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Ages 6+. Children under the age of 4 (including babes in arms) will not be admitted. Children need to occupy their own seat. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. All guests, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.

My Neighbour Totoro - LON [25389]

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My Neighbour Totoro

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The best entrance you’ll see in a theatre this year belongs to the title character in this feverishly anticipated stage version of Studio Ghibli’s 1988 anime film. Behind the curtains, a giant silhouette gradually appears, and when those curtains swing open, we finally see him: a huge shaggy mass, so enormous, so peculiar and so utterly beguiling that the audience breaks into rapturous applause. It’s the moment that we know, behind doubt, that the RSC has got this exactly right: *[My Neighbour Totoro](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro-tickets)* is going to be a massive hit.

In fact, the production was a record-breaker before it even opened. It’s the fastest-selling ticket in Barbican history – beating the previous holder, Benedict Cumberbatch’s *Hamlet*. The Japanese [Studio Ghibli](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/studio-ghibli-my-neighbour-totoro-on-stage-world-premiere) has a passionate international following thanks to work like the Oscar-winning *Spirited Away*, *Howl’s Moving Castle* and *My Neighbour Totoro*. But could the studio’s very specific aesthetic and tone really be translated to the stage? 

Absolutely. Tom Morton-Smith’s adaptation strikes a perfect balance of honouring Hayao Miyazaki’s creation and seeking a new theatrical language, brilliantly realised in Phelim McDermott’s exquisite production. The 1950s-set story is a fairly simple one: 10-year-old Satsuki and four-year-old Mei move with their father from Tokyo to the countryside, so they can be nearer to their hospitalised mother, who has tuberculosis. There they encounter the extraordinary spirits of the forest, like Totoro. That leaves plenty of room for flights of imagination, and for beautiful detail in the world-building and relationships.

Most effectively, the production keeps us in that child’s-eye view. McDermott plays cleverly with scale: the goat is larger than usual, because it’s being viewed by an alarmed – and petite – Mei. We only hear snippets of adult conversations, particularly about the mother’s health crisis. But we’re fully immersed in that childlike awe at each discovery: the city girls’ pleasure at collecting acorns, watching tomatoes ripen on the vine, seeing a clear moon, and then finding that extra wonder in the sprites. You could interpret it as animism or a modern climate change message, or just a love of nature.

Likewise, the show itself takes great delight in each creative solution to telling this wild and wonderful fairy tale. The black-clad ensemble of skilful puppeteers brings the soot sprites to life by dancing them around on wires, until they fly up into the sky on what looks like a nursery mobile. One side of a bus is whisked on – with the lead performer, holding up the driver, deliberately overshooting it to give the audience a knowing chuckle. They weave between being invisible and visible, filling that liminal space and suggesting that there are ever-present spirits supporting us: an extremely comforting notion right now.

Of course, the most important element here is the puppets representing Totoro and his clan. Designed by Basil Twist, and built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, they are simply spectacular. Totoro has to be big enough that Mei can clamber onto his belly – and he is. 

He’s also a mad mix of bunny, owl and fuzzy washcloth, with wiggling ears, a rubber tongue in his Muppet-like mouth and a gleaming Cheshire cat grin (Lewis Carroll is a definite comparison point here), who communicates in whale noises and the occasional roar. He’s ancient, unhurried, strange. His smaller pals have waddling chicken feet and googly eyes. And wait until you see the Catbus: lit like a beacon, gambolling on its improbable 12 legs.

Tom Pye’s set also has real wow factor. The family’s home, with distinctive sliding screens, comes apart and reforms in different configurations, in harmony with the giant trees with curling branches that glide into view. The band, who play film composer Joe Hisaishi’s evocative score live, are perched up on wooden platforms, part of the forest. The paddy farmers slide onto the stage, plants in rows attached to their feet like skis. Amidst the greenery, the girls’ dresses are pops of colour, pink and yellow. 

That lead pair are wonderfully played by Ami Okumura Jones, whose perceptive Satsuki lurks somewhere between innocence and adulthood, and Mei Mac, who hilariously embodies the fearless ball of energy that is Mei. Both have convincingly youthful physicality, bouncing up and down on their toes in excitement, pleating the front of their dresses when nervous, or puffing themselves up to look fierce. (Superb movement direction throughout from You-Ri Yamanaka.) There’s lovely support too from Nino Furuhata as local boy Kanta, who gets tongue-tied around girls, and Jacqueline Tate as the kindly Granny.

