England’s capital city beckons travellers with its vast array of awe-inspiring attractions. London’s countless architectural wonders, cultural institutions, and rich history make the city a popular destination. 

Whether you are building an itinerary for a one-day trip to London Town or are fortunate enough to embark on a longer excursion, there’s plenty to do. We have curated a list of London’s top attractions to make for lasting travel memories. Stroll through the city’s many pristine parks,...

Top attractions in London

Buckingham Palace - 1200 - LT - 310522

Read our guide to London's top attractions to get tickets to, from Buckingham Palace to the London Tower, Wembley Stadium to Kew Gardens, and more.

Pop the champagne because *The Great Gatsby* is coming to the West End! The new Tony Award-winning musical, which opened on Broadway in April 2024, will arrive at the London Coliseum on 11 April 2025, running until 7 September.

An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, *The Great Gatsby* follows mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, who hosts decadent parties but pines for his former flame Daisy Buchanan. The novel was adapted for the screen in 2013 by Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo...

'The Great Gatsby' musical to transfer to the London Coliseum 

1200 LT The cast of The Great Gatsby (c) Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

The new musical opened at The Broadway Theatre in April 2024, following a world premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in late 2023. 

Help is on the way, dears! Everyone’s favourite Scottish nanny – first inhabited in the 1993 comedy film by Robin Williams, playing a divorced dad who disguises himself as Mrs Doubtfire so he can see his children – is now a West End star.

The inventive, heartfelt and raucously funny stage musical adaptation has become a new audience favourite, packed with gags, big musical numbers, and a touching reflection on how family can come in different forms, as long as there is love.

As you prepare for...

Make a day out of 'Mrs Doubtfire' in London

Mrs Doubtfire - LT - 1200

Make your family visit to West End musical comedy *Mrs Doubtfire* a sure-fire hit by adding even more fun activities to your London trip.

Further casting has been announced for the Brie Larson-led production of Sophocles’s [*Elektra*,](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/42608-elektra) which begins performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End on 24 January, 2025.

Larson, who is making her West End debut, will be joined by Stockard Channing (*The West Wing, The Good Wife*), Marième Diouf (*Romeo and Juliet*), Greg Hicks (*Grapes of Wrath, Coriolanus*), and Patrick Vaill ([*Stranger Things: The First...

Further casting revealed for Brie Larson-led 'Elektra' in the West End

elektra 1200 LT

Stockard Channing, Marième Diouf, Greg Hicks, and Patrick Vaill will join Brie Larson in Anne Carson's translation of Sophocles's great tragedy.

The full cast has been announced for William Shakespeare's *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*, which opens at the Barbican in London on 3 December, running until 18 January, 2025.

Joining Mathew Baynton (*Ghosts, Wonka*) as Bottom, is Andrew Richardson (*Guys and Dolls*) as Oberon/Theseus and Katherine Pearce (*Waterloo Road*), who returns to the RSC as Puck.

New company members also include Alexander Bellinfantie (Moth), Eliza Smith (Mustardseed), and Natalie Thomas (Peaseblossom).

They join...

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' announces full cast at the Barbican

midsummer nights dream cast 1200 LT

Joining Mathew Baynton as Bottom, is Andrew Richardson as Oberon/Theseus and Katherine Pearce as Puck. Eleanor Rhode directs Shakespeare's play about love, magic, appearance, and jealousy.

Lead casting has been announced for new musical *Hercules*, which opens in the West End next summer. Performances will begin at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 6 June, 2025.

Luke Brady will play the title role in the musical next year. His stage credits include *As You Like It* (RSC), *SuperYou* (Lyric Theatre), *Assassins* (Chichester Theatre), *The Prince of Egypt* (Dominion Theatre), *Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice,* and *The Taming of the Shrew* (Shakespeare’s Globe), while on screen he...

'Hercules' reveals lead casting in the West End

1200 LT Luke Brady to play Hercules in Disney-s Hercules - Photo by Phil Hill © Disney

*Hercules* has music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and a new book by Robert Horn and Young Vic outgoing artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah.

