Check out these Stars on Stage in London this Year

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Monday, July 31, 2023 - 06:47

From soap stars and chart-topping singers to well-loved comedians and huge names in Hollywood, London’s West End is bursting with big names this year.

No matter what your age or preferred genre, there is something for everyone. You can take your pick from musicals, comedy, dance, drama and so much more.

So, if you’re hoping to catch some of these stars of the stage in 2023, now could be the perfect time to do it. In the guide below, we’re going to take a look at some of the biggest names performing this year.

So what are you waiting for?

Choose your favourite celebrity and book your tickets right away.

Andrew Scott in Vanya

Vanya is set to be one of the biggest theatre events of the year, as Sherlock actor, Andrew Scott takes on this darkly funny European classic.

A Simon Stephens adaptation of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, the show tells the tale of Vanya and his niece Sonya, whose peaceful life together is turned upside down by the arrival of her father and his new wife.

As rivalry and resentment bubble to the surface, Andrew Scott perfectly brings new life to this timeless tale. Showing at the Duke of York's Theatre, this masterful drama is sure to be one of the theatrical highlights of the whole year.

David Threlfall and Catherine Tate in The Enfield Haunting

This year, two incredible stars of the screen will be taking to the stage at Ambassadors Theatre, in this spooky play by Paul Unwin. Based on the true tale of the Enfield Poltergeist, the play is set in the 1970s and follows a mother and her children who are being terrorised by a disturbing supernatural force.

As well as taking into account the numerous books and TV adaptations of this story over the last five decades, the show is also inspired by real recordings and witness statements given at the time.

Starring in the show, Catherine Tate plays the mother, Peggy Hodgson, who is trying to protect her kids, while David Threlfall plays the fictional ghost hunter Maurice Grosse. You really don't want to miss out on this grippingly scary experience.

Frankie Bridge in 2:22 A Ghost Story

The chilling romp that is 2:22 A Ghost Story will be returning for a third time due to popular demand. Having previously starred chart-toppers, Lily Allen and Cheryl Tweedy, Frankie Bridge will now take to the stage to make her West End debut in this fantastic show.

The record-breaking supernatural thriller has been known to genuinely scare audiences, with rising tension and a growing sense of dread through each act. If you love mystery and intrigue, you’ll enjoy being presented with clues throughout the performance and trying to work out what is and isn’t real.

This year, this ghostly tale will be showing at the Apollo Theatre until September 2023, so don’t delay. Get your tickets as soon as you can.

Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton in The Pillowman

We’ve already mentioned her once, but this year you can see Lily Allen, alongside BAFTA-winning actor Steve Pemberton in The Pillowman. This Olivier Award-winning play originally debuted back in 2003 starring David Tennant and has finally returned to the UK for another season.

Described as dark and disturbingly funny, the play follows writer, Katurian, as he is questioned about a series of murders. This clever comedy explores freedom of expression and the price we must pay to keep it.

This time, it will be running at the Duke of York's Theatre until September, for a very limited 12-week season, so you don’t want to miss your chance to see it.

Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard

Based on a popular movie of the same name, Sunset Boulevard will be playing at the Savoy Theatre from September 2023.

The play tells the story of Norma Desmond (Nicole Scherzinger) and follows the tale of this ex-movie star as she tries to re-find fame with the help of dodgy screenwriter, Joe Gillis. Despite initially seeming well suited, the two quickly disagree on how Norma will claim back her stardom and it’s not long before they are at loggerheads.

Kenneth Branagh in King Lear

Shakespeare’s classic tale of King Lear is returning to the stage this year, running between October and December 2023, for a limited 50 performances only.

Telling the tale of a royal family who considered power to be more important than love, this time around, this timeless story features Kenneth Branagh in the title role. He will also be directing, as well as starring in this production.

Peter Andre, Jason Donovan and Louise Redknapp in Grease

If you’ve never seen Grease before, where have you been hiding?

This timeless classic is back at the Dominion Theatre for 2023, ready to fill your hearts with romance, nostalgia and of course, unforgettable songs. And this year, it’s bigger than ever with an impressive cast that includes Peter Andre, Jason Donovan and Louise Redknapp (performing on selected dates).

You probably know the tale, girl-next-door type Sandy Olsson transfers to Rydell High School for her senior year and bumps into heartthrob Danny Zuko, the dreamy guy from her summer fling.

As things heat up between the two of them once again, you’ll laugh, cheer and sing your heart out to some of the most iconic tracks in musical history.

Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James in Lyonesse

Last but not least we have Lyonesse starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James. Playing until the end of the year at the Harold Pinter Theatre, this wonderful show was created by the very talented Penelope Skinner.

This play tells the story of Elaine, a reclusive actor who is ready to go back into the limelight after 30 years. But in order to do this, she enlists the help of young film executive Kate and invites her to her remote home in Cornwall.

This is a passionate tale about a fiery woman (played by Scott Thomas) who is keen to tell the world what happened to her over those 30 years.