TOP PICKS SEPTEMBER

 for the good stuff,

keep an eye on the fringe


SEPTEMBER brings shows not to be missed, see our selection below.  For more shows check out our What's On pages  here


THREE SHOTS by John Marquez at White Bear Theatre, Kennington 1 - 12 September


Three Shots is a new black comedy by John Marquez (Doc Martin). Bringing together a stellar cast from screen and stage, Marquez performs alongside Martin Marquez (Hotel Babylon) and Emmy Award-winner Lucy Cohu (Broadchurch). Set by the A46 near Coventry, this witty play explores masculinity, isolation, and the desire to escape. 


Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare at Drayton Arms Theatre, Kensington 1 - 26 September


Viola is washed ashore in Illyria after surviving a shipwreck. Believing that her twin brother, Sebastian, has drowned, she disguises herself as a young man called Cesario in order to find employment. She soon becomes a servant to Duke Orsino, who is hopelessly in love with Olivia.

Orsino sends Cesario to persuade Olivia to return his love, but instead Olivia falls for Cesario. At the same time, Olivia’s servants play a prank on Malvolio, convincing him that Olivia is in love with him. His unusual behaviour makes Olivia believe he has gone mad.


In this humorous story of mistaken identity, love, and deception, will everything be resolved happily in the end? Expect iconic music, fashion and dancing in a dazzling disco celebration in this 5-star production of Shakespeare's classic comedy!


ANNIE WOBBLER (Revisited) by Arnold Wesker at Finborough Theatre 2 - 26 September


45th Anniversary production

In three short plays, Nicola McAuliffe’s tour de force performance presents us with three very different Annie’s:

Anna – a Gen Z graduate battling her anxiety…

Annabella – the fey hit novelist who becomes an uncompromising cougar…

Annie – a homeless geriatric revisiting her past late at night in a railway station.

Without natural or constructed beauty to smooth the way, each Annie constructs a mask to present to the world, confronting their ‘Imposter Syndrome’ with defiance, courage and, above all, humour…



If Not Me by Book Jackson at Hen and Chickens Theatre, Islington 3 & 7 September


“I hold my breath…

I hold my breath until my chest heaves and my lungs scream and my body pushes me up for air. Then I hold my breath again.”

If Not Me is a darkly comic psychological exploration of obsession, faith and the grip of delusion, written and performed by Boo Jackson (Imagine Me & You, Safe Haven at Arcola Theatre).



DJ BAZZERS YEAR SIX DISCO at Bread and Roses Theatre, Clapham 8 - 12 September


The year 6 disco: Where kids become adults, enemies become friends and where the DJ has a nervous breakdown. Join Baz on a nostalgic blur of the early 2000s in an exploration of childhood dreams, the harsh realities of growing up and the toxicity of comparing ourselves to others.


HORATIO NELSON: Fever and Fire Written and performed by Adam Preston at Tabard Theatre, Chiswick 8 - 12 September


Back by popular demand following a sell-out run at the Tabard Theatre.

this powerful one-man show explores the life, loves and legacy of Britain's greatest naval hero. Drawing on extensive historical research, the play goes beyond the familiar legend to reveal the man behind the myth. From the loss of his mother in childhood and his early struggles at sea to his greatest victories and his passionate relationship with Emma Hamilton, Nelson's extraordinary story is brought vividly to life with wit, humanity and emotional depth.


WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS by Paul Kalburgi at White Bear Theatre, 15 September - 3 October


Haunted by the happy ending she never had, cinema usher and aspiring screenwriter Ginny must confront heartbreak—and Hollywood—as she tries to rebuild her life following the death of her fiancé. We'll Always Have Paris is a rebellious romcom about love, loss and starting over in your forties.


I Pie With My Little Lie, Something Beginning With Murder at Hen and Chickens Theatre, Islington 27 Sept


A MURDER by the river.....

A MURDER in the church...

A MURDER in the quiz team...

A MURDER in the book club...

A MURDER in the park...

All connected to a pie shop called the Balaton.


★★★★★

'Made me throw my head back so hard with laughter I nearly sustained whiplash … ' Unity Arts



LAMBETH FRINGE FESTIVAL at 28 venues across Lambeth 24 September - 25 October

 

The south London event showcases theatre, comedy, cabaret, music and family events in 28 venues. It is designed as a celebration of the vibrant culture and community of Lambeth and it continues to champion underrepresented voices and emerging artists. 


A few of the many highlights at Bread and Roses Theatre:


  •  How To Direct A Funeral  2 Oct (before returning to & 23 Oct at St Stephen's Chapel West Norwood Cemetery 23 Oct)


  • Mekhala & Ramasura The Jewel of Light and the Storm 25 Sept, journeying through Thai mythology, 


  • Obit 26 Sept – which combines poetry, ballet and shadow visuals to honour lives


  • Interactive performance Love vs Fear (...and my mother's prayers) 30 Sept & 1 Oct sees a young woman trying to follow her heart despite pressures from her religious mother and cultural differences as a Nigerian in diaspora.



  • Character comedy Chair Woman 17 & 18 Oct, a tightly-choreographed conspiracy thriller about the intense world of upholstery.


  • Character comedy returns to the workplace, this time a recruitment consultant in Clots 21 & 22 Oct.

Sneak peek at October shows ...


ORWELL – The Road to 1984 by Guy Smith at Brockley Jack Theatre 6 - 10 October

 

ORWELL: The Road to 1984 tells the fascinating story of one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century and the extraordinary personal experiences that inspired his classic tales Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four.

It is a timely portrait of a writer whose words remain a warning – and a hope.

Stratford’s ‘performance in ORWELL: The Road to 1984 is simply excellent. His storytelling is engaging and the shifts in his physicality impressive. He uses the space adeptly (fine directing by Guy Smith), his comic timing strong… Stratford brings this most important literary figure to life eloquently and entertainingly in this very fine production.’ ★★★★ Rialto Art.

Psst ... more shows being added each week