Top Five HOT Shows To See This Summer

Posted on 3 July 2015

As the UK reaches its highest temperatures this week, the warm onset of July approaches. Whilst sitting in a packed building for two hours doesn’t seem to be the most appealing of pastimes, there is some theatre currently in the West End that will provide the perfect entertainment on a summer’s day.

5. The Motherf***er with the Hat

Jackie, who has just been released from jail, has an optimistic life ahead of him. His new sponsor is supportive, and he may possible even have a job. He also has his lover of many years, Veronia, and it seems nothing could come between them – except for a hat! The expletive laden play questions love and addiction, proving poetic, profane and hilarious!

4. Sunny Afternoon

The jukebox musical, based on the music of The Kinks, is set in the swing from the conservative 50s to the revolutionary and riotous 60s. Exploring the roots of the bands iconic sound, Sunny Afternoon has proved popular with both fans of the British band and new audience members alike, taking home 4 Olivier Awards including Best New Musical.

3. Constellations

Nick Payne’s award winning play doesn’t open at Trafalgar Studios until the 9th of July, but was already played in the West End, on Broadway and is just concluding its first UK tour. Michael Longhurst’s superb production investigates the infinite possibilities within one relationship, and both Joe Armstrong and Louise Brealey put in fantastic performances when I saw them recently in Cambridge.

2. The Woman in Black

If you are too scared to see the stage imagining of Susan Hill’s novella normally, you have no excuse now since it will still be light as you leave the theatre! The clever staging and incredibly hard work of the two cast members make this play a timeless classic and give credit to its 26 years in the West End.

1. Miss Saigon

The heat is literally on in Saigon, as Boubil and Schonberg’s hit musical continues its run at the Prince Edward Theatre. Jon Jon Briones and Eva Noblezada are extraordinary stage performers and with rumours of being replaced by Aladdin in 2016 afoot, it is best to catch this epic production while you can!