If you think of comedy plays currently running in the West End, *The Play That Goes Wrong* probably comes to mind. Mischief Theatre, a British comedy acting troupe, is the mastermind behind these West End hits. They’re not just one trick ponies though — their improvisational shows and TV series have garnered critical acclaim. 

[*The Play That Goes Wrong*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/345-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets) is Mischief Theatre’s smash-hit play. Since the first performance in...

A complete guide to Mischief Theatre shows in the West End

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Find out more about the leading British drama troupe, the brains behind hilarious shows like *The Play That Goes Wrong* and *The Comedy About a Bank Robbery.* 

Are you a Traitor or a Faithful? *The Traitors: Live Experience*, a stage production inspired by the BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning TV series, is set to open in the West End in spring 2025. A theatre and dates have yet to be announced.

In *The Traitors* TV show, which premiered in the U.K. in 2022, contestants are split into two groups: Traitors and Faithfuls. Via various challenges and games, must try to find out and eliminate the members of the other group to win a prize.

At *The Traitors:...

'The Traitors: Live Experience' to open in the West End this spring

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The interactive stage show inspired by the hit reality TV series will allow audience members to compete with other theatregoers in various challenges.

Mischief have announced their next West End show *The Comedy About Spies*, which opens at the Noël Coward Theatre next year. Performances begin on 14 April 2025.

Written by original Mischief company members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, and directed by Matt Di Carlo, *The Comedy about Spies* is set in 1960s London, and follows a British agent who steals plans for a top-secret new weapon. 

When spies from the CIA and the KGB come together at London’s Piccadilly Hotel to track down the stolen...

Mischief's 'The Comedy About Spies' to open in the West End in 2025

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Written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, *The Comedy about Spies* follows a British agent who steals plans for a top-secret new weapon. 

*Back to the Future* has been a family favourite since the film starring Michael J Fox as Marty McFly came out in 1985 – and now there’s a musical version! With a rocking score plus all the beloved songs from the film, it’s a rollicking adventure with spectacular visual effects and lovable performances. 

Read our guide to all the activities you can make time for that will make your day all the more thrilling. See you at the clock tower!

Book [*Back to the Future: The Musical*...

Make a day out of 'Back to the Future: The Musical' in London

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We can't promise time travel, but there's never a dull moment with all these exciting attractions in London! 

Mark Rosenblatt’s new play *Giant*, starring Tony winner John Lithgow, will transfer to the West End's Harold Pinter Theatre next year, following a run at the Royal Court this September. The play will run from 26 April 2025 – 2 August 2025.

Directed by Nicholas Hytner (*[Guys & Dolls](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25504-guys-and-dolls-tickets), Straight Line Crazy, La Belle Sauvage*) and designed by Bob Crowley, the play follows the acclaimed children's author Roald Dahl over the course...

John Lithgow-led 'Giant' to transfer to the West End in 2025

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The play follows the acclaimed children's author Roald Dahl over the course of a single afternoon, in the wake of scandal caused by an explicitly antisemitic article. 

Do you hear the people sing? You will do soon if you’ve booked a trip to one of the West End’s longest-running and most popular musicals, *[Les Misérables](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/300-les-miserables-tickets)*. Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s show, adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel, is a revolutionary epic packed with unforgettable songs like “I Dreamed A Dream” and “Bring Him Home”.

Make your *Les Misérables* outing even more incredible by adding other activities to your...

Make a day out of 'Les Misérables' in London

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Make your trip to the West End's revolutionary musical even more memorable by adding visits to an historic London pub, a French restaurant, and a museum full of historic treasures.

You can-can-can have an unforgettable night of bohemian entertainment in the West End now that Baz Luhrmann’s legendary movie *[Moulin Rouge!](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23350-moulin-rouge-the-musical-tickets)* has become an equally spectacular stage musical. Like the film, it juxtaposes a romance set in 19th-century Paris between cabaret star Satine and aspiring composer Christian with modern pop music – in fact, the show boasts more than 70 songs in total!

Make your trip even better...

Make a day out of 'Moulin Rouge!' in London

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Make your trip to this spectacular West End musical even more memorable by adding in a trip to a world-famous art gallery, an airborne adventure, and a delicious French meal.