In fact kindness is all around in a tender piece that prizes generosity, community and patience; even Jessica Hung Han Yun’s ravishing lighting feels like a rush of warmth. The film’s most famous scene is an absolute stunner here: as the girls wait at the bus stop for their father, in the rain, Totoro slowly lumbers up to them. Satsuki lends him an umbrella, and this wise creature is utterly charmed by the sound of the raindrops pinging off his new covering. It’s a reminder to take time to savour our surroundings, and to find joy even in the toughest times. Theatre at its most magical.

*My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican to 21 January 2023. Book tickets to My Neighbour Totoro on London Theatre.*

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=25389&content_product_id=25389&venue_id=788)

*Photo credit: The cast of My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)*

'My Neighbour Totoro' review – this Studio Ghibli adaptation is theatre at its most magical

Read our review of *My Neighbour Totoro* in London, Tom Morton-Smith's new stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film originally created by Hayao Miyazaki.

Don't miss the theatrical event of 2025, the record-breaking, award-winning My Neighbour Totoro is now playing in London's West End.

The Gillian Lynne Theatre, formerly known as the New London Theatre, is a prestigious performance venue in the West End of London. Located in Covent Garden, the theatre is home to an array of world-class performances, ranging from musical theatre, plays, and concerts. The theatre was renamed in 2018, in honour of the renowned British ballerina and choreographer, Dame Gillian Lynne. The architecture of this unique venue is innovative and captivating, with a circular auditorium that offers an immersive viewing experience. The theatre is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities, excellent acoustics, and a seating capacity that can accommodate over 1,000 spectators.
 ### How to get to the Gillian Lynne Theatre:
 The Gillian Lynne Theatre is accessible through various means of transportation. The closest underground station is Holborn, which is a short five-minute walk to the venue. Alternatively, you can also reach the theatre by bus, with the following routes: 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 243, and 521 stopping near the venue. If you prefer to drive, the nearest car park is located at the Bloomsbury Square Car Park.
 Please note that due to the theatre's central location, it is advisable to check for any possible travel disruptions or roadworks before your journey.

Gillian Lynne Theatre - LON

Gillian Lynne Theatre

The Gillian Lynne Theatre is a prestigious venue in London's West End, offering world-class performances and excellent facilities. It's easily accessible via public transportation.

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Ages 12+ (recommended). Under 5s cannot be admitted to the theatre. Guests 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.

The Devil Wears Prada - LON [34706]

The Devil Wears Prada

As London Fashion Week descends on the Capital, the catwalk is out for the launch of The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical, based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, that will strut into London’s Dominion Theatre in October 2024.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical - LON [23350]

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular… 

Ages 7+. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult (18+). Children under 5 years will not be admitted. All persons attending, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Wicked - LON [313] 

Wicked

“London’s No.1 show” (LBC) is back! Celebrating 16 triumphant years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

Ages 8+. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by, and sat next to, an adult aged 18 or over.

Hadestown - LON [24465]

Hadestown

HADESTOWN takes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. 

Ages 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 has to be accompanied by an adult (18+). Under 4s will not be admitted.

The Phantom of the Opera - LON [308]

The Phantom of the Opera

This multi-award winning musical continues to captivate audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, after more than 12,000 performances.

The Magicians Table - LON [43642] 

The Magicians Table

A carnival themed immersive magic experience with the UK’s best close up magicians performing at your table inches from your eyes. The Magicians Table reimagines what the art of magic can be.

Sabrage - LON [43664]

Sabrage

The finest acrobatic and cabaret talent from around the world are serving an intoxicating blend of vintage French glamour, high-end spectacle and titillating acts to infatuate, illuminate and inspire.

Ages 5+. Please note under 5s, inc babes in arms, will not be permitted. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular - LON [37379]

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

‘COME ALIVE!’ will feature the finest international circus stars (Cirque de Demain Medal Winners, Cirque du Soleil) and musical theatre talent from the West End.

All ages. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are kindly asked to step outside with unsettled young children to avoid disturbing other audience members.

Love Songs by Candlelight - LON [27252] 

Love Songs by Candlelight

The Playboy of the Western World - LON [44282]

The Playboy of the Western World

Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father.

