Countless theatregoers had their first thrilling experience of a West End musical with Disney’s *[The Lion King](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/302-the-lion-king-tickets)* – and have since taken their own children to this spellbinding show. That’s the circle of ife! No wonder the beloved London production is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024.

Be prepared to celebrate with a trip to *The Lion King* at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/lyceum-theatre), and...

Make a day out of ‘The Lion King’ in London

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Make your London trip extra roar-some by planning fun activities around your visit to Disney's family-favourite West End musical.

Soho isn’t easy to define. There are no official parameters and no Tube station of the name (Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, and Piccadilly Circus will drop you off nearby). It isn’t known for museums or famous shops. You could say it’s more of a state of mind! 

Originally farmland, the area became a parish in the late 17th century, with the arrival of new homes built by the aristocracy. It’s thought that the name originates from a former hunting cry.

By the 19th century, the upper...

A neighbourhood guide to Soho

Soho

Enjoy the nightlife of one of London's most bohemian districts, including the theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue.

Save up your pennies and get ready to see the new cast of Sam Mendes's successful production of *The Lehman Trilogy*. The five-time Tony Award-winning production returns to London's West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from 24 September 2024 until 5 January 2025 for a strictly limited run. Opening night is 9 October.

John Heffernan, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown will step back into their black suits as the original Lehman Brothers, as well as their sons, and grandsons. They're joined by...

'The Lehman Trilogy' rounds out its new cast for West End revival

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Banking drama *The Lehman Trilogy* returns to the West End, completing its new cast and set for limited run starting in September at Gillian Lynne Theatre.

We’ve still got plenty of theatre action in London this year – but it’s never too early to start getting excited about all the great shows to come in 2025! There’s a bumper crop of plays and musicals hitting the West End and beyond, so it’s a perfect time to plan a visit.

Don’t miss the big Hollywood names hitting London stages next year, from Tom Hiddleston and Cate Blanchett to Jonathan Bailey and Sigourney Weaver. Plus there’s the return of the massively successful *[My Neighbour...

The best shows coming to the West End in 2025

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A fantastic 2025 London theatre calendar features big Hollywood names, new musicals, the return of a smash-hit show, and all kinds of plays and musicals.

As if! [*Clueless: The Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36641-clueless-the-musical) is coming to the West End, opening on 15 February 2025 at the [Trafalgar Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/trafalgar-theatre).

With music by folk rock star KT Tunstall (singer of hits "Suddenly I See" and "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree"), lyrics by Glenn Slater, choreography by Kelly Devine, and direction from Rachel Kavanaugh, this new musical will be all suited up in yellow plaid...

'Clueless: The Musical' to make West End premiere in February 2025

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Get ready to RSVP yes to the fun musical based on the iconic 1995 movie, coming to London's West End for the first time in February 2025.

It’s time! The hugely acclaimed stage musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s beautiful short story *[The Curious Case of Benjamin Button](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29855-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button)*, about a man who is born in old age and gradually gets younger as each day passes, is finally coming to the West End following its hit run at London’s [Southwark Playhouse](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/southwark-playhouse) theatre.

Written by Jethro Compton and...

Everything you need to know about 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

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The gorgeously heartfelt folk musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's story is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, starring John Dalgleish and Clare Foster.

*Succession* star and multi-award winning actor Brian Cox returns to the stage in the new play *The Score* as Johann Sebastian Bach, written by Oliver Cotton and directed by Trevor Nunn, running at [Theatre Royal Haymarket](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/theatre-royal-haymarket) from 20 February to 26 April 2025.

In 1740s Prussia, Johann Sebastian Bach enters the court of the erratic Frederick II, which leads to a battle of wits and wills. As society changes and the Age of Enlightenment...

