LABOUR OF LOVE Leads October's Top 10 New London Shows

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether epic West End shows or bold fringe offerings. From political drama to immersive Agatha Christie and the unveiling of a new venue, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews...

1. Labour of Love, Noel Coward Theatre

The astonishingly prolific James Graham's latest, which probes the past 25 years of a conflicted Labour Party, reunites him with director Jeremy Herrin. The cast of this no-doubt timely piece is led by Martin Freeman, Tamsin Greig (replacing an ailing Sarah Lancashire) and Rachael Stirling.

3 October-2 December. Book tickets here

2. Young Frankenstein, Garrick Theatre

The stage musical version of Mel Brooks's classic horror spoof finally arrives in the West End, with the great Susan Stroman at the helm. An eclectic but promising big-name cast features Hadley Fraser, Ross Noble, Dianne Pilkington, Summer Strallen, Patrick Clancy and Lesley Joseph.

Until 10 February, 2018. Book tickets here

3. Young Marx, Bridge Theatre

Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr open their inaugural season at this brand-new London venue with Richard Bean and Clive Coleman's comedy about the revolutionary philosopher hiding out in Soho. Rory Kinnear and Oliver Chris star, and the production reassembles the creative team of One Man, Two Guvnors.

18 October-31 December. Book tickets here

4. Venus in Fur, Theatre Royal Haymarket

Patrick Marber directs the UK premiere of David Ives' S&M-tinged two-hander, which was memorably adapted for film by Roman Polanski. Natalie Dormer and David Oakes are, respectively, the actress and the director exploring desire, sexual politics, power and art - and finding out who really holds the whip hand...

6 October-9 December. Book tickets here

5. Saint George and the Dragon, National Theatre

Billed as "a folk tale for an uneasy nation", Rory Mullarkey makes his NT debut finding a modern frame for one of Britain's formative myths: that invading dragon, the damsel in distress, and the heroic knight who saved his village. Lyndsey Turner directs, and John Heffernan stars.

4 October-2 December. Book tickets here

6. A Woman of No Importance, Vaudeville Theatre

Dominic Dromgoole's new Classic Spring company kicks off its year-long Oscar Wilde season with this typically witty social satire about a scandalous, long-buried secret. The stellar cast features Eve Best, Anne Reid, Eleanor Bron, Emma Fielding, Dominic Rowan and Crystal Clarke.

6 October-30 December. Book tickets here

7. The Seagull, Lyric Hammersmith

Simon Stephens, who supplied a devastating Cherry Orchard for the Young Vic, now puts his spin on Chekhov's masterpiece about unrequited love and self-involved artists. Sean Holmes directs, and the cast includes Lesley Sharp, Adelayo Adedayo, Brian Vernel, Nicholas Gleaves, Paul Higgins and Cherrelle Skeete. Read our interview with Cherrelle

3 October-4 November. Book tickets here

8. Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle, Wyndham's Theatre

Another offering from Stephens, this time his acclaimed play about a chance meeting, a May-December romance, and the unpredictable elements that shape our lives. Marianne Elliott directs - this is the first project for her new company, Elliott & Harper Productions - and Anne-Marie Duff and Kenneth Cranham star.

9 October-6 January, 2018. Book tickets here

9. Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall

This immersive production of Agatha Christie's twisty whodunit, about a young man accused of murdering a wealthy widow, places audiences in a venue that could easily double as the story's crucial courtroom. Lucy Bailey directs, and the cast includes Catherine Steadman, Jack McMullen and David Yelland. Read our interview with Catherine

6 October-11 March, 2018. Book tickets here

10. Albion, Almeida Theatre

This new production from King Charles III collaborators Mike Bartlett and Rupert Goold tackles our national identity, using the backdrop of an English country house. The cast features Victoria Hamilton (who also appears in Bartlett's telly-conquering Doctor Foster), Nicholas Rowe, Charlotte Hope, Christopher Fairbank, Helen Schlesinger and Nigel Betts.

10 October-24 November. Book tickets here

Want more recommendations? Find previous Top 10 lists here

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