Theatre Audience Podcast

In this week’s episode, Darren is joined by Joseph O’Curneen - founding member of internationally acclaimed Spanish theatre company Yllana - to talk about the glorious chaos that is The Opera Locos. Returning to London following standing ovations, The Opera Locos takes over Sadlers Well’s Theatre for a strictly limited run. This vibrant comic opera experience blends world-class singing with outrageous physical comedy, fusing the grandeur of Mozart, Verdi and Puccini with pop anthems from Whitney Houston, Mika, U2 and more. At the heart of the show are five eccentric opera singers - a faded tenor, a macho baritone, a pop-loving counter-tenor, a dreamy soprano and a fiery mezzo - whose rivalries, egos and hidden desires spiral into operatic mayhem. It’s opera… but not as you know it. Joseph shares how Yllana, founded in 1991 as a comedy and physical theatre company, has grown into a global powerhouse - producing 41 shows, performing over 16,000 times across 48 countries, and reaching almost six million audience members. We explore the art of non-verbal storytelling, the universal language of laughter, and why opera is the perfect playground for comic anarchy. From Max Award-winning success in Spain to international touring and a triumphant London return, this is a joyful, insightful conversation about risk, reinvention and making classical music wildly accessible. If you think opera isn’t for you - this might just change your mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three powerful productions that examine legacy, longing and the stories we pass down - through history - Here there are Blueberries, through song - Ballad Lines, and through quiet acts of courage - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Here There Are Blueberries A haunting and urgent new play inspired by a real-life photo album discovered in an archive - images taken by Nazi officers at Auschwitz. As archivists begin to piece together the lives behind the photographs, difficult questions emerge: what do we do with inherited history? Who gets to tell these stories? And how do we confront the ordinary faces of extraordinary evil? A deeply unsettling, necessary piece of theatre that lingers long after the lights go down. Ballad Lines A lyrical, folk-infused new musical that threads together generations of women through music and memory. Rich in harmony and storytelling, Ballad Lines blends Celtic influences with contemporary musical theatre to create an intimate exploration of identity, love and resilience. Atmospheric, heartfelt and musically stunning. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Based on the beloved novel by Rachel Joyce, this moving musical charts Harold’s spontaneous walk across England to save an old friend. With an evocative score and deeply human performances, it’s a story of redemption, grief and the extraordinary power of simply putting one foot in front of the other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by comedian, writer and performer Jessica Regan, a regular voice on The Guilty Feminist Podcast, to talk about her bold and brilliantly personal one-woman show 16 Postcodes. Following sell-out, critically acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Pleasance Theatre, 16 Postcodes makes its London premiere at King's Head Theatre. The show chronicles Jessica’s real-life journey through London’s crumbling private rental market - and in a twist that makes every performance unique, the audience decides which stories are told each night. With the UK’s Renter’s Rights Bill coming into effect later this year, this conversation feels especially timely. Jessica offers a lived, sharp and darkly funny perspective on the realities behind the headlines - exploring instability, autonomy, power, and what it really means to try to build a life when “home” never quite sticks. We talk about turning housing trauma into theatre, why comedy is sometimes the only survival tool available, how audiences respond when given control, and whether legislation can truly repair the emotional toll of renting in London. It’s funny. It’s honest. And it’s painfully relatable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie cover a packed episode spanning major casting announcements, explosive physical theatre, and an intimate world premiere that cuts straight to the heart. Thomas Hopkins Productions – Media Event We were at the press launch announcing three exciting productions: Maureen Lipman starring in Allegra Wendi Peters leading Glorious And The Jonathan Larson Project, celebrating the visionary composer behind Rent and Tick, Tick… Boom! A glimpse at what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Frantic Assembly’s Lost Atoms Jess and Robbie’s love story begins with a chance meeting and unfolds into something extraordinary - or so they remember. Written by Anna Jordan (Succession, Yen, The Unreturning) and staged with Frantic Assembly’s signature physical intensity, Lost Atoms dives into the soaring highs and devastating lows of a relationship shaped as much by memory as reality. Funny, raw and emotionally charged, it asks: when love ends, whose version survives? Guess How Much I Love You? A pregnant couple