13 Shows To Watch In The Next 7 Days

It's the final week of October. While it has been a trying month for the country in terms of restrictions changing more than a troubled show changes in previews, for theatre it's been pretty decent with announcements about new shows and venues re-opening every day. This week we have a big show happening in Manchester, some spooky online content, the Olivier awards and even a cinema release. Remember cinema? Here is a terrifying 13 shows to watch over the next 7 days (They will all vary in degrees of how terrifying they are but to each their own)

IN PERSON

WHAT?

Jonathan Larsson's iconic masterpiece Rent returns to the UK for a brand new production. With an incredible cast including Jocasta Almgill, Blake Patrick Anderson, Millie O'Connell, Maiya Quansah-Breed and Alex Thomas-Smith tackling classic songs like 'Seasons of Love' and 'Take Me Or Leave Me', this is one of the most exciting shows to open this side of Christmas.

WHEN?

The show opens on Friday 30th October and runs until December 6th. Tickets for the entire run have sold out but there will be chances to view the show online from November 27th, and there is always the chance of returns... or a miracle.

WHERE?

It is playing at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester which are re-opening with a tonne of safety measures in place. While tickets are sold out for now, details can be found at https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/rent

WHAT?

All good things must come to an end so after a fantastic few months, the West End Musical Drive In is closing its massive doors to put on a spooktacular finale. Its Halloween specal stars Lucie Jones, Jon Robyns and Kelly Agbowu. Expect Waitress, Les Miserables and some Halloween songs thrown in too.

WHEN?

WHEN?

The concert is on Saturday 31st October at 2.30pm

WHERE?

The drive in is located near Enfield and tickets are available from https://www.westendmusicaldrivein.co.uk/

WHAT?

Now. Here. This. is a show searching for the answers to life’s big questions by exploring the birds, bees, reptiles, trees, dinosaurs, illiteracy, hoarding, middle school, first love, fashion, and much, much more. From the creators of [title of show] this is the UK's professional premiere of the show. ​

WHEN?

The show continues a London tour with dates in Chiswick from October 27th - 31st.

WHERE?

It plays Chiswick Playhouse this week before moving to Kingston inext week. Tickets are on sale from https://www.nowherethisuk.com

IN CINEMA/ON TV

WHAT?

Uncle Vanya was enjoying a run at the Harold Pinter Theatre when the pandemic forced it to close early. The cast reunited recently to film a production of the show which will be broadcast in cinemas. The cast includes Toby Jones and Richard Armitage.

WHEN?

It will be broadcast on October 27th.

WHERE?

While some cinemas have closed temporarily, others are still open. Uncle Vanya will be broadcast exclusively in there so check your local area to see where is best for you.

WHAT?

The Olivier Awards are always a highlight in the calendar for both everybody in the theatre industry and theatre fans. The curse of 2020 meant that they took a back seat this year but better late than never, the ceremony will FINALLY take place tonight.

WHEN?

Catch it on TV at 10.20pm on Sunday 25th October with a pre-show taking place at 9.30pm A show featuring the highlights will air on Magic Radio on Monday 26th October from 8-10pm.

WHERE?

Filmed at the Palladium earlier this week to no audience, catch the pre-show at 9.30pm at Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel with the show on ITV1 at 10.20pm.

ONLINE

WHAT?

The Barn Theatre are hosting an online spectacular just in time for Halloween. This adaptation of the murder mystery play features an all star cast including Stephen Fry, Sharon D. Clarke, Tamzin Outhwaite, Alfred Enoch and Sir Derek Jacobi.

WHEN?

Premiering on Saturday 31st October, it will be available for a month until November 29th.

WHERE?

Purchase your tickets from https://barntheatre.org.uk/what-a-carve-up

WHAT?

Catfish is a brand new musical co-written by Willy Mukendi and Joseph Purdue. It recently staged a sold out concert production at the Turbine Theatre and now you can catch the filmed version online for a limited time.

WHEN?

Available for three performances on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

WHERE?

Get your tickets from https://www.stream.theatre/

WHAT?

Get ready for a spooky Halloween concert organised by Amy Hart and Paul Taylor-Mills. Including Lizzie Bea, Matt Croke, Louise Dearman, Rob Fowler, Lois Gay, Evelyn Hoskins, Aoife Kenny, Sejal Keshwala, Jodie Steele, Tosh Wanogho-Maud and Layton Williams.

WHEN?

The concert will be released on Saturday 31st October and available to view for seven days.

WHERE?

Tickets are available costing £10 from https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/shop/i-put-a-spell-on-you/

WHAT?

The first episode of The Theatre Channel was sensational, and now the second episode is ready to drop. Episode 2 is a Halloween special featuring Bradley Jaden and Sophie Isaacs singing 'Life After Life' from Dracula, Josh Piterman singing 'THe Confrontation' from Jekyll and Hyde, a performance from Aimie Atkinson, and a unique performace from Carrie star Linzi Hateley, revisiting the musical that launched her career but this time performing 'When There;s No One' - a number usually sung by Carrie's mother in the show.

WHEN?

The episode premieres on Friday 30th October at 7pm

WHERE?

Tickets cost £12 from

https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/shop/the-theatre-channel-episode-2/

WHAT?

The Theatre Cafe continue their Night Cap series this week with Bat Out Of Hell, &Juliet and Hair star Jordan Luke Gage. Watch him talk about his career with Paul Taylor-Mills and to sing songs that inspire his.

WHEN?

Catch it on Thursday 29th October at 8pm

WHERE?

Tickets cost £8 from https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/livestreams/paul-taylor-mills-presents-night-cap-with-jordan-luke-gage-at-the-theatre-cafe/

WHAT?

In The Wings concludes its fantastic second series showcasing new musicals. This week is the turn of The Rise. Written by Graham Lappin, the show features a folk-inspired score charting one significant day in Lancashire in 1894.

WHEN?

Catch it on Friday 30th October at 7.30pm

WHERE?

It will be on youtube.com/InTheWingsLive.

WHAT?

Seth Rudetsky continues his fabulous concert series this week with Lachanze. With credits to her name including Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, If/Then and Once On This Island she is best known for winning a Tony award for her role as Celie in The Color Purple.

WHEN?

The show is broadcast live at 8pm ET on Sunday 25th October which will be 1am in the UK. Catch a repeat on Monday 26th October at 3pm ET so 8pm in the UK.

WHERE?

Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased from thesethconcertseries.com

WHAT?

The Shows Must Go On continues its weekly series with an as yet announced title. Their collection of 'The Greats on Tour' concluded last week. While The Wind In The Willows has been rumoured, the official announcement should be made on Monday.

WHEN?

Catch it on Friday 30th October at 7pm for 48 hours only.

WHERE?

It will be available from youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon

Another brilliant week for theatre. Look out for my monthly preview for what to expect in November at the end of the week as well as reviews for several of the shows on this list throughout the week.