10 Famous People on Stage in London This Summer

Perhaps more famous for her role in Vera Drake than in Chicken Run, Imelda Staunton stars alongside the distinguished musical performer Michael Ball in the brilliantly dark Sweeney Todd at the Adelphi Theatre. The play’s twisted comedy combines with the obscene nature of Sweeney’s pie-making business to give you goosebumps. The wonderful set design by Anthony Ward also complements this production.                       

Whose Line Is It Anyway alum and Room 101 host Paul Merton returns to his stand up roots in Paul Merton Out Of My Head at the Vaudeville Theatre.  The show will feature music, sketches and magic and has a limited run for three weeks in October.
       
Olympic Champion, three time world medallist and Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins currently stars in the sizzling Chicago at the Garrick Theatre as charming lawyer Billy Flynn, and will continue to do so throughout the London 2012 Olympic Games. Sadly, the show comes to an end after 15 years in the West End on September 1st and therefore is currently extremely popular, so don't miss out!
                                    
Black Books, Tamara Drew, Episodes and Shaun of the Dead are just a few TV shows and films belonging to Tamsin Greig’s impressive CV.  In 2010 she won her an Olivier award for her supporting role in The Little Dog Laughed at the Garrick Theatre.  Currently starring in Jumpy, Greig has received rave reviews. Her superb comic timing combines flawlessly with her character’s moments of despair. This play has enjoyed both critical and box office success, selling out within four days after its opening at the Royal Court last year. The show transfers to the Duke of Yorks Theatre in mid-August.
                                       
The sell-out show Derren Brown: Svengali has returned to the West End for its final run. The show first appeared in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre last year where it enjoyed a fantastic reception.  Written by and starring Derren Brown the show, now at the Novello Theatre, is said to be “fun, dark, funny and freaky” and has earned him a string of Olivier Award nominations. 
           
Former Eastenders and Waterloo Road actress Jill Halfpenny and Two Pints Of Lager star Natalie Casey join a flawless cast in Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party at the Wyndhams Theatre. This fantastically kitsch production has been praised for its stellar line-up and wonderful comedic timing.  Classic one-liners and a set to make your eyes hurt, this show should not be missed.   
                               
Witty comedian Justin Lee-Collins stars alongside charismatic former X Factor winner Shayne Ward in jukebox musical Rock Of Ages. A score jam-packed with rock and pop classics, this production at the Shaftesbury Theatre is fun and raucous and definitely worth checking out. No stranger to a West End stage, Collins played the role of Amos Hart in Chicago in 2008.                 

If you’re after famous illusionists, successful pop-stars or Olympic champions, London’s West End is definitely the place to find what they are all up to.