Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation of beloved international musical phenomenon *Wicked* has gone down a storm (or should that be a tornado), becoming the highest grossing movie based on a Broadway musical of all time. Two of the leads, Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey, started their careers in theatre (and pop sensation and acting newcomer Ariana Grande is also terrific – simply airiness personified). Not only was the film made locally at Sky Studios Elstree, Hertfordshire — much of the film's...

All the West End actors in the 'Wicked' movie

Wicked movie 

The wonderful *Wicked* movie is filled with cameos from West End actors such as Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey – can you spot them all?

“Queen of Rock’n’roll” Tina Turner was a true diva with an extraordinary life. Born Anna Mae Bullock and raised in the rural community of Nutbush, Tennessee, she began working as a cotton picker at an early age. Through singing in nightclubs, she met Ike Turner and joined his band the Kings of Rhythm in 1956. They married in 1962 and divorced in 1978 following many years of domestic abuse.

Turner staged a remarkable comeback as a solo artist in 1980. She is one of the best-selling recording...

Make a day out of 'Tina: The Tina Turner Musical' in London

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Rock out in London with an iconic pop-themed restaurant, a themed walking tour, and a museum celebrating two musical legends.

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

Mamma Mia - 1200 - LT

Further casting has been announced for Ella Hickson's adaptation of Sophocles's *Oedipus* at London's Old Vic. The play will co-directed by Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Shechter in a strictly limited run from 21 January 2025.

Joining the previously announced Rami Malek (*Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die*) as Oedipus and Indira Varma (*Present Laughter, Game of Thrones*) as Jocasta are Nicholas Khan as Creon, Joseph Mydell as Corinthian, Cecilia Noble as Tiresias, and Nicholas Woodeson as...

Further cast announced for 'Oedipus' at the Old Vic

oedipus cast old vic 1200 LT

oedipus old vic cast 1200

Indira Varma (*Present Laughter, Game of Thrones*) and Rami Malek (*Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die*) will play mother and son Jocasta and Oedipus.

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'

ewan mcgregor my master builder 1200 LT

*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'

The Devil Wears Prada - LT - 1200

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

billy porter marisha wallace cabaret 1200 LT

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

LT ArticleHeader 1200x600 Campaign-2

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

Look to the hills! A new play by Jez Butterworth, *The Hills of California*, will debut in the West End in 2024. The show will play a strictly limited run at the [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre) from 27 January to 15 June.

The show takes place in 1976 Blackpool, during the driest summer in 200 years. The beaches and coastal hotels are teeming with life, but in the town's backstreets, the Webb sisters return to their mother's guest house, where she is dying.

Sam Mendes directs *The Hills of California*. The acclaimed *Lehman Trilogy* director also staged Butterworth's *The Ferryman* in the West End 2017, and the production won Olivier Awards for Best New Play and Best Director. The show repeated that success at the 2019 Tony Awards, when Butterworth and Mendes's production transferred to Broadway.

Butterworth is also known for his award-winning plays *Mojo* and *Jerusalem*.

The creative team for *The Hills of California* also includes designer Rob Howell; lighting designer Natasha Chivers; sound Designer, composer, and arranger Nick Powell; choreographer Ellen Kane; and musical supervisor and arranger Candida Caldicot.

Casting for *The Hills of California* has yet to be announced.

Book [*The Hills of California* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36247-the-hills-of-california) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/36247/2024-01?content_product_id=36247&product_type=show&qt=2&)

New play 'The Hills of California' to debut in the West End in 2024

Hills of California Landscape poster-1200x600-LT

Ages 16+ (recommended). Includes themes of an adult and sensitive nature.

The Hills of California - LON [36247]

Genre: Play

The Hills of California

THOC Hero Image LON

The Hills of California - LON [36247] Product Media

THOC Header Image LON

THOC - EPK - LON

Production shot of The Hills of California in London, with lead cast members.

THOC Image 1 LON

Production shot of The Hills of California in London, starring Helena Wilson.

THOC Image 2 LON

THOC Image 3 LON

THOC Image 4 LON

Production shot of The Hills of California in London, with Leanne Best.

THOC Image 5 LON

Production shot of The Hills of California in London, with Ophelia Lovibond.

THOC Image 6 LON

THOC Poster Image LON

THOC Square LON

Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes reunite to bring their new play to the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End. Book *The Hills of California* tickets on London Theatre today.

The scorching summer of 1976 marks the driest period in 200 years, attracting crowds to Blackpool's sun-soaked beaches. Yet, in the sweltering, distant backstreets, a different story unfolds as the Webb Sisters return to their dying mother’s run-down guest house.

Playwright Jez Butterworth and director Sam Mendes, known for their Tony and Olivier Award-winning collaboration on *The Ferryman*, reunite for their latest collaboration.

Butterworth's renowned works include *Mojo* and *Jerusalem*. *Mojo* premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1995 and received the Olivier Award for Best Play. He went on to write and direct the film adaptation in 1997.

Mendes is celebrated for his direction in both theatre and film, with his film directorial debut in *American Beauty* in 1999, earning him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Director. He also directed both *Spectre* and *Skyfall*, two of the highest-grossing films in the James Bond franchise.

Don’t miss the world premiere of this new play, and book your *The Hills of California* tickets on London Theatre today.


The Hills of California - LT Override

Experience Jez Butterworth's latest play at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Directed by Sam Mendes, *The Hills of California* unfolds during a scorching 1976 heatwave. Join two sisters as they reunite with their elderly mother, far from the vibrant beaches of Blackpool, for a poignant final farewell.

