Stars in the Spotlight: Celebrity Performances on Broadway and the West End

We’re used to seeing celebrities lighting up screens big and small, but even the biggest names love putting their skills to the test by treading the boards on the West End and Broadway. A trip to London or New York offers a prime opportunity to see your favorite actors up close – here’s where you can catch them in action this year.

London

Man of La Mancha: Kelsey Grammer

English National Opera, until 08 June

The Frasier star plays Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who re-enacts his novel Don Quixote for a group of prisoners while awaiting trial during the Spanish Inquisition. Moreover, while reviews have been lukewarm, the musical, a collaboration with the English National Opera, pulls out all the stops for its most popular song, The Impossible Dream.

Death of a Salesman: Wendell Pierce

Young Vic, until 13 July

Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer-winning play sees a revival with a black Loman family, led by The Wire’s Wendell Pierce. The run – directed by Marianne Elliott, known for last year’s sensational Angels in America – has already sold out. However, you can pick up £10 rush tickets online every Thursday at noon for the following week’s performance.

Rosmersholm: Hayley Atwell

Duke of York’s Theatre, until 20 July

Henrik Ibsen’s political drama boasts a much-lauded performance by the Captain America actor. Atwell portrays Rebecca, a feminist and radical thinker who spurs a respected pastor to action ahead of a crucial election, giving the 133-year-old play sharp contemporary relevance.

The Starry Messenger: Matthew Broderick

Wyndham’s Theatre, until 10 August

Ferris Bueller makes his West End debut, reprising his role from the original off-Broadway production written by Oscar winner Kenneth Lonergan. Broderick plays an astronomy professor facing a mid-life crisis, growing apart from his wife (Elizabeth McGovern, best known as Downton Abbey’s Cora Crawley) and beginning an affair with a young nurse.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Gwendoline Christie

Bridge Theatre, from 03 June to 31 August

Already missing Game of Thrones? Brienne of Tarth takes to the stage this summer as Titania, queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. The theatre transforms into an enchanted forest in this immersive production: seating is designed to bring you closer to the action, or you can opt for standing tickets in the pit to move around with the story.

Bitter Wheat: John Malkovich

Garrick Theatre, from 07 June to 21 September

One of the most anticipated theatre events sees Malkovich return to the stage after 33 years. Bitter Wheat, a new play directed by David Mamet, who won a Pulitzer for the smash hit Glengarry Glen Ross, is inspired by the Harvey Weinstein scandal and has been described as ‘a black farce’ by Malkovich himself, hinting at its divisive potential with audiences.

Present Laughter: Andrew Scott

Old Vic, from 17 June to 10 August

Fresh from his role as Fleabag’s ‘sexy priest’, Scott leads in Noel Coward’s comic play. In the days before embarking on a tour abroad, a world-weary actor grapples with his own self-image, pursued by female admirers while estranged from his wife. Indira Varma, known for roles in Luther and Game of Thrones, also stars.

The Night of the Iguana: Clive Owen

Noel Coward Theatre, from 06 July to 28 September

Tennessee Williams’ play, which was adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner, is revived with Owen as the disgraced reverend turned tour guide. A group of travelers, including Breaking Bad’s Anna Gunn, are thrown together as they seek cover from a tropical storm in Mexico.

New York

All My Sons: Annette Bening

American Airlines Theatre, until 30 June

Theatre audiences have gone wild for Arthur Miller this year. London’s sold-out revival of All My Sons is just wrapping up, while the Broadway edition has been extended, giving you an extra chance to catch Homeland’s Tracy Letts alongside Oscar-nominated Annette Bening, who received a Tony nod for her powerhouse performance.

King Lear: Glenda Jackson, Ruth Wilson

Cort Theatre, until 07 July

The 82-year-old stage legend and two-time Oscar winner Glenda Jackson towers over this production with her gender-bending portrayal of King Lear. Wilson makes her Shakespeare debut with dual roles as Cordelia and the Fool in this modern take on a tragic classic.

Hillary and Clinton: Laurie Metcalf, John Lithgow

Golden Theatre, until 21 July

This play offers a timely reimagining of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, exploring questions of ‘likeability’ and ‘electability’, especially relevant as the 2020 race intensifies. Notably, Metcalf and Lithgow have received rave reviews for their roles as the titular couple.

Burn This: Keri Russell, Adam Driver

Hudson Theatre, until 14 July

Lanford Wilson’s erotically charged play stars Russell and Driver as, respectively, a dancer mourning the sudden loss of her best friend and her friend’s estranged older brother, who unexpectedly enters her life following his death.

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune: Audra McDonald, Michael Shannon

Broadhurst Theatre, until 25 August

Two heavy-hitters bring life to Terrence McNally’s romance, exploring the relationship between a diner waitress and a lonely cook whose first date turns into a night of passion, prompting deeper contemplation about their connection.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Jeff Daniels

Shubert Theatre, until 23 February

Harper Lee’s classic novel is reimagined for the stage by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, featuring a stellar cast led by Jeff Daniels. Reviews highlight Sorkin’s fresh take on themes of racial injustice and sexual violence.

The Rose Tattoo: Marisa Tomei

American Airlines Theatre, from 19 September to 01 December

The Oscar winner makes a notable return to Broadway for a revival of Tennessee Williams’ lesser-known play, which follows a Sicilian-American widow as she rekindles her spirit and desire with a fiery truck driver.