There’s no better way to escape those dark winter nights than with a trip to the theatre. Happily, November is serving up plenty of exciting London shows to keep any winter blues at bay, with some major openings in the West End and beyond. 

Those who can't wait for *The Greatest Showman* musical to arrive in London can whet their appetities with [*Come Alive!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37379-come-alive), a spectacular circus show based on the music of the hit 2017 film, with an...

Top theatre to see in London in November

1200 LT Álvaro Morte & Lily Collins - Barcelona - The Duke of York-s Theatre - Photo Credit Marc Brenner .1

West End

Find out the best shows to see in London in November 2024, from *Barcelona* with Lily Collins and Álvaro Morte, to *Dr. Strangelove* with Steve Coogan.

Additional shows have been announced in the Bush Theatre's line-up for 2025, including a new play starring Olivier Award nominee and *It's a Sin* actor Omari Douglas.

He has been cast in Coral Wylie's new play *Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew*, which follows 19-year-old Pip as they dig into their family's past, unearthing old secrets. Directed by Debbie Hannan (Overflow), the cast also includes Wil Johnson, Pooky Quesnel, and writer Wylie. The show will run from 8 February to 22 March.

Making...

Bush Theatre announces new shows in 2025 season

1200 LT Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew

Work by Coral Wylie, babirye bukilwa, and Mohamed-Zain Dada will continue the Bush Theatre's programming in 2025, with Olivier Award nominee Omari Douglas returning to the stage.

New play *The Last Laugh* will run at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End from 25 February to 22 March next year, ahead of a season in New York and a UK tour. 

Written and directed by Paul Hendy, the show re-imagines the lives of three of Britain's greatest comedy heroes: Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse. *The Last Laugh* played at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. 

Bob Golding, Damian Williams, and Simon Cartwright will all reprise their roles as Eric Morecambe,...

'The Last Laugh' to transfer to the West End

1200 LT THE LAST LAUGH. Bob Golding (Eric Morecambe), Damian Williams (Tommy Cooper) and Simon Cartwright (Bob Monkhouse). Photo Pamela Raith (1)

Written and directed by Paul Hendy, the show re-imagines the lives of three of Britain's greatest comedy heroes: Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse.

Something wicked this way comes… and London is packed with spook-tacular shows and activities that are perfect for Halloween 2024. The annual fright night falls on 31 October, which is a Thursday this year, and if you just love everything about this spine-tingling holiday, then you’ll want to start thinking about your plans now.

One ghoulishly great way to celebrate Halloween is with a play or musical – perhaps one that centres on witches, like...

Top shows and attractions in London for Halloween

The Phantom of the Opera - 1200 - LT - 310522

Trick or treat! Discover a wide variety of fun activities and events to book for Halloween in London, ranging from spine-chilling shows to eerie attractions.

See the *My Fair Lady* cast in newly released production images. *My Fair Lady* is at the [London Coliseum](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-coliseum) to 27 August. [*My Fair Lady* tickets are on sale now.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24277-my-fair-lady)

*My Fair Lady* follows Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flowerseller, as her life is transformed by linguistics professor Henry Higgins. Amara Okereke plays Eliza, joined by Harry Hadden-Paton as Henry Higgins and Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Higgins. Bartlett Sher directs *My Fair Lady*.

We caught up with the My Fair Lady cast and creatives about starring in the production. Find out more from [Vanessa Redgrave and Malcolm Sinclair](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/vanessa-redgrave-and-malcolm-sinclair-my-fair-lady-is-a-diamond-musical), [Amara Okereke and Harry Hadden-Paton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/amara-okereke-and-harry-hadden-paton-my-fair-lady-is-like-shakespeare), and [Bartlett Sher](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/my-fair-lady-bartlett-sher-and-gareth-valentine).

*My Fair Lady* is at the London Coliseum.

