Following a stellar start in 2023, Wilton’s Music Hall continues to bring a vibrant program to its iconic venue for a spectacular summer 2023 season. Bringing a host of productions from the pinnacle of theatrical delights, Wilton’s is sure to have a show to die for. everyone enjoy.
Regan De Wynter Williams brings one of her iconic all-male productions, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. [7 June- 1 July]. Headmistress, Sasha Regan, inspired by her time making single-sex productions at the school, Regan has previously brought all-male productions of HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance to Wilton’s to great success. The Mikado is set in a faraway land called Titipu, with flirting prohibited on pain of death and mocking British institutions at every turn, this uniquely humorous show is sure to delight.
There is more extraordinary opera on the programme, beginning with Sweeney Todd from Opera della Luna – The Victorian Melodrama [25-29 April] bringing gothic charm to the Fiend of Fleet Street with this new operatic production featuring a 10-piece orchestra. Followed by National Opera Studio and Opera North presenting Cautionary Tales [2-3 May] breathing new life into opera with contemporary scenes covering climate change, gender identity and animal rights from some of the most celebrated contemporary opera composers. She can also take part in a maddening murder mystery parody, featuring each of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas in 75 minutes of wacky nonsense on Express G&S. [15-18 August].
The show that ends the summer season with thirty-five 5-star reviews is I wish my life was like a musical. [29 August- 9 September]. Experience what the British Theater called ‘flawless’ and reveal everything you want to know about musical theater and those who love it – on both sides of the curtain! Book, music and lyrics by Alexander S. Bermange.
Music plays a big part at Wilton’s Music Hall this season and sees the return of Liza Pullman, putting her own spin on Streisand’s life and songs in Liza Pullman Sings Streisand. [4 May] including new arrangements of well-known Barbara classics. Swingles Vocal Weekend [5 and 6 May] offers two days of exceptional music from the 5-time Grammy Award-winning group, The Swingles. Highlights of the weekend include workshops, interactive events, pop-up performances and the first performance of his new Theatreland show. OneTrackMinds [12 April] returns with another vibrant selection of writers, thinkers and musicians, each presenting a thought-provoking story about a song that has changed their life and five-piece band The Salts return with an exciting night of Songs from the Sea. [13 April].
Players Theater Magnificent Music Hall [16 May] brings a spectacular night of music hall set in 1890s England, featuring a line-up of artists who have appeared on the BBC’s The Good Old Days, including Wilton’s regular and truly spectacular Tom Carradine. Ida, ‘The People’s Pensioner’ will electrify with hip-hop numbers at their fun urban RnB night. If you’re a fan of popular music from Jessie Matthews to Stormzy, or Marie Lloyd to Meghan Thee Stallion, or just want to celebrate survival, come party with Ida Bar: Not Dead. [24 May and 12 July].
Camille O’Sullivan returns to Wilton’s with her Dreaming concert [30 May-3 June]. Having sold out iconic venues including The Sydney Opera House and The Roundhouse, Camille will treat audiences to an intimate evening of storytelling on songs from artists from Radiohead to David Bowie. A 5-star performance according to The Mail on Sunday, don’t miss what The Telegraph voted one of the 25 greatest performances ever in Later With Jools Holland. Iconic drag legend Miss Hope Springs [19-20 May} plays the piano and sings an array of acclaimed all original numbers from her repertoire telling scandalous stories from her ‘Ritz to the pits’ life in London, Paris, and…Dungeness.
Amy Key and Sorana Santos will discuss their life-long relationship with the lyrics of Joni Mitchell in Rules to Live By; Joni Mitchell and Poetry [22 May]. The best of British cabaret come together at Ashes to Ashes [19-20 July] to celebrate the late, great David Bowie, with all proceeds going to the Cabaret Vs Cancer charity.
Moving trip from Sumatra to Papua with traditional Indonesian ritual and dance at Kabaret Nusantara [27 July]. Infused with the contemporary playfulness of burlesque, the show brings together the richness of multiple types of Indonesian dance and is the first of its kind to be presented in London with a company of world-class Indonesian dancers. All new and inventive Fray dance theater experience [24-26 July] presents a dance experience between two brothers united by their love of hip-hop, complete with original music and big-screen visuals. Join a night of sizzling dance at Swinging At Wilton’s [23 May] with the Jive Aces and Swing Patrol bringing the crowd to its feet. Let yourself be captivated by VENUS by Impermance [17-18 May], with a quadruple bill of new dance pieces Feral, Cosmic Yogurt, Enemy of the Stars and Venus. Martin, Bisi and Friends [7 July] The cabaret concert will celebrate the life and activism of ‘angelic troublemaker’ Bisi Alimi, with pop, jazz, tunes and performances by the London Gay Men’s Chorus, with proceeds going to a foundation supporting LGBT people in Nigeria. The High Energy 9-Piece Trinity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band [13-14 July] will mix songs from the 20s and 80s, with an appearance by Josephine Shaker, the tap-dancing cabaret clown.
Wilton’s also has a large number of plays in the summer season. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Dylan Thomas’ masterpiece Under Milk Wood. [9-13 May] and Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson brings his spectacular version to Wilton’s. Inspired by Masterson’s uncle Richard Burton to perform, Masterson has performed the role more than 3,000 times over 30 years, a performance dubbed the “definitive performance” of the Time Out play. The highly acclaimed Yippee Ki Yay [18-22 April], a gleefully funny retelling of the classic film Die Hard from Fringe First winner Richard Marsh. Marsh is a champion of London poetry competitions, and after rave reviews since opening at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show tours the UK before arriving at Wilton’s. Heralding the summer season at Wilton’s is The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck [11-15 April] to delight children and parents alike with its delightful introduction to the world of classical music through songs, stories and an interactive orchestra. A sweet treat for families during the Easter holidays. Martin Parr directs a new version of Twelfth Night [10-11 July]with Shakespearean songs set to original music.
Wilton’s is the perfect place to be transported to a bygone era with silent movie nights provided by Lucky Dog Picturehouse. They’re thrilled to put together a 100th anniversary celebration of Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last! Accompanied by a live score. The rest of this year’s lineup brings more variety than ever and includes Harold Lloyd’s Silent Comedies [3-4 July] with shorter Live Score, Speedy (1929) [3 July]The Freshman (1925) shorter [4 July]The Navigator (1924) [2 August]Seven Chance (1925) shortest comedy [3 August]Battling Butler (1926) shortest comedy [4 August].
