With winter nearly upon us, now is the perfect time to catch the latest theatre productions in Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington
1 Guinea Pigs on Trial, Chelsea Theatre
Centred around the dark side of human drug testing, Guinea Pigs on Trial is brought to you by experimental group Sh!t Theatre, winners of the 2014 Total Theatre ‘best emerging company’ Award and an Arches Brick Award. Its members, Louise Mothersole and Rebecca Biscuit, focus on subverting traditional theatre conventions to bring a new style of story-telling to the audience. Controversial and satirical, it is sure to get people talking. The show is part of the Chelsea Theatre’s annual SACRED line-up. Tickets £10, concessions £5. 21-22 November, 7.45pm.
7 World’s End Place, King’s Road SW10 0DR, 020 7352 1967; chelseatheatre.org.uk
2 God Bless the Child, Royal Court
After years working in the classroom, Molly Davies imagines a mutiny of eight year olds… class 4N, tired of a new scheme ‘Badger Knows Best’ bringing more rules and regulation, plan to overthrow the education regime that is intent on pacifying them. This is the second play by Molly Davies, and is directed by the Royal Court’s artistic director Vicky Featherstone. 12 November-20 December. Tickets £20, Mondays £10. see website for times and availability.
Sloane Square SW1W 8AS; 020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com
3 Great Britain, National Theatre
Richard Bean’s witty satire about the dirty dealings of the tabloid press and its tainted relationship with politicians and police could not have opened at a better time this summer, considering the real-life controversies played out in the media at the time. Such has been the show’s popularity that its run has been extended to January 2015. Lucy Punch now stars as editor Paige Britain, the ambitious yet ruthless young news editor of The Free Press, a tabloid newspaper battling to get more readers by any means possible. Covering everything from phone hacking to MP’s expenses, the play has met with huge acclaim, not least for its funny, caustic script. The supporting cast includes Robert Glenister and Oliver Chris, and the play is directed by Nicholas Hynter. Until 10 January 2015.
020 7452 3000; nationaltheatre.org.uk
4 2071, Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
2071 addresses questions about climate change and our planet such as what do we owe to future generations? And how can we protect our children and grandchildren? Writer Duncan Macmillan and director Katie Mitchell have teamed up with Professor of Climate Scientist Chris Rapley to create this thought-provoking production, which puts the subject of science at its core. 5-15 November. Tickets £12-£32.
Sloane Square SW1W 8AS; 020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com
5 Chimera, Gate Theatre
Following its critically acclaimed run in New York, Chimera creates a disconcerting reality of what might happen if you learned that your DNA did not quite belong to you. In the production, Jennifer Samuels’ world is turned upside down when she discovers that she has a rare medical condition that means her whole sense of self has been a lie. As she begins to explore further, she is taken on a frightening yet funny journey to find out who she really is. £10pp. 20 Nov–20 Dec, selected dates only.
11 Pembridge Road Notting Hill Gate W11 3HQ; 020 7229 0706; gatetheatre.co.uk
6 Coolatully, Finborough Theatre
The setting is modern rural Ireland: the village Kilian, once known as a beacon for hurling, can no longer muster a team. Eilish wants to leave for a new life across the ocean but must first confront the demons of the past and decide whether to stay or go forever. The first play from playwright Fiona Doyle is an insightful look at the detrimental effect that Ireland’s recession has had on its young men. Runs until 22 November. Tickets £16-18, concessions £14-£16.
118 Finborough Road SW10 9ED; 0844 847 1652; finboroughtheatre.co.uk
7 Solomon and Marion, The Print Room
Part of the Print Room’s exciting new autumn line-up at the Coronet, Solomon and Marion tells the story of two hurt souls searching for meaning and redemption in post-apartheid South Africa. Khayalethu Anthony plays Solomon, the grandson of an ex-servant of Marion’s, played by Dame Janet Suzmam, who is already grieving for a lost son and broken family. He arrives one day claiming to want to help her but what is the real motive behind his actions? Directed by Lara Foot, the leads have already received rave reviews for their performances at the Edinburgh Festival. Tickets £25, £17 concessions. 4-29 November. Monday-Friday: 7.30pm, Saturdays 3pm & 7.30pm.
103 Notting Hill Gate W11 3LB; 020 7727 6705; coronet.org
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