Father’s Day is coming up next month so set your alarms for 21 June. If you’re wondering what shows in London would make a great Father’s Day gift then read on.
Guaranteed laughter
You can keep things light this Father’s Day with some risque comedies that will have him splitting his sides. Mel Brooks’ The Producers has just returned to the West End, telling the story of two con-men producers who set out to make the biggest musical flop in history, while Beetlejuice, based on the 1989 comedy horror film, is just about to make its West End debut.
Meanwhile The Book Of Mormon, from the writers of South Park, is perfect for musical and non-musical lovers alike, with its mix of cutting jokes and catchy songs.
If he’s something of a war buff, he’s sure to be engrossed in Operation Mincemeat, the homegrown Olivier Award-winning musical that tells unbelievable story of how the Allies thwarted the Nazis by faking an invasion during the Second World War. Managing to be filled with Monty Python-esque humour while keeping reverence for those that fought in the war, this show is not to be missed.
On Father’s Day itself, the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England is having its final UK performance, in what’s being called the Flarewell Tour. The 75 minute play is a funny and raw exploration of identity and loyalty through the eyes of Billy Kinley, who became famous during Euro 2020 for that infamous viral video.
Gifts for the music lover
If your dad is a music lover, I’m Every Woman is a new musical charting the incredible life story of soul singer Chaka Khan, played by X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, that features everyone from Prince to Stevie Wonder to Joni Mitchell. Book now for performances July – September.
If he’s a Generation X dad, then Trainspotting: The Musical might be more his speed. Written by the book’s original author Irvine Welsh, this new stage version of the film that changed everything promises to be a loud, live, expectation-defying musical, running from July to September.
Classic stories
Atticus Finch is one of the great literary fathers, standing up for what’s right in the face of adversity and setting an example for his daughter, Scout. The beloved To Kill A Mockingbird is adapted for stage by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) and returns to the West End for 12 weeks, starting a few days after Father’s Day.
Invite your dad to the most swell party of the year – High Society – as the Barbican continues its summer tradition of reviving golden age musicals. Hot on the heels of Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate comes this star-studded 28 strong cast that follows the wedding of the year as it descends into chaos with witty lines, swanky outfits and Cole Porter’s catchy songs.
Entertainment
If your dad is looking a night out of entertainment, rather than a captivating story or a catchy tune, then try Now You See Me Live. Uniting four incredible magicians who have sold out residencies in New York, Las Vegas, Australia and across Asia, this is a night of high-tech illusions, solo stunts and jaw-dropping spectacles.
This one is for people who like to plan ahead – in December, celebrated comedian Bill Bailey will be bringing his new comedy show Vaudevillean to Theatre Royal, Haymarket. Celebrating the great tradition of 19th century vaudeville entertainment, the comedy show begins previews on 16 December so it’s a perfect Father’s Day and pre-Christmas treat all rolled into one.
Not sure what he’d like?
If you don’t know what kind of show your dad would prefer, but you know he’d love a night out, then give the gift of theatre with Theatre Tokens. He can use them on any show on Official London Theatre, as well as at over 300 theatres across the UK. Plus, unlike many other gift cards they never expire, so he can use them straight away or save them for a long-awaited show.