[*My Fair Lady* tickets are on sale now.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24277-my-fair-lady)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 1 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2KZs7lz0PdJ9Zi1oziEcFE/24480d1a9d14721d0ef9d5fea2482916/MFL1-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 2 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7nqjEpbRcvGCAzfV758Yic/5dde03f9caf00e74986e8fd4d675c3c1/MFL2-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 3 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/Wci90uHHpQfhgtlkpNds5/d234b9992dd3e58590040838cc0c4abe/MFL3-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 4 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/51f0XeECf2TusPgMcu3W2d/7c1a5ac4effc79f4abc233f3aaea6d56/MFL4-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 5 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4UyW5u8xPUGidRI7SBowts/ea1b861fa96e69c184d70e9824af2c65/MFL5-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 6 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2sfQ5XyzSfdtm6f5d389z/035c79c17be390c0f46954c1767fa3b0/MFL6-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 7 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4AK1A7xUWtFxyIfP45k5iF/4c6b62c62337a608a1b77c98c83e2bfa/MFL7-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 8 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4lPVZvx5B1YjSuFbkNFky/a99c7e435b985d02e868367f6f4c125b/MFL8-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 9 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7AFApnsNe1Wiw0LuH5NTMp/d4691b6297062e9e016f009a009c96ac/MFL9-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 10 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3OMhz1i5kxuYk0JVKtX1W1/2e428ccca8710704e51e9dca5e4ed511/MFL10-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 11 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/5ytU4dFVDLyZ0nWuZ9nSmo/f2dafffcea73c240eb0d2394eb8d1760/MFL11-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 12 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1psmSQIHGaDpYULAhe8imF/9613ee7cedfc8ab34976f61ce66b3432/MFL12-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 13- 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6gIOmRd3Mt0Hzadu1y14Bn/d82e45662d26888f13c6ad72563b1f7e/MFL13-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 14 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3YxEaL1WknZc5m6RxgW0Mi/7b432dfcab17ce17e723eec0463aa5d5/MFL14-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 15 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2B2RFA3yz5ldnvx2zvjIlE/788c914336828bf18ec3943d4b82fcdd/MFL15-750-160522.jpg)

![My Fair Lady - 750 - LT - 16 - 160522](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6Pppj84jU06uslWsPlPZzE/d327bf900724fa7570c34ff13372ee18/MFL16-750-160522.jpg)


‘My Fair Lady’, starring Vanessa Redgrave, releases production images 

My Fair Lady - 1200 - LT - 160522

Coliseum: Entry Requirements 

My Fair Lady - LON [24277]

Genre: Musicals DUPLICATE - do not use for WL

My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady - Hero

My Fair Lady - LON [24277] Product Media

MFL Header Image

MFL Prod Pic 1

MFL Prod Pic 2

MFL Prod Pic 3

MFL Prod Pic 4

MFL Prod Pic 5

MFL Prod Pic 6

MFL Prod Pic 7

MFL Prod Pic 8

MFL - Poster

Wouldn’t it be loverly to see *My Fair Lady* on stage? See the 10-time Tony-nominated Broadway revival in London, which plays a limited summer engagement at the London Coliseum. Book *My Fair Lady* tickets in London on TodayTix.

The *My Fair Lady* musical tells the story of Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle and professor Henry Higgins. Henry believes he can finetune Eliza into a cultured woman in society, but Eliza feels trapped by her new acquaintance. The *My Fair Lady* story has been adapted slightly to suit a contemporary audience. In this revival, the future seems brighter for Eliza — she paves her own path in society that’s not dictated by a man.

*My Fair Lady* features a book and lyrics by famed American duo Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. Together, they worked on many musicals, including *Brigadoon*, *Camelot*, and *Gigi*. But *My Fair Lady* was their runaway success, setting a record as the longest-running Broadway musical of its time. Half a century later, and *My Fair Lady* has enjoyed a reinvigorated success on Broadway and in its current US national tour. So get ready to grow accustomed to *My Fair Lady* in London. Book *My Fair Lady* tickets in London on TodayTix.

