The Pleasance Theatre Trust is thrilled to announce an exhilarating new season of theatre in London for autumn/winter 2025, featuring acclaimed returning companies, fresh bold writing, outstanding Edinburgh transfers, a delightfully mischievous Halloween event, and a dazzling six-week Christmas extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy along the Yellow Brick Caledonian Road.
Kicking off the season, Rhum + Clay returns with their highly anticipated production of Dario Fo’s hilarious masterpiece, Mistero Buffo. This darkly comedic exploration of the absurdities and inequalities of daily life was once banned for its provocative content. With an incisive focus on those who manipulate truth and power, Julian Spooner delivers a tour-de-force performance that earned him The Stage’s Award for Best Performance. This extraordinary show features a single actor deftly navigating a hundred characters and settings.
The festive season will offer two unique experiences of Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto: a family-friendly version and a raucous adults-only twist. It’s been 20 years since Dorothy ventured over the rainbow, but a surprise snowstorm sends her back to the chaotic Borough of Oz-lington, where she allies with old friends—Scarecrow, Lion, and a shiny new TinPerson 2.0—to save Christmas amid the magical mayhem. Bursting with catchy songs, festive excitement, and dazzling drag flair, this production is helmed by ShayShay (known for Mulan Rouge and Bitten Peach) and produced in collaboration with The Vaults. The adults-only version transforms Oz into a playful realm of raunchy fun filled with diva drama and wicked humor for a cheeky night out.
Halloween at Pleasance promises a thrilling queer takeover, blending camp horror, musical mayhem, and trans celebration. With shows like The Simple Life and Death, directed by Fizz Sinclair and ShayShay, audiences will be drawn into a chilling plot involving an elusive killer. Trans icons from the UK cabaret scene will enchant audiences in TRANS-sylvania!, conjuring spirits with extraordinary circus acts and creative horror parodies. Fans can also catch Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More W/ EVEN MORE Feeling!, featuring two of London’s funniest drag clowns bringing the beloved series to life in a fabulous way. Finally, SUCKER 4 U delves into a sticky romance between a man and a giant, interdimensional squid.
The festivities don’t stop with the shows; Pleasance will host late-night Halloween parties and cabaret spectacles led by renowned drag stars like The Enby Show and Our Gay Maria, promising an alternative nightlife experience in North London.
Additionally, the season welcomes winners from the Charlie Hartill Fund, including Kanpur: 1857, a new play that comically examines contemporary debates about gender and colonial violence inspired by historical events, written and starring storytelling sensation Niall Moorjani.
More surprises await in the Main House, including Pub Grub, where poet Luke Wright celebrates the charm of everyday life, and Redacted: The cover-up of a cover-up of a cover-up, an electrifying new show from the award-winning Voloz Collective that tackles themes of corruption and chaos.
Ellie Simpson, Head of Theatre London at Pleasance Theatre Trust, said: “This season marks my first complete program and unveils a thrilling chapter in Pleasance’s ongoing commitment to daring artists and distinctive voices. It’s a vibrant mix of new writing, risk-taking performances, and an emphasis on supporting artists at every level.”
Anthony Alderson, Director of Pleasance Theatre Trust, added: “As we near 30 years of Pleasance in London, we are reminded that great things can emerge from humble beginnings. This season reaffirms our dedication to nurturing next-generation creative talent, showcasing work that is bold, playful, and politically charged.”
The upcoming season promises a line-up that celebrates unique voices across genres while blending ambitious programming with robust support for artists. To explore the full schedule, visit www.pleasance.co.uk/events/type/Autumn-Winter.
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment