There are some big shows on the way
London is one of the theatre capitals of the world, hosting everything from blockbuster musicals on the West End to Shakespearean classics at The Globe. London is home to cultural icons like the Barbican and the National Theatre, which regularly stage world-class productions, and there’s always something new and experimental running at the city’s smaller theatres, not to mention at immersive theatre company Punchdrunk’s Woolwich home.
This guide features the best theatre shows currently playing in London, plus all of the shows still to come in 2025 so you can also plan ahead. There’s plenty to look forward to, with a fair few big A-listers set to tread the boards and some iconic musicals opening this year.
Into The Woods
Director Jordan Fein and designer Tom Scutt are bringing Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into The Woods to the Bridge Theatre this December. The musical, which combines four Grimms’ fairytales in a story of a baker and his wife who are trying to reverse a curse of childlessness cast on them by a witch, hasn’t been staged in London since 2016 so this will be a show not to miss.
Tues 2nd December 2025 – Sat 18th April 2026
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
bridgetheatre.co.uk
The Fit Prince (Who Gets Switched On in the Square in the Frosty Castle the Night Before Insert Public Holiday Here))
After a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, romcom parody The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)), written by and starring Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, is playing at the King’s Head Theatre this festive season. The show, from the makers of Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, is a camp, queer romp through all the holiday Hallmark romcoms. The prince of Swedonia must find someone to marry else he’ll forfeit the crown, baker Aaron Butcher has accepted a commission to bake the wedding cake for the prince, and a classic romcom storyline ensues, complete with music from Leland and a few surprise cameos.
Tues 2nd December 2025 – Sat 3rd January 2026
King’s Head Theatre, 116p Upper Street, London N1 1QP
kingsheadtheatre.com
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Rajiv Joseph’s dark comedy Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, which received multiple Tony nominations for its Broadway run, is playing at the Young Vic this winter. Starring David Threlfall and Arinzé Kene, the play follows American Marines Tom and Kev, who collide with Iraqi translator Musa after a chance encounter with a tiger on the streets of Baghdad, where everyone is searching for meaning amongst the chaos.
Tues 2nd December 2025 – Fri 31st January 2026
66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ
youngvic.org
Oh, Mary!
Cole Escola’s Tony Award-winning historical comedy Oh, Mary! is coming to London after going down a storm on Broadway. The show centres around Mary Todd Lincoln in the lead-up to husband Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and her alcoholism, disinterest in the Civil War and dream of becoming a cabaret singer. Historically accurate? No. Hilarious? Yes. Mason Alexander Park will be playing the role of Mary, with Hamilton alum Giles Terera as Mary’s Husband.
Weds 3rd December 2025 – Sat 25th April 2026
14 Whitehall, London, W1A 2DY
trafalgartheatre.com
Paranormal Activity
For 12 weeks starting this December, The Ambassadors Theatre in Covent Garden will host an immersive stage adaptation of Paranormal Activity, inspired by the cult horror films that haunted the late 2000s and early 2010s. After a hit run at Leeds Playhouse last summer, the show, directed by Punchdrunk’s Founder and Artistic Director Felix Barrett, arrives in London this winter. There’s a brand new story following James and Lou, a couple who relocate from Chicago to London in an attempt to outrun their past, only to learn the unsettling truth: it’s not the house that’s haunted, it’s them!
Fri 5th December 2025 – Sat 28th February 2026
The Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9ND
paranormalonstage.com
The Weir
Brendan Gleeson is making his West End debut, starring in The Weir at the Harold Pinter Theatre. It’s also a first for Conor McPherson, who wrote the play about thirty years ago but will be directing it for the first time with this production. The play, set in a pub in rural Ireland, sees four men’s lives interrupted by the arrival of Valerie and her story, which leaves them all shaken.
Until Sat 6th December 2025
4 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
theweirplay.com
Woman in Mind
Sheridan Smith is back in the West End this winter, taking on the role of Susan in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind, directed by Michael Longhurst. In the darkly comic drama, after taking a bump to the head, Susan’s world splits in two and the lines between her mundane reality and her imagined reality begin to blur.
Tues 9th December 2025 – Sat 28th February 2026
Duke of York’s Theatre, 104 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4BG
atgtickets.com
Porn Play
Porn Play, written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner, is getting its world premiere at the Royal Court this winter, with former Artistic Director of both the Donmar Warehouse and Bush Theatre, Josie Rourke, on directing duties. The play stars One Day’s Ambika Mod as Ani, a young academic who has a secret addiction to violent pornography.
Until Sat 13th December 2025
Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
royalcourttheatre.com
Snow White
TuckShop is back with another all-drag panto this Christmas, staging Snow White at the Emerald Theatre. Expect an outrageous retelling of Snow White’s journey through the enchanted kingdom and battle with the Wicked Queen, and an all-star cast including Kyran Thrax, Kitty Scott-Claus, Kate Butch, Yshee Black, Tayris Mongardi, and Oliver Clothezoff.
Mon 15th December 2025 – Sun 4th January 2026
8 Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2AB
tuckshopuk.com
High Noon
Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (who wrote screenplays for some little movies called Forrest Gump and Dune) and Olivier Award-winning director Thea Sharrock are teaming up for a stage adaptation of classic Western High Noon. Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly starred in the 1952 film about small town sheriff Kane and his wife Amy, who have to decide what to do about deadly outlaw Frank Miller, who’s headed straight for them. Billy Crudup and Denise Gough will be taking the lead roles for the stage version, with the themes of justice and peace, and duty and desire, as relevant in the present as they were back in the 1800s.
Weds 17th December 2025 – Sat 7th March 2026
Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
highnoontheplay.com
Cinderella
For panto this year Hackney Empire is putting on Cinderella, with Siobhan James in the title role. Expect Ugly Sisters, a Wicked Stepmother, a Fairy Godmother, glass slippers, extravagant costumes, big song and dance numbers, and plenty of audience participation.
Until Wed 31st December 2025
291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ
hackneyempire.co.uk
The Devil Wears Prada
We’re not always fans of movies being turned into musicals – especially movies that have no real music connection to them at all – but there are a few cases where we’ll make an exception, like when Elton John is doing the score and the movie is The Devil Wears Prada. Yes the fashion classic (based on former PA to Anna Wintour Lauren Weisberger’s book) starring Anne Hathaway as wannabe journo Andy Sachs and Meryl Streep as Runway magazine editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, is on the stage in the West End. The show, which stars Vanessa Williams as the fearsome editor, also features music by Elton John, lyrics by American musician Shania Taub and a script by Kate Wetherhead, and is being directed and choreographed by the Tony Award-winning Jerry Mitchell.
Until Sat 3rd January 2026
268-269 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7AQ
devilwearspradamusical.com
Elf the Musical
It’s become a Christmas movie classic and this year, as well as watching the Will Ferrell version on the screen, you can see the musical version of Elf on the stage. Joel Montague is playing Buddy, the human raised an an elf who goes on a journey to New York to find his birth father (played by Aled Jones), helping the city to discover the true meaning of Christmas along the way.
Until Sat 3rd January 2026
Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF
elflondon.com
A Christmas Carol
Mark Gatiss’ take on the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol has returned to the Alexandra Palace Theatre for another festive season. Adam Penfold is directing, with Neil Morrissey playing Jacob Marley and Matthew Cottle starring as Scrooge, and as this version is focusing on the ghost story aspect, expect spooks and scares from the special effects.
Until Sun 4th January 2026
Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
christmascarolonstage.co.uk
The Importance of Being Earnest
After a sell-out run starring Ncuti Gatwa as Algernon Moncrieff and Sharon D Clarke as Lady Bracknell earlier in 2025, the National Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is transferring to the West End. Playing at the Noel Coward Theatre, with Max Webster directing, Olly Alexander is taking over the role of Algernon, who along with his friend Jack (played by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), are leading double lives that get them caught in a web of lies as they try to impress some eligible ladies. Stephen Fry is playing Lady Bracknell, with Hugh Dennis, Shobna Gulati, Kitty Hawthorne, Jessica Whitehurst and Hayley Carmichael also in the cast.
Until Sat 10th January 2026
Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
earnestonstage.com
Othello
A star-studded production of Othello is playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, with David Harewood (who was the first Black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in 1997) in the title role, opposite Toby Jones as Iago and Caitlin FitzGerald as Desdemona. It’s being directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris and will have music from PJ Harvey.
Until Sat 17th January 2026
Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT
othelloonstage.com
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Following a sold-out run, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is transferring to the West End in 2026 for a run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Adapted by Rachel Joyce from her bestselling novel, the musical features a score from Passenger and is directed by Katy Rudd. Mark Addy and Jenna Russell will be reprising their roles as Harold, an ordinary man who sets out on an extraordinary pilgrimage across the country, and his wife Maureen, who begins her own journey back home.