Butterworth is best known for his work *Mojo* and *Jerusalem*. *Mojo* opened at the Royal Court Theatre in 1995 and won the Olivier Award for Best Play. He also wrote and directed the film adaptation.

Mendes has directed critically acclaimed work, both on stage and on screen. He made his film directional debut with *American Beauty* in 1999. Mendes received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Director for his work on the film. He also went on to direct the James Bond movies *Spectre* and *Skyfall*, the latter of which became the 14th film to gross over $1 billion worldwide.

## What to watch for

- Playwright Jez Butterworth has said in an interview that Harold Pinter greatly influenced his work. Now, for the first time, he will premiere a new play at the theatre named after his inspiration. 
- Sam Mendes co-founded Neal Street Productions, a film, television, and theatre production company, in 2003.
- Mendes served as the artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse from 1990 to 2002. During this time, he oversaw the redesign of the theatre, which formally opened in 1992 with the London premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s *Assassins*.


Hills of California Rush

Enter for a chance to purchase {display price} {show} tickets.

{display price} Lottery tickets

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

Download our app to enter the Lottery for a chance to purchase {display price} 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

Download our app to unlock Rush for a chance at last-minute tickets for only £25.

TODAYTIX RUSH PROMOTIONAL TERMS

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, 5 New Street Square London EC4A 3TW.

I unlocked £25 Rush tickets for Hills of California on @TodayTixUK! https://www.todaytix.com/london/shows/36247?share=unlock

The Hills of California - TT LON Override

See Olivier Award-winner Jez Butterworth's new play at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Directed by Sam Mendes, The Hills of California is set during a heatwave in 1976 and follows two sisters reuniting with their elderly mother far away from the bustling and joyous beaches of Blackpool for a final farewell.

*What is a song? A song is a dream... a place to be. Somewhere you can live. And in that place, there are no walls. No boundaries. No locks. No keys. You can go anywhere...*

Your Lie in April - LON [40886]

Your Lie in April

Due to phenomenal demand, critically acclaimed Your Lie in April will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre for 12 weeks only. 

The Harold Pinter Theatre, established and adorned with Victorian architecture in 1881, is one of the most notable theatre venues in the heart of London. Originally known as the Royal Comedy Theatre, it later adopted the name of 'Harold Pinter', honouring the famous playwright. The theatre is situated conveniently in the centre of the bustling West End, an ideal location for tourists and locals alike. The interior is decorated with an impressive array of original features aligned with its historical era of inception, creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere for theatre-goers. The theatre has an audience capacity of 796 people across four levels, with the seats divided into Stalls, Dress Circle, Royal Circle and Balcony. Over time, it has been home to many outstanding performances, including shows like 'The Homecoming', 'Moonlight', and 'Betrayal'. The Harold Pinter Theatre undoubtedly offers a memorable and culturally enriching experience for all those who visit.

### How to Get to the Venue 

Harold Pinter Theatre is accessible and well-connected, located at Panton Street in the City of Westminster. The closest Underground stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, both within a short 5-minute walk. Numerous buses service the area regularly, making it straightforward to reach using public transport. For those driving, the MasterPark at Whitcomb Street and NCP at Denman Street are the nearest parking options.

Harold Pinter Theatre - LON

Harold Pinter LON

Harold Pinter Theatre

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

Harold Pinter Theatre - TodayTix

The Harold Pinter Theatre opened on 15 Oct. 1881 as a comic opera house. Its name on opening was the Royal Comedy Theatre, though its ‘Royal’ epithet was dropped in 1884.

The Comedy Theatre helped establish the New Watergate Club in 1956, a society which helped overturn the stage censorship enforced by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. The formation of the Club meant that the plays banned by the Government could be performed at this venue as it was now being run as a private club rather than a commercial entity. Notable plays in this category include Arthur Miller’s *A View from the Bridge* and Tennessee Williams’ *Cat On A Hot Tin Roof*. The censorship was finally overturned in 1968. 

Harold Pinter's works were often performed here: *The Homecoming*, *The Caretaker*, *Moonlight*, *No-Man’s Land* and *The Hothouse* all enjoyed successful runs, and Pinter directed a production of *The Old Masters* here in 2004. After his death, it was thought fitting to bestow the honour of naming a theatre after him, and the name was officially changed on 13 Oct. 2011 to the Harold Pinter Theatre. The Ambassador Theatre Group own the Harold Pinter Theatre.

## Harold Pinter Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has four levels – Stalls, Dress Circle, Royal Circle and Balcony. The top three levels are a horseshoe shape around the stalls.

The Stalls is a single block of seats, and offers good sightlines. Some seats are impaired by supportive pillars and the overhang of the Dress Circle.

The Dress Circle doesn’t offer a great raking in the seating, but the view is not affected by the overhang of the Royal Circle. 

The Royal Circle seats curve towards the stage more noticeably than the Dress Circle.

The Balcony feels very high in this theatre.

Harold Pinter Theatre - London Theatre

Opened in 1881 as the Royal Comedy Theatre, it became the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2011. It features four seating levels and hosted notable uncensored plays.

HaroldPinter-SeatingMap-700 x1284 px

The Harold Pinter Theatre is a historic venue in London's West End, known for hosting many notable performances. Convenient and easily accessible by public transit.

The play is written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Sam Mendes, reuniting the team behind the Olivier and Tony Award-winning team behind *The Ferryman*.

New play 'The Hills of California' to debut in the West End in 2024

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!