wait for their 20-week scan - and the life they imagined begins to shift. This devastating and beautifully observed new play by Bruntwood Prize-winner Luke Norris, directed by Olivier Award-winner Jeremy Herrin, explores parenthood, impossible decisions and enduring love. A powerhouse cast including Rosie Sheehy, Robert Aramayo, and Lena Kaur deliver deeply affecting performances in this world premiere that lingers long after the curtain falls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three powerful productions that wrestle with truth, legacy and the cost of standing by your convictions - from the Wild West with High Noon to the White House with Mrs. President and the glittering wreckage of the Jazz Age with Beautiful Little Fool. High Noon A searing stage adaptation of the legendary Western that once served as an allegory for Hollywood’s blacklist, High Noon feels chillingly relevant today. Set in real time and running without an interval, the story follows Marshal Will Kane (Billy Crudup) as he faces an impossible choice: protect his town from a returning outlaw or protect his new wife, Amy Fowler (Denise Gough). With songs by Bruce Springsteen, The Chicks and Ry Cooder, this tense, 100-minute thriller is part love story, part political warning - and entirely gripping. Mrs President Keala Settle takes on the role of Mary Lincoln in this newly reimagined version of John Ransom Phillips’ gripping drama. Haunted by grief, vilified by society and desperate to reclaim her narrative, Mary turns to photographer Mathew Brady (Hal Fowler) to help restore her image - only for their collaboration to spiral into a fierce battle over truth, authorship and control. Directed by Bronagh Lagan, this bold reinvention reveals Mary Lincoln as a woman fighting to define herself in a world determined to define her. Beautiful Little Fool Told through the eyes of their daughter Scottie, this new musical charts the turbulent, brilliant and tragic relationship between Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Directed by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, with music and lyrics by Hannah Corneau and a book by Mona Mansour, the UK premiere stars Lauren Ward as Scottie, David Hunter as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hannah Corneau as Zelda. A sweeping, lyrical exploration of art, fame and family long after the Roaring Twenties have faded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie take on a powerful and wide-ranging episode, exploring Safe Haven, Mother.Dad, A Grain of Sand, and The Olive Boy - four very different plays that confront survival, morality, parenthood and resilience, from global humanitarian crises to deeply personal stories of growing up and finding your way. Safe Haven Set in the aftermath of the First Gulf War, Safe Haven charts the brutal suppression of the Kurdish uprising in northern Iraq and the desperate flight of two million people into the mountains. As the world watches in horror, two British diplomats - aided by a Kurdish refugee - battle bureaucracy in Whitehall to force intervention before it’s too late. Written by Chris Bowers, former British diplomat in Iraqi Kurdistan, this sweeping and urgent play brings to life the moral conviction and political courage that led to Operation Safe Haven, an unprecedented humanitarian mission that prevented genocide. Mother.Dad A woman checks IDs in a pub doorway. A man sits at his kitchen table with his children. Both are waiting for the same call. From hit company Chronic Insanity, Mother.Dad is a raw, raucous and deeply human new play about love, class, parenthood and the sheer madness of raising a family in the 21st century. Written by rising star Doug Deans, this world premiere was selected from over 800 scripts for Lyric Hammersmith’s open submission and shortlisted by the Bush Theatre, Royal Court and Graeae. A Grain of Sand This intimate and devastating one-woman show follows Renad, a young Gazan girl searching for her family while carrying her grandmother’s stories and the myth of the ‘Anqaa’ - the Palestinian Phoenix. Blending folklore with real testimonies from children in Gaza, A Grain of Sand explores war through a child’s eyes, centring resilience, imagination and the right of children to be children. The production is accompanied by Each Child a Light, a powerful collaborative quilt exhibition commemorating children killed in Gaza. The Olive Boy Based on Ollie Maddigan’s real-life story, The Olive Boy is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age comedy about being uprooted, trying to fit in, and pursuing love against the odds. After sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, a national tour and early acclaim at Camden Fringe, this deeply personal and unexpectedly moving show lands at Southwark Playhouse in its latest chapter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Darren and Natalie dive into the UK premiere of Already Perfect, the new folk-rock musical now playing at King’s Head Theatre. Written by Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis, Already Perfect is an intimate, soul-infused piece that unfolds in a Broadway dressing room on the brink of collapse - where past and present collide