For the first few performances of a West End show, the show is typically in previews. The preview period allows the show to be performed in front of an audience to help spread the word of a new production, as well as allow the actors and creatives to continue working on reaching the show’s finishing point. 

Once the preview period finishes, West End shows typically invite reviewers for the official opening night. Shortly after, theatre critics publish their reviews, allowing the general public...

Book tickets to the best-reviewed West End shows

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Discover five-star West End shows to see in London right now, including *Guys & Dolls* and *Six*. Get tickets to hit musicals and plays on London Theatre. 

In December 1997, a group of United Nations delegates at the Kyoto Conference Centre had just hours left to agree a climate deal that might save the world. That’s the riveting subject for the explosive political thriller *[Kyoto](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/42734-kyoto)*, which is hitting the West End in spring 2025 following its acclaimed premiere earlier this year.

The show is written by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, the powerhouse duo behind the award-winning play *The Jungle*,...

Learn all about the real history behind 'Kyoto'

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The gripping political thriller set during the vital 1997 UN climate conference is coming to @sohoplace in the West End. Ahead of your trip, find out what really happened!

Neither Alexander Hamilton nor Aaron Burr, the protagonists of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical phenomenon, ever came to London. Thomas Jefferson, the Act II antagonist, visited for six weeks in spring 1786. He described the architecture as “in the most wretched stile I ever saw” and "both town and country fell short of my expectations." Ouch. However, Jefferson certainly made the most of the entertainments and shopping the city had to offer. 

On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin, who first visited...

Make a day out of 'Hamilton' in London

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Explore some fascinating Anglo-American ties, including the Benjamin Franklin House, Kew Palace, and two historical churches.

James Norton is coming back to the small screen and the stage in 2023, and on New Year's Day, Norton will reprise his performance as ex-convict Tommy Lee Royce in the third season of *Happy Valley*. Tune in to watch the latest in the crime drama unfold at 9 pm on BBC One. 

Norton is also about to enter the rehearsal room for *A Little Life*, director Ivo van Hove's latest production based on Hanya Yanagihara bestselling novel. Norton plays the central character Jude, who is the glue that holds his group of friends together. However, as their lives diverge after university, Jude's problems become increasingly complex. Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt also star. [Learn more about the West End cast of *A Little Life*.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/meet-the-a-little-life-cast-in-the-west-end)

Norton earned a BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of ex-convict Tommy Lee Royce in the award-winning series *Happy Valley*, which returns almost six years after the season two finale. He stars alongside Sarah Lancashire as police sergeant Catherine Cawood and Siobhan Finneran as her sister Clare in the series. 

*A Little Life* will start performances in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 25 March 2023. [Book *A Little Life* tickets on London Theatre today.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27090-a-little-life)

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*Photo credit: James Norton (Photo by Justine Matthew)*

Tune in: Watch 'A Little Life' star James Norton in 'Happy Valley'

James Norton - Photo by Justine Matthew

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See Hanya Yanagihara’s epic novel, *A Little Life*, come to life in Ivo van Hove's visionary West End adaptation. *A Little Life* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

Four boys who lived together in college all move to New York City to find a brighter future. Willem aspires to be an actor, JB dreams of becoming a painter, Malcolm wants to change the New York City skyline as an architect, and Jude aims to become a lawyer. 

Although Jude has a high-flying career, his traumatic childhood experiences continue to haunt him. And when he only opens up to Willem, a friendship rift starts. When secrets come to light, the foursome finally learns what it means to love, even if it affects their lives.

Hanya Yanaighara received unanimous praise for her 2015 novel. *A Little Life* won the Kirkus Prize for Fiction, as well as a Booker Prize nomination, and a National Book Award for Fiction. With Koen Tachelet and Ivo van Hove collaborating with the author, expect Yanagihara's epic story to transform the future of plays. After Dutch-speaking performances in Amsterdam and Edinburgh, you can now see *A Little Life* in London.

