Summer is almost over, and the nights will soon be longer and colder. But with many theatres just starting their autumn seasons, there is plenty of new and reworked theatre available to keep you busy. Here are our picks of theatre to catch in September.
Far Gone. Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield. 17-20 September
Inspired by John Rwothomack’s own experience of almost being kidnapped, Far Gone tells the story of Okumu after the village where he lives in Northern Uganda is attacked by the Lord’s Resistance Army. It was first performed in 2019 before touring in 2022, and was described by The Guardian as “captivating and powerful”. Sheffield is the first stop in its world tour, which will see the play visit the USA, South Africa and Tawain.
Man’s Best Friend. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. 25-27 September
Douglas Maxwell’s Man’s Best Friend focuses on the relationship between one man and dogs. Walking his neighbour’s dog greatly helped Ronnie (played by Jordan Young) after tough lockdowns. But when the dogs run off into the woods, he is forced to face some hard truths. The show is touring throughout various venues in Scotland throughout September, and the Traverse marks its final stop.
In The Beginning Woman Was The Sun. Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle. 25-26 September
Houmi Miura’s debut one-woman show celebrates inspirational Japanese women who are often forgotten. When Miura realises that none of the women she is inspired by look like her, she sets out on a quest to find heroes that share her heritage. It’s always exciting to learn about iconic women, so In The Beginning Woman Was The Sun definitely sounds like a must see!
Uprooted. New Diorama Theatre, London. 23 September- 26 October
If you like political theatre, Uprooted might be the one for you. Set in Latin America, where capitalism has destroyed communities and homes, it is a rallying cry inspired by voices of displaced people and environmental defenders. With physical theatre, original music and striking visuals, it is set to be an exciting performance.
The Law of Mayhem. The Haymarket, Basingstoke. 18-20 September
Performed by a majority trans and non-binary cast, Tabby Lamb’s The Law of Mayhem is based on the true story of Michael Dillon and Roberta Cowell, the first people to undergo gender affirmation surgery in the UK. It uses magical realism and aerial circus to show how they created a path for future generations, and are still icons for many trans people today.
The Talented Mr Ripley. Various times and venues.
The stage adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller The Talented Mr Ripley begins its UK tour this month, visiting Cheltenham, Edinburgh and Birmingham. It follows Tom, who is offered a free trip to Italy by a mysterious stranger to bring home his son Dickie, but becomes enticed by his lifestyle and winds up in a spiral of lies. Ed McVey, star of The Crown, will play Tom, while Eastenders’ Maisie Smith will play Dickie’s friend Marge.
Words by Ellen Leslie
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.