Katie O’Brien recommends new plays musicals set to be performed this year in Dublin and London.
With all of the present uncertainty, it has become more and more normal for people to turn to the arts sector as a place of comfort and happiness. So, 2021 plans to bring a whole new range of plays and musicals to theatres that are set to make this new year one full of entertainment. To limit any chance of excitement-induced-overwhelm, I have listed the ones to watch below!
Moulin Rouge
Performances: 5th of October 2021-TBD, Piccadilly Theatre, London
Based on the popular 2001 film starring both Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, this musical tells us the story of a young composer named Christine who falls in love with Sistine, a cabaret dancer, all whilst the end of the 20th century is having a powerful impact on France. Christine is set to be played by Aaron Tveit who has starred in the stage versions of Catch Me If You Can and Next to Normal and Sistine will be played by Karen Olivo, who was a Tony award winner for her role as Anita in West Side Story. The brand-new musical, much like the film, creatively mixes the classical music of the period with modern music to give us a new yet familiar story.
Monsoon Wedding
Performances: 16th of July - 29th of August 2021, Roundhouse Theatre, London
Award-winning director Mira Nair’s film Monsoon Wedding is making its theatrical debut this summer. Set in Delhi, this musical depicts Aditi and her soon-to-be husband Hemant as they begin to celebrate their wedding with a four-day event. But as family members begin to arrive, we soon learn that things might not go to plan as each member harbours a secret. No official casting list has been released yet.
Holy Mary
Performances: 11th-16th of May 2021, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
This play takes place in 1980’s Ireland following both Majella and Mary as they are about to make their first Holy Communion. You will laugh and you will cry as you watch both girls come to terms with being lifelong enemy’s and newly found stepsisters, all whilst trying to make good impressions on the congregation. Holy Mary showcases the talents of five-time award winner Mary Murray and playwright Jacinta Sheerin as the two leads; the comedic writing of Eoin Colfer, author of the best-selling fantasy series Artemis Fowl; and the brilliant direction of Irish-American director Aoife Spillane-Hinks.
Circle of Friends
Performances: 6th of April- 2nd of May 2021, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
This play is adapted from Maeve Binchy’s extremely popular novel Circle of Friends, published in 1990. Both the play and novel, follow Bernadette Hogan and Eve Malone as they navigate life in 1950’s Ireland in their fictional town of Knockglen. They struggle with class pressures placed on them throughout their romantic and educational lives whilst learning to deal with the growing conflicts of relationships and religion and trying to remain friends. Starring Copper Face Jacks: The Musical’s Roseanna Purcell, Juliette Crosbie, a performer at and host of the Dublin Burlesque Festival in 2016 and 2017 and Charleigh Bailey, actress and writer known for her work in Headcases.
These are only a few of the shows that London and Dublin are bringing to the stage this year. All of these shows are scheduled to take place in 2021, however, the performances may be postponed due to government restrictions.