__Please note - Performances between 8th - 9th July are being filmed and there will be cameras on stage, including a cameraman on stage for short periods in select scenes. By attending you acknowledge that you may be filmed, and your image may be used in the film. Please be aware your view may be restricted due to camera equipment.__

### Who is in *A Little Life*?

James Norton leads as Jude St. Francis. He’s previously appeared in *Happy Valley* and *Grantchester.* *Bridgerton*’s Luke Thompson plays Willem, alongside *It’s a Sin*’s Omari Douglas as JB, and *The Witcher*’s Zach Wyatt as Malcolm. [Meet the *A Little Life* London cast. ](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/meet-the-a-little-life-cast-in-the-west-end)

Tickets to *A Little Life* are available now. Book your *A Little Life* tickets on London Theatre today.

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Four college friends move to New York City, but what happens when past mysteries and alluring relationships change their world? Ivo van Hove directs an all-star cast in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life at the Savoy Theatre. Get *A Little Life* tickets on London Theatre.

How do you transform a novel into a piece of theatre? Call on Ivo van Hove. The Belgian director previously helmed a *Brokeback Mountain* opera, *Network* starring Bryan Cranston, and *All About Eve* with Gillian Anderson. Van Hove brings his avant-garde vision to a highly lauded text, and the end result is sensational.

The *A Little Life* play premiered at Toneelgroep Amsterdam in 2018. The original play features Dutch-speaking characters, with English subtitles. However, the West End production is an all-English adaptation. Regardless of the language, *A Little Life* on stage adds depth to the complex and multi-layered characters. Once you’ve met them, you’ll never want to say goodbye.

## What to Watch For: 

- Hanya Yanagihara’s 2015 novel is her most successful to date, winningthe Kirkus Prize for Fiction.
- She’s not a one-trick pony though, as she’s also published *The People in the Trees* and *To Paradise*.
- In a 2019 survey conducted by The Guardian, *A Little Life* placed in the top 100 books of the 21st century.
- The Olivier-nominated actor Zubin Varla stars. He’s previously appeared in *Fun Home* and *Tammy Faye.* 

A Little Life Savoy Theatre - LON - TodayTix

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Buy tickets for A Little Life - Savoy Theatre at the Savoy Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Plays with Box Office.

A Little Life - Savoy Theatre Tickets | Box Office

“It’s not worth making art at all if the only thing you want is for everyone to like it,” a program note from author Hanya Yanagihara reads in the program for *A Little Life*, the almost-four-hour emotional marathon of a show based on her best-selling novel, playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre. However, love it or hate it, no one will forget *A Little Life*, and that’s what makes a great theatrical experience.

Just like with her widely acclaimed book, the show will also have its critics, and even the diehard fans (of which there are many) will have to come to terms with their connection to the material, which largely centers on graphic sexual trauma, self-harm, and child abuse. 

It’s not an easy show to recommend, because it’s not an easy show to watch, as master director Ivo van Hove has taken the seemingly neverending climactic moments of the over 700-page book and translated them into a series of connected vignettes, each subsequently more difficult to witness than the last, mimicking Yanagihara’s semi-nonlinear timeline which deals in character studies and flashbacks. 

Van Hove has conceived the production, alongside Yanagihara and co-adaptor Koen Tachelet, with fervent loyalty to the story about four college friends who find their New York City lives veering off in different directions as they mine the depths of their friend Jude’s unknowable past. While the book has pages to breathe between critical scenes, van Hove’s production paces quickly through the crucial moments, giving less time to develop character relationships and intimacies and focusing squarely on the underlying trauma of it all. 

Some passages are lifted verbatim from the novel, an effective device, particularly as monologues. The newly minted Olivier winner Zubin Varla is compelling in these moments as Harold, Jude’s professor-turned-father, and brings Yanagihara’s text about parenthood and love to soaring life. These character explorations and reflections are where the production reaches out and grabs the audience by the heart and doesn’t let go. 

The tight-knit ensemble, led by the captivating James Norton, keeps the audience engaged as the unthinkable events unfold. Norton has the hardest job among them, anchoring the story as Jude St. Francis, an abandoned orphan whose trauma-filled past still haunts him as he navigates an outwardly successful adulthood. Norton’s performance threads the needle between Jude’s joy and sorrow, and he pours himself into the immensely physical and psychological aspects of the role, giving his absolute all to the performance.  