Strictly Come Dancing - London - The Live Tour 2026 - LON [45344]

Strictly Come Dancing - London - The Live Tour 2026

The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is waltzing its way into arenas across the UK this January and February, helping us to start 2026 in spectacular style.

Pride - LON [45755] 

Pride

Funny, fierce and full of heart, Pride unites the director and writer of the original film, Matthew Warchus and Stephen Beresford, with composers Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde.

Ages 5+. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the auditorium. Children under the age of 16 must be seated with an adult.

Così fan tutte - English National Opera - LON [44492]

Così fan tutte - English National Opera

Experience all the fun of the fair in Mozart’s Italian comedy masterpiece, where things aren’t quite what they seem for two loved-up couples, who find themselves taking the ultimate relationship test.


Cirque du Soleil - Ovo - LON [8175]

Cirque du Soleil - Ovo

Bursting with breathtaking acrobatics inspired by the abilities of creatures both real and imagined, this joyful spectacle transforms the everyday lives of insects into an epic celebration of biodiversity, transformation, and community.

Perfect for date night

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LON | TT | Product List | Family friendly 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Circus - LON [46014]

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Circus

Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun. Running for six magical weeks until 1st January 2026, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and so much more. This three-day-only, exclusive, Circus Bundle includes single day entry to Winter Wonderland and a ticket to one of two exceptional circus shows!

Ages 6+. Children under 3 are not permitted to enter the theatre. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

The Lion King - LON [302]

The Lion King

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney's multi award-winning musical will redefine your expectations of theatre.

At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. 

Ages 8+. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by, and sat next to, an adult aged 18 or over. No under 5s will be admitted.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child: Both Parts - LON [21176]

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child: Both Parts

There’s magic in every moment at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the most awarded play in history and “one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” (Forbes). And now, the 8th Harry Potter story is bringing the magic back to London’s West End.

Ages 3+. All children under 16 must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 will not be admitted.

Starlight Express - LON [24471]

Starlight Express

Starlight Express takes place within a nine-year old boy’s dream in which his toy trains magically come to life. Among them, there’s the fast diesel train Pacific Daylight, Bobo form France, Espresso from Italy, and Rusty, the old steam train. Along with entrants from around the world, the trains race to become the fastest train in the world.

All Ages. Like most Cirque du Soleil shows, Corteo is meant to entertain the whole family. 

Cirque du Soleil - Corteo - LON [41540]

Cirque du Soleil - Corteo

This jaw-dropping theatrical spectacular from Cirque Du Soleil plunges the audience into a captivating world of fun, comedy and spontaneity led by the poetic and mischievous clown Mauro.

The Play That Goes Wrong - LON [345]

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong... does! The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences!  

Ages 6+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Under 4s will not be admitted.

Back to the Future: The Musical - LON [22396]

Back to the Future: The Musical

When Marty McFly is transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the past and send himself... back to the future.

Ballet Shoes - LON [43183]

Ballet Shoes

The ★★★★★ adaptation that ‘never puts a foot wrong’  returns this autumn. The Fossil sisters; Pauline, Petrova and Posy are learning who they are and what they want to be, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way? 


All Ages. Babes in arms are allowed for this production, babes under 12 months sitting on an adult’s lap do not need a ticket. All other patrons do need a ticket for entry.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out - LON [32338]

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out!

Ages 7+. Everyone must have their own ticket. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticketholder who is 18+. Under 3s will not be admitted.

Oliver! - LON [40713]

Oliver!

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical, Oliver!, which he has fully reconceived with director and choreographer Matthew Bourne, will open in London at the end of the year.

Ages 5+. Children under the age 5 are not permitted into the theatre. Children 5+ must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult.

Cinderella - LON [41664]

Cinderella

Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella’s life is dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out... 