in a raw, often funny reckoning with identity, addiction, faith and self-worth. Natalie sits down with the show’s creator and star Levi Kreis, alongside producer Larry Lelli and director Dave Solomon, to talk about the deeply personal origins of the piece, translating lived experience into musical theatre, and why this story of self-acceptance feels more urgent than ever. They discuss the show’s gospel-tinged score, its emotional honesty, and the challenge of balancing intimacy with theatrical scale. Alongside the interview, Darren and Natalie share their critical response to the production, from the standout performances and striking design to the conversations the show is provoking with audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Darren and Natalie unpack the latest West End revival of Woman in Mind, Alan Ayckbourn’s 1985 psychological comedy now marking its 40th anniversary. Starring Sheridan Smith and directed by Michael Longhurst, the production revisits a story of fractured reality, imagination and domestic dissatisfaction - but does it still resonate today? Natalie and Darren share their thoughts on the play’s dated themes, standout design elements, and whether star power alone is enough to justify its return to the London stage. The conversation then shifts backstage as Darren Zooms with Rebecca Trehearn and Frances McNamee, stars of the new folk musical Ballad Lines. In this behind-the-scenes chat, they discuss bringing traditional ballads to life, performing new writing, and the joy - and challenge - of telling intimate stories through music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode of 2026, Darren and Natalie dive into one of the most innovative and nerve-shredding productions currently on the London stage - A Ghost in Your Ear at Hampstead Theatre. Written and directed by Jamie Armitage (An Interrogation, SIX) and created in collaboration with acclaimed sound designers Ben and Max Ringham, this two-hander places the audience inside a haunting using binaural 3D sound technology. Wearing headphones, spectators are immersed in a chilling ghost story that unfolds both inside a recording studio and deep within the imagination. Darren reviews how the production uses sound, performance and atmosphere to deliver genuine jump-scares, skin-crawling tension and an emotional story about family, grief and buried secrets - all while pushing the boundaries of what theatre can do. Natalie also brings us a backstage chat with Jonathan Livingstone, who plays Sid, the studio technician opposite George Blagden’s increasingly unravelling actor. Jonathan talks about performing in a show where every line triggers a sound cue, how comedy becomes a lifeline inside horror, and what it’s like to scare an audience who are wearing headphones and completely locked into the world of the play. From comparisons to The Woman in Black to the current wave of theatrical horror sweeping the West End, this episode explores why A Ghost in Your Ear is fast becoming one of the most talked-about and fear-inducing shows in London - and why it proves that sometimes the scariest place of all is your own imagination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of Season 5, Darren and Natalie look back on an extraordinary year in theatre, sharing the productions that moved them, thrilled them, and stayed with them long after the curtain fell. From bold new writing and immersive experiences to reimagined classics and unforgettable performances, this episode is a love letter to the shows that defined 2025. They revisit standout moments from Retrograde, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet, Grease Immersive Movie Musical, KENREX, This Bitter Earth, Daniel’s Husband, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Till The Stars Come Down, Evita, and The Midnight Bell -celebrating the artists, stories, and risks that made this theatrical year unforgettable. A fitting farewell to 2025 - and the perfect curtain call to Season 5. 🎭 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special stand-alone episode, Darren sits down with Damon Gould, currently starring as Noel in the cult musical Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse. Ride the Cyclone is a darkly comic, offbeat musical that has built a devoted global following. After six teenagers die in a freak roller-coaster accident, they find themselves in limbo, offered one final chance at life. Strange, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving, the show explores identity, longing, fantasy, and the versions of ourselves we wish the world could see. In this conversation, Damon talks about stepping into one of the show’s most iconic and complex roles, balancing comedy with vulnerability, audience reactions, and what draws him to bold, unconventional theatre. He also reflects on his career so far - from Cabaret in the West End to Newsies - and what continues to excite him about performing live. A thoughtful, funny, and insightful chat with one of theatre’s most exciting performers, diving deep into a truly singular musical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode celebrates two completely different - but equally exhilarating - nights at the