NY Times Reveals London's Standout Newcomers of 2009

The New York Times has named its standout newcomers to the London theatre scene in 2009. London is well-known for its excellent revivals that often make their way to Broadway. This year, however, several notable new productions made a splash on the London theatre circuit. The list includes Jez Butterworth "Jerusalem," Alia Bano's "Shades," Alan Bennett's "The Habit of Art," and more.

Butterworth's "Jerusalem" starred Mark Rylance, who recently appeared on Broadway in Boeing Boeing, as the wild Johnny Byron. The Times called Jerusalem the "defining play of the year (some might argue of the decade)" and says it was "a ferocious rural fantasia driven by a character." "Jerusalem" was directed by frequent Butterworth collaborator Ian Rickson.

Also playing at the Royal Court was Alia Bano's "Shades," which looked at the Muslim dating scene in London, a rare topic in theatre. Richard Bean's "England People Very Nice" also looked at the Muslims relationship with England.

Alan Bennett, author of The History Boys, winner of three Laurence Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards, created his first new work since The History Boys. "The Habit of Art" was a comedic tribute to modern day theatre. The play combined aspects of current theatre with biographical elements from Bennett's life.

The full list includes"Jerusalem," Polly Stenham's "Tusk Tusk," "Shades," "England People Very Nice," "The Habit of Art," John Logan's "Red," Wallace Shawn's "Grasses of a Thousand Colors," "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," Alan Menken's "Sister Act," and Michael Grandage production of "Madame de Sade."

The list also includes some of London's acclaimed revivals, including Stoppard's "Arcardia," Brian Fiel's "Dancing at Lughnasa," "Hello, Dolly!," "Into the Woods," and "La Cage Aux Folles."

To read the full article from the New York Times, click here.