A Strange Loop
Barbican Theatre
4.6/5 based on 8 reviews (read reviews)- Booking until: Friday, 8 September 2023
- Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes without an interval.
A Strange Loop photos
A Strange Loop description
A Strange Loop, by Michael R Jackson, is a Pulitzer Prize for Drama winning musical that has wowed audiences off and on Broadway. Now it's rumoured to be due in the West End for 2023-24. The final Broadway performance took place on 15th January 2023, following 301 regular performances and 13 previews.
This fabulous new musical comes with plenty of critical acclaim, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book for Michael R Jackson. The vibrant songs and cutting lyrics make it a razor-sharp theatre experience packed with quirks, very funny as well as moving thanks to its frank explorations of identity, race and sexuality.
As the playwright and musical genius Michael R Jackson said, "Though A Strange Loop is not autobiographical, it is my life's work, as such, I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to share this raw, vulnerable, and personal story with the world and to have connected with so many enthusiastic, loving audiences.
What's the story behind A Strange Loop?
A Strange Loop is a phrase coined by the cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter. It also happens to be the name of a song by Liz Phair. The plot follows Usher, a queer black queer man who is writing a musical about a queer black man who's writing a musical. If you find that intriguing, you'll love this show.
Usher hates his day job, but he needs it to fund his writing. The black gay man he's writing about also hates his day job. Usher is beset by demons, including those living inside his head, and he is desperate to come to terms with the mysterious strange loop of his own: his life.
About A Strange Loop
The cast recording was nominated for the Grammy for Best Musical Theater album, and the Broadway reviews say it all. People who know their stuff have said it's "one of the greatest musicals I've ever seen", "audacious, hilarious, and profoundly moving", "brilliant" "one of the funniest and most poignant shows I've ever seen", "above and beyond brilliant", and "a masterpiece."
The book, music and lyrics are all by the supremely talented US playwright, composer, and lyricist, Michael R Jackson. The Director is Stephen Bracket. Choreography and movement come from Raja Feather Kelly, and the remainder of the creative team will be announced nearer the time. The London cast is also to be confirmed.
Buy tickets for A Strange Loop
Buy tickets for A Strange Loop from us and enjoy simple, efficient service. We'll email your e-tickets to you. All you do is present them on your phone at the door on the day, or print them off if you prefer.
Playing at Barbican Theatre
Age restrictions
Recommended for ages 16+
Important information
Recommended for ages 16+
This musical explores the themes around race and sexuality, and contains strong language, references to racism and scenes of an adult nature.
Assisted Performances:
Audio described: Tue 4 July 8pm & Thu 3 August 2.30pm
Captioned: Wed 5 July 8pm & Wed 9 August 8pm
Signed: Tue 11 July 8pm & Thu 17 August 2.30pm
If you arrive late for the start of a performance we appreciate that you will want to take your seat as soon as possible. We will do everything possible to assist. To limit disturbance to fellow audience members and artists we may have to ask you to wait until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this may not be possible once the performance has started.