Theatre Royal Stratford East have announced new shows and events for 2023-24, ahead of the venue’s 140th birthday celebrations next year.

A new production to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Jonathan Harvey’s coming-out and coming-of-age story Beautiful Thing, directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike, will run from 8 September-7 October.

Teenage boys Ste and Jamie are neighbours on a South London estate. Jamie is more knowledgeable about The Sound of Music than football, while classmate Ste never misses a sports day. Both are being bullied, Jamie at school and Ste at home by his violent father and brother. One night, when things get too much, Ste seeks refuge in Jamie's flat and, sharing a bed, the boys strike up a new relationship. Together they come to terms with their sexuality and explore their feelings alongside their Mama Cass loving, rebellious friend Leah and with the much-needed emotional support of Jamie's lioness mother, Sandra. 

In 2024, Stratford East will revive its hit Windrush ska musical The Big Life, 20 years after it premiered at the venue and transferred to the West End.  With book by Paul Sirett and EastEnders star Tameka Empson, lyrics by Paul Sirett and music by Paul Joseph, this new production will be directed by Tinuke Craig and will run from 16 February-30 March.

It’s 1948 and on board the Windrush Empire, journeying over from the West Indies to England, Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis and Lennie are full of expectations and aspirations.

Eager to make successes of themselves, they are optimistic about what the future holds, plus Dennis is certain that showing his brother’s posthumous medal from World War II will mean he is welcomed heartily. Building this new life will take focus and sacrifice, and the young men make the bold decision to forswear wine and women for three whole years and devote themselves to their future in London.

Sybil, Mary, Zulieka and Kathy have other ideas. They know that man cannot live by bread alone! So each one's resolve is put to the test as the reality of life in a less-than-welcoming England, not to mention the weather, makes forgoing the warmth of female company hard to resist. Will the men stick with their idea of The Big Life, or will Cupid have the final say?

The key creative team have also been announced for Stratford East’s festive favourite pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, with a book and lyrics by Anna Jordan, music and lyrics by Robert Hyman and directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson. The panto runs from 18 November 2023 – 6 January 2024.

Priority booking for Stratford East Members and customers with access requirements is open now. Public booking opens on 6 April at 11am.

These new productions join previously announced shows including Village Idiot by Samson Hawkins, directed by Artistic Director Nadia Fall in a co-production with Nottingham Playhouse and Ramps on the Moon (13 April-6 May), Ballet Black’s return to Stratford East with their new show Pioneers (10–20 May) and Dave Harris’ Tambo & Bones, directed by Matthew Xia in a co-production between Stratford East and Actors Touring Company (16 June-15 July).

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