From thought-provoking plays to heart-warming family musicals, there’s no shortage of exciting shows for you to see this month. Here’s our pick of the best theatre to watch in February!
Essentially Black: Soho Theatre, London, 4-5 February
Set in 2016 at Oxford University, Naomi Denny’s Essentially Black follows two students who are fighting to make their university more inclusive and accepting. The show previously ran at the Camden Fringe in August 2021, and received four star reviews.
Bluebelle: The Lowry, Salford, 8-9 February
Bluebelle combines plots from stories by Angela Carter, Italo Calvino, the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault to tell a new folk story that explores parenthood, new life, and how to protect it. It has been developed in collaboration with deaf and Visual Vernacular artists and uses physical theatre techniques that incorporate poetry and mime.
Jungle Rumble: The Fortune Theatre, London, 14-20 February
This new family musical tells the story of ancient elephant Eeli, shy zebra Zella and cheeky money Boo as they venture into the jungle to rescue Snow, the last white lion, from evil Lord Braggard. With a running time of 45 minutes, the show is a great way to introduce children to live theatre.
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage: Dominion Theatre, London, 2 February-16 April
Following a successful UK and Ireland tour, a renewed version of the classic story will return to the West End. Michael O’Reilly and Kira Malou will star in the roles of Johnny and Baby, and many touring cast members will also be featured.
Murder For Two: The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, 4 February-5 March
Described by director Bryan Hodgson as “Agatha Christie gone wrong…and then some!”, the musical comedy follows Officer Marcus Moscowicz as he tries to solve the crime of novelist Arthur Whitney’s death before the detectives do. The show only uses two actors, and will see Lee O’Reilly make his professional debut in the role of Marcus Moscowicz.
Into The Night: Available to watch on demand until 20 February
Into The Night tells the story of the Penlee lifeboat ‘Solomon Browne’, which was launched in hurricane conditions to aid a coaster, which was being swept towards the coast of Cornwall. Streamed last year to mark 40 years since the event, the performance is now available to watch on demand until 20 February.
Yes! Yes! UCS!: Various venues, 12 February- 1 May
Townsend Theatre Productions’ new musical play blends live rock and folk music from the early 70s and graphic art animated projection to tell the story of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders’ “Work-In” in 1971-72. It will be directed by Louise Townsend and Neil Gore, and will star young actor/musicians Heather Gourdie and Janie Thomson.
Jabala and the Jinn: Various venues, 16 February- 22 April
Produced by Turtle Key Arts in association with AIK Productions, Jabala and the Jinn follows Jabala, who thinks she hears her dead mother’s voice. Along with Munir, the new refugee boy at school they work to discover the truth and summon the Jinn. It was developed with young British Muslim actors, who devised and explored themes of grief, family, and cultural heritage
West End Musical Love Songs: Lyric Theatre, London, 14 February
For one night only, West End Musical Productions will bring a star-studded line-up to The Lyric Theatre. Hosted by Shanay Holmes and featuring Les Misérables stars Jon Robyns and Shan Ako, and Wicked stars Emma Hatton and Nikki Bentley, the all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza is a great way to spend Valentine’s evening.
Queer Contact Festival: Contact, Manchester, 11-19 February
This nine-day celebration is aimed at young people in the LGBTQ+ community. From Emma Frankland’s Hearty, which discusses the media’s fascination with trans lives and the controversial biotechnology of HRT, to Ell And Mary – Fitter, a love letter to masculinity, the festival includes a wide range of content.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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