London Theatre in March: Revivals and New Works Highlight the West End

March promises a diverse range of theatrical experiences in London, from revivals of acclaimed plays to the arrival of Tony-nominated Broadway hits and fresh directorial debuts. This month’s offerings cater to a variety of tastes, showcasing both established playwrights and emerging voices.

Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass Returns

A revival of Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass opens March 3 at the Young Vic. Originally a Broadway flop in 1994, a subsequent London production in 1995 earned the Olivier Award for Best Play. The new production is directed by Jordan Fein, known for his acclaimed revivals of Into the Woods and Fiddler on the Roof. Actor Alex Waldmann, who plays Dr. Harry Hyman, previously performed in the play nearly 25 years ago and emphasizes the work’s exploration of personal and political themes against the backdrop of the Holocaust. He describes Miller’s writing as “a concentrated two-hour punch.”

Off-West End Intimacy: Slippery

John McCrea, an Olivier Award nominee for his role in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, stars in Slippery at the Omnibus Clapham, a venue with a capacity of under 100 seats. Opening night is March 19. The play, written by Louis Emmitt-Stern, features Perry Williams alongside McCrea and explores the reunion of two men a decade after their breakup. McCrea appreciates the opportunity to perform in smaller venues and connect with diverse audiences, noting the play’s universal themes of human experience.

Early Hare Revisited: Teeth ‘n’ Smiles

A rare West End revival of Sir David Hare’s early play-with-music, Teeth ‘n’ Smiles, opens March 25 at the Duke of York’s Theatre. The production stars Rebecca Lucy Taylor, as well known as the singer-songwriter Self Esteem. Director Daniel Raggett highlights the play’s exploration of themes relevant to both creative individuals and broader audiences, questioning the search for meaning in life and the dynamics of a band breaking up.

Broadway Success Comes to London: John Proctor Is the Villain

John Proctor Is the Villain, which received seven Tony nominations on Broadway, arrives at the Royal Court on March 26, directed by Tony winner Danya Taymor. The production features an entirely new cast, led by Sadie Soverall and Donal Finn. Playwright Kimberly Belflower expressed her surprise at the play’s resonance beyond her home state of Georgia and is excited about this first international production.

Harlem Comes to Hammersmith: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

Jocelyn Bioh’s Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a five-time Tony nominee, opens March 27 at the Lyric Hammersmith. Monique Touko, who directed a successful production of Bioh’s School Girls. Or, The African Indicate Girls Play at the same venue in 2023, returns to direct. Bioh believes the play’s themes are universal, reflecting the cultural significance of spaces like hair-braiding salons and the accessibility of information in the modern world.