theatre. From sweeping, cinematic dance storytelling to full-throttle historical chaos, we explore why live performance continues to thrill, surprise, and transport. One is a five-star festive classic - The Red Shoes - that dazzles the senses; the other - Oh Mary! - is a riotously funny West End sensation that gleefully tears up the rulebook. The Red Shoes - New Adventures / Matthew Bourne Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale and the legendary 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, The Red Shoes is a five-star triumph and the perfect Christmas theatre treat. Matthew Bourne’s visually sumptuous, emotionally sweeping production explores obsession, ambition, and the intoxicating cost of artistic perfection. We delve into the fascinating history behind the story, the revolutionary impact of the original film, and the legacy of Bourne and his company New Adventures — whose bold, narrative-driven approach has transformed dance theatre and brought new audiences flocking to ballet for decades. Oh Mary! - West End From festive spectacle to feral farce, Oh Mary! is riotously funny, gloriously unhinged, and gleefully inaccurate. A cult New York hit turned Tony-winning Broadway smash, this West End transfer delivers relentless laughs under Sam Pinkleton’s razor-sharp direction, with Cole Escola’s anarchic writing skewering power, ego, and historical mythmaking. We discuss the play’s journey to the West End, its awards success, and why this fearless, five-star comedy has become one of the most talked-about nights out in town — all completely spoiler-free. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast, Darren is joined by trailblazing drag artist, actor and cabaret star Victoria Scone - a performer who made herstory on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and went on to wow audiences internationally on Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs the World. From redefining drag on screen to commanding stages across the UK, Victoria’s career is a joyful collision of theatre, comedy, music and fearless self-expression. Currently, Victoria is bringing full dame energy to the festive season as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk at the King’s Head Theatre, and in this chat she dives into the glorious tradition of panto, the art of playing a dame, audience chaos, and why drag and panto are such perfect bedfellows. The conversation also spans Victoria’s wider stage career. Along the way, Victoria talks cabaret, comedy, music, and creating new work - including sold-out solo shows Jam Packed. It’s a funny, generous and insightful conversation about performance, visibility, tradition, and carving out a career on your own terms - with plenty of laughs, warmth, and a little festive mischief along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three strikingly different productions - each asking big questions about love, belief, bravery and connection - from intimate relationship drama to festive comedy and razor-sharp contemporary writing. Daniel’s Husband, Gawain and the Green Knight and Most Favoured with backstage chat with actor Richard Arnold. Daniel’s Husband – Marylebone Theatre Daniel and Mitchell appear to have it all: successful careers, a beautifully curated home, devoted friends, and a deep love for one another. But when an unexpected crisis threatens their future, their relationship is pushed to its limits. Tender, intelligent and quietly devastating, Daniel’s Husband is an unflinching exploration of love, morality and where our strongest convictions truly live - in our hearts, or in our minds. Gawain and the Green Knight – Park Theatre From the comedy writers behind The Nag’s Head and Sniff, this riotous reinvention of the classic legend swaps medieval castles for corporate Camelot. Meet Gawain: an office everyman hoping for a promotion and the courage to ask out his crush - until a mysterious green figure crashes the Christmas party and launches him into a quest of temptation, danger and destiny. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, multi-rolling madness, festive chaos and heroic silliness in equal measure. Most Favoured – Soho Theatre From award-winning playwright David Ireland (The Fifth Step, Cyprus Avenue), this sharp, funny and unexpectedly profound two-hander stars Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold. After a one-night stand in a Travelodge, Mary and Mike reveal the truths they’ve been hiding - leading to a bold exploration of faith, loneliness and vulnerability, with a twist you won’t see coming. Directed by Max Elton, Most Favoured proves that a short play can still pack a huge emotional punch. Backstage Interview Darren goes backstage with Alexander Arnold, currently appearing in Most Favoured, to talk about tackling David Ireland’s writing, holding a tight two-hander, navigating that unexpected twist, and why risk, faith and short plays can still leave a lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the most theatrical time of the year, and Theatre Audience Podcast is celebrating the festive season with a Christmas Show Special packed full of pantomime, parody and seasonal spectacle. Darren and Natalie discuss their views on; Beauty and the Beast at Churchill Theatre, Ebony Scrooge at Sadler’s Wells East, The Fit Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk - both at King’s Head Theatre and Cinderella at the Rose Theatre. Beauty and the Beast – Churchill Theatre This lavish festive spectacular brings fairy-tale magic to Bromley, starring national treasure Su Pollard alongside Samantha Womack. With dazzling sets, big laughs and all the traditional panto ingredients audiences love, Beauty and the Beast delivers festive fun for the whole family, led by two powerhouse performers who know exactly how to work a crowd. Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells East A bold, brilliant reimagining of Dickens’ classic, Ebony Scrooge fuses spoken word, music and movement to tell a fresh, culturally resonant version of A Christmas Carol. Set to a vibrant soundtrack and staged with Sadler’s Wells flair, this production offers a soulful, contemporary take on redemption, generosity and community. The Fit Prince – King’s Head Theatre Fresh from its Fringe success, this adults-only festive hit delivers outrageous laughs, filthy innuendo and fearless audience interaction. Created by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, The Fit Prince gleefully dismantles fairy-tale tropes with camp abandon, proving once again that King’s Head Theatre is the home of festive mischief. Cinderella – Rose Theatre, Kingston A sparkling, family-friendly panto packed with heart, humour and high production values. Cinderella at the Rose Theatre delivers classic storytelling with modern wit, bringing magic, romance and plenty of laughs to audiences of all ages in this beautifully staged festive favourite. Jack and the Beanstalk – King’s Head Theatre Islington’s favourite naughty panto returns, starring Victoria Scone as a sensational Dame. Expect filthy jokes, fabulous guest appearances and full-throttle camp chaos in this adults-only version that has become a festive institution in its own right. Join Darren and Natalie as they celebrate the joy, variety and sheer brilliance of Christmas theatre - from family pantos to boundary-pushing festive reinventions - proving there’s truly something for everyone this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive backstage-with session, Darren sits down with award-winning composer, producer, and performer John Patrick Elliott. Originally from West Yorkshire, John has done everything from touring across Europe with his project The Little Unsaid to creating live electronic scores for major theatre productions. He won “Best Composer” at the Stage Debut Awards 2022 for his work on Cruise - and he’s also composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company and has a whole catalogue of genre-hopping, boundary pushing music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three thrilling productions shaking up London’s stages - from the dark corners of digital desire with Porn Play, to an eternal whodunnit – The Mousetrap and a macabre new comedy with a supernatural twist – The Grim. Porn Play A sell-out world premiere that’s as provocative as it is powerful. Ambika Mod (One Day, This Is Going to Hurt) stars as Ani, a rising academic whose secret addiction to violent pornography threatens to unravel her entire world. Directed by Josie Rourke (Donmar Warehouse, Bush Theatre) and written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner (This Might Not Be It), this funny, unsettling and fearless new play dives deep into shame, desire and the digital age of intimacy. Featuring Will Close, Lizzy Connolly and Asif Khan, with design by Yimei Zhao and movement by Wayne McGregor. The Mousetrap A cultural institution that needs no introduction. Agatha Christie’s legendary The Mousetrap has kept audiences guessing for over 73 years - making it the world’s longest-running play. When seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a countryside guesthouse after a shocking London murder, suspicion turns to panic as they realise the killer might be among them. With twists, secrets and surprises at every turn, this iconic whodunnit remains as gripping as ever. Millions have seen it - have you? The Grim Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Old Red Lion Theatre, Edmund Morris’s (You’re Dead, Mate) spine-tingling dark comedy The Grim lands at Southwark Playhouse. It’s 1964, and undertaker Shaun (played by Morris) is just trying to get through another day with his hapless assistant Robert (Louis Davison). But when the body of notorious gangster Jackie Gallagher (Harry Carter) refuses to stay dead, chaos - and comedy - ensue. A fast-paced, supernatural farce that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore two masterful productions that examine ambition, morality, and the price of desire - from the glittering privilege of 1980s Britain to the guilt and grief of post-war America. The Line of Beauty Step into Thatcher’s Britain through the eyes of Nick Guest, a young man seduced by a world of wealth, politics and sensuality. Moving into the lavish Notting Hill home of his university friend Toby, Nick finds himself drawn into the lives of Toby’s ambitious father, Tory MP Gerald, his graceful wife Rachel, and