Family friendly shows in London

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LON | TT | Carousel - Web Hompage | Moulin Rouge | 23350

LON | All Retailers | Images | Moulin Rouge! The Musical | 23350

The night belongs to the bohemians, as Baz Luhrmann's iconic 2001 film can-cans its way to vibrant life onstage in Alex Timbers's eyegasmic production. There's a new detail —&nbsp;an elephant, a windmill —&nbsp;everywhere you look in the bedazzled <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/piccadilly-theatre" target="_blank">Piccadilly Theatre</a>, dripping in red lights, lace, and velvet with Derek McLane's immersive set. Welcome to the Moulin Rouge.&nbsp;This is not your Parisian night club from the early 2000's in the film or from the turn-of-the-century (other century) France where the tragic love story of fledgling American writer Christian and washed-up showgirl Satine is set. This, mon chérie, is an all-new, all-adrenaline rush of a show that leverages the movie's magic and adds the secret ingredient: theatrical magic.&nbsp;Timbers is not afraid to use every tool in his directing arsenal with this self-aware, but not self-conscious, amalgamation of vintage and modern, classic and contemporary. Every creative team member is clearly working overtime to deliver excellence and opulence.Seventy-plus pop songs, precisely arranged by music supervisor Justin Levine? Check. Show-stopping ensemble dance numbers choreographed like a pop concert by Sonya Tayeh? You bet. A veritable smorgasbord of lighting effects from designer Justin Townsend? Of course. Jewel-dripping bodices and crushed velvet for days in Catherine Zuber's elaborate ensembles? Bien sûr.However, sometimes extravagance can mask the cracks, which make the barrier between art and life transparent. On Wednesday night's performance, this show-stopper literally stopped. During Act 2, between high-energy ensemble numbers "Chandelier" and "Roxanne," the show was held due to technical difficulties for about 20 minutes.&nbsp;While stage management handled everything smoothly and professionally, the momentary pause felt like watching a show within a show within a show. After all, Moulin Rouge! The Musical catalogues the backstage drama of the eponymous nightclub struggling to make it while putting on a new production.Here we were in the audience, watching a company that's weathered more than its share of Covid difficulties and delays with an opening twice-postponed, still doing their thing and putting on a show, despite the hardship.It's a testament to resilience and artistry, something that both the show and this company clearly celebrate. The leading lovers, played by Liisi LaFontaine and Jamie Bogyo, deliver a youthful energy that belies their characters' weary struggles, and each is charming and well-sung.&nbsp;However, the standouts of the evening are in the supporting cast and the ensemble. As writer and unabashed bohemian Toulouse-Lautrec, Jason Pennycooke steals every scene he's in, and Elia Lo Tauro oozes charisma as Christian's rapscallion friend Santiago. Clive Carter channels Jim Broadbent from the film in a pitch-perfect portrayal of the club's emcee Harold Zidler, and every ensemble dancer deserves their own shoutout for the hard work and energy they're delivering onstage.&nbsp;After all, theatre and the Moulin Rouge are about family and community, something we've all been missing these past few years. Watching a powerful show where despite trials onstage and off, the power and perseverance of the human spirit is what overcomes, is healing. And as soon as those snaps click into place at the top of "Lady Marmalade," you know you're safe to go along for the ride. Lemme hear y'all flow, sistas.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23350-moulin-rouge-the-musical">Moulin Rouge! The Musical is at the Piccadilly Theatre. Book Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets on London Theatre.</a>Photo credit: The London company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. (Photo by Matt Crockett)

'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' review — Baz Luhrmann’s classic film can-cans into the West End

The Piccadilly Theatre is a beautiful theatre venue, located in London's vibrant West End. It is a prominent gathering point for art and culture enthusiasts, hosting a wide array of compelling productions that cater to a diverse audience. The theatre offers an elegant Edwardian design that has retained its old-world charm, offering a perfect location for a night of theatre. Built in 1928, Piccadilly has the capacity to accommodate 1,232 people in style. Over the years, it has housed iconic productions such as 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', 'Jersey Boys', and 'Dirty Dancing'. The venue currently hosts the much-acclaimed 'Death of a Salesman'. With its excellent location, superb acoustics, and a range of eateries within close proximity, Piccadilly Theatre is an excellent choice for a memorable theatre experience.
## How to get to the venue
Piccadilly Theatre is located at Denman Street, just behind Piccadilly Circus, in the City of Westminster. The theatre is serviced by buses stopping at 'Piccadilly Circus' or 'Haymarket'. The closest train station is 'Piccadilly Circus Station', on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. Parking is available at Masterpark car parks in Denman Street and Brewer Street.

## Additional Information

MATINEE: Venue opens 90min before showtime
EVENING: Venue opens 105min before showtime
Please arrive with plenty of time, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point.

