Whether visiting with families or looking to entertain work colleagues, one of the go-to sources of entertainment in London is the West End and the many plays circulating there. With the Piccadilly London West End in walking distance of many of the best theatres in the city, you’ll be able to find everything from sugar coated musicals to hard hitting dramas, anything for any taste. On top of this, venturing a little further afield and you’ll find some hidden gems in other parts of the city. With the summer ending soon, and the weather beginning to cool down, there’s no better time than the month of September to take a trip and to get a taste the London theatre scene. We’ve compiled just a few of the engaging and exciting productions taking place this September.
Lieutenant of Inishmore – Noel Coward Theatre
This violent black comedy based around a murderous IRA soldier is one of Oscar Winning Martin Mcdonagh’s early plays but hasn’t lost any of its potency. Playing through September and October, this play is a must for any one interested in the roots of one of the UK’s most prolific writers on the scene today. With a new play in the works for next year and the sell out success of his play Hangmen two years ago, this is a must for anyone who was a fan of McDonagh’s films In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Matilda the Musical – Cambridge Theatre
This Dennis Kelly penned musical version of the Roald Dahl book is one of the most successful contemporary musicals of recent years. Following the story of the young and downtrodden Matilda, this musical is both dark, funny and magical. For family friendly entertainment which will tick the boxes for all ages, Matilda is playing in London till late October.
Inheritance part 1 and 2 – Noel Coward Theatre
Playing till early January, this two-part epic was inspired by the EM Forster novel, and has transferred to the West End after a successful run at the Young Vic Theatre. This Stephen Daldry directed epic follows contemporary life for gay men in New York, a generation after the AIDS epidemic. Exploring what contemporary life for gay men owes to the last generation, The Inheritance is a must see for anyone interested in seeing some of the best contemporary drama on the London stage.
Dust – Trafalgar Studios
After a transfer from the Soho Theatre, this hard-hitting monologue is ground breaking in its exploration of teen suicide in the UK. Whether you have suffered at the hands of depression, have experienced it second hand or know someone who has, then this bold play about a teenage girl and her fly on the wall experiences of her family’s life after her suicide, is an eye opening and cathartic experience. This play represents the next generation of playwrights taking the London theatre scene by storm. What’s more, the play was endorsed and co-produced by the Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity.