## What To Watch For

- *My Fair Lady* is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play, *Pygmalion*. 
- This production of *My Fair Lady* premiered on Broadway in 2018. *My Fair Lady* ran on Broadway for 15 months, and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards. 
- *My Fair Lady* is directed by Bartlett Sher. Sher also directs *To Kill a Mockingbird*. now playing in the West End.
- Director Bartlett Sher has reinterpreted the ending of the show, he says, in a way Bernard Shaw would approve. His direction also had to be approved by the estate of lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner and the foundation of composer Frederick Loewe. 
- *My Fair Lady* premiered on Broadway in 1956, and was then in London in 1958. The upcoming *My Fair Lady* London revival will be the show’s third West End revival. The most recent revival was in 2001, starring Martine McCutcheon and Jonathan Pryce.


My Fair Lady Rush

If selected, you will have [CLAIM LENGTH] to purchase [PRICE] [SHOW TITLE] tickets.

I entered the [SHOW] Lottery for [DISPLAY_PRICE] tickets on @TodayTix! Tap here to enter: https://www.todaytix.com/[LOCATION]/shows/[ID]?share=enter

Unlock Rush for a chance to purchase £25 tickets

£25 Rush tickets

Promotional terms for participants in the UK (any person who resides elsewhere is not eligible to participate in the 'TodayTix Rush' sales promotion).

The promoter of the 'TodayTix Rush' sales promotion is TodayTix, Ltd (the "Promoter"). This sales promotion is neither endorsed by nor in any way associated with: (i) Apple Inc.; (ii) Google Inc.; (iii) Facebook Inc.; (iv) Twitter Inc.; (v) any owner/licensor of any musical or theatrical performance for which tickets are available to purchase under the 'TodayTix Rush' sales promotion and/or (vi) the theatre in which it is performed.

By participating in the 'TodayTix Rush' sales promotion, a participant will be deemed to accept these promotional terms and the Promoter's UK Privacy Policy (which can be accessed here) and agrees that the decision of the Promoter is final and binding in all matters relating to the 'TodayTix Rush' sales promotion.

All references to "app" in these promotional terms refer to the "TodayTix – West End Tickets" mobile application which is compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android devices and can be downloaded from Apple's App Store (either iPhone or iPad version) or Google Play (Android version). Each participant must open a registered account via the app in order to participate in the 'TodayTix Rush' sales promotion – please see here [insert hyperlink] to open a registered account via the app.

Please note that in order to unlock and access the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app, you will on each occasion first be invited (but not required) to post content about it to your registered account with Twitter or Facebook from within the app. Although such content will never involve your endorsement of a third party product or service (other than the then-current musical/theatrical performance featured on the locked screen of the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app) please do not proceed to post such content unless you agree with all of it. Your decision to post content will not affect the ticket(s) available to you in the 'Rush' section of the app and/or their price. Regardless of whether or not you post content, the app will display a payment page to pay for the discounted price ticket(s). You must then pay for the ticket(s) without delay to secure them.

Please note that the discounted price tickets sold through the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app are for the stated performance time of the featured musical/theatrical performance which will always be later on the same date. The discounted price tickets are very limited in quantity and subject to availability sold on a 'first come first served basis'. If either there is:

less that 1 hour until the featured musical/theatrical performance; or all the discounted price tickets have been sold for it, then the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app shall not be able to be unlocked from such point until the following date on which discounted price tickets are available for purchase through the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app – either for the same or a different musical/theatrical performance.

PROMOTION PERIOD. You may purchase 2 discounted price tickets for the featured musical/theatrical performance from as soon as these are marketed within the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app. The closing time/deadline for the purchase of such tickets is either: 1 hour until the featured musical/theatrical performance; or all the discounted price tickets have been sold. In either case the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app shall not be able to be unlocked from such point until the following date on which discounted price tickets are available for purchase through the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app.

Only 2 tickets may be purchased for any particular performance per person.

ELIGIBILITY. This sales promotion is open to anyone aged 18 years or over resident in the UK only, who selects the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app, excluding employees of the Promoter and their families, the Promoter's service providers, agents and anyone professionally associated with this sales promotion.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SALES PROMOTION. To participate, please select the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app and post the proposed content about this sales promotion to your registered account with Twitter or Facebook from within the app. If you decide to proceed and post such content then the app will then display a payment page to pay for the discounted price ticket(s). You must then pay for the ticket(s) without delay and always within 1 hour of the relevant performance to secure them (otherwise you will lose the opportunity to purchase them).

