BWW Preview: The London Stage- August 2015

Sadly some of the West End's summer excitement is dying down and at the beginning of August we bade a fond farewell Nick Payne's Constellations and Noel Coward's wonderful comedy, Hayfever. Both shows closed on 1st August at Trafalgar Studios and the Duke of York Theatre respectively. A week later, Bradley Cooper's acclaimed turn as The Elephant Man will close at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This production has effectively been airlifted from America and though apparently there are a few less than English-accented moments, has been praised for its imaginative and sensitive portrayal of Joseph Merrick's story.

Happily, though, there is still time to catch the Old Vic's production of High Society. Starring the fantastic Kate Fleetwood and Joe Parker, this production is a delightful homage to Cole Porter and his music. Joe Stilgoe and Theo Jamieson provide stunning music and the whole evening just leaves one feeling very happy. High Society concludes its run on August 22nd. Finally, this month will also see Everyman conclude its turn at the National Theatre's Olivier on August 30th. Directed by Rufus Norris and starring Chiwetal Ejiofor, Everyman contains words by Carol Ann Duffy and movement by bold choreographer Javier de Frutos - this is at least an intriguing mixture and potentially something very special.

Running just through August is the excitingly different A Midsummer Night's Dream in New Orleans. Opening at the Arts Theatre on the 12th and closing on the 30th (with previews from the 4th). This adaptation brings Shakespeare's text to life amidst the dark imagination of the American Deep South and features the songs of Dr John. Recommended for ages 12 and above, this seems something of an unknown entity, but could be interesting! Also running during August (4th to 30th) is an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's I Believe in Unicorns. This sweet tale is for children aged 6 and over, and strives to inspire a new generation of book worms by showing the many impossibilities living happily within children's libraries.

Excitingly, Stiles and Drew's brand new musical Three Little Pigs will open at the Palace Theatre on the 5th. This duo are known for their delightful children's work and this piece (recommended for ages 3 and up) contains some of British musical theatre's great talents.

And, in perhaps the most anticipated theatrical event of the year, Benedict Cumberbatch will start his run of Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre on the 5th. After a genuinely brilliant turn as Dr Frankenstein - and his creature - and a host of impressive television and film credits, Cumberbatch's return to the stage is justifiably welcomed. Though most of this run has sold out, day tickets will be released for every performance.

Happy theatre-going!