Across the Pond: 5 London theatre headlines from October

In our monthly series, we're catching you up on the London theatre news you shouldn't miss. It's time to start planning that trip across the Atlantic.

Julia Rank
Written byJulia Rank

Welcome to our series Across the Pond, where the staff of our sister site LondonTheatre.co.uk rounds up the big openings, major West End events, and exciting theatre news in London from the past month.

Whether you just want to keep on top of theatre news on the other side of the Atlantic, or you’re planning a trip to the West End in the next few months, this column will keep you updated on all things London theatre.

To explore more content on the site, plan your trip, and get tickets, head to LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Summary

  • This month, stars Rowan Atkinson and Jane Krakowski are due to return to the West End, a new musical comes to the West End and RENT celebrates a milestone– and get ready for Black Friday!
6.

Coming up: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

5.

Rent celebrated its 30th anniversary on both sides of the pond.

4.

Anchors aweigh for Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean!

3.

There's a major new entry in The Notebook.

1.

Rowan Atkinson returns to his stage roots.

1.

Rowan Atkinson returns to his stage roots.

Beloved British actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson returns to the London stage for his first revue show in 40 years. The show will feature many of Atkinson’s most popular sketches from Mr. Bean, Blackadder, and Not the Nine O'Clock News, as well as new work devised with long-term collaborators Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, and Howard Goodall. Comedy fans won’t want to miss out on the chance to see a legend in action.

Rowan Atkinson returns to his stage roots.

Photo credit: Rowan Atkinson. (Courtesy of production)

3.

There's a major new entry in The Notebook.

Romance fans will swoon at the upcoming West End transfer of The Notebook, based on the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks and subsequent film version. In the musical scored by Ingrid Michaelson, the lead characters are depicted at three different ages to show a lifetime of love. The Notebook also marks a new era for the Shaftesbury Theatre, due to be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre when the show opens in April.

Book The Notebook tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

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There's a major new entry in The Notebook.

Image Credit: Courtesy of production

4.

Anchors aweigh for Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean!

Immersive film-meets-theatre company Secret Cinema is a London fixture and, in February 2027, they will open a purpose-built venue in Greenwich. What could be more appropriate for this maritime setting than Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean? The first film in the Pirates series comes to life with live-action stunts, special effects, and dazzling performances from a cast led by Olivier Award winner George Maguire as Captain Jack Sparrow. Walk the plank to get a ticket!

Get Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

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Anchors aweigh for Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean!

Photo credit: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure artwork. (Courtesy of Secret Cinema and TodayTix)

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09:00

Breakfast at Liberty Bagels

Regularly named one of the city’s best bagel shops, the unassuming Liberty Bagels is the perfect spot to get a classic NYC breakfast sandwich.

10:00

Macy’s Herald Square

One of the world’s largest stores, Macy’s is a sight to behold, especially when it’s decked out for the holidays.

5.

Rent celebrated its 30th anniversary on both sides of the pond.

It’s been a major month for Rentheads, as the show celebrated its 30th anniversary and fans honored its late creator, Jonathan Larson. In London, Paddington director Luke Sheppard’s new production, led by Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo, opened earlier this month to enormous acclaim. LondonTheatre.co.uk’s five-star Rent review reads, “It packs an almighty punch. It honours the soul of the original, while making it feel thrillingly fresh.”

Meanwhile, the original cast — including Anthony Pascal, Adam Rapp, and Idina Menzel — reunited on October 26 alongside numerous guest stars for a one-night-only anniversary benefit concert. From humble NYC beginnings, the groundbreaking rock musical has become a truly intergenerational favorite all around the world.

Get Rent tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

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Rent celebrated its 30th anniversary on both sides of the pond.

Photo credit: RENT (Photo by Pamela Raith Photography)

6.

Coming up: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Fasten your seatbelts — it's that time of year again! If you have a trip to London planned, be sure to check out LondonTheatre.co.uk’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers over Thanksgiving. Starting November 20, you can get tickets starting at just £25 to over 70 shows across the West End and beyond. And if you're staying home, don't worry — New York Theatre Guide will have deals on NYC theatre tickets right here, too.

Check back for Black Friday offers on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Coming up: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Photo credit: Lucie Jones in Wicked (Photo by Matt Crockett)