By Thomas Magill
As the days get shorter, the temperature drops and the shops fill up with Halloween and Christmas stock, my inbox will soon be full of pantomime press releases. London theatre in October is already looking busy, and panto season is only just getting started.
Panto season is coming
I’m a huge panto fan. In recent years more and more LGBTQ+ productions have popped up across London, and I reckon this year will be the same. I love supporting these shows because they add an extra naughty energy to a genre that’s already stuffed with fun and innuendo.
I already know that Cinderella: Buttons Undone is coming to the Charing Cross Theatre, and Pulled, the 2026 RVT panto, is in the diary. I’m sure there’ll be more announcements over the coming weeks.
October also means Musical Con at ExCeL. It’s a two-day festival for luvvies, with stalls, shows, talks and guest appearances. It’s always great to spend the day there people watching, as fans turn up in droves dressed as their favourite characters. Last year I interviewed Layton Williams, who’s back in the line-up this year alongside Trevor Ashley (fresh from The Producers) and Thao Nguyen from Six. Musical Con starts on 17 October.
It’s hard to believe Wicked celebrated its 20th London anniversary at the Apollo Victoria last month. The show blew me away two decades ago, so going back to the same theatre all these years later for a very special gala performance was a joy. A whole line of former Galindas and Elphabas dropped in to wish the current cast a happy birthday. The show is still magical, enchanting and, at times, deeply moving. Happy birthday Wicked, from this old fan.
Big openings before Christmas
The wait is almost over for Rent fans: the show opens at the start of this month, starring Gaten Matarazzo, Travis Ross, Alexa Lopez and Joaquin Pedro Valdes. I first saw it 30 years ago, so I’m excited to see it reborn, partly for nostalgia’s sake but also because I know the brilliant Luke Sheppard will do a great job directing. His last hit was Paddington, so if that’s anything to go by, this should be a success.
The run-up to Christmas looks strong for new openings. Jason Donovan returns to the stage in High School Musical at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Into the Woods transfers to the West End, and Hay Fever, starring Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant, opens at Wyndham’s Theatre.
Off West End also has a great mix of October openings that I’m going to try to catch. Gay: The Musical is a bold new show that reimagines the life and legacy of 18th-century playwright John Gay, blending original songs with good old-fashioned British farce. Worth noting: despite the name, this isn’t a queer show. It’s part of the Lambeth Fringe and runs at the Golden Goose Theatre from 14 October.
If you’re after queer theatre this month, check out Tru at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Jay Presson Allen’s acclaimed one-man play explores the legendary, openly gay American author Truman Capote.
More on this year’s pantos and what to expect next month.
Plan your next outing: Musical Con is at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 (nearest station: Custom House on the Elizabeth line and DLR, please check), from 17 October. Gay: The Musical runs at the Golden Goose Theatre, Camberwell (nearest Tube: Oval, please check), from 14 October. Tru is at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark (nearest Tube: London Bridge).
For more shows, nights out and queer events, browse the GLL Events Diary.
