London theatre highlights 2014: critic's choice

Evening Standard theatre critic Fiona Mountford looks forward to 2014's most exciting and intriguing London theatre openings, including King Lear, starring Simon Russell Beale, and Harry Hill's X Factor musical
Gemma Arterton, The Duchess of Malfi
(c) Shakespeare's Globe
26 December 2013

Shakespeare’s Globe, Jan 9-Feb 16

The Globe’s new indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse opens with Gemma Arterton in the title role of this sparkling Jacobean tragedy.

National’s Olivier, from Tue Jan 14

Sam Mendes directs Simon Russell Beale in what is already the hottest theatrical ticket of 2014.

National’s Shed, Jan 16-Feb 22

Director Carrie Cracknell and writer Nick Payne co-create a piece about contemporary gender politics. With added songs.

Tricycle, Jan 23-Mar 15

Lolita Chakrabarti’s Evening Standard Award-winning play about 19th century black actor Ira Aldridge returns, once more with Adrian Lester in the title role.

Royal Court, Jan 30-Mar 22

The hotly-anticipated new one from Abi ‘The Hour’ Morgan looks at a real-life American couple who set down in writing the sexual and financial requirements of their affair.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Feb 1-Mar 15

Joan Littlewood’s glorious satirical musical about the horrors of the First World War returns to its original home, in its 50th anniversary year.

Noel Coward Theatre, Feb 20-Jun 14

Simon Beaufoy’s new play version of his hit Brit film starts stripping in the West End, after rave reviews in Sheffield. All previews at 1990s prices, from just £4.75.

I Can’t Sing!

London Palladium, from Thu Feb 27

One might think the X Factor was already beyond parody, but this new musical from Harry Hill and Steve Brown believes otherwise. Nigel Harman stars as ‘Simon’.

Gielgud Theatre, Mar 1-Jun 7

Angela Lansbury, Janie Dee and the always outstanding Charles Edwards (This House, Downton Abbey) star in a revival of the Noel Coward staple.

Donmar Warehouse, Apr 10-May 31

James ‘This House’ Graham turns his laser-sharp gaze onto how governments and corporations use our personal information in the digital age.

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