Must see shows this Summer

I live in Paris these days (did I mention that before?!) and so am only back in London every now and again and so with my next trip looming, I am starting to look at what shows I want to see whilst I’m there. I thought it would be fun to give you some of my ‘must see’ shows that either I have already seen this summer and highly recommend or shows that I am dying to see when I get there and don’t think should be missed! So here we go.

Firstly, I would recommend Fun Home at the Young Vic Theatre. I saw it last month when I was in London and it’s such a beautiful show. Jenna Russell is phenomenal although the role is far too small for someone of her stature and talent. It’s a beautiful story of a woman looking back on her life through snapshots of things that happened to her and her family. Her coming out as gay, her dad’s coming out as gay and ultimately his suicide and how she has been dealing with it ever since. The show is sold out for the remainder of it’s run but it is worth checking for returns and catching it if you can. I’m crossing my fingers for a West End transfer!!

The Jungle at the Playhouse Theatre is one of the most important plays you will see this year and I implore every single person reading this to book a ticket right now. Made up of actors from around the world (Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Eritrea, England, Zimbabwe, Syria, Armenia, Congo, Wales, Scotland, The Gambia, Morocco, Lebanon and Germany) The Jungle tells stories of loss, fear, community and hope, of the Calais camp’s creation – and of its eventual destruction. It displays the intense, moving and uplifting encounters between refugees from many different countries and the volunteers who arrived from the UK. The Playhouse Theatre has been totally reimagined for this production and the entire theatre feels like a camp. It is worth experiencing just for the ingenious set design but also the ever so important message of a terrible life people are still having right now, just across the water from us.

I am dying to see Little Shop of Horrors at Regents Park Open Air Theatre. The classic killer plant musical, based on the 1987 cult film features US Drag Queen Vicky Vox as the iconic killer plant Audrey II. Not only is it exciting to think of this show being performed out in the open in the middle of Regent’s Park (so appropriate) but I have never seen the role of Audrey II played by a real life person and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together on stage!

I didn’t love Bat Out Of Hell when it first opened. I mean it was good but I didn’t adore it. However, since the Cast Recording was released I have become OBSESSED with it. The music is so good (and I’ve never been a huge fan of Meatloaf) and I’ve gone from listening to a couple of tracks on repeat (It’s All Coming Back To Me Know/I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), to now listening to pretty much the entire album on repeat and I just cant stop myself! I’ve seen the show three times now I think and I’m due another fix when I’m back later this month I think. See it if you haven’t already. And see it again if you have!

I have to see The Rise And Fall of Little Voice at the Park Theatre. Not only is it an amazing show but this production features a real life mother and daughter duo as the reclusive Little Voice and meddling mother Mari. It opens on 16 August, just before I get back to London and it is a must-see for me!

What are your top picks this Summer? What do I need to see?

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