Piccadilly Theatre - LON

Piccadilly Theatre

Piccadilly Theater is situated in London's West End, known for hosting diverse productions while offering delectable eateries nearby.

LON | TT | Carousel - Web Homepage | Oh, Mary! | 45447 

Oh, Mary! - LON [45447]

Oh, Mary!

LON | Oh, Mary! | 45447

Oh, Mary! is an uproariously dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

Trafalgar Theatre is the West End's newest hit theatre, located in the heart of historic London. This exquisite venue was magnificently renovated and reopened in 2021, molding a heritage design with cutting-edge technology to create an exciting atmosphere that brings both contemporary and classic productions to life. The theatre's reconfiguration into a more proscenium format enables it to host a diverse range of shows, attracting a broad audience base from all walks of life. With a capacity of 630, every seat guarantees an intimate and immersive theatrical experience. Innocent until recently; the Trafalgar Theatre’s rich history - from being a television and film studio to eventually transitioning into a theatre – adds an air of fascination. In terms of amenities, the theatre is equipped with bars on each level and can ensure patrons have a pleasant and well-catered experience.

## How to Get to the Venue
 Trafalgar Theatre is conveniently located near several Underground stations with Charing Cross being the closest - a mere 2-minute walk. Bus services also provide excellent connectivity to and from various parts of London, with several routes stopping within walking distance of the theatre. For those who prefer driving, there are a few NCP car parks nearby. The theatre is also easily accessible for cyclists, with several bicycle racks available in the vicinity.

Trafalgar Theatre - LON

Trafalgar Theatre

Trafalgar Theatre in London is a renewed venue offering a versatile range of shows, conveniently located and easily accessible by multiple transport modes.

LON | TT | Carousel - Web Homepage | Globe Summer Season   

LON | TT | Web Homepage | Globe Summer Season 

LON | TT | Carousel - Web Homepage | My Neighbour Totoro | 25389

LON | TT | Carousel - Web Homepage | The Mousetrap | 333

Ages 7+ (recommended). Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 4s will not be admitted. All children must have their own ticket.

The Mousetrap - LON [333]

The Mousetrap

tt-hero-image-mousetrap-nov-2025

The Mousetrap [333] - LON Product Media

Agatha Christie's '<a href="/show/the-mousetrap">The Mousetrap</a>', opened in the West End on the 25th November 1952, which means it has been running for over 50 years making it the world's longest running play - an incredible achievement for any play and one that the producers are rightly proud of. In the course of the first 50 years, according to the programme notes, over 10 million people have seen the show and over 395 tons of ice cream have been sold!So what is the show's success? Part of it has to do with the fame of playwright Agatha Christie. In 1962 UNESCO announced that she was the most widely read British writer in the world, beating even Shakespeare, who came a miserable second. As the creator of such famous sleuths as Miss Jane Marple and the famous French, sorry Belgian, Detective Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie is the most famous 'whodunnit' crime writer of all time. Who has not heard of "Death on the Nile" or "Murder on the Orient Express"?Agatha Christie's fame has surely played a part in this show's success. In the 1950's Christie's books were regularly in the top sellers list. It was hardly surprising that a play, which has never been published or turned into a movie or tv programme, should attract avid fans. Since that initial enthusiasm the show has now become one of the essential things to do on many a tourists schedule - go to Buckingham Palace, visit the Tower of London and see 'The Mousetrap'.The play is your regular 'whodunit' mystery. Eight people are snowed in at a guest house: Mollie and Giles Ralston, the owners; four invited guests, each with eccentric characteristics; the unexpected guest, who turns up out of the blue after his car overturns in the snow storm; and finally a skiing detective. Once everyone has arrived it is not long before a murder takes place and the detective assembles all the guests together and interrogates them one by one. Each avoid the truth, some by silence and others by lies? Can the murderer be caught before more deaths happen?The story, whilst sensational and full of silly coincidences, is actually quite good. The characters are, despite their histrionics, vivid and they interact amongst themselves with macabre amusement. There are enough false clues to keep you guessing and a few hidden ones that mean if you stay alert you will not be too surprised to discover that the murderer is ****. Just kidding! If you want the answer to that question then you will need to go and see this quintessentially English murder mystery for yourself.NOTE: The star rating was added to this review by the editor after original publication<a href="/show/the-mousetrap">The Mousetrap Tickets</a> are now on sale.&nbsp;

The Mousetrap Review

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S THE MOUSETRAP is the world’s longest-running play. This thrilling West End production is THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case closed!