All instructions within the 'TodayTix Rush' section of the app will form part of these promotional terms.

THE PROMOTER'S LIABILITY. Except that the Promoter does not exclude or limit its liability for personal injury or death caused by its negligence or for fraudulent misrepresentation or any other liability that may not, by law, be limited or excluded, the Promoter accepts no liability in relation to a participant's participation (or inability to participate) in this sales promotion, including without limitation any use made by a participant of (or inability to use) the purchased ticket(s).

If this sales promotion cannot be executed as planned due to technical problems or circumstances beyond the Promoter's control, the Promoter shall not incur any liability and no payment or ticket(s) of any kind will be awarded.

The Promoter's determination and decision on all matters will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Any dispute or situation not covered by these promotional terms will be resolved by the Promoter's management in a manner it deems to be the fairest to all concerned and, subject to the following section, that decision will be binding on all participants.

APPLICABLE LAWS AND JURISDICTION. This sales promotion and these promotional terms shall be governed by English law, and a participant agrees that any dispute between him/her and the Promoter regarding this sales promotion or these promotional terms will only be dealt with by the English courts, provided that, if a participant lives in a part of the United Kingdom other than England, the applicable law of that part of the United Kingdom will govern and any dispute will only be dealt with by the courts there.

If any part of these promotional terms is found to be unenforceable as a matter of law, all other parts of these promotional terms shall be unaffected and shall remain in force.

Any queries and comments concerning this sales promotion should be directed in writing to "TodayTix Rush", TodayTix Ltd, UK Limited, 5 New Street Square, London, EC4A 3TW United Kingdom

I unlocked £25 Rush tickets for My Fair Lady on @TodayTixUK! https://www.todaytix.com/london/shows/24277?share=unlock

My Fair Lady - TodayTix - LON

The rain in Spain… stays mainly in the West End! New York’s Lincoln Center Theater 2018 production of *My Fair Lady* transfers to the [London Coliseum](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-coliseum). Grow accustomed to the Lerner and Loewe musical as it returns to the West End for the first time in over two decades. *My Fair Lady* tickets are available on London Theatre now. 

The *My Fair Lady* musical tells of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, who is turned into a lady with the help of phonetics professor Henry Higgins. While she’s being transformed, Eliza loses her accent — and her sense of self. In this revival, Eliza gains a new sense of agency, paving her own path. That’s down to director Bartlett Sher reinterpreting the *My Fair Lady* ending, and gaining approval from the estates and foundations of *My Fair Lady* creators Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe.

*My Fair Lady* is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play, *Pygmalion*. Adapting *Pygmalion* into the *My Fair Lady* musical became Lerner and Loewe’s runaway success; their musical repertoire includes *Brigadoon*, *Camelot*, and *Gigi*. Following a Broadway premiere in 1956, *My Fair Lady* London eventually came to its London setting in 1958, and has since been revived in the West End three times. This London revival will be the first in 21 years — Martine McCutcheon and Jonathan Pryce starred in *My Fair Lady* in 2001. 

This production of *My Fair Lady* premiered on Broadway in 2018. *My Fair Lady* ran on Broadway for 15 months, and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning a Tony for Best Costume Design. Now the show has a renewed energy, so you’ll need to grow accustomed to the musical once more. 

Tickets to *My Fair Lady* are available now. Book your *My Fair Lady* tickets on London Theatre.


My Fair Lady - LON - London Theatre

What does it take to become a lady? This critically acclaimed production makes its West End debut after a hit New York City run. 
Director Bartlett Sher brings a fresh take to the classic tale, including special permission from the creators to reimagine the ending. 
See a beloved musical in a whole new light with *My Fair Lady* at the London Coliseum today.