Brian Cox to star in 'The Score' at Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2025

Brian Cox in Spain

*Succession* star and Olivier Award winner Brian Cox will star in this new play written by Oliver Cotton and directed by Trevor Nunn at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

If you’re planning to book for a [West End](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/west-end) show (or several!) during your trip to London, then it makes sense to find a hotel in the centre of town so that it’s easy to get to your theatre. Luckily, there are numerous great options within walking distance, and to suit a range of tastes and price points too.

So whether you’re looking to treat yourself to somewhere luxurious during your visit, or you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly, cheap...

Where to stay in London's Theatreland

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Looking for a great hotel in central London, close to all the West End theatres? We've got curated picks to suit every price level.

If you’re visiting London and looking to enjoy some drinks, there’s plenty to choose from in the West End (including Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Soho) when it comes to happy hour – usually defined as drinks served at discounted prices while the night is young.

Wine and beer are on offer, as well as many delicious and decadent cocktails. Most cocktail venues don’t insist on a formal dress code (apart from no shorts and gym wear), but it can be fun to dress up for an...

Guide to the best happy hours in the West End

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Find out where to secure a delicious pre-theatre tipple with our comprehensive guide to the best bars offering Happy Hour drinks in the West End.

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

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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.

The [Kiln Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/kiln-theatre) has set the complete cast for [*Pins and Needles*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/41155-pins-and-needles), a world-premiere play written by Rob Drummond and directed by Kiln artistic director Amit Sharma. Performances run from 19 September to 26 October, and opening night is 25 September.

The *Pins and Needles* cast includes Richard Cant, Gavi Singh Chera, Brian Vernel, and Sharlene Whyte.

The creative team includes designer Frankie Bradshaw, lighting designer Rory Beaton, and sound designer Jasmin Kent Rodgman.

In *Pins and Needles*, a man named Rob sets out to gather different perspectives on the science, politicals, and human interest in vaccines. He speaks to Mary, a mother looking out for her family; Toby, an angry son who doesn't trust institutions; and Edward Jenner, the father of modern vaccines. Soon, Rob isn't sure who to believe or trust.

Book [*Pins and Needles* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/41155-pins-and-needles) on London Theatre.

*Photo credit: Richard Cant, Gavi Singh Chera, Brian Vernel, and Sharlene Whyte. (Photos courtesy of production)*

'Pins and Needles' sets cast at the Kiln Theatre

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*Pins and Needles* in London has an expert creative team led by Amit Sharma, the show's director, and CEO and artistic director of Kiln Theatre. 

"I'm incredibly proud to share my first season as Artistic Director of Kiln. My ambition is to make sure we present world class theatre coaligned with new entertainment offerings – so we are well on our way in making this a theatre for all! We have two world premieres, one European premiere and a hugely exciting transfer," Sharma said.  

Also included in the creative team is designer Frankie Bradshaw (*Blues for an Alabama Sky*), sound is by Kent Rodgman (*Paradise Now!*), and lighting is by Rory Beaton (*Your Lie in April, The Lord of the Rings*). 

## What to watch for 

- *Pins and Needles* is a play by Rob Drummond; he has earned numerous awards for his work, including a Total Theatre and Herald Angel award for his play *Bullet Catch*. 
- As The Stage says, Drummond’s plays are “utterly unpredictable.” In fact, his play *Bullet Catch*, which has had sell-out runs worldwide, includes a scene where an audience member is brought on stage to shoot him.   
- This play is very timely as the focus on vaccinations and the politicization of them includes COVID-19 vaccines following the pandemic.  
- Drummond published a book in 2021 titled *Rob Drummond Plays with Participation* which includes six of his plays in his signature style examining the relationship between the writer, the audience, and performer/s. 

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See the world premiere of *Pins and Needles*, Rob Drummond’s latest play, at Kiln Theatre. This play explores politics and opinions surrounding vaccines and the stories behind them. 


See the world premiere of award-winning playwright Rob Drummond’s new show, *Pins and Needles*, at Kiln Theatre. Book *Pins and Needles* tickets on London Theatre. 

