Five dates for 2019
Your credit card may still be quivering after Christmas, but summon your courage and grab your wallet because here are five shows you need to book early . . .
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
A STAGE version of Dolly Parton’s Eighties girl power film stars former EastEnder Bonnie Langford. Written by the film’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, it features music and lyrics by Dolly herself.
Also starring in the story of three women rebelling against their lyin’, cheatin’, chauvinistic boss (Brian Conley) are Louise Redknapp, Amber Davies and Natalie McQueen.
Previewing from January 28, Savoy Theatre, Strand London WC2R 0ET (0844 871 7687/9to5themusical.co.uk).
ALL ABOUT EVE
THE year’s most fashionable ticket will be this adaptation of the Bette Davis film starring Olivier award-winner Gillian Anderson and Mamma Mia star Lily James (both pictured).
Anderson takes the Davis role of the ageing movie star, while James is the young usurper. Cult musician P.J. Harvey is doing the music.
Previewing from February 2, opens February 12, Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9LX (0844 482 5151/allabouteveplay.com).
ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES
STONE the crows, they’ve only gone and made a musical out of one of TV’s most popular sitcoms.
Paul Whitehouse stars as Peckham’s favourite Grandad, with Tom Bennett in the David Jason role of Del Boy and Ryan Hutton in the Nicholas Lyndhurst role of gawky Rodney. The rogues’ gallery includes Raquel, Denzil and Mike the Barman.
Previewing from February 9, opens February 19, Theatre Royal, Haymarket London (020 7930 8800/ onlyfoolsmusical.com).
BETRAYAL
TOM HIDDLESTON, possessor of the UK’s most prestigious buttocks, will surely keep his derriere under wraps for the latest instalment of Harold Pinter short plays.
There is much excitement, nonetheless, about his appearance in the drama that originally starred Penelope Wilton and Michael Gambon in 1978.
The lucky lady who will face the former Night Manager will be announced at the end of this month.
Previewing from March 5, opens March 13, Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, SW1Y 4DN (0844 871 7622/ pinteratthepinter.com).
ALL MY SONS
ARTHUR MILLER’S American drama about postwar guilt stars Sally Field and Bill Pullman as the husband and wife whose eldest son is missing, feared dead. Colin Morgan plays the younger son, discovering the truth about his brother’s disappearance; while Jenna Coleman is the missing man’s girlfriend, harbouring a shattering secret. Jeremy Herrin directs. Previewing from April 15, opens April 23, Old Vic Theatre, The Cut, London SE1 8NB (0844 871 7628/ oldvictheatre.com).