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The London theatre shows still going ahead in 2020

<p>The company of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie</p>

The company of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

London has been placed in Tier 2 of the government’s latest coronavirus restrictions, meaning that when the second lockdown ends, theatres in the capital will be able to continue with reopening plans.

The capital’s cultural calendar was just starting to look a little more lively. Across the city, a number of theatres have started to announce plans to reopen their doors to audiences for 2020 and beyond.

We’ll be keeping this list constantly updated, but at the time of writing all of these shows were scheduled to go ahead – show your support for theatres by booking a ticket.

Nine Lessons and Carols

<p>Katie Brayben and Maimuna Memon in rehearsals</p>Helen Murray

Katie Brayben and Maimuna Memon in rehearsals

Helen Murray

Devised by a cast of six, along with director Rebecca Frecknall and playwright Chris Bush, the Almeida is offering audiences something that’s been rare this year: new work, performed by more than two people. It will focus on topical themes of isolation, connection and the power of contact. And there will be songs!

Dec 3 - Jan 9, Almeida; almeida.co.uk

Overflow

After creating a series of new digital works throughout lockdown, the Bush Theatre will recommence live performances to socially distanced audiences with a new show from Travis Alabanza. Reece Lyons performs this monologue about Rosie, focusing on the politics of women’s bathrooms.

Dec 8-22, Bush Theatre; bushtheatre.co.uk

Living Newspaper

Robert Smael
Robert Smael

Taking inspiration from a project set up by the FDR government in 1930s America to support unemployed artists after the Great Depression, the Royal Court will create six ‘living newspapers’ to deal with the issues of the day. Working with over 60 writers and made by freelance theatre workers from actors to choreographers, it will offer a satirical spin on the events of that week. Each edition will be performed all over the building and be available to watch online as well as in person.

From Dec 10 Royal Court; royalcourttheatre.com

Six

Eleanor Howarth
Eleanor Howarth

After its Broadway opening night coincided with the Great White Way shutting down back in March and a UK drive-in tour was cancelled due to fears over local lockdowns, the second lockdown is third time unlucky for the queens, with the West End reopening now delayed. The show will now reopen in the refurbished, socially-distanced Lyric Theatre in December, before moving back to the Arts Theatre in March next year.

From Dec 5, Lyric Theatre; sixthemusical.com

The Dumb Waiter

Daisy Hutchison
Daisy Hutchison

2020 has a habit of ruining birthdays, and Hampstead Theatre was all set to celebrate its 60th this year with a season of revivals. Thankfully, its production of Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter - which premiered in the theatre’s first ever season back in 1960 — will see the light of day for a four-week run. Alec Newman and Shane Zaza will star in the one-act play, which will be directed by Hampstead regular Alice Hamilton.

Dec 3 - Jan 16, 2021, Hampstead Theatre; hampsteadtheatre.com

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Matt Crockett
Matt Crockett

This much-loved musical about a schoolboy with dreams of becoming a drag queen is headed for the big screen next year, with Sharon Horgan and Richard E Grant starring in the film adaptation. But first it returns to the West End, and its poppy soundtrack and positive message are just the tonic for audiences after a year like this one.

From Dec 12, Apollo Theatre; everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk

A Christmas Carol

As one of our most respected stage actors, Simon Russell Beale is something of a talisman when it comes to British theatre. So of course he’s coming to save Christmas this year, with the help of Olivier Award winner Patsy Ferran and Eben Figueiredo (James McAvoy’s opposite number in Jamie Lloyd’s Cyrano de Bergerac). The trio will play all of the roles in this Christmas Carol for the Covid age, to be directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Dec 3 - Jan 16, 2021, Bridge Theatre; bridgetheatre.co.uk

Les Miserables: The Staged Concert

Michael Le Poer Trench
Michael Le Poer Trench

Getting your hands on a ticket for Les Mis’s return is probably harder than it was to get loo roll back in early March. When Cameron Mackintosh announced the long-running West End production would be back in concert form for six weeks starting in early December, all of the tickets were snapped up within 24 hours, prompting an extra two weeks to be quickly added to the run. Bringing it back has been no small feat: royalties and rent have been waived by the authors and theatre, and its stars are working for smaller fees, to help the show to break even. Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas will all reprise their roles from last year’s sell out run.

5 Dec - 31 Jan, Sondheim Theatre; lesmis.com

Flight

If the thought of sitting among an audience still feels a little strange to you, get yourself down to the Bridge Theatre. Audience members will sit in a private booth and experience a story through headphones and a series of detailed, revolving model sets. Based on a Caroline Brothers’ novel Hinterland, it follows two orphaned brothers trying to get from Kabul to London by foot, touching on the dangerous journeys made by refugee children.

Dec 10 - Jan 16, Bridge Theatre; bridgetheatre.co.uk

Dick Whittington

It looked like we were set for a year without any pantomime — well, theatrical ones, that is — but various theatres have stepped into the breach to keep the festive tradition alive. The National Theatre is among them, with an anarchic version of Dick Whittington in which the famous feathered-hat-wearer attempts to save the spirit of London. Created by Jude Christian and Cariad Lloyd and directed by Ned Bennett, it means family entertainment can be more than just watching Frozen and The Snowman on repeat this year.

11 Dec - 23 Jan, National Theatre; nationaltheatre.org.uk

Potted Panto

What was that about there being no pantos in 2020? This production practically stockpiles them, offering seven different pantos in 70 minutes. From Aladdin to Dick Whittington to Cinderella, it’s a mad dash through the panto hall of fame, offering a Christmas show with a twist.

5 Dec - 10 Jan, Garrick Theatre; nimaxtheatres.com

The Comeback

Ben Ashenden and Alex OwenOliver Ross
Ben Ashenden and Alex OwenOliver Ross

Comedy duo Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen — aka The Pin — have been making audiences split their sides for years, and they were possibly the only people to actually make Zoom funny during lockdown. Sonia Friedman is producing their debut play in the West End this December, described as a mash-up between Noises Off and Morecambe and Wise. It’s about a comedy duo who are unenthusiastic about being the warm-up act on the comeback tour of a much bigger comedy star, until they find out a Hollywood director is in the audience. Laughs have been in short supply, so they’re basically providing a public service.

Dec 8 - Jan 3, Noel Coward Theatre; delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Pantoland at the Palladium

Elaine Paige as Queen RatPaul Coltas
Elaine Paige as Queen RatPaul Coltas

It’s camp, it’s luxe, and it’s coming just in time for Christmas. London’s biggest panto will be back at the Palladium, and the fact that Elaine Paige is involved this year is enough to get us booking front row seats and pre-ordering the interval wine. Also involved are Julian Clary, Beverley Night, Charlie Stemp, Jac Yarrow and 2020 heroes Ashley Banjo and Diversity.

Dec 12 - Jan 3, London Palladium; palladiumpantomime.com​