St. Martin's Theatre, a London theatre venue situated in the heart of the West End, is a heritage of British theatrical history. Originally built in 1916, it is one of London's oldest and most respected venues, significantly known for hosting the record-breaking show, The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie. St. Martin's Theatre flaunts a breath-taking architecture, showcasing Edwardian style designed by architect W.G.R. Sprague. The theatre can accommodate 550 people, promoting an intimate viewing experience for all. Its interiors are adorned with ornate detailing, adding a touch of royal aesthetic to the viewer's experience. The theatre not only holds stage shows but also hosts concerts and film screenings, making for a versatile environment. **Getting to the venue:** St. Martin's Theatre is located at West Street, near Shaftesbury Avenue in Covent Garden. It's an approximately 10-minute walk from Leicester Square station, serviced by the Piccadilly and Northern lines. Numerous buses also stop near the theatre. The nearest car park is Q-Park Trafalgar, but with congestion charges applicable in the area, public transport is highly recommended.

St. Martin's Theatre - LON

St. Martin's Theatre

St. Martin's Theatre is a renowned London theatre venue known for hosting Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. It's easily reachable by public transportation.

LON | TT | Carousel - Web Hompage | Cabaret | 23939

Ages 12+. At parent/guardian's discretion.

Cabaret - LON [23939]

Cabaret

Cabaret - LON [23939] Product Media

We have no troubles here. In here, life is beautiful.The<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/kit-kat-club"> Kit Kat Club</a> is the ultimate escape. After a difficult or even ordinary day, the fanfare, glitz, and glamour feel like a portal to another time, where you'll be greeted with complimentary schnapps, dancing chorus members, and a lascivious pre-show smorgasbord.&nbsp;From the gilded lobby, disco-lit basement, and everywhere in between, the space creates an all-encompassing atmosphere, right down to the aptly named cabaret tables, a design element director Sam Mendes also used in his 1993 production at the Donmar and later&nbsp;on Broadway, where it was revived in 2014.&nbsp;However, here, director Rebecca Frecknall levels up the concept, and maybe this time, the stakes are a little higher and a little more intense. Coupled with Tom Scutt's immersive design and Isabella Byrd's atmospheric lighting, this production feels like a world away from outside.&nbsp;Or does it really? The headlines feel eerily similar today as when Joe Masteroff, John Kander, and Fred Ebb wrote their iconic musical about an American writer and a struggling nightclub performer in 1920s Berlin, who find themselves torn between a struggle to survive in love and life amid the rising glare of Nazism. There are, in fact, many troubles here.&nbsp;And Frecknall doesn't pull any punches with her high-concept approach, which takes a cue from Christopher Isherwood's Goodbye to Berlin and John van Druten's 1951 play, on which the show is based. The approaching horror and absurdism of this escape is at the forefront, and her highly choreographed tableau feels like a ballet or a marionette show, where someone calculating is pulling all the strings.&nbsp;At the center of this circus stands the Emcee, played here with impish wackiness by Eddie Redmayne. Redmayne slithers around the stage, contorting his being every which way to almost distracting effect. Redmayne is not a commanding showman, as is a tempting take for the Emcee, but instead he uses gesture and sensuality to make the audience lean in. As the musical gets progressively darker, Redmayne's Emcee becomes more and more absurd, almost half American Horror Story: Freakshow and half Martha Graham dancer, and his final iteration is the most horrific.&nbsp;In contrast to Redmayne, Jessie Buckley is all bravado and belt. Her Sally Bowles is the ultimate starlet, taking a note or three from Liza Minelli's iconic film performance in the role, and she dominates the stage with effortless charisma and appeal. She's irresistible. Even in the quieter, heartbreaking moments, she conveys an emotional depth and density, and she nails the 11 o'clock title song. (While many may argue that Sally Bowles as a character is not supposed to be a good singer, neither this production nor Buckley respect that take.)This production highlights the ensemble nature of the show, featuring a chorus of extremely talented dancers, seemingly inventing new ways to move with Julia Cheng's choreography, and the supporting cast offers a deep emotional contrast to the more showy club scenes.&nbsp;As Fraulein Scheider and Herr Schultz, Liza Sadovy and Elliot Levey hold the beating heart of the piece and shatter it into pieces. Anna-Jane Casey stands out as Fraulein Kost, and Omari Douglas does his best naive fish-out-of-water as American writer Clifford Bradshaw.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23939-cabaret">Cabaret</a> feels like a story we need and also don't need right now. On the one hand, it's a glorious ode to escapism and forgetting the troubles that bind us. But some of the "troubles" we're going through right now aren't that far off from Jazz Age Berlin, with abortion legislation under fire in the United States and government oversight of Covid-19 brewing further division.&nbsp;And Frecknall's searing, haunting final stage portrait seems to imply that escapism only lasts so long. Sooner or later, if we don't face our troubles, our troubles will find us. After all, life isn't really a cabaret, old chum.<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23939-cabaret">Cabaret is playing at the Kit Kat Club. Book tickets to Cabaret on London Theatre.&nbsp;</a>

