This Week in London Theatre: La Fille Mal Gardée, Jesus Christ Superstar's Transfer, and More

London's theatre scene is bursting with variety this week, from a beloved ballet revival to a sharp-witted Jane Austen spin-off, a David Hare play in its final days, and major news about one of the West End's most celebrated musicals. Here's our guide to the shows demanding your attention right now.

La Fille Mal Gardée Returns with a Delightful Twist

The Royal Ballet's revival of Frederick Ashton's La Fille Mal Gardée is back this week and runs into June, promising audiences what has long been described as "a ballet of pure sunshine." Ashton's comic romcom is one of the most purely enjoyable works in the classical repertoire, blending silliness with genuine tenderness to create something utterly irresistible. It's a light-as-air confection that never fails to leave audiences beaming.

This revival comes with a notable change, however. In previous stagings, a real-life Shetland pony would trot across the stage to audience delight. But in the era of sophisticated theatrical puppetry, think the breathtaking work in shows like Paddington the Musical and the legendary War Horse, this production will debut wooden automata in place of the traditional live animal. It's a creative decision that reflects just how far theatrical design has evolved, and it will be fascinating to see how audiences respond to this reimagined moment.

Being Mr Wickham: Adrian Lukis Revisits Jane Austen's Most Notorious Rogue

If you were glued to the BBC's recent adaptation of The Other Bennet Sister, which gave overlooked Mary Bennet her moment in the spotlight, then a special one-night event at the Garrick Theatre this week should be on your radar. Adrian Lukis, who memorably played the dastardly George Wickham in the iconic 1995 television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (yes, the one with Colin Firth's infamous lake scene), returns to the character in Being Mr Wickham.

The premise is delicious: Wickham is now past 60 and wants to tell his side of the story, the version that Jane Austen never wrote. It's a clever conceit that taps into our enduring cultural fascination with Austen's world while offering a fresh perspective on one of literature's most charming villains. For Austen devotees and fans of that landmark BBC production, this promises to be a memorable evening.

Last Chance to See Teeth n Smiles at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Time is running out to catch Teeth n Smiles at the Harold Pinter Theatre, with the production finishing on 6 June. David Hare's play, set against the fag end of the 1960s, captures the dawning realisation that post-war optimism and radical politics had ultimately changed very little. It's a work that examines the hangover after the party, both literally and metaphorically.

While the play itself may not have entirely stood the test of time in every respect, this production delivers a rousing evening of theatre, not least because of Rebecca Lucy Taylor's electrifying performance. Taylor, better known to music fans as Self Esteem, delivers a turn that is every bit as memorable as Helen Mirren was in the original Royal Court production 50 years ago. That's no small claim, and multiple critics have echoed the comparison. If you've been meaning to book, now is the moment: these final performances won't last long.

Jesus Christ Superstar Announces Major Transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane

In one of the most exciting pieces of West End news this week, Jesus Christ Superstar has confirmed that its limited summer season at the London Palladium will be followed by a transfer to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from October. It's a fitting home for a production that has proven itself to be one of the most acclaimed revivals in recent memory.

Timothy Sheader's production was first seen at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in 2019, and it has been a gift that keeps on giving ever since. What makes this staging so remarkable is the way it operates on multiple levels simultaneously. On the surface, it offers a simple, powerful retelling of a story most audiences know well. Dig deeper, and you'll find a biting examination of religious and political fanaticism, mob mentality, and state expediency that feels uncomfortably relevant to contemporary politics.

Drew McOnie's choreography is a major reason for the production's impact. His movement work is visceral and unsettling: Jesus' followers often appear like the jerking inmates of an asylum, their devotion tipping into something far more disturbing. Combined with striking design and real theological insight, this is a Jesus Christ Superstar that transforms the familiar Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice score into something genuinely provocative. The move to Drury Lane, one of London's grandest and most historic theatres, suggests the producers are confident this revival still has significant commercial life ahead of it.

What This Means for Theatre Fans

This week's highlights demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of what London theatre offers. Whether your tastes run to classical ballet, literary one-person shows, provocative modern drama, or blockbuster musical revivals, there's something compelling to choose from.

For La Fille Mal Gardée, booking sooner rather than later is advisable, as Royal Ballet runs tend to sell strongly. Being Mr Wickham at the Garrick is a single-night event, so availability will be extremely limited. And with Teeth n Smiles closing on 6 June, the window to catch Rebecca Lucy Taylor's star-making performance is rapidly narrowing.

The Jesus Christ Superstar transfer to Drury Lane is perhaps the biggest story here. Given the production's critical acclaim and the prestige of the venue, demand for autumn tickets is likely to be very high once they go on general sale. Keep an eye on our listings for availability.

Looking for more inspiration? Browse our full list of London shows to find your next night out, or explore our guides to the best musicals and must-see plays currently running in the West End.