Kristin Scott Thomas as The Queen (The Audience) Photo credit: Jason Bell
2015 is going to be a big year for the Royals. No we’re not talking about Royal baby number two, but the many kings, queens and princes set to rule over Theatreland in the coming year.
Our very own monarch will be back in residence on Shaftesbury Avenue in April with the return of Peter Morgan’s Olivier Award nominated play The Audience, in which Kristin Scott Thomas takes on the role of Her Majesty The Queen, at the Apollo Theatre.
Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet
Who could forget the forthcoming stage appearance of a little known Sherlock actor who’s taking on Shakespeare’s most famous prince? Yes, Benedict Cumberbatch will lead Lyndsey Turner’s production of Hamlet at the Barbican in August.
Homeland’s Damian Lewis in American Buffalo
Homeland star Damian Lewis, who is soon to appear as Henry VIII in the television adaptation of Wolf Hall, will be turning far less noble for his stage outing in April when he plays the role of a small-time crook in American Buffalo at the Wyndham’s Theatre.
James McAvoy in The Ruling Class
And we couldn’t possibly overlook James McAvoy’s stage return, so we’re throwing in an earl for good measure. The X-Men actor will appear as a man who inherits the title of the 14th Earl of Gurney in the first ever West End revival of Peter Barnes’ razor-sharp comedy The Ruling Class at the Trafalgar Studios in January.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Staying with the royal theme, albeit more tenuously, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, which features the songs of the regally-named American singer, will arrive at the Aldwych Theatre in February. Joining the Broadway import in the musical offerings is the screen to stage adaptation of Bend It Like Beckham. No doubt the former residents of Beckingham Palace will be heading to the capital to see that one when it kicks off its run at the Phoenix Theatre in May.
West End Transfers
Elsewhere it’s all about West End transfers, with Di And Viv And Rose, My Night With Reg, The Nether and A View From The Bridge all opening in a matter of weeks. Remember, tickets for some of those can be snapped up through Official London Theatre’s annual discount promotion Get Into London Theatre.
