green day's rock opera

American Idiot returns this July to The Arts Theatre for another two-month run! A bold, angry punk-rock exploration of post-9/11 angst, American Idiot follows three rebellious youths who are desperate to escape from their dozing, conservative hometown. Folk rocker Newton Faulkner makes his West End debut as the lead Johnny, opposite Amelia Lily, returning for this new run as Whatshername.

Based on the Green Day album of the same name, lead singer Billie Joel Armstrong was instrumental in creating the show, co-writing the book alongside Tony-winning Broadway veteran Michael Mayer, and even appearing in the show's initial Broadway run. The score includes the songs Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends and of course the ferocious title track, all stunningly adapted for the stage.

What is American Idiot About?

We follow three disaffected youths, Johnny, Tunny and Will from suburban apathy who pack up and leave for the big city. When the three disgruntled guys finally find themselves in the throes of the high-octane city life, they quickly find that their paths take different directions. Tunny decides to join the armed forces, Michael is called back home to attend familial responsibilities, and Johnny's attention becomes divided by a seductive love interest and a split personality that threatens his happiness and ultimately, his life.

An energy-fuelled rocket ride through the album of American Idiot, this show is perfect for the music lovers out there who aren't into too much dialogue, instead utilising the lyrics from the album's songs to move the show along at a rapid pace.