Thurs 29th January – Sat 18th April 2026
Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT
haroldfrymusical.com
LANDER 23
Immersive theatre group Punchdrunk are once again breaking new ground with LANDER 23, a new live-action video game experience. Blurring the line between theatre and gaming, LANDER 23 will transform audiences into players in a multi-player stealth mission, promising participants “genuine agency” and “true video game mechanics” throughout the experience. The story drops players into the ‘Lander Division‘ of the ‘Centre for Astrobiology’, the galaxy’s most intrepid explorers. A week prior, the crew of LANDER 23 vanished while harvesting a rare energy source on Hisarlik 426. It’s now up to you to find out what happened. You’ll be divided into two squads: Command (Drivers) and Ground Team (Fields). While the Fields navigate a hostile alien terrain, their only lifeline is the voice and the instructions of their Drivers, directing the mission from aboard the ship.
Until Sun 1st February 2026
One Cartridge Place, Woolwich, London SE18 6ZR
lander23.com
Dracula
Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Dracula, adapted and directed by Kip Williams, will premiere at the Noël Coward Theatre in February 2026, with Cynthia Erivo starring in the one-actor production. It’ll be Erivo’s first time back on the stage in almost a decade and she’ll be playing all 23 characters in this radical reinterpretation of Bram Stoker’s gothic tale. The show will be the final (and most ambitious) in Williams’ gothic trilogy, following The Picture of Dorian Gray and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
From Weds 4th February 2026
85-88 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU
michaelcassel.com
Shadowlands
Hugh Bonneville is returning to the West End to star in William Nicholson’s play Shadowlands, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. The play follows The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis as his academic life as an Oxford Don is upended by the arrival of American poet Joy Davidman. The production, which first played at Chichester Festival Theatre, will have a limited run at the Aldwych Theatre in the spring.
Tues 5th February – Sat 9th May 2026
Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF
shadowlandsplay.com
Just For One Day
Following a run at The Old Vic at the beginning of 2024, Just For One Day, the musical that tells the story behind both Band Aid and Live Aid has transferred to the West End. Back in 1985, the now legendary gig saw timeless musicians take to the stage to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief. Two Live Aid concerts took place on the same day, one in London and one in Philadelphia, making a total of $127 million combined and going down in music history. The story of how this came to be (as well as the precursor to Live Aid, Band Aid) is being retold through a new Live Aid musical, Just For One Day. The production is written by best-selling author John O’Farrell (Mrs Doubtfire, Something Rotten) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things) and features the songs of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders, The Cars, Status Quo, Paul Weller, Sade, The Boomtown Rats, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Ultravox and more.
Until Sat 7th February 2026
210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP
theliveaidmusical.com
All My Sons
Ivo Van Hove (who has already directed a hit Arthur Miller play with A View From the Bridge in 2014) is back in the West End, taking on another of the playwright’s masterpieces. All My Sons follows self-made businessman Joe Keller, whose partner takes the blame for selling the government defective parts in wartime. When his eldest son goes missing in action, Joe’s true involvement in the business comes to the fore. Bryan Cranston is starring as Joe, with Marianne Jean-Baptiste playing his wife Kate and Paapa Essiedu playing their son Chris.
Until Sat 7th February 2026
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DA
delfontmackintosh.co.uk
Deep Azure
Deep Azure, a play by the late Chadwick Boseman, is getting its UK premiere at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse this year. Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy), the play is a story of love, grief and justice, and is inspired by the story of university student Prince Jones. It follows Azure, whose fiancé Deep is killed by the police, as she tries to find peace in the wake of tragedy.
Sat 7th February – Sat 11th April 2026
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
shakespearesglobe.com
Hadestown
After a sell-out run at the National Theatre in 2018, the Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown is back in London, this time at the Lyric Theatre. Written by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown takes you on a journey to the underworld, telling the love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice and King Hades and Persephone through American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz.
Until Sun 15th February 2026
29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
hadestown.com
The Producers
After a staging at the Menier Chocolate Factory at the beginning of the year, the revival of Mel Brooks’ iconic musical by director Patrick Marber has transferred to the Garrick Theatre. The main cast of Marc Antolin, Trevor Ashley, Raj Ghatak, Andy Nyman, Harry Morrison and Joanna Woodward have all returned for the West End transfer of the show that tells the story of two theatre producers who try and get rich by overselling interests in a musical that’s designed to fail, but in fact becomes a surprise hit.
