Written by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola, Expecting is a brand new play running from January - March as part of Riverside Studios' new season! Exploring the modern phenomenon of delayed parenthood, it forms part of a major run of new writing directed by Andy Sandberg, and brings back together the team behind the Off-Broadway hit Straight, which was a New York Times critic's pick. Sandberg made history in 2009 as the youngest Tony Award-winning producer ever at the time, for the Broadway revival of Hair, while Elmegreen and Fornarola's award-winning work spans Off-Broadway productions, TV and major family film franchises. Together this is set to be a searing, relatable new look at the realities of modern adulthood.

30th Anniversary production! You heard that right, RENTheads, after last being seen in the West End in 1999, RENT is returning to London with Gaten Matarazzo making his West End debut as Mark Cohen! Electrifying the musical theatre landscape when it premiered on Broadway back in 1996, Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer and Tony-winning RENT remains an unmissable experience to this day. Bursting with energy and a rocking score, Rent tells the story of a band of young artists living in New York, who are determined to overcome the fear of HIV that hangs over them.

Surpassing over 10,000 performances on London's West End (that's an incredible 24 years of shows), Willy Russell's Blood Brothers is safely one of the UK's favourite musicals. Now, courtesy of Bill Kenwright Limited, the legendary hit takes to the road this year on tour, bringing the emotional tale of two brothers torn asunder by fate to you. Including modern classics such as 'Tell Me It's Not True', 'Marylin Monroe' and 'Bright New Day' among many more, discover once more (or for the first time) the heartwrenching yet uplifting journey that is this special show.

Fresh off his run in High Noon, Billy Crudup will return to the West End, opposite Gillian Anderson, in this new production of Edward Albee's landmark play, directed by Marianne Elliot (Company, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time). Set over the course of one evening, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf brings us into the heart of the marriage of Martha and George, who invite an unwitting younger couple to an after-party at their home. What begins as a nightcap soon escalates as Martha and George draw their guests into the battleground that is their fractured relationship.

Giving birth is only the beginning; it's what comes next that truly shakes you. BAFTA, Golden Globe, Olivier and Academy Award winner Jessie Buckley (Hamnet; Cabaret) stars in the world premiere of Afterbirth by Nina Segal (Antigone Exits; Cow|Deer) at the Royal Court. Unpacking the unsettling chaos that is early parenthood, the production is directed by Maria Aberg ([Blank]) and with visual design coming from Rosanna Vize (The Other Place). With Jessie Buckley returning to the London stage, this Royal Court co-commission with English Touring Theatre is set to be one of the most anticipated highlights of the Royal Court's upcoming season. Tickets will fly so don't miss out.

Three sisters, three big dreams and one extraordinary adventure! The acclaimed National Theatre production of Ballet Shoes is coming to Sadler's Wells in a spectacular stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's beloved novel. Starring Anton Du Beke (Strictly Come Dancing) as Great Uncle Matthew, this magical reimagining has been nominated for three Olivier Awards, including Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, Best Set Design and Outstanding Musical Contribution.