Surrey

<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"><img decoding="async" 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" /></figure>



The brilliant Jodie Whittaker, known for breaking new ground as the first female Doctor in Doctor Who, makes her long-awaited return to the stage in The Duchess (of Malfi) from Sat 5 Oct – Fri 20 Dec. This production revisits John Webster’s dark Jacobean tragedy. It 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 sheds new light on the themes of power, gender, corruption and the patriarchy. Whittaker returns to London theatre after a 12-year hiatus. It’s a good choice for those who love classic theatre with a modern twist. Book here: <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’s Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" 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" /></figure>



Prepare yourself for a night of gripping drama with Oedipus at Wyndham’s Theatre, opening Fri 4 Oct. Lesley Manville, who wowed us as Princess Margaret in The Crown, is joined by Mark Strong, whose steely performances in everything from Kingsman to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy 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. The show reimagines the classic story as a tense political thriller, directed by the visionary Robert Icke. He presented Oedipus as an ambitious politician, rather than a king, and Jocasta, his wife, as his complex life partner. Tickets are already flying off the shelves faster than you can say “Greek tragedy”. So book this London theatre show while you can.  Book here: <a href="https://www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/oedipus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oedipus at Wyndham’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"><img decoding="async" 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" /></figure>



Who doesn’t love Mark Rylance? Britain’s most celebrated stage actor joins forces with Succession star J. Smith Cameron in this poignant revival of Seán O’Casey’s 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’s knack for bringing deep humanity to his roles, and Cameron’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: <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-nbsp-harold-pinter-theatre"><a href="https://www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk/shows/macbeth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macbeth</a>,&nbsp;Harold Pinter Theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" 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" /></figure>



OK it’s sold out already. But they’re bound to extend the run (or you can get lucky with some no-shows on the night). David Tennant makes a much-anticipated return to the London theatre stage from Tue 1 Oct – Sat 14 Dec in Macbeth. But this isn’t just any production—it’s a cutting-edge, immersive experience. Thanks to binaural technology audiences are plunged directly into the troubled mind of Shakespeare’s most tormented hero. You’ll wear headphones, experiencing a 3D soundscape that pulls you into the darkest corners of Macbeth’s psyche. It&#8217;s created by the award-winning sound designer Gareth Fry. Cush Jumbo, known for her fierce performances in The Good Wife, is already being lauded as a Lady Macbeth, who has ‘a remarkable combination of steel and softness’. This production promises to be both intense and innovative. Beg, borrow or literally steal for a ticket. Book here: <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"><img decoding="async" 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" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Lithgow&nbsp;(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&nbsp;One Man Two Guvnors&nbsp;and&nbsp;The History Boys&nbsp;and films including&nbsp;The Madness of King George&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Crucible), this play offers a darkly humorous exploration of a challenging period in Dahl’s life, focusing on the aftermath of an antisemitic article he wrote. Running from&nbsp;Fri 20 Sept – 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&nbsp;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"><img decoding="async" 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" /></figure>



Hollywood icon Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Ghostbusters, Avatar) makes her London theatre debut in this highly anticipated production of 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: <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"><img decoding="async" 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" /></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’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’s quietly-nuanced acting style. It promises to be one of the must-see performances of the season, from&nbsp;Fri 13 Sept – 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">&nbsp;at Theatre Royal Haymarket</a>

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

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