The third Monday of January is often known as Blue Monday, which falls on 20 January 2025. Typically considered to be the saddest day of the year, Blue Monday can feel hard to beat. But with an incredible variety of West End shows taking place, treat yourself this January with a trip to the theatre.

Book [West End shows](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/) on London Theatre.

## West End shows on Blue Monday

There are numerous West End shows taking place on 20 January. Here's some of our top...

Beat the blues with West End shows to watch on Blue Monday

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Ewan McGregor will return to the London stage for the first time in 17 years in a new play by US playwright and screenwriter Lila Raicek. *My Master Builder* will open at Wyndham’s Theatre on 29 April 2025, with previews from 17 April.

Directed by Michael Grandage, *My Master Builder* is inspired by the work of playwright Henrik Ibsen and follows publishing magnate Elena Solness as she prepares to throw a party in celebration of her architect husband, Henry, in the Hamptons. But when his former...

Ewan McGregor to return to the London stage in 'My Master Builder'

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*My Master Builder* reunites McGregor and Grandage following their previous collaborations on *Othello* and *Guys and Dolls* for the Donmar Warehouse.

“Don't waste your pucker on some all-day sucker / And don't try a toffee or cream / If you seek perfection in sugar confection / Well there's something new on the scene”, sings candy inventor Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. While his “Toot Sweets” that last forever have yet to be invented, we think it’s more fun trying out lots of different options and there’s no shortage of imaginative offerings in London's West End.

From ice cream to cinnamon buns to French patisserie, read on...

Best places to get dessert in the West End

London Dessert

Satisfy your sweet tooth with London's finest ice cream, cakes, brownies, and more.

“In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came…” The most romantic show in the West End since 1986, *The Phantom of the Opera* continues to captivate with its lush Andrew Lloyd Webber score and unforgettable designs by the late Maria Björnson. Telling the story of young opera singer Christine, torn between the mysterious “Angel of Music” (the titular Phantom) and her aristocratic suitor Raoul, it’s a real feast of Victoriana at its most glamorous and gothic.

London is filled with beautiful and...

Make a day out of 'The Phantom of the Opera' in London

Phantom 2024

Enjoy a romantic and artistic day out inspired by "The Music of the Night", visiting the Royal Opera House, Tate Britain, and Maison Bertaux.

Gird your loins! The stylish stage musical version of *[The Devil Wears Prada](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/34706-the-devil-wears-prada)* is strutting into London’s West End, bringing one of the most fearsome (semi-)fictional villains to theatre: Miranda Priestley, editor-in-chief of *Runway* magazine. She was immortalised on film by Meryl Streep, and now Vanessa Williams inherits her withering gaze and icy putdowns.

Happily, you’ll find all of those delicious lines and classic scenes...

A complete guide to all the songs from 'The Devil Wears Prada'

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As the comedy classic makes its fashionable entrance at the Dominion Theatre, get to know Elton John's fabulous songs for this stage musical adaptation.

Willkommen Billy and Marisha! New casting has been announced for the roles of The Emcee and Sally Bowles in [*Cabaret*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23939-cabaret-tickets) at the Kit Kat Club in London. 

From 28 January 2025, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter will play The Emcee and double Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace will play Sally Bowles.

Porter recently played Pray Tell in series *Pose*, which earned him an Emmy Award as well as Golden Globe and Critics...

Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace to star in 'Cabaret' in the West End

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Billy Porter, who originated the role of Lola in *Kinky Boots* on Broadway, will play The Emcee, while Marisha Wallace, who received an Olivier nomination for *Guys & Dolls*, will play Sally Bowles.

LondonTheatre.co.uk has launched its Black Friday and Cyber Monday theatre ticket sales, with up to 40% off over 50 participating shows, including long-running play [*The Mousetrap*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/333-mousetrap-tickets) and West End favourite [*Les Misérables*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/300-les-miserables-tickets).

Highlights in the sale include musicals *[The Book of Mormon](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/287-book-of-mormon-tickets), [MJ the...

Shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday theatre tickets in 2024

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Shop theatre ticket deals on LondonTheatre.co.uk, with up to 40% off over 50 participating shows during the promotional period.

If you’re looking for Cyber Monday Christmas gifts, then you've come to the right place. We’ve got affordable theatre tickets to over 50 shows in London. 

Theatre tickets make great Christmas presents for friends, family, and that special someone in your life. Check out our top Cyber Monday tickets in the West End and do all your Christmas shopping today.

Take a look at some of the Cyber shows in 2024! 

![The Book of Mormon - 1200 - LT -...

Here's why Cyber Monday theatre tickets make the best Christmas gifts

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Give the gift of theatre this Christmastime when you save up to 40% on tickets to West End and Off-West End shows — here are some of the best gift options.

Cyber Monday is the best time of year to book your West End theatre tickets at exclusive prices. Save up to 40% when you get tickets to West End shows during Cyber, and see some of the biggest West End shows in town. Book tickets for popular West End musicals like *The Book of Mormon* and *MJ The Musical*. Maybe you're looking for a comedy play like *The Play That Goes Wrong*, or tickets to see a classic ballet like *The Nutcracker*.

We've got Cyber theatre tickets for dozens of shows, so...

All the West End Cyber Monday theatre tickets

West End

Save up to 40% when you book tickets to West End shows during our Cyber Sale. Catch a hit musical, long-running play, or new blockbuster hit at a great price.

Cyber Monday 2024 is here. You could spend hours trawling through the shops, or you could stay in and book theatre tickets from the comfort of your  home. LondonTheatre.co.uk is here to help with the best West End theatre tickets this Cyber Monday. 

Whether you're looking for a [pre-Christmas trip](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/christmas) to the theatre, or want to [secure tickets to one of the capital's hottest new openings](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/opening-soon),...

The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday theatre tickets

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Save up to 40% on tickets to over 50 plays, musicals, immersive experiences, concerts, and more live entertainment in the West End and all across London.

Oh yes he is! See [Ian McKellen](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/ian-mckellen) as a pantomime dame in [*Mother Goose*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26888-mother-goose-duke-of-yorks-theatre) at the [Duke of York’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/duke-of-yorks-theatre) to 29 January. Book *Mother Goose* tickets on London Theatre.

The *Mother Goose* pantomime follows the title character and her husband Vic as they run an animal sanctuary. When they discover a goose can lay golden eggs, they enjoy a life of fame and fortune. John Bishop and Anna-Jane Casey star. 

*Mother Goose* is at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Book *Mother Goose* tickets on London Theatre.

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First look: See Ian McKellen and John Bishop in ‘Mother Goose’ photos 

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Oh no he isn’t? Oh yes he is! Ian McKellen returns to pantomime for the first time in 17 years – alongside the hilarious John Bishop - in *Mother Goose* at the Duke of York’s Theatre. 

*Mother Goose* in London offers audiences the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Ian McKellen play a pantomime dame. The six-time Olivier Award-winning actor is best known for roles in *King Lear, No Man’s Land*, and *Uncle Vanya*. McKellen even toured the country in 2019, visiting 80 theatres as part of his octogenarian celebrations. Now, you can see McKellen rouge his cheeks and lips to play the title role in Mother Goose and spread joy. There’s plenty of comic relief too, thanks to comedian John Bishop as Mother Goose’s husband, Vic.

Like many beloved pantomime characters, the Mother Goose character is rooted in history. *Mother Goose* was popularised in a collection of Charles Perrault’s 18th century French fairytales, translated to *Tales of My Mother Goose*. Some even argue that *Mother Goose* stems from 10th century ancient legends, or even as early as the Bible.

Nowadays, most people are familiar with the early 20th-century adaptation of the *Mother Goose* story. In 1902, J. Hickory Wood created a pantomime for popular English music hall comedian Dan Leno. In the Victorian version, Mother Goose is tempted with a wealthy life by the devil. Elements of the 1902 pantomime remain in the *Mother Goose* play, but *Coronation Street* writer Jonathan Harvey now adapts *Mother Goose* with a 2022 twist, so expect side-splitting jokes and tap dancing animals.

