David Bowie's LAZARUS Leads November's Top 10 New London Shows

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Bowie's Lazarus and Glenda Jackson's King Lear to Mark Rylance's return, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews...

1. Lazarus, King's Cross Theatre

In addition to final album Blackstar, the late great David Bowie bequeathed us this musical: a sequel to cult film The Man Who Fell to Earth. Co-written with Enda Walsh and directed by Ivo Van Hove, it stars Michael C Hall as the lost alien and also features Michael Esper, Sophia Anne Caruso and Amy Lennox.

Until 22 January, 2017. Book here

2. King Lear, Old Vic

Double Oscar winner Glenda Jackson swapped acting for politics, spending 23 years as a Labour MP. Now, she's back, taking the title role in this highly anticipated Deborah Warner production. The supporting cast includes Rhys Ifans, Harry Melling, Celia Imrie and Jane Horrocks.

Until 3 December. Book here

3. School of Rock, New London Theatre

Fresh from Broadway success, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Julian Fellowes and Glenn Slater's new family-friendly musical - which adapts the beloved Jack Black film about a rock star wannabe-turned-inspiring substitute teacher - makes its UK premiere. David Fynn leads the London cast - read our interview here

Until 12 February, 2017. Book here

4. Nice Fish, Harold Pinter Theatre

Mark Rylance returns in typically whimsical style, bringing this comic play he co-wrote with contemporary prose poet Louis Jenkins about two friends fishing on a frozen Minnesota lake. Claire van Kampen directs, with the full New York cast transferring to London: Jim Lichtscheidl, Kayli Carter, Bob Davis and Raye Birk.

15 November-11 February, 2017. Book here

5. This House, Garrick Theatre

James Graham's gripping play about the hung parliament and political unrest of the Seventies was a National Theatre hit in 2012, and now gets a timely West End revival. Jeremy Herrin directs a cast that includes Phil Daniels, Nathaniel Parker, Steffan Rhodri, Kevin Doyle and Sarah Woodward.

19 November-25 February, 2017. Book here

6. Half a Sixpence, Noel Coward Theatre

Another Chichester Festival Theatre success: Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drew have created a new stage version of HG Wells's semi-autobiographical novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul. Originally a Tommy Steele vehicle, it now stars Charlie Stemp as Arthur Kipps, the overworked Victorian draper's assistant propelled into high society.

Until 11 February, 2017. Book here

7. The Tempest, King's Cross Theatre

Phyllida Lloyd completes her all-female Donmar Shakespeare trilogy, with this latest production playing in rep with Julius Caesar and Henry IV. Harriet Walter leads the company, and The Tempest also boasts specially composed songs from Joan Armatrading. Read our interview with new cast member Leah Harvey

Until 17 December. Book here

8. Buried Child, Trafalgar Studios

Acclaimed American actor Ed Harris makes his West End debut, reprising his role in this hit Broadway production of Sam Shepard's Pulitzer-winning play - which has striking resonance in its examination of the disenfranchised. Scott Elliot directs a cast that also features Amy Madigan, Jeremy Irvine and Charlotte Hope.

14 November-18 February, 2017. Book here

9. An Inspector Calls, Playhouse Theatre

Seventy years after it was first staged in the West End, JB Priestley's powerful thriller is back. Stephen Daldry helms his much-praised revival, and the cast includes Clive Francis, Liam Brennan, Barbara Marten and Matthew Douglas. Read our interview with Clive Francis

4 November-4 February, 2017. Book here

10. It Is Easy To Be Dead, Trafalgar Studios

Neil McPherson's moving requiem for forgotten First World War poet Charles Sorley, which features his writings and letters as well as music from the period, enjoyed a successful Finborough run earlier this year and now transfers to Trafalgar. It stars Alexander Knox, Jenny Lee, Tom Marshall and tenor Hugh Benson.

9 November-3 December. Book here

Photo credit: Johan Persson, Teddy Woolf, Mark Douet

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