*Pins and Needles* in London tells the story of a playwright who is creating a play about vaccines, their effects, and their history. Through his work, he interviews various people, from a scientist to a mother and a son. Everyone has differing opinions, leaving the playwright questioning what is true and who to trust. 

The play stars Richard Cant (*Chariots of Fire*), Gavi Singh Chera (*The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*), Brian Vernel (*Star Wars: The Force Awakens*), and Vivienne Acheampong (*Is God Is, The Sandman*).

[Brian Vernel said](https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/blog/interview-brian-vernel-pins-and-needles-at-kiln-theatre#:~:text=Premiering%20at%20the%20Kiln%20Theatre,Vernel%20to%20find%20out%20more.) of the show, “Theatre like this should always raise questions and start a healthy debate. I think the times we live in feel extremely divided - the notion of people listening to different opinions other than their own seems to be fading. And I think that’s a bad thing. I think watching this play might reignite that spark, hopefully.”  

*Pins and Needles* is a play with a talented creative team, including director Amit Sharma, the CEO and artistic director of Kiln Theatre. 

Sharma said of his inaugural season at Kiln Theatre, “I’m incredibly proud to share my first season as Artistic Director of Kiln. My ambition is to make sure we present world class theatre coaligned with new entertainment offerings – so we are well on our way in making this a theatre for all! We have two world premieres, one European premiere and a hugely exciting transfer.” 

The creative team also includes design by Frankie Bradshaw (*Blues for an Alabama Sky*), lighting by Rory Beaton (*Your Lie in April, The Lord of the Rings*), and sound by Kent Rodgman (*Paradise Now!*). 


Pins and Needles LT override

The world premiere of *Pins and Needles* comes to Kiln Theatre. This exciting new play by Rob Drummond stars Richard Cant (*Chariots of Fire*), Gavi Singh Chera (*The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*), Brian Vernel (*Star Wars: The Force Awakens*), and Vivienne Acheampong (*Is God Is*) and explores opinions and politics surrounding vaccines. 


Rob is putting science and scepticism to the test in his new play.

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Two Strangers (carry a cake across New York)

Dougal is a naive, impossibly upbeat Brit, flying to New York for his Dad’s second wedding. The Dad he’s never known.

The Kiln Theatre, located in the heart of Kilburn in North West London, is a pillar in the world of London theatre. The venue is known for its focus on a variety of cultural perspectives, making it a key player in celebrating diversity in the arts. The 292-seat theater has seen a vast array of performances, spanning genres from classic plays and new dramas to real-life adaptations and revivals. Despite its modest size, the Kiln Theatre plays an important role in spearheading daring, forward-thinking, and inclusive productions. The venue underwent a major renovation in 2018, updating its interiors to further enhance the theatrical experience. It also hosted an array of workshops, educational activities and community events to emphasize public participation and engagement.

***How to Get to the Venue***

The Kiln Theatre is easily accessible by both public transport and car. It is a short two-minute walk from the Kilburn High Road overground station. For those coming by tube, the Kiln Theatre is situated around five minutes walk from Kilburn Park on the Bakerloo line, and Kilburn tube station on the Jubilee line. The theatre can also be reached via numerous bus routes that stop nearby on Kilburn High Road. If you prefer driving, however, there's limited street parking available nearby, but please note that parking restrictions apply on weekdays.

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For over 40 years, the __Kiln Theatre__ (formerly the Tricycle Theatre) has been a beacon of cultural diversity, presenting a wide range of plays that reflect the vibrant community of Kilburn. From new writing to political works and powerful reconstructions of public inquiries ("tribunal plays"), this theatre has consistently delivered thought-provoking and transformative experiences.

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A proudly local North London venue with an international vision renowned for bringing unheard stories into the mainstream.

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The Kiln Theatre in London showcases diverse, daring productions. It's easily accessible via public transport or car, has limited parking.

Amit Sharma directs the world premiere of Rob Drummond’s drama, which will play a limited Off-West End run from 19 September to 26 October only.

'Pins and Needles' sets cast at the Kiln Theatre

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