'Cabaret' at the Kit Kat Club review — Come to the cabaret with Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley

The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre is an iconic venue rooted deep in London's cultural heart. Immortalized by the legendary play 'Cabaret', this famous locale comes alive every night, brimming with elegance, sophistication, and a richly provoking ambiance. The Satine interior design is steeped in history, featuring rich, dark reds and a stunning crystal chandelier. Parquet floors and large French windows looking out over the busy London streets further imbue the Kit Kat Club with an irresistible allure. Here, the sounds of decadence echo long into the night, as theatre fanatics, tourists, and curious wanderers seek solace in its welcoming atmosphere.

### Getting to the Venue

Centrally located, the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre is easily accessible. The nearest underground station is Embankment (Circle, District, Bakerloo, Northern lines) which is just a short walk away. Also, Charing Cross Station (National Rail services, Northern and Bakerloo lines) is close by. Numerous buses service the Strand, and there are taxi ranks at Charing Cross. There are car parks at Trafalgar Square or on the South Bank. Whether by public transport, car, or on foot, getting to the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre is convenient and effortless.

### Additional information

Venue opens 75min before showtime.

Please arrive with plenty of time, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point, which may be the interval.
Please note that once the show begins, we cannot guarantee readmission to the auditorium if you need to leave your seat for any reason. This is for both your safety and the safety of the performers. It may be up to a 30 minute wait before you are allowed back to your seat. If you have any requirements which mean you're likely to need to leave the auditorium mid-show, please speak to member of staff before the show begins.

Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre - LON

Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre is a historic, iconic theatre venue in London, easily accessible via multiple transport options.