[*My Fair Lady*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24277-my-fair-lady) has come home. Bartlett Sher’s [celebrated New York production](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/review-of-my-fair-lady-starring-lauren-ambrose-on-broadway) is now playing in the city where its action unfolds, two decades on from Trevor Nunn’s Martine McCutcheon-starring revival. But is this classic musical still an enchanting treat, or does its gender politics preclude our enjoyment of Lerner and Loewe’s incandescent score?

The London run of Sher’s production feels more progressive immediately thanks to its casting. It shouldn’t be this revolutionary in 2022 to have a black actress playing Eliza, yet [Amara Okereke](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/amara-okereke-and-harry-hadden-paton-my-fair-lady-is-like-shakespeare) is the notable first (just as she was the first black Cosette in the West End *Les Misérables*). 

Add in [Stephen K Amos](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/the-my-fair-lady-cast-on-finding-a-fresh-take-with-bartlett-sher) playing her father, and race becomes a silent second dividing line, along with class, between the Doolittles and Professor Higgins, the linguistics expert who bets his friend Colonel Pickering that he can pass off Eliza as a duchess after just six months of lessons. It adds a whole new dimension to Higgins’ efforts to, in his view, civilise her.

But Okereke’s ambitious Eliza can hold her own. She’s fiercely combative from the start, physically squaring up to Higgins and deploying her Cockney squawks like missiles. (Higgins, in response, covers his delicate ears.) She’s a survivor and a shrewd grafter, only rarely letting her guard down – like chuckling with her pals during the wistful “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?”.

Okereke could give us more light-hearted moments too. She’s certainly adept at comedy, as she demonstrates in the peerless Ascot scene, matching the swooping vowels of each aristocrat she meets as she parrots “How do you do?”. But she does draw back the curtain on Eliza’s rich inner life through her simply gorgeous renditions of the songs, her crystalline soprano soaring into the heavens during “I Could Have Danced All Night”. 

Harry Hadden-Paton, reprising the role from Broadway, is a riveting whirlwind of a Higgins. At 41, he’s much closer in age to Eliza, and, unlike Rex Harrison’s stately version, is always on the move, reflecting his busy mind. He leaps up and down the spiral staircase in his library, hurls himself on the sofa when despairing of the opposite sex, and, in a great bit of physical comedy, signals his furious reactions through the window when Eliza and his mother criticise him.

This white lab coat-clad Higgins isn’t just wantonly cruel, but has a scientist’s ruthless focus – plus privilege blindness and a genuine inability to understand other people’s feelings. It puts him on more of an equal footing with Eliza, who shapes him as much as he does her, and Hadden-Paton gives us a fascinating arc from Higgins’ self-satisfied insouciance and arrested emotional development to sheer panic as he loses control in an unusually charged “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face”.

The supporting cast is more of a mixed bag. Malcolm Sinclair is superb as the bluff colonel with a hint of a colourful past (how *does* this bachelor know where to buy a lady’s gown?), as is Maureen Beattie as the put-upon housekeeper Mrs Pearce. Her growing exasperation with her eccentric employer is a dynamite running gag. Sharif Afifi is a sweetly Tiggerish Freddy, but overdoes the blithe enthusiasm. “On the Street Where You Live” doesn’t need that many injections.

Most glaringly, Amos is miscast as Doolittle. He’s not up to the singing and he mumbles the dialogue, throwing away some brilliantly crafted lines. A shame, because George Bernard Shaw’s commentary on a smug middle-class dictating how the “undeserving poor” should live is powerfully pertinent – just as, depressingly, Higgins’ observations on verbal class distinctions still apply. [Vanessa Redgrave](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/vanessa-redgrave-and-malcolm-sinclair-my-fair-lady-is-a-diamond-musical) is luxury casting and a staunch ally for Eliza, but, leaning on a crutch and her voice wavering in places, she’s a little lost on the cavernous Coliseum stage.

That applies generally: everything could be projected more, especially for a show in which language itself is so lauded. The cast often compete with the magnificent ENO Orchestra, meaning details are lost. Michael Yeargan’s design, with its Turner-esque skyline backdrops, storybook flats, evocative lampposts and a revolve that sweeps us around the Higgins abode, is handsome but slightly stranded. However, Catherine Zuber’s sumptuous costumes are literal showstoppers, from the satellite dish-sized hats to Eliza’s shimmering ballgown.