their troubled daughter Cat. From decadent dinner parties to clandestine encounters, Nick’s pursuit of beauty leads to revelations about class, power, and the cost of belonging. Adapted by Olivier Award nominee Jack Holden (Cruise, Kenrex) from Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prize-winning novel and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage, The Line of Beauty is a visually stunning, emotionally charged portrait of privilege and longing in a society on the brink of transformation. All My Sons Across the Atlantic, Arthur Miller’s devastating classic receives a dazzling revival from visionary director Ivo van Hove. Starring an extraordinary ensemble - Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Paapa Essiedu, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Hayley Squires. Set in post-war America, self-made businessman Joe Keller’s success hides a dark secret. As his family unravels under the weight of wartime profiteering and personal loss, All My Sons delivers two gripping hours of moral reckoning, exposing the fragile façade of the American Dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie dive into two powerhouse productions lighting up the West End - the electrifying MJ The Musical and Mary Page Marlowe, starring screen legends Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough. MJ The Musical The smash-hit Broadway production moonwalks into the West End! With a book by Lynn Nottageand direction/choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, this spectacular show takes audiences behind the scenes of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring over 25 of his biggest hits - including Beat It, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal - the show explores the creative mind and personal struggles of one of the world’s most iconic performers. Dynamic, dazzling and driven by astonishing choreography, it’s a musical event that captures both the genius and the vulnerability behind the legend. Mary Page Marlowe From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts comes this deeply human and haunting portrait of an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. Starring Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking) and Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie, Birdman), this stunning revival unfolds in a series of nonlinear vignettes that piece together Mary’s complex journey through love, loss, motherhood and self-discovery. Directed with precision and compassion, the production reveals the beauty and pain of a life seen in fragments - and how every choice, large or small, leaves its mark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three very different but equally profound productions - The Unbelievers at the Royal Court, The Choir of Man in the West End, and The Wanderers at the Marylebone Theatre. The Unbelievers The Unbelievers - the highly anticipated new play from acclaimed writer Nick Payne (Constellations, We Live in Time) - now playing at the Royal Court Theatre. When a teenager vanishes, time fractures. His mother refuses to give up hope. The Unbelievers is a haunting exploration of grief, motherhood, and the fragile ways we piece our lives back together after loss. Payne’s poetic writing meets the visionary direction of Marianne Elliott (Angels in America, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), with evocative design by Bunny Christie (Company, People, Places & Things). At its heart is a spellbinding performance by Nicola Walker (Unforgotten, The Split), whose portrayal of a mother clinging to faith in the face of despair is both heart-wrenching and deeply human. The Choir of Man Then it’s over to the West End’s Arts Theatre, where The Choir of Man continues to pack out houses with its heartwarming, beer-pouring, joy-filled celebration of community. Featuring hits from Queen, Adele, Paul Simon, Avicii, and more, this Olivier Award-nominated musical brings nine extraordinary singer-musicians together in the most welcoming pub in the world. With direction by Nic Doodson, choreography by Freddie Huddleston, and musical supervision by Jack Blume, The Choir of Man is a 90-minute rush of pure feel-good energy - a reminder that the best nights out are often the ones shared with strangers who feel like friends. The Wanderers At once intimate and expansive, The Wanderers intertwines the lives of two very different Brooklyn couples. Esther and Schmuli are newly married Orthodox Jews, bound by tradition and faith yet yearning for freedom and fulfilment. Meanwhile, Sophie and Abe - both secular writers - are trapped in a modern marriage fraying under the weight of ambition, expectation, and betrayal. When Abe, a prizewinning novelist, begins a charged correspondence with Hollywood star Julia Cheever, it sparks an emotional reckoning that threatens to unravel everything he’s built. Across both stories, Ziegler explores how love, faith, and identity shape us — and whether any of us can truly escape the stories we inherit. The Wanderers is an elegant, searching drama about the complexity of human connection, the limits of freedom, and the quiet ache of unmet desire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.