Luke Thompson plays the beating heart of the piece: Jude’s best friend and confidant Willem. Thompson must usher the character from apathetic party boy to deeply intellectual and empathetic partner, and he is present and rooted in the show’s message of love throughout. 

Omari Douglas is doing some career-best work as JB, the tortured artist whose ego inhibits him at times, while Zach Thompson rounds out the foursome in the small-yet-memorable role, the architect Malcom. Elliot Cowan finds a way to weave charisma with horror in the difficult assignment of playing a trifecta of Jude’s abusers, and Emilio Doorgasingh brings a deep heart to Jude’s loyal doctor Andy. 

One of the van Hove’s main interpretations of the novel is in how he incorporates Ana, the social worker who guides Jude in a time of crisis. Ana comes in and goes from Jude’s life very quickly, but in the production, she serves as a sort of narrator and empathetic guide for Jude and the audience through the difficult moments. Nathalie Armin’s performance augments the poetic role. 

The entire production feels immersive throughout the space with audience members sitting onstage, Jan Versweyveld’s moody lighting and looming video projections of NYC streets, and Eric Sleichim’s haunting sound design and score, played by a quartet of talented string players. 

However, what comes out of *A Little Life* is not the excessive trauma and graphic abuse, but rather, how amid these terrors, the characters remain steadfast in their dedication to one another, searching for common ground and belonging even while struggling with trust and intimacy. Their friendship at all costs grounds the story and the experience. We should all be so lucky to find their loyalty and love. 

*A Little Life is playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre through 18 June before moving to the Savoy Theatre on 4 July through 5 August. [Book A Little Life West End tickets at the Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27090-a-little-life). [Book A Little Life tickets at the Savoy Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28044-a-little-life-savoy)*

‘A Little Life’ West End review - An emotional, unforgettable show

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Read our four-star review of Ivo van Hove’s crushing and poignant adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara’s best-selling novel, starring James Norton and Luke Thompson. 

Born in London in 1985, James Norton is a BAFTA-nominated actor, best known for television shows such as *Happy Valley* and *Grantchester*. Norton will star in the West End premiere of [*A Little Life*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27090-a-little-life) at the [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre) in spring 2023. 

While Norton studied at the University of Cambridge, he took part in many theatre productions. He notably played Posthumus in a Trevor Nunn-directed production of *Cymbeline* for The Marlowe Society. Notable alumni include Stephen Fry, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, and Emma Corrin. Following his theology degree, Norton then enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. 

In 2010, Norton made his London debut in Laura Wade’s *Posh* at the Royal Court, playing the role of Miles Richards. He then played Henry in *That Face* at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

The following year, Norton played Captain Stanhope in R. C. Sheriff's World War One play, *Journey’s End*. After a three-month long UK tour, *Journey's End* took over the Duke of York’s Theatre in summer 2011. Shortly after, he reunited with Trevor Nunn for *The Lion in Winter* at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Norton also played Zack in *Belleville* at the Donmar Warehouse in 2017. 

In recent years, he’s best known for his television roles. He played villain Tommy Lee Royce in *Happy Valley*, picking up a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Reversely, he then played a crime solving vicar for four series of *Grantchester* on ITV. In 2018, Norton played Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss escaping a life of organised crime, in *McMafia*.

In 2023, Norton will play Jude in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's *A Little Life*. Ivo van Hove directs Norton, as well as Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt.

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Born in Southampton in 1988, Luke Thompson is best known for playing Benedict Bridgerton in the *Bridgerton* television series. The West End actor will star in *A Little Life* at the [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre).

After growing up in France, Thompson took a year out of education to train with the Year Out Drama Company. The Stratford-upon-Avon-based group focus on creating ensemble work.

After a year training, Thompson then attended the University of Bristol, graduating with an English and Drama degree. He then graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2013, studying alongside classmate [Jessie Buckley](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/jessie-buckley).

Thompson made his London debut in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* at Shakespeare’s Globe and quickly made an impression in the world — he earned an Evening Standard Award nomination for Best Newcomer. The same year, he also starred in *Blue Stockings* at the same theatre.