Until Sat 21st February 2026
2 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0HH
thegarricktheatre.co.uk
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, adapted for the stage by David Eldridge, is getting its West End premiere @sohoplace this winter, following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre. Jeremy Herrin is directing, with Rory Keenan and Agnes O’Casey reprising their roles as disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas (who agrees to stay in the game when George Smiley presents one final mission), and the idealistic, left-wing librarian Liz Gold who threatens to thaw his heart. It’s the first time that one of le Carré’s novels has been adapted for the stage, so fans won’t want to miss it.
Until Sat 21st February 2026
4 Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG
sohoplace.org
Dirty Dancing
A new purpose-built theatre is coming to London and Dirty Dancing is going to be its first production. Adam Kenwright and Karl Sydow are bringing the 620-seat Capital Theatre to Westfield London, a state-of-the-art venue where every guest will be no more than nine rows rom the performance stage area. Following two West End runs, the Dirty Dancing musical will be the first show to run at Capital Theatre, featuring all the famous choreography (including that lift) and hit songs that you’ve come to know and love.
Opens 2026
Ariel Way, London, W12 7SL
dirtydancingonstage.co.uk
Teeth ‘N’ Smiles
After a stint playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret and launching her latest album A Complicated Woman with theatrical shows at the Duke of York’s Theatre, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, will be back on stage next year. She’ll be taking the lead role in the 50th anniversary revival of David Hare’s Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, which follows Maggie Frisby, the lead singer of a failing rock band as the 60s comes to an end. As well as playing Maggie, Taylor is also contributing original music to the show, joining the existing music and lyrics by Nick and Tony Bicât.
March – June 2026
Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4BG
teethnsmilesplay.com
Romeo & Juliet
After the final season of Stranger Things, you’ll be able to catch Sadie Sink on stage in new version of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, directed by Robert Icke. The play, running for a limited season at the Harold Pinter Theatre, will also be starring Noah Jupe, who, alongside Sadie, will also be making his West End debut.
Mon 16th March – Sat 6th June 2025
Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
romeojulietplay.com
Inter Alia
After a smash run at the National Theatre, Inter Alia, from the same team behind Prima Facie, is transferring to the West End for a limited run in the spring. Written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin, the legal drama follows London Crown Court Judge Jessica Parks, played by Rosamund Pike, who is trying to balance motherhood, friendship and her career when an unthinkable event rocks her life.
Thurs 19th March – Sat 20th June 2025
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0DA
interaliaplay.com
John Proctor Is the Villain
A smash on Broadway, Kimberly Belflower’s modern take on Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, is getting its UK premiere at the Royal Court. Danya Taymor is directing John Proctor Is the Villain, which follows five girls as they shed light on the dark secrets of their small town.
Fri 20th March – Sat 25th April 2026
Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
royalcourttheatre.com
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Marianne Elliot is directing a new production of classic French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, adapted by Christopher Hampton at the National Theatre. Aidan Turner, Lesley Manville, and Monica Barbaro will be starring in the tale of love, power and social warfare, that sees aristocrats Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont turn on each other in a game of seduction and revenge.
Sat 21st March – Sat 6th June 2025
National Theatre, London SE1 9PX
nationaltheatre.org.uk
Clueless
As if! 30 years after the film was released, a musical version of Clueless has hit the West End. Original director Amy Heckerling has written the book and KT Tunstall is doing the music, so you’ll be able to see Beverly Hills student Cher Horowitz make over her friend Tai (including all those iconic outfits) and learn a few lessons about love along the way, with all-new songs.
Until Sat 28th March 2026
Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall. London, SW1A 2DY
trafalgartheatre.com
Stranger Things
Missing Stranger Things? You can now get your fix as a prequel to the TV show is taking over the West End. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, being staged at the Phoenix Theatre, takes place in 1959 rather than Hawkins of the 80s, so that means there’ll be no Eleven, Mike and co, but there will be a young Jim Hopper and a young Bob Newby, who are just living their regular lives when new student Henry Creel arrives. That last name should ring a bell because that’s who goes on to become the season four baddie Vecna. OOOOOHHHHH. The stage show is written by Kate Trefry, based on an idea created by her, The Duffer Brothers (who made the TV show) and Jack Thorne (who did Harry Potter & The Cursed Child), with Stephen Daldry directing.
Until Sun 5th April 2026
Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JP
strangerthingsonstage.com
Beetlejuice: The Musical
After multiple smash hit runs on Broadway, Beetlejuice: The Musical is finally coming across the pond for a stint in the West End, playing at the Prince Edward Theatre from May. The same creative team, including Scott Brown (book), Anthony King (music), Eddie Perfect (lyrics) and Tony Award-winning Alex Timbers (director) are coming over for the London production, based on Tim Burton’s cult movie, where a recently deceased couple hire bio-exorcist Beetlejuice to drive the new living family out of their home.
