The Bourne Forecast: What to Watch, Who’s Breaking, and What’s Landing This April

Image credit: Jake Hills on Unsplash 

Welcome to The Bourne Forecast, your Easter-season scan of the month ahead.

Your guide on what to watch over the long weekend, who to watch, and what’s about to land this April.

The west end names to book now

London’s stage calendar is giving brands and agencies a reason to think beyond April. Cynthia Erivo is already commanding attention in Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre until May 30th, while April also sets up a bigger run of names arriving over the next few months:

Gary Oldman brings Krapp’s Last Tape to the Royal Court from 8-30 May, Sandra Oh stars in The Misanthrope from 16 June-1 August, and Chris Pine makes his London stage debut in Ivanov from 4 July-19 September. Vanessa Williams continues to bring star power in The Devil Wears Prada, which is now booking at the Dominion Theatre into early 2027.
Looking further ahead, Ariana Grande is confirmed to play Dot in Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican in Summer 2027.

These are the names London will be hosting over the next few months, making theatre listings useful beyond the stage. They show who will be in town, who will be generating attention, and where brands and agencies can start planning ahead for talent-led campaigns.

What to watch

​

Who to watch

Grace Pervades is one of April’s major West End openings, bringing Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison to Theatre Royal Haymarket from 24 April. Written by David Hare, the play explores the creative and personal relationship between Victorian theatre icons Henry Irving and Ellen Terry.

Inter Alia sees Rosamund Pike return to the West End in Suzie Miller’s acclaimed legal drama at Wyndham’s Theatre. Running through spring, it is one of April’s standout productions and a strong draw for London’s theatre crowd.

Shadowlands brings Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff to the Aldwych Theatre in William Nicholson’s moving play about C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. One of April’s standout productions, a classic love story with real emotional pull and a strong transatlantic cast.

​

What’s coming up?

Cannes Official Selection announcement - Thursday 9th April, 2026

The Olivier Awards 2026 - Sunday 12th April, 2026

BAFTA Television Craft Awards - Sunday 26th April, 2026

Ones to watch

Ciara O’Connor is a sharp, fast-rising UK comedian and writer with a voice that’s already cutting through. She’s performed at venues including The Clapham Grand and has writing credits linked to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

She has been gaining industry attention through platforms like the BBC New Comedy Awards (2025) alongside recent momentum on the live circuit, including Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year finalist (2026).

Archie Madekwe is a clear one to watch, moving fast from breakout roles to real leading-man momentum.

From Apple TV+’s See to standout film turns in Midsommar, Gran Turismo and Saltburn, he’s proving serious range and his 2026 EE BAFTA Rising Star nomination cements him firmly on the radar.

Debbii Dawson is a genre-blurring singer-songwriter and producer who blends pop, folk and country into something that feels cinematic and distinctive.

After first turning heads on America’s Got Talent, she’s levelled up quickly: signing with RCA Records and building momentum with releases like 'Happy World'.

The best music acts this April in London

Muse - O2 Academy Brixton, 3 April

Leon Thomas - Eventim Apollo, 3 April

Sammy Virji - Alexandra Palace, 17-18 April

Cat Burns - O2 Academy Brixton, 19 April

YUNGBLUD - The O2, 24 April

Rick Astley with Gabrielle - The O2, 25 April

Olivia Dean - The O2, from 29 April

New talent partnerships

Jake Gyllenhaal x Bulgari

Julianne Moore x Messika

DAKOTA JOHNSON x CALVIN KLEIN

MEL B x REVIVE COLLAGEN

DUA LIPA X Nespresso