LON | TT | Carousel - Web Homepage | Back to the Future |  22396

Back to the Future: The Musical - LON [22396] Product Media

​​Great Scott! <a href="/actor-profile/roger-bart">Roger Bart</a>, whose positive Covid test kept him from opening night earlier this month, is once again bringing his 1.21 gigawatts of zany energy to Doc Brown. I went back to <a href="/show/back-to-the-future">Back to the Future</a> to see Bart in action (<a href="/theatre-news/west-end-features/mark-oxtoby-back-to-the-future-doc-brown-opening-night">after catching his understudy Mark Oxtoby</a>), and, in both versions of the time-space-actor continuum, enjoyed a show that is, indisputably, a fantastic night out.This West End musical incarnation of the 1985 movie is over a decade in the making, following lengthy development and, of course, a global pandemic, which created a big gap between its Manchester Opera House debut in March 2020 and the London transfer.Yet if any show can manage a time lag, it's surely this one. Film fans should be reassured that this is a faithful adaptation, with the movie's Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, and Alan Silvestri all returning for the musical - joined by co-composer Glen Ballard and director John Rando.Small tweaks make it more palatable for 2021. The Libyan terrorists are gone, and Lorraine is given slightly more agency, although it's best not to examine the gender relations too closely. (Is&nbsp;beating people up really the only way to prove your masculinity and your worth as a partner?)And, in truth, it's not exactly a musical in the traditional sense. After two viewings, I'd be hard pressed to reproduce much of the original score; the songs that stick are the pop hits used in the movie and triumphantly reprised here, "Johnny B Goode" and "The Power of Love."Likewise, Chris Bailey's choreography includes explosive tricks, along with a shift from breakdancing to swing, but the numbers never build to a climax. Yet both music and movement do enough to serve the story, and this toe-tapping retro-pastiche fun (Grease meets Footloose) slips down as easily as chocolate milk.Most effectively, there's a balance of wit and sincerity. When Marty arrives in 1955, he's greeted by an irony-laden number about the wonders of smoking, asbestos, and white men having their cake and eating it too. Doc Brown later dreams of a utopian 21st-century future with no war or disease (hoho). The show trades on nostalgia, while slyly deconstructing it.The same with the form. A superbly deployed ensemble provides continual backup, but at one point a fourth-wall-breaking Doc Brown suddenly "sees" the dancers and wordlessly ushers them out the door. That goofiness is endearing, and feels like a proper embrace of this new medium.But there's still a rollicking adventure in here, too, anchored by the Michael J Fox-evoking <a href="/actor-profile/olly-dobson">Olly Dobson</a>. He and Courtney-Mae Briggs are instantly believable as the loved-up teens, providing Marty with added motivation to return home, and Dobson reacts brilliantly to the madness around him - particularly his Oedipal nightmare.As Doc Brown, Bart goes full vaudeville. With his lightning-fast changes of mood, voices and physical tics, plus snappy ad-libs, he's like Robin Williams at his most playful. But he also finds stillness for a wistful ballad dedicated to the dreamers. It links up these two worlds of sci-fi and theatre.Rosanna Hyland is an assured, sweet-voiced Lorraine, Hugh Coles a comically awkward and endearing George, Aidan Cutler a satisfying boo-hiss villain, and Cedric Neal provides the musical highlight with the aspirational, gospel-tinged "Gotta Start Somewhere."And yes, the car is a star too: that iconic DeLorean roaring onto the stage and accelerating to 88 miles per hour to blast through time (if petrol is a bust, perhaps we should all switch to plutonium). The audience is totally immersed in that thrilling ride thanks to a crack creative team (Tim Hatley, Tim Lutkin, Gareth Owen, Finn Ross, and Chris Fisher) and it even extends into the auditorium, with strips of LED lights creating a giant fizzing circuit board. There's also a climactic trick that I genuinely can't explain. Theatre magic: how I've missed it.Booking has already extended to July next year. Clearly, this time-hopping spectacle with a heart is also the show of the moment.<div><a href="/show/back-to-the-future">Back to the Future is at the Adelphi Theatre. Book Back to the Future tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.</a></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Photo credit: Roger Bart and Olly Dobson (Photo by Sean Ebsworth Barnes)</div>

'Back to the Future' review - sci-fi and theatre blend to create genuine magic

The Adelphi Theatre, located in London's West End, is a historic venue recognised for its rich contribution to London's vibrant theatre scene. Exquisitely built in Art Deco architectural style, the Adelphi boasts an impressive history of notable performances and theatrical debuts since it first opened its doors in 1806. With a seating capacity of around 1,500, the venue ensures a sumptuous viewing experience enhanced by modern equipment, tastefully restored interiors, and comfortable seating that allows audiences to get lost in the art unfolding onstage. Over the years, the venue has hosted a range of compelling performances, be it dazzling musicals, thought-provoking dramas, or riveting mystery thrillers, contributing to its reputation as a central hub for quality theatre. Some of the famous shows to grace its stage include Chicago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, and more recently, Waitress. **How to get to the Adelphi Theatre**: Located on The Strand, the theatre is just a short walk away from various bus stops, tube stations, and railway stations. The nearest tube station, Covent Garden, is only a 5-minute walk away, while Charing Cross, the nearest railway station, is a 7-minute walk. Several bus routes service The Strand, making the theatre readily accessible from all parts of London.

Adelphi Theatre - LON

Adelphi Theatre

The historic Adelphi Theatre in London's West End hosts notable performances in 1,500-seating capacity auditorium, and is easily accessible via public transport.

Don’t miss Cole Escola’s Tony-winning, smashing dark comedy *Oh, Mary!* as it storms into the West End, starring Mason Alexander Park as Mary Todd Lincoln. Directed by Sam Pinkleton, this critically acclaimed comedic masterpiece is unlike anything else on the London stage.


The West End's best ticket.The West End's best ticket.