795w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/John-Lithgow-c-Jessica-Howes-233x300.jpg 233w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/John-Lithgow-c-Jessica-Howes-768x989.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/John-Lithgow-c-Jessica-Howes.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 795px) 100vw, 795px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Lithgow (Photo credit Jessica Howes)</figcaption></figure>



John Lithgow—yes, the star of&nbsp;3rd Rock from the Sun&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Crown—takes on the role of beloved yet controversial author Roald Dahl in the world premiere of&nbsp;Giant. Directed by the legendary Nicholas Hytner (responsible for theatre hits One Man Two Guvnors and The History Boys and films including The Madness of King George and The Crucible), this play offers a darkly humorous exploration of a challenging period in Dahl&#8217;s life, focusing on the aftermath of an antisemitic article he wrote. Running from Fri 20 Sept &#8211; Sat 16 Nov, it promises to be as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It’s a must-see for fans of Lithgow and those interested in exploring the emotional complexities of our heroes and public figures.



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/giant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant at Royal Court Theatre</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tempest-theatre-royal-drury-lane"><a href="https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-tempest-sigourney-weaver/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tempest</a>, Theatre Royal Drury Lane</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1007" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Untitled-design-17.jpg" alt="Sigourney Weaver" class="wp-image-4088" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Untitled-design-17.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Untitled-design-17-298x300.jpg 298w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Untitled-design-17-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/Untitled-design-17-768x773.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Hollywood icon Sigourney Weaver (Aliens,&nbsp;Ghostbusters,&nbsp;Avatar) makes her West End debut in this highly anticipated production of&nbsp;The Tempest, opening on Sat 7 Dec. Weaver takes on the role of Prospero, bringing her gravitas to one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters in what is billed as a modern interpretation. 



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-tempest-sigourney-weaver/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-godot-theatre-royal-haymarket"><a href="https://trh.co.uk/whatson/waiting-for-godot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waiting for Godot</a>, Theatre Royal Haymarket</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image-1.jpg" alt="Ben Whishaw and Lucian Msamati in Waiting for Godot at the Theatre Royal Haymarket " class="wp-image-4091" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/image-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The ever-versatile Ben Whishaw (Skyfall,&nbsp;Paddington,&nbsp;This is Going to Hurt) joins forces with&nbsp;Game of Thrones’ Lucian Msamati in this classic production of Samuel Beckett’s&nbsp;Waiting for Godot. This existential masterpiece, full of Beckett&#8217;s trademark dark humour and philosophical musings,&nbsp;follows Vladimir and Estragon as they discuss a variety of subjects while waiting for Godot, who never arrives. Exploring the themes of existentialism, the passage of time, and the search for meaning, it’s a perfect fit for Whishaw&#8217;s quietly-nuanced acting style. It promises to be one of the must-see performances of the season, from Fri 13 Sept &#8211; Sat 14 Dec.



Book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://trh.co.uk/whatson/waiting-for-godot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waiting for Godot</a><a href="https://trh.co.uk/whatson/waiting-for-godot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> at Theatre Royal Haymarket</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-seagull-the-barbican-theatre"><a href="https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-seagull" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Seagull</a>, The Barbican Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1457" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/08/CATE-BLANCHETT-scaled-e1725549556140.jpg" alt="ACTRESS cate blanchett" class="wp-image-4452" /></figure>



No instant celeb gratification, but the myth, the legend that is Cate Blanchett is returning to the London stage in February 2025 to star in Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier’s new version of Chekhov’s The Seagull at The Barbican Theatre. No stranger to treading the London boards (she last appeared in When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other at the National Theatre in 2019), Cate will play Arkadina, an actress, alongside Tom Burke (Macbeth, The Crown) and wo other central characters in the play. The production reunites the pair, who have recently completed filming on Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag. The Seagull will have limited run of six weeks – Tickets on sale on 9 October. 



Book here: <a href="https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-seagull" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Seagull at The Barbican Theatre</a>

A-Listers on stage: top must-see London theatre this autumn

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