The Pleasance theatre in North London has revealed its new season for spring 2024.
A varied line-up of theatre, cabaret, comedy and magic is included in the season from the Islington fringe venue.
Back for more is the return of viral show Gwyneth Goes Skiing (30 January – 16 February) from Awkward Productions. Following a sold-out run in December 2023, this bonkers story of justice, betrayal and optometry recounts the now-infamous collision in 2016 on the slopes of Deer Valley and the court case seven years later that enthralled the world.
Following its much-anticipated premiere at the Royal Opera House, GISELLE: REMIX (11 to 27 April) comes to the Pleasance with an evening of cabaret excellence, theatrical divinity, staggering choreography and jaw-dropping lip-syncs, created in collaboration with dancers from The Royal Ballet.
Award-winning one-person play Wasteman (14 – 16 March) comes to the Pleasance following an acclaimed run in Edinburgh. The show combines monologue, song and drag in a love letter to hard-working Northerners and gender euphoria, based on writer Joe Leather’s real-life experiences working as a refuse loader through lockdown.
Sergio Maggiolo’s Jeezus! F*cking Christ (21 – 22 March) invites audiences to a queer ritual to exorcise the demons religion has filled us up with.
Mahatma Khandi throws open the doors of The Khandi Shop (23 February & 19 April) for a cavalcade of some of the most iconic cabaret legends on the scene.
Polly – The Heartbreak Opera (8 – 11 May) is a collaboration between Marie Hamilton (Madonna On The Rocks) and Sharp Teeth Theatre. This riotous, radical adaptation of Polly, John Gay’s banned sequel to The Beggar’s Opera, features techno, tracksuits and palm trees and songs inspired by Peaches, Britney and Nina Simone.
Sam McArdle brings The Manny (20 & 23rd March) to the Pleasance in March, a dark comedy about an Irish male nanny who works for rich single mums in West London.
Bi-annual theatre-meets-wrestling festival Wrestival (2 – 4 May) makes its return in 2024, with a knockout three-day line-up. From comedy battles in Lethal Lottery where the audience decide and a unique evening of pro-wresting, comedy and cabaret in Jerry Bakewell Variety Show, to scratch night The Wrestival Schmozz and the UK’s leading queer drag wrestling cult Fist Club, and finishing with the hard-femme, post-apocalyptic GALZILLA and drag king extravaganza King of the Ring, there’s something for everyone!
I Hope This Helps (6 – 9 March) is a new one-act comedy from Brooklyn Rep, introducing Brian and Darlene amidst the swirling steam of a Russian Banya, as they sweat through layers of vulnerability, revealing fantasies, fears, and the unexpected twists of connection.
Part of the Main’s Bloody Mary: Live! (28 – 30 March) is a gleefully vicious stand-up special in which Teen Queen Mary Tudor takes to the mic to rehab her so-called ‘bloody’ image in a fiery one-woman show written and performed by Olivia Miller.
The Charlie Hartill Try Outs 2024 (19 & 20 February) take place again this year, as audiences take a first look at each innovative and ambitious new production. From 14 finalists, one will be chosen as the recipient of the Charlie Hartill Fund for Ensemble Theatre, which offers the rare and extraordinary support of £10,000 to present a fully produced play at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024.
Make The Cut (21 February), from Director’s Cut Theatre Company, is a competition for actors and writers seeking an opportunity and a platform to showcase their talents, whilst Late Night Magic (8 February), hosted by Tom Brace, gives audiences an opportunity to see world-class magicians and members of the mysterious Magic Circle in this brand-new late night line up of the best magic and variety acts.
Gamble (24th February) is a bittersweet multimedia show about addiction and its effect on families, friends, and communities. From Hannah Walker & Co and based on a true, personal story and inspired by accounts of industry experts, health professionals, people in recovery, and their loved ones, Gamble is a spangling whirlwind of flashing lights and big wins.
The Work In Progress comedy season (various dates until 4 May 2024) also returns for its 10th year, hosting 70+ comedy shows including Alan Davies (QI), Sophie Duker (Taskmaster), Fern Brady (Taskmaster), Jordan Brookes (Comedy Award winner), Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners) and many more recognisable household names.
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