London’s must-see theatre shows for the end of 2023

The captivating world of London’s theatres is always a special treat, where the stage becomes a portal to many emotions and narratives. This year, you can be lucky enough to immerse yourself in the enchanting mythos of ‘Lyoness’, witness the tragic unravelling of ‘Shakespeare’s King Lear’, and feel the intensity within ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ as it explores the clash between tradition and desire. There’s also the mind-bending journey of ‘Infinite Life’, challenging the very fabric of existence and experiencing the gripping dynamics in Harold Pinter’s theatre ‘The Homecoming’. 

London’s theaters are not just entertainment but immersive explorations of the human condition, where each play is a brushstroke on the canvas of storytelling, leaving a deep mark on the audience that often lasts far longer than the play itself. 

Lyonesse

In this captivating new drama, the formidable duo of Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas, renowned for their previous collaboration in Ben Wheatley's 2020 Netflix adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's 'Rebecca,' takes centre stage once again. This time, they embark on a two-month West End journey in the compelling play 'Lyonesse.' Crafted by the talented Penelope Skinner, celebrated for her modern classic, 'The Village Bike,' the narrative unfolds around Elaine (Scott-Thomas), a reclusive actress emerging from a 30-year hiatus and orchestrating her comeback. Drawing in young film executive Kate (James) to assist in her Cornish return, the play promises an enigmatic twist. Skinner intriguingly labels it a 'flipped' revenge tragedy, exploring the perspective of the one for whom revenge is sought, rather than the avenger. As we await the autumn unveiling, the experienced hand of longtime Scott Thomas collaborator Ian Rickson takes the directorial reins.

17 Oct to 23 Dec 2023
Harold Pinter Theatre, Leicester Square

King Lear

In a triumphant return to the hallowed stage, Kenneth Branagh reclaims his theatrical throne with an enthralling production of Shakespeare's tragic opus, chronicling the poignant descent of a monarch who relinquishes not only his kingdom but also his sanity. Despite the near-realization of a 2021 rendition of Terence Rattigan's 'The Browning Version' succumbing to the 'pingdemic,' Branagh's absence from the stage since his eponymous company's 2016 rep season has been palpably prolonged. Now, in a self-directed rendition of 'Lear,' Branagh epitomizes his status as a magnetic draw, exuding the confidence to simultaneously undertake the dual mantle of portraying one of the most demanding roles in the Western canon and helming its directorial reins. True to Sir Ken's inimitable style, he approaches the iconic role with a touch of audacious youthfulness, defying the traditional casting tendency toward actors in their seventies, a decision justified by his robust 62 years and his unwavering mastery of the theatrical craft.

21 Oct to 9 Dec 2023
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road 

The House of Bernarda Alba

Renowned playwright Alice Birch makes a triumphant return to the National Theatre with her most ambitious project yet, following her distinctive contributions to unconventional works like 'We Want You To Watch''. Birch, the brilliant mind behind 'Normal People,' now presents her adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's timeless tragedy, 'The House of Bernarda Alba.' This compelling narrative delves into the formidable matriarch Bernarda, portrayed by the esteemed Harriet Walter, who, after her second husband's demise, enforces a stifling eight-year mourning period upon her five oppressed daughters. Under the direction of Rebecca Frecknall, in her inaugural production for the NT, this stellar cast, including the outstanding Isis Hainsworth from Frecknall's recent 'Romeo and Juliet' at the Almeida, promises an enthralling exploration of familial dynamics and societal constraints.

16 Nov 2023 to 6 Jan 2024
National Theatre, Southbank

Infinite Life

Annie Baker, lauded as the preeminent American playwright of her era, consistently dazzles with each production, and her trilogy for the NT – 'The Flick,' 'John,' and 'The Antipodes' – stands as a trifecta of theatrical brilliance. Now, the enigmatic 'Infinite Life' emerges as a potential fourth marvel. Cloaked in dreamlike allure, the play unfolds around five women reclining on chaise longues, offering a surprisingly witty exploration into the complexities of suffering and the poignant journey of desire within bodies that aren’t working as well as they used to. Under the adept guidance of Baker's longtime collaborator, director James Macdonald, the production boasts a stellar American cast featuring luminaries such as Marylouise Burke, Mia Katigbak, Christina Kirk, Kristine Nielsen, Brenda Pressley, and Pete Simpson.

22 Nov 2023 to 13 Jan 2024
National Theatre, Southbank

The Homecoming