Sher’s ambiguous – and controversial – choice of ending won’t be to everyone’s taste. For me, it’s not quite earned, despite some feminist touches elsewhere, like the inclusion of protesting suffragettes. But this is a thoughtful grappling with a rich and complex musical, balancing old-fashioned charm with fresh ideas, and, at its best, blossoming into a truly loverly night out. 

*[My Fair Lady at the London Coliseum to 27 August. Book My Fair Lady tickets on London Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24277-my-fair-lady)*

*Photo credit: Harry Hadden-Paton, Amara Okereke and Malcolm Sinclair in My Fair Lady at the London Coliseum (Photo by Marc Brenner)*

'My Fair Lady' review — a loverly revival that balances old-fashioned charm with fresh ideas

My Fair Lady - 1200 - LT - 190522

Ages 5+. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the auditorium. Children under the age of 16 must be seated with an adult.

Nutcracker - English National Ballet - LON [24499]

Nutcracker - English National Ballet

A magical Christmas tradition for all the family – in a brand-new production for 2024. This festive season, join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. 


This production is recommended for ages 10+. Please note only children aged 5+ are allowed in the auditorium

Giselle - English National Ballet - LON [28336]

Giselle - English National Ballet

Giselle is a haunting story of innocence and betrayal – a timeless tale about the redemptive power of love.

The London Coliseum, located in the heart of London is the largest theatre in London's West End. Built by architect Frank Matcham and opening its doors for the first time in 1904, the theatre houses just under 2,359 seats, spread out over four levels. Stylistically, the design is Edwardian Baroque - known for its grandeur and detail-oriented style. A site of both historic and cultural importance, The Coliseum is famed for its variety of productions including musical comedies, variety shows, and classic dramas. Since 1968, it has been the London home of the English National Opera (ENO) and is also used by the English National Ballet during the Christmas period. Notably, The London Coliseum has a rich history, boasting a revolving stage and the first 'quadraphonic' sound system in Britain. Today, its programming is varied with everything from high-profile awards ceremonies, to film screenings, television broadcasts, and a selection of world-class operas, musicals, dance performances and concerts. Its motto is 'Pro Bono Publico' (For the public good).

## How to get to the venue
The London Coliseum is easily accessible by a variety of transport options. It is located at St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES. The nearest underground station is Leicester Square on the Northern and Piccadilly Lines whilst the Charing Cross station servicing the Northern, Bakerloo and the British Rail Lines is just a short walk away. Additionally, a variety of buses service the area including the routes 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 30, 53.

London Coliseum - LON

London Coliseum LON

London Coliseum

Explore West End shows, book last minute theatre tickets, and more

Discover London

London All Shows Image

Latest London Insider Posts

London

London Tile Image

Venues in London

London Coliseum - TodayTix

The London Coliseum opened in 1904. When the Coliseum first opened, it was home to variety shows – chariot races even took place. The idea stood that if shows weren’t accessible to the general public, then it didn’t have a place at the London Coliseum. 

In 1968, the theatre became the home of Sadler’s Wells Opera (now the English National Opera), with the London Coliseum auditiorium redesigned to allow for a large orchestra. The London Coliseum has such a presence in the English opera calendar that it’s now the British home of operatic performances.

The London Coliseum has the widest proscenium arch in the West End, measuring at 55 feet wide.

## London Coliseum Seating Information

The London Coliseum seats 2,359 people across two levels - Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony. All seats offer an excellent view of the London Coliseum stage, so you can feel a part of the action.

London Coliseum - London Theatre

The London Coliseum, opened in 1904, originally hosted variety shows. It's now home to the English National Opera, seats 2,359 people and has the widest proscenium arch in the West End.

LondonColiseum-840 x1054 px

The London Coliseum is the largest West End theatre, housing English National Opera and English National Ballet performances. Accessible from Leicester Square and Charing Cross stations.

‘My Fair Lady’, starring Vanessa Redgrave, releases production images

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!