His affinity to Shakespeare's Globe continued: he played Mark Antony in *Julius Caesar* in 2014, and Ithocles in *The Broken Heart* at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2015. 

The Almeida Theatre became Thompson's next London theatre: he starred as Orestes in Robert Icke's *Oresteia* in 2015 and as Laertes in the Andrew Scott-led *Hamlet* in 2017. For the latter, he eventually reprised the role in the West End transfer.

He continued the Shakespeare trend by playing Edgar in the Ian McKellen-led *King Lear* at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2018. Coincidentally, his *Bridgerton* co-star, [Jonathan Bailey](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/jonathan-bailey), played Edgar at Chichester Festival Theatre that same year. Talk about brotherly love!

Away from the stage, Thompson is best known for playing Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton sibling, in the *Bridgerton* Netflix series. Many [West End actors feature in *Bridgerton*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/bridgerton-stars-who-got-their-start-in-west-end-theatre), including Golda Rosheuvel, Nicola Coughlan, and Regé-Jean Page. Thompson also features in Christopher Nolan's *Dunkirk* film.

In 2023, Norton will play Willem in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's *A Little Life*. Ivo van Hove directs Thompson, as well as [James Norton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/james-norton), Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt.

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Ages 10+. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult (18+). Children under 3 years will not be admitted. 

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IT’S NOT LIKE A REGULAR MUSICAL. 
IT’S A COOL MUSICAL. 

London's Savoy Theatre is one of the most renowned theatre venues in the heart of the city. This cherished venue exhibits a rich history that dates back to 1881. The Savoy indulges its patrons with a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, ballet, and concerts. The attractive architecture and interior details give the attendees a sense of a grand theatrical experience. The Savoy Theatre prides itself on having introduced electric lights to the theatre world. Remarkable luminaries such as Gilbert and Sullivan have graced its stage. The theatre has a seating capacity of 1,158, split between the Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle. Dedicated to providing full accessibility, the venue offers services for those with mobility, hearing, and visual impairments.

## How to get to the Savoy Theatre 
The Savoy Theatre is centrally located in London and is easily accessible by both public and private transport. The theatre is easily reachable by bus, tube, and rail services. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), Embankment (District, Circle, Bakerloo, and Northern lines), and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line). For those who prefer buses, services 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, and 176 stop near the theatre. For patrons driving private vehicles, the closest Q-Park car park is available at the nearby Chinatown. The theatre also participates in the Q-Park Theatreland Scheme, offering a 50% discount on parking.

## 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 Savoy Theatre opened on 21 Oct. 1929. The building was known for being the first public building to be lit entirely by electricity. 

When a fire ravaged the theatre in 1990, destroying the interior, it was meticulously restored by Sir William Whitfield to the original 1929 designs. The theatre reopened on 19 Jul. 1993.

The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company played several seasons at the theatre over the past 20 years, their last production being *HMS Pinafore* in 2003. 

The theatre has also housed several musicals, including *She Loves Me* in 1994 starring John Gordon Sinclair and Ruthie Henshall, and has played host to musicals exclusively since 2006. 

## Savoy Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels - Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle.

In the Stalls, the legroom throughout is very good, and the seating is well raked to ensure good views.

In the Dress Circle, the overhang of the Grand Circle affects the view from Row K onwards. The amount of legroom also decreases the further back you sit.

The Grand Circle feels rather far from the stage.

## Where is *Pretty Woman: The Musical* in London?

*Pretty Woman: The Musical* is at the Savoy Theatre in London. The Savoy Theatre is located on the Strand. It's close to West End theatres including the Adelphi Theatre and the Vaudeville 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.

Savoy Theatre - London Theatre

The Savoy Theatre, opened in 1929, was the first public building lit entirely by electricity. After a fire, it was restored to its original design. Known for hosting the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and various musicals, it now exclusively features musicals.

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The Savoy Theatre is a historic London venue offering diverse performances. It's centrally accessible by tube, bus, and car.

The BAFTA-winning crime drama returns for its third season on BBC One on 1 Jan. 2023. 

Tune in: Watch 'A Little Life' star James Norton in 'Happy Valley'

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