WHEN a week of relentless rain looms over London, the city’s residents instinctively seek modes of escapism. Whether that’s nestled in a cafe, book in hand and chunky socks on foot, or stomping to underground house tracks on a dancefloor glazed with the over spill of fellow party goers drinks, London’s charm lies in its diversity. Adding to this allure is its unrivalled offering of world-class theatre and show productions, with some iconic West End staples gracing stages since the 1980s.
For those yearning for cultural enrichment to combat the gloomy skies, this curated guide offers a selection of shows that promise to brighten even the greyest of London days.
The Devil Wears Prada
Dominion Theatre
The Dominion Theatre’s latest production is a dazzling new musical adaptation of the iconic film and best-selling novel The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. A cultural touchstone for anyone remotely acquainted with the fashion industry, the story’s sharp wit and high-stakes drama are elevated in this production.
Featuring a vibrant score by Elton John and the formidable Vanessa Williams as the imperious Miranda Priestley (a role sure to evoke memories of Ugly Betty), this stage adaptation is a glamorous and dramatic feast. Brimming with twists, turns, and exquisite design, the production’s allure is simply irresistible. As Miranda herself might declare: “Don’t be ridiculous, Andrea. Everybody wants this.”
Elektra
Duke of York
Brie Larson leads a savage and heartbreaking quest for vengeance in this captivating tale of grief and survival. Based on Sophocles’ Greek tragedy, the play tells of a bitter struggle for justice by Elektra (traditionally known as Electra) and her brother Orestes for the murder of their father Agamemnon by Clytemnestra, their mother, and their stepfather Aegisthus. Each has their own reasons, with the murder in question happening as a result of Agamemnon sacrificing his daughter Iphigeneia to the goddess Artemis, who was preventing the wind from filling the sails of the Greek ships.
Oscar-winner Larson embodies the character of Elektra, shaven head, androgynous styling, hunched over posture, transfigured by the overwhelming grief. The set is also stripped back, with a revolving stage and white sheet the sole supporters. If there are any tickets left, make sure you pounce. Larson’s debut to the UK stage is well anticipated.
The Years
Almeida Theatre
A stunning stage adaptation of Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux’s acclaimed memoir, The Years is brought to life with innovative brilliance. Directed by Eline Arbo, five actors embody the stages of a woman’s life, capturing the personal and political shifts of post-war Europe.
This poignant portrayal intertwines 20th-century history with the multifaceted experiences of womanhood—menstruation, sex, love, loss, and societal change—all explored through a lens of fluidity and raw humanity. The result is an emotionally resonant exploration of identity and memory, as relevant to the collective as it is to the individual.
Theo Croker’s Dream Manifest
Barbican
The Barbican once again cements its status as London’s cultural epicentre with Dream Manifest, a one-of-a-kind evening curated by the celebrated US trumpeter Theo Croker in collaboration with London-based fashion designer Nicholas Daley.
Featuring an impressive line-up of UK jazz musicians, including Anaiis, Idris Frederick, Theon Cross, and Sheila Maurice-Grey, the event blends music and fashion with impeccable flair. Daley’s designs, rooted in Black British heritage and diasporic themes, adorn the performers, adding a visual narrative to the rich musical tapestry. Produced in partnership with the Brick Lane Jazz Festival, this is an unmissable fusion of sound, style, and storytelling.
ABBA Voyage
ABBA Arena, Olympic Park
A masterpiece of modern technology and nostalgia, ABBA Voyage has become a London institution since its debut in May 2022. This virtual concert residency in a purpose-built arena transports audiences to ABBA’s heyday through cutting-edge digital avatars and a mesmerising light show. The immersive experience, free from distractions, namely mobile phones, offers an unparalleled journey into music and spectacle. The moment that the group are first revealed, mere silhouettes backlit for added impact, the atmosphere within the arena completely shifts. It is a truly indescribable moment that can only be understood upon experiencing.
With choreography by Sir Wayne McGregor and a 10-piece live band complementing the precision of the digital performance, ABBA Voyage transcends the boundaries of a traditional concert. With its run scheduled to end in January 2026, securing tickets is imperative for fans and newcomers alike.
Cabaret
Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre
Descending into the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre is an immersive experience unlike any other. From the moment you’re greeted with a shot of schnapps in the atmospheric 1940s-inspired stairwell, the production transports you to Weimar-era Berlin with an extraordinary level of detail. Early arrival is a must, as impromptu performances in every corner of the journey to your seat set the mood for the evening ahead.
The stage is surrounded by cabaret-style seating, adding to the intimacy and authenticity of the experience. On the night of our visit, Katherine Langford shone as Sally Bowles, alongside Adam Gillen’s hauntingly charismatic Emcee, each framing the performance with star status and their masterful grasp of the delicate subjects explored.
The juxtaposition of joy and despair in the script is deeply impactful, with themes of freedom resonating deeply in such an captivating setting. With newcomers Marisha Wallace as Bowles and Billy Porter as Emcee, Cabaret remains a masterclass in theatrical immersion. Leave your troubles outside.
Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Central Hall Westminster
A multi-sensory musical experience said to have a magically enchanting effect. Soothed by the London Session Quartet, the music becomes a sound bath in its own right. Expect flashes of scenes from The Lion King, Dune, The Dark Knight and other familiar favourites to come to mind as the string quartet builds extraordinary power from such delicate instruments.
Hans Zimmer’s ability to evoke emotion is masterful, yet so often overlooked when paired with striking visuals. This candlelight concert separates the music from the film, allowing Zimmer’s compositions to shine in their own right. Of course, the visuals play a vital role too. Lit entirely by candlelight, Central Hall Westminster is transformed into a glowing, awe-inspiring spectacle.
by Lily Rimmer