TOP PICKS
MARCH / APRIL
for the good stuff,
keep an eye on the fringe
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS OF SHOWS TO SEE IN MARCH & APRIL includes SKETCHFEST at Canal Cafe Theatre and Hen & Chickens, alongside three solo artists returning for a second run of their shows ... catch them whilst you can. For more shows check out our What's On pages
here

Returning by popular demand, GRIT, GLITTER & GASLIGHT at Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead 3 - 21 March
Emmy nominated, Sarah McGuinness has transformed her behind-the-scenes life with the stars into a critically acclaimed show, a one-woman musical cabaret.
'A born show-woman, with a beautiful voice and wicked personality – a great tonic for anyone’s night out' ★★★★ – London Pub Theatres
‘Laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully nostalgic…this show is the tonic you never knew you needed' – Irish Central
‘Must-see cabaret’ – The List UK

Award winning play KID SISTER by Owen Lloyd Richards, in-house show at The Bread & Roses Theatre 10 - 21 March
Seventeen years ago, everything changed. Three-year-old Shell was put into foster care, and her six-month-old sister Natalie was adopted. They’ve not seen each other since. So, Shell waited…
Any day now, Natalie turns 18 and is no longer under the guardianship of her adoptive parents. They can finally be together. At least, that’s what Shell believes. But nothing’s that simple in social services.
When faced with the latest roadblock, Shell decides to take matters into her own hands. But in the search for her sister, does she risk losing the family she’s found along the way?
Kid Sister is an exploration of the complications and joys of the social care sector in Wales.

SKETCHFEST OPENS 16 - 29 MARCH 2026 AT THE HEN & CHICKENS THEATRE in Islington AND CANAL CAFE THEATRE in Little Venice
A brand-new festival dedicated to the art of sketch comedy bringing together performers from across the UK for two weeks of original live work. SketchFest is a new collaboration between two of the capital’s best loved fringe venues, Canal Café Theatre in Little Venice and Hen and Chickens Theatre in Islington. The festival will feature hour long performances from a diverse lineup of sketch groups and double acts including Biscuit Barrel, Finlay and Joe, Chaos Theory, The Supermalts, Forced Rhubarb, Next Level Sketch, Canker Blossoms, Frog Bone Trom Bone and The Tiny Umbrellas, alongside appearances from performers such as Justin Edwards and Dan Tetsell.
Book shows at Canal Cafe Theatre

THE DAWN OF RECKONING at White Bear Theatre, Kennington 17th - 28th March
The Dawn of Reckoning
Two women.
A deserted hotel lounge at the dead of night.
A seemingly random reunion.
The Dawn of Reckoning is a powerful two-hander about friendship, loss, guilt and the possibility of finding a second chance when and where it’s least expected. Produced by MBA Productions and directed by multi award-winning director Matthew Parker. Written by Mark Bastin, author of five-star, award-nominated To Have and To Hold it stars multi award-nominated Jilly Bond (National Theatre, Birmingham Rep, Lowry, BBC) and Bryonie Pritchard (Shakespeare’s Globe, Old Vic, New Vic).
'An intelligent exploration of the conflicting feelings surrounding former friendships'
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Live Review London

THE TRIALS OF A GENTLEMAN at Jack Studio, Lewisham 24-28 March
David Martin is a man out of time, unwilling to acknowledge the modern world and residing in a world concerned with all things 1940s. Detained in a police interview room on suspicion of murder, could this quiet gentleman really be responsible for the crime for which he is accused?
From the award-winning writer and producer of the Edinburgh Fringe hit One Sugar Stirred to the Left, and starring Kit Smith, Trials of a Gentleman is a thought-provoking and witty play about a man on the fringes of society.
Press for previous production of One Sugar Stirred to the Left:
‘Charming! Moving! Nuanced with light and shade.’ Broadway Baby
‘A beautifully human play! Very entertaining (with) warmth and wisdom. Three Weeks
‘A masterpiece in the display of authentic human interaction.’ Festmag
Sneak peek at April faves.

Award winning FICKLE EULOGY returns to London, Circle & Star Theatre in Hampstead 7 - 12 April
A humorous and heartbreaking technicolor one-woman performance. Following her mother’s preventable COVID-19 death, Ann has one hour to write a eulogy. Spiralling through a kaleidoscope of characters, she finds cold comfort in less than-helpful AI advice. Who are we allowed to be in grief?
Winner of Best Solo Show - Standing Ovation Awards 2025.

Masterclass by Tim Connery, directed by Luke Adamson at Tabard Theatre, Chiswick 15 Apr - 2 May 2026
Thanks to a minor disagreement with the tax man, ageing Shakespearean thespian and faded film star Roger Sutherland is forced to swallow his pride and start offering paid evening acting masterclasses in local primary schools and community halls. It’s a far cry from the West End, but the show must go on.
Enter stage left Gary Brock – a brash, young Australian actor with a TV past and big ambitions. Once a child star Down Under, Gary has crossed the globe to reignite his career in the land of Shakespeare, but instead finds himself face to face with Roger, whose disdain for modern acting methods is matched only by his contempt for actors who don’t know their soliloquies from their stage directions.
With clashing egos, wildly different philosophies on acting, and a few forgotten lines along the way, sparks fly and tempers flare. But beneath the posturing and put-downs, could these two actors actually have something to learn from one another?

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF A RAT RACER at Bridge House Theatre in Penge, 21 - 25 April
Ever wondered what the person next to you is thinking?
Pulled earrings. Slit wrists. Chopped veins. T-rex arms.
Prepare for the uncomfortable and dive into Eva’s mind. Guided by Arthur, a grotesque, sadistic, half-real figure, this two-hander surreal dark comedy will bring you on a journey that will shift your concept of normality.

ENTERTAINING MURDER at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 23 Apr - 10 May 2026
Musical
Production by:
Lambco Productions
Love, lies, lust… and murder.
This murder mystery musical is inspired by the true story of Edith Thompson and her young lover Freddy Bywaters. Their Old Bailey murder trial of 1922 became a cause célèbre. People queued for days to get tickets to see whether they were found innocent or guilty.
What did the jury decide? Did Edith really collude with her lover to kill her husband? How did Edith’s sixty-four love letters serve to condemn her in the eyes of the world?
After successful sell-out public readings in 2024 we return with a full-scale production for 2026, with new songs and a great new retro 1920s design.

THE LAST BLACK MESSIAH by Emeka Agada, directed by Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller at Jack Studio Theatre 28 April - 16 May
The Last Black Messiah is a fierce, gripping drama about revolution, identity and justice. Set in early 90s America, Black revolutionary leader and former Howard University professor, Dr. Oko awaits execution when he receives a surprise visit from his former student Asante, now a journalist.As their reunion unfolds, history, past choices, and the weight of the country collide, igniting a confrontation that could change the legacy of Dr. Oko. This intense, thought-provoking story will leave you questioning everything you believe.
Emeka Agada is an award-nominated actor, writer. Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller is a director, actor and published playwright. His work has been nominated for the George Devine Award and listed among the Best Theatre of the Year by The British Blacklist. He has directed more than 30 productions, including the UK premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winner James Ijames’ White.
Psst ... more shows being added each week










