What’s on at the theatre this January

Dazzling Diamonds, funny folks and a West End phenomenon…

Fed up with pine needles in the carpet and the post Crimbo comedown? You need a night at the theatre!

Escape the new year drear with some sun-drenched reggae cheer at the Derngate with Legend – the Music of Bob Marley (Jan 11).

When it comes to a set list of solid sounds, Marley delivered, and so this celebration will do the same: Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Satisfy, My Soul, Iron Lion Zion…

Over at The Royal on the same night, The Opera Boys return with four-part harmony driven musical medleys delivering music from modern day musicals including Wicked, Mamma Mia and Frozen, while also revisiting classics from Porter, Gershwin and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
You might say it’s the show with the lot. These pitch perfect boys have performed lead roles in the West End and on Broadway and have backed Robbie Williams, Tom Jones and Elton John. They represented Belgium at the Eurovision in 2015, too – taking the fourth spot, which is non too shabby.

Their last date at the venue sold out, and this will do the same.

The Dazzling Diamonds will glisten at The Royal (Jan 12) with their brand new comedy variety drag show.

‘From jaw-dropping dance numbers to hilarious lip-sync performances and not forgetting the sensational live vocals, the cast are pulling out all the stops to make this show as unforgettable as the last!’ is the promise.

The stage smash Dear Evan Hansen (Jan 14-18) is being looked forward to by many, and with good reason – it’s the first time that the Broadway and West End phenomenon has taken to the road in the UK, and gongs? It’s won more than a few, including a Tony® Award for Best Musical, Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Score.

‘Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.’

Our Man in Havana (Jan 16-18) will deliver 90 minutes of colourful comedy, and is a great ticket for all ages seeking out a fun evening. The play has been adapted from Graham Greene’s satirical novel, the movie of which starred Alec Guinness and Noel Coward.

London’s Symphonic Rock Orchestra (Derngate, Jan 25) are classically trained aces who will take to the stage dressed as an army of rock warriors and deliver reimagined heavies from Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down and more. For those about to rock, these boundary breaking pioneers will salute you. Or do we salute them?!

Something completely different follows at The Royal (Jan 28 & 29) with Last Rites – a powerful journey of love, loss, and what it means to be a parent in an epic non-verbal solo show.

At The Royal (Jan 30), Ania Magliano: Forgive Me, Father will air following two critically acclaimed sell-out Edinburgh Fringe runs.
What’s it all about? This: ‘You know when you’re trying to wee on a night out, and you’re interrupted by a random girl who insists on telling you all her secrets even though you’ve never met? Imagine that, but she has a microphone.’

At The Old Savoy, Drag Me To The 80s (Jan 24) is a diva driven blend of nostalgia, empowerment and a celebration of the extraordinary.
Join the Queens as they redefine the stage and reawaken the spirit of 80s pop with music by Kylie, Madonna, Erasure and plenty more.
Megaslam Wrestling are back at the venue (Jan 26) and Team Megaslam will do battle in the ring with Team Nasty during the afternoon session. Who will triumph? Sit back and let them take the strain!

After a month of dark days, cold weather and poorly looking bank accounts, you’ll be needing something to perk you up, and The Anglia Comedy Allstars (Jan 31) are just the job.

It’s a cracking bill; Alan Davies, Angela Barnes, Glenn Moore and compere Matt Richardson will be bringing the funnies.
It’s like a late Christmas present. Go grab tickets while you still can.