## What is the story of the *Mother Goose* pantomime?

Set in an abandoned department store, Mother Goose and her husband Vic run an animal sanctuary. They’re used to looking after stray animals, but suddenly a goose that lays golden eggs flies into their lap. What do you do with a goose that lays golden eggs? As Mother Goose and Vic enjoy a newfound life of fame and fortune, the pair must do all it takes to remain calm and collected.

Mother Goose - Duke of York's Theatre - LON - London Theatre

Meet Mother Goose and Vic Goose. They live a comfortable life. But when a magical goose comes to greet them, will fame and fortune change their life? Ian McKellen, John Bishop, and Anna-Jane Casey lead the all-star pantomime in the West End. Get *Mother Goose* tickets at the Duke of York's Theatre today.

Don’t miss the chance to see Ian McKellen and John Bishop in pantomime. The Olivier Award-winning actor is best known for dramatic Shakespeare plays — he even toured the country in 2019 with *Ian McKellen on Stage* where he revealed secrets about his West End career. There’s bound to be Shakespeare jokes with Ian McKellen playing Mother Goose, the pantomime dame.

*Mother Goose* isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for life! *Mother Goose* is the first pantomime of its kind to tour across the United Kingdom, with performances through April 2023 and beyond. But if you’re looking for a hit of winter theatre to warm you up, you’ll want to see *Mother Goose* in London.

## What to Watch For:

- Ian McKellen returns to pantomime for the first time in 17 years. He played Widow Twankey in *Aladdin* at the Old Vic.
- John Bishop will play Vic, Mother Goose’s husband. The Liverpool-based comedian played Doctor Who’s companion, Dan Lewis — starring alongside Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor.
- J. Hickory Wood adapted the *Mother Goose* fairy tale into a pantomime in the early 1900s. The popular comedian Dan Leno played the title character, continuing the tradition of the “dame” character where a man plays a woman.
- Most pantomimes include topical jokes based on current events, as well as the celebrities who are taking part in the show. This year, *Coronation Street* writer Jonathan Harvey will write the Mother Goose jokes. 

Mother Goose Duke of York's Theatre - LON - TodayTix

Not every theatre actor would continue working into his 80s but here’s [Ian McKellen](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/ian-mckellen), who turns 84 in May, returning yet again to the stage at a time in life when many of his colleagues might prefer simply to rest. Not for the screen’s Gandalf and Magneto a further foray into the Shakespeare repertoire (Hamlet, Lear, his Bard-heavy solo show) that has kept him busy of late.

This time round, “Serena” – as the show campily and affectionately renames its internationally renowned star – is donning a variety of body-hugging outfits, outré wigs and the like to play Caroline Goose, aka the bosomy Mother Goose that gives Jonathan Harvey’s buoyant West End panto its title. The show, joyously directed by Cal McCrystal, of *One Man, Two Guvnors* renown, is not to be confused with the concurrent entertainment of the same name at the Hackney Empire and starring Clive Rowe.

The references come thick and fast, from Harry and Meghan to past and present Tory grandees, musical theatre excerpts ranging from *A Chorus Line*'s “One” to “Don’t Rain On My Parade”, McKellen’s megawatt grin all the while powering an altogether giddy evening: the actor looks as if he’s having the time of his life and the expert ensemble around him gleefully, on occasion recklessly follow his lead: Oscar Conlon-Morrey’s sweet Jack – here given his own Jill – shares in some untamed tongue action that has to be seen to be believed.

Presiding over an animal sanctuary that was once a Debenhams department store, this Mother Goose isn’t the fairy tale figure of panto lore but a fame-seeking comic ringleader. Wife to John Bishop’s entirely adorable Vic Goose (“I love this man,” McKellen says in passing of his stage spouse), the eponymous waterfowl indulges innuendo about “greasing the bottom” and “raw materials” and meta-reflections on becoming a “mega-global superstar”. 

