William Hanson's Collection

William Hanson's Collection

Britain's leading etiquette coach, author, and podcast host William Hanson shares his theatre picks which are, naturally, impeccable.

Titanique

I first saw this kooky krazy, Celine-tastic romp off-Broadway in early 2023. Never in a month of Sundays did I think I'd ever be in the West End production, but here we are, full steam ahead. While my voyage sadly docks on the 26th July, the show itself is unsinkable, booking until January 2027, and is a must-see if you like anarchic, camp humour, told by a wonderfully talented cast. All aboard while you still can.

The Producers

I caught The Producers shortly after it landed in the West End following its transfer, and what a triumphant invasion it's been, conquering audiences night after night with Mel Brooks's gloriously tasteless wit that still holds years after it was first penned. But all good occupations must end, and this one surrenders in September, so get your tickets before this cast retreat for good. If you like your comedy with a high body count of good taste, this is unmissable.

Wicked

Zizi Strallen's Glinda is an absolute joy, all popular pink perfection with comic timing to match. I loved her as Mary Poppins, and she brings that same effortless, twinkly charm to Oz, proving she's at home with a bubble entrance as she is with a flying umbrella. If you haven't been before, or it's been a while, this is the perfect excuse to go back and see why Wicked remains unmissable.

The Mousetrap

I've long been a fan of The Mousetrap for its sheer ingenuity: an Agatha Christie puzzle box that's been wrong-footing audiences since 1952. Every twist is set up so cleverly that you'll be replaying the whole thing in your head on the way home, trying to work out exactly where you went wrong. If you like your theatre with a properly satisfying mystery at its heart, this is the gold standard. Just don't you dare give away the ending - very bad manners!

Poster of Paddington The Musical in London

Paddington The Musical

from £38

Go for the bear, stay for the villain. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt's Milicent steals the show, musically, if you ask me. A really lovely, glossy production that will bring many tears to your eyes, evoking childhood memories of when we all grew up with the Peruvian mammal and his antics.

Poster of Hay Fever In London

Hay Fever

I can't wait for Hay Fever, with Richard E Grant and Christine Baranski stepping into Noël Coward's wonderfully bad-mannered comedy of one chaotic country house weekend. Coward's wit about a family who treat their houseguests appallingly and somehow get away with it is the perfect material for two actors with such impeccable comic instincts. Expect deliciously bad behaviour, exquisitely delivered, and book now before everyone else cottons on.

Poster of Ride the Cyclone In London

Ride The Cyclone

This new musical, which returns after great demand, is a darkly funny, wonderfully strange musical that turns a fatal rollercoaster accident into a celebration of life and the choices that shape it. With a witty book, an unforgettable score, and a cast of misfit teens you’ll connect with instantly, it's the kind of show that surprised me with how much heart it has.