THE WIZARD OF OZ Leads Our Top Ten Shows for July

Summer in the city brings some red-hot theatrical treats. From a journey down the yellow brick road, to contemporary opera and fiery flamenco, July has something for everyone.

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1. The Wizard of Oz, London Palladium

A sensational cast joins Dorothy and Toto this Summer at the London Palladium for an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road!

Starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, Diversity star Ashley Banjo as The Tin Man in his West End musical debut and The London Palladium legend Gary Wilmot as The Wizard and Professor Marvel.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this spectacular production will be a magical experience for all the family.

The Wizard of Oz is at the London Palladium until 3 September. Book tickets here.

2. Dr Semmelweis, Harold Pinter Theatre

Mark Rylance returns to the West End as one of medicine’s greatest pioneers, maverick Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis – the man whose research could save many millions of mothers’ lives. But what good is a discovery that is ignored?

Following sold-out run at Bristol Old Vic, this compelling story, directed by Tom Morris, comes to the Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End for a strictly limited run this summer.

Dr Semmelweis is at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 7 October. Book tickets here.

3. Crazy For You, Gillian Lynne Theatre

Directed and choreographed by multi-Tony and Olivier award winner Susan Stroman, this spectacular production transfers from a sell-out season at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Starring Charlie Stemp, the Olivier-nominated star of Half a Sixpence and Mary Poppins as Bobby, Carly Anderson, star of Wicked as Polly, and Drama Desk Award winner Tom Edden as Bela Zangler.

The original production of Crazy For You won several Tony and Olivier Awards, including Best Musical.

Crazy For You is at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until 20 January 2024. Book tickets here.

4. The Tempest, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Revised and directed by Jennifer Tang, this is The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over.

When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. In this 75-minute show, The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over brings Shakespeare's text thrillingly to life for younger audiences in the magical setting of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

The Tempest is at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 22 July. Book tickets here.

5. Beneatha's Place, Young Vic 

A razor-sharp satire from Young Vic Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah, about the power of knowing your history and the cost of letting it go. Inspired by the groundbreaking modern classic, A Raisin in the Sun, this UK premiere challenges today’s culture wars about colonial history and reckoning with the past.

1959: The first wave of independence is sweeping across Africa and Beneatha has left the prejudice of 1950s America for a brighter future with her Nigerian husband in Lagos. But on the day they move into their new house in the white suburbs, it doesn't take long for cracks to appear, changing the course of the rest of their lives. 

Present day. Now a renowned Dean whose colleagues are questioning the role of African American studies for future generations, Beneatha returns to the same house in search of answers.  

Beneatha's Place is at the Young Vic until 5 August. Book tickets here.

6. Cuckoo, Royal Court Theatre 

Doreen and her two grown up daughters sit at the table – eating fish and chips, distracted by their phones. Upstairs, 17–year-old Megyn has locked herself in her grandmother’s bedroom and refuses to come out. And no one is entirely sure why… 

Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning playwright, Michael Wynne returns to the Royal Court with his new play directed by Artistic Director, Vicky Featherstone. Wynne's dark comedy explores the safety of home and the different ways we cope in our increasingly uncertain world. 

Cuckoo is at The Royal Court Theatre from 6 July - 19 August. Book tickets here.

7. The Crown Jewels, Garrick Theatre

The Crown Jewels is a riotous new comedy based on the most unbelievable royal caper in British history. Charismatic and unpredictable Colonel Blood is planning the greatest heist of all time: stealing the Crown Jewels in plain sight. With a gang of misfits by his side, what could possibly go wrong? But Charles II can’t afford a royal scandal, and no King likes people handling their Crown Jewels…

With an exceptionally star-studded cast featuring Al Murray, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Mel Giedroyc, Joe Thomas, Neil Morrissey and Aidan McArdle, it would be criminal to miss this raucous royal affair.

The Crown Jewels is at the Garrick Theatre from 7 July - 16 September. Book tickets here.

8. BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall

The return of the BBC Proms brings the UK together in celebration of classical music with eight weeks of concerts here at the mahestic Royal Albert Hall.

The season features a huge breadth of programming, from Berlioz to Bollywood, large scale symphonic and choral work, to intimate chamber concerts and exciting Proms debuts. Whether you are a classical connoisseur or think 'classical music is not for me' there is something for everyone in the eight-week stretch of concerts.

BBC Proms is at the Royal Albert Hall from 14 July - 9 September. Book tickets here.

9. Grimeborn Festival, Arcola Theatre

The Arcola's Grimeborn Opera Festival is returning for its 16th year, featuring twelve operas from across the globe. With programming from both classical and radical, thought-provoking artists and companies from across the continent and some of the most affordable ticket prices in the UK

Passionate about making opera accessible to all, the Festival centrepiece is the European premiere of Marc Blitzstein's 'No For An Answer' (26 - 29 July), directed by Arcola Theatre's Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen.

Grimeborn is at the Arcola Theatre from 19 July - 23 September. Book tickets here.

10. Flamenco Festival, Sadler's Wells

Fire up some heat in your summer with a fortnight-long fiesta of flamenco in the heart of London. Bringing together the hottest talents from the flamenco world, Queen of flamenco, Sara Baras, presents a treasure trove for the senses. This is sumptuous movement that overflows with passion.

Hot off the roaring success of ¡VIVA!, Manuel Liñán returns as part of Gala Flamenca alongside El Yiyo and Alfonso Losa with special guest Carrete de Málaga.

Flamenco Festival is at Sadler's Well from 5 - 15 July. Book tickets here.

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