There’s a nod toward political rebellion in a plot strand involving non-payment to the utilities that are making this winter a challenge for so many. We’re urged to jeer “the energy company” every time that phrase is spoken, and the show’s Boris Johnson out-snouts, to coin a verb, Peppa the Pig. 

The script reminds us of McKellen’s own origins, age 8, discovering panto at the Grand Theatre in his native Lancashire town of Bolton. But it also whooshes into the here and now to accommodate COVID-era super-spreader events – and droll aspersions in the direction of the Palladium offering across town just now with Julian Clary. That *Jack and the Beanstalk* is Goose’s main rival in this year’s celebrity-panto sweepstakes.

I’ve seen McKellen tread similar terrain before, as the Widow Twankey in the Old Vic’s Aladdin nearly 20 years ago. But his game participation on that occasion didn’t prepare me for the breadth of double entendres this time out (a deadpan mention, for instance, of “tossing in my sleep”) or his ability to still the house with Portia’s “quality of mercy” speech from *The Merchant of Venice*; we soon find that Bishop, a long-established staple of the comedy circuit, can navigate his way just fine through Shakespearean verse, as well. 

Liz Ascroft’s sets and costumes suggest a touring production – the show travels the UK and Ireland into April - that has spent proper money on its visuals. A sumptuous vertical bed allows for beneath-the-duvet hijinks whilst headgear finds Camilla Parker Bowles (Genevieve Nicole, fabulous) struggling to navigate an outsized hat through a too-low doorway. Mama Goose’s post-interval sartorial parade extends to a mop-like tray table atop McKellen’s head that is itself a thing of wonder.

The prevailing good nature grants a change of heart to the resident baddie, Malignia (*X Factor* alumna Karen Mavundukure, in sprightly form). Elsewhere, a clarion-voiced Cilla Quack (yes, you read that right) gets a *Les Mis*-style imprisonment followed soon by the ability of the protean Anna-Jane Casey, playing Cilla, to give us her best Barbra Streisand. Casey, seen this time last year in the ongoing West End revival of *Cabaret*, is once again indispensable. 

The show may feel freeform, even anarchic, but courses with an abiding respect for theatrical tradition:  Peter Pan, we’re informed, premiered at this same theatre in 1904, and Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi are foregrounded every bit as readily as the music of ABBA, Sunset Boulevard, and the World Cup. 

By the time the climactic singalong arrives to the familiar tune of “Sweet Caroline,” the audience is nodding as one to the lyric, “good times never seemed so good”. The world may be a dark and often difficult place, but lucky are we to be transported via Gooseland Airways to a rapture-inducing realm of sheer and total bliss.

*Mother Goose* is at the Duke of York's Theatre through 29 January. Book *Mother Goose* tickets on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=26888&content_product_id=26888&venue_id=116)

*Photo credit: Ian McKellen and John Bishop (Photo by Manuel Harlan)*

'Mother Goose' review — Ian McKellen leads a megawatt pantomime for the ages

Sir Ian McKellen was born in Burnley&nbsp;in 1939. He was drawn to the theatre from the age of three&nbsp;following a trip to Manchester's Opera House to see Peter Pan. At the age of 18 he attended St Catherine's College in Cambridge where he became a member of the Marlowe Society. His contemporaries&nbsp;included Trevor Nunn and <a href="/actor-profile/derek-jacobi">Derek Jacobi.</a>

After a period working in repertory theatres around the UK, he became a member of Laurence Olivier’s <a href="/theatres/national-theatre">National Theatre</a> Company in 1965. McKellen performed frequently in the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 1970s and&nbsp;1980s, taking leading roles in Macbeth in 1976 alongside Judi Dench.

Outside of his theatrical work he is probably most recognised for his roles as Gandalf the Grey/White in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Hobbit Trilogy,&nbsp;and as Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto in the X-Men franchise.

