BWW:UK: Reviewer Kevin Sherwin's Autumn Theatre Preview

This Autumn looks set to be a pretty busy one theatre-wise. On Broadway, major new musicals include Big Fish and Little Miss Sunshine (inevitably, both film adaptations) while A Time To Kill (and again) arrives in play form.

The London theatre scene has got plenty to shout about too though, with plenty of interesting stuff on the way. And on that note, here are my picks:

Musicals

American Psycho (Almeida Theatre, from 3rd Dec)

Yes, it's another film adaptation, but what a bold and fascinating one. Bret Easton Ellis' seminal novel comes to the stage presumably bringing buckets of blood and adding some reliably moody music from Spring Awakening's Duncan Sheik. It's starting quietly at the Almeida and there are still the odd few tickets available (some for £10). Regardless of how good the show ends up, this one has got to be seen.

Also: The Light Princess, The Scottsboro Boys, Stephen Ward

Plays

Farragut North (Southwark Playhouse, from 11th Sept)

The Southwark Playhouse is on something of a roll after its fabulous production of Titanic the Musical, and this imminent UK premiere of House of Cards writer Beau Willimon's 2008 play looks set to be a winner. The cast includes Rachel Tucker, arguably the most talented participant in any of Andrew Lloyd Webber's dearly-departed television casting shows. And again, £10 tickets are available - who says London theatre is too pricey?! (Other than anyone who's ever tried to see The Book of Mormon.)

Also: Hysteria, Mojo, Ghosts

Performers

Without a doubt, the most exciting performer to debut on the West End this year is, for me, Willemijn Verkaik who joins Wicked as Elphaba this autumn. Having blown audiences away in Europe and on Broadway, her arrival is absolutely what this show needs to give it a bit of an interest spike - I'll be returning for the first time in years, anyway.

Also: Cynthia Erivo, phenomenal in The Color Purple, takes a leading role in I Can't Sing: The X Factor Musical. Based on the preview songs alone, it's a No from me, but Erivo is a huge talent so may well elevate the material.

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