2007 marked a return to the RSC and to working wth Trevor Nunn appearing in productions of The Seagulland King Lear, both shows had a residency at the <a href="/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre">Gillian Lynne Theatre</a>. In 2009, he appeared in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot alongside his X-Men co-star Patrick Stewart at the <a href="/theatres/theatre-royal-haymarket">Theatre Royal Haymarket</a>. They would go on to reprise their roles on Broadway in Godot in 2013, the production running in rep with *No Man's Land* by Harold Pinter. &nbsp;

In September 2016, he and Stewart once again re-united on the West End Stage at the <a href="/theatres/wyndhams-theatre">Wyndhams Theatre</a> in No Man's Land. A year later,&nbsp;McKellen provided&nbsp;the voice of The Demon in the West End premiere of <a href="/show/the-exorcist">The Exorcist</a>.&nbsp;

In summer 2018, Ian McKellen played&nbsp;<a href="/show/king-lear">King Lear</a> in a transfer of Jonathan Munby’s Chichester Festival Theatre. McKellen played the role in Chichester, and told the press it was likely to be his ‘last big Shakespearean part’.&nbsp;King Lear&nbsp;transferred to the&nbsp;<a href="/theatres/duke-of-yorks-theatre">Duke of York’s Theatre</a>. For his 80th birthday, he gave a <a href="/show/ian-mckellen-on-stage">nationwide tour filled with stories, anecdotes and monologues</a>, including a three month run at the <a href="/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre">Harold Pinter Theatre.</a>&nbsp;

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Read all about Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, X-Men) and his performances on the West End stage at LondonTheatre.co.uk

Ian McKellen - Stars on Stage | London Theatre

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Romeo & Juliet - LON [39325]

Romeo & Juliet

The **Duke of York's Theatre** is one of the most prestigious theatres in the bustling city of London. Nestled in the heart of St Martin's Lane, it boasts a rich history dating back to its opening in 1892. The theatre is named after King George V and since its establishment, it has featured an array of stunning performances and world-renowned plays. The auditorium is an impressive spectacle in its own right, designed in proscenium style, with the capacity to accommodate up to 640 spectators. Over the years, it has maintained its classic Edwardian decor, adding to the immersive theatre experience it provides. Furthermore, the theatre has state-of-the-art technical facilities and provides excellent acoustics, ensuring an awe-inspiring experience. 

**How to get to the venue:** 

Duke of York's Theatre is well-connected to public transportation. The closest tube stations include Charing Cross, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. Alternatively, several buses stop near St Martin's Lane. For those driving, there are car parks nearby. However, due to London's congestion charge, public transport is the most convenient and often, the easiest way to reach the theatre.

**Additional Information** 

Venue opens 1hr 30min before showtime. 
Please arrive with plenty of time. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point, which may be the interval.

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The Duke Of York’s Theatre opened as the Trafalgar Square Theatre in 1892.The playhouse received its current name three years later in 1895, in honour of the future King George V. 

Famous productions to play at the Duke Of York’s Theatre include David Belasco’s *Madame Butterfly* in 1900 – Puccini was in the audience and famously turned the story into an opera. J. M. Barrie's famous creation *Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up* opened at the theatre on 27 Dec. 1904.

Typically, the Duke of York's Theatre is home to short-running plays, with West End and Broadway stars appearing.

## Duke of York's Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – Stalls, Royal Circle and Upper Circle.

The Stalls offer good legroom throughout, and the raking of the seats is very good, noticeably from Row D onwards. 

In the Royal Circles, there is no visual obstruction from the Upper Circle. 

The seats in the Upper Circle curve towards the stage. The final two rows of the Upper Circle are bench seats.

## Additional Information

Venue opens 1hr 30min before showtime. 
Please arrive with plenty of time. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point, which may be the interval.

Duke of York's Theatre - London Theatre

Duke of York's theatre, initially Trafalgar Square Theatre in 1892, was renamed in 1895. It typically showcases short-running plays with West End, Broadway stars, and has three auditorium levels.

Duke of York's Theatre - TodayTix

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The Duke of York's Theatre is a prestigious historical venue in London, showcasing world-renowned plays with modern facilities. It's accessible via public transport.

First look: See Ian McKellen and John Bishop in ‘Mother Goose’ photos

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