Opens May 2026
Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS
beetlejuicemusical.co.uk
Krapp’s Last Tape
After playing at the Royal Court in 1958, Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape, where a man sits alone and listens to the echoes of his younger self, is returning to the theatre with a York Theatre Royal production starring and directed by Gary Oldman. It’s only on for a very limited run, so you’ll have to be quick to catch it.
Fri 8th – Sat 30th May 2026
Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
royalcourttheatre.com
Titanique
After taking NYC by storm, Titanique has docked in the West End. This musical tells the story of Jack, Rose and the sinking boat in a whole new way – through the medium of Céline Dion’s back catalogue. Songs like ‘My Heart Will Go On’, ‘All by Myself’ and ‘To Love You More’, a full live band, and a boat-load of camp, what more could you want?
Until Sun 7th June 2026
218-223 Piccadilly London, London, W1J 9HR
titaniquemusical.com
Jesus Christ Superstar
The Olivier Award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is returning to town ten years on for a limited-edition run at the London Palladium. Sam Ryder will be making his West End debut in the show, which follows Jesus in the last days of his life as seen through the eyes of Judas, with iconic songs like ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
Sat 20th June – Sat 5th September 2025
London Palladium, Argyll Street. London, W1F 7TF
jesuschristsuperstar.com
Ivanov
Chris Pine is making his London stage debut in 2026, starring in Simon Stone’s adaptation of Chekhov’s Ivanov, which will be his second outing at the Bridge Theatre following The Lady of the Sea. Pine will be starring as the titular character, who appears to have a successful career and a strong marriage but is also battling piling debts and an unwell wife – can he save his career, marriage and will to live all at once?
Sat 4th July – Sat 19th September 2025
Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
bridgetheatre.co.uk
CATS
One of the West End’s biggest sensations, running from for 21 years after originally opening in 1981, CATS is returning to London in 2026 for a very limited summer run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The theatre’s Artistic Director Drew McOnie will be directing the new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s show, featuring iconic songs like ‘Old Deuteronomy’, ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’, ‘Jellicle Ball’ and ‘Memory’, before it goes on a major UK tour.
Sat 25th July – Sat 12th September 2026
Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU
openairtheatre.com
My Neighbour Totoro
Adapted for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Tom Morton-Smith and original composer Joe Hisaishi, My Neighbour Totoro sold out its world premiere run at the Barbican in the autumn of 2022 and picked up a slew of awards along the way. It proved to be so popular that the show returned for another 18-week season at the end of 2023, and now it’s back for a third go, playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until 2026. Hayao Miyazaki’s film tells the coming-of-age story of sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalised mother, where they discover a world full of magical creatures and spirits. It’s known for its enchanting animal characters, including the Catbus (a twelve-legged cat that’s also a bus) and the eponymous Totoro (who looks like a giant rabbit), who are brought to life through incredible puppetry and groundbreaking production.
Until Sun 30th August 2026
Gillian Lynne Theatre,166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW
lwtheatres.co.uk
Man to Man
Tilda Swinton is returning to the stage for the first time in over 30 years to star as Ella/Max in a revival of Manfred Karge’s Man to Man – a role she originated in 1988 – directed by Stephen Unwin. The one-woman show follows Ella, a woman in 1930s Germany who takes on her late husband’s identity as a way to survive.
Sat 5th September – Sat 24th October 2026
Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
royalcourttheatre.com
Oliver!
Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne, who first worked together on a revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! back in 1994, have teamed up to bring the musical to the London stage once again. Now Bourne is on directing as well as choreographing duties, leading a cast that includes Simon Lipkin as Fagin, Shanay Holmes as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Billy Jenkins as the Artful Dodger and Philip Franks as Mr Brownlow. The musical, adapted from the Dickens novel, tells the story of orphan Oliver Twist as he escapes the workhouse and gets taken in by Fagin and his gang of pickpockets, and features all the classic songs like ‘Food Glorious Food, ‘Consider Yourself’, and ‘I’d Do Anything’.
Until Sun 4th October 2026
Gielguld Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6AR
oliverthemusical.com
The Hunger Games
Irish playwright and five-time Tony nominee Conor McPherson has adapted the work – both Suzanne Collins’ 2008 novel and the Jennifer Lawrence movie – which is set in the dystopian world of Panem, where Katniss Everdeen must fight to the death in an annual televised competition for the stage. Collins is endorsing the play, which is being directed by Matthew Dunster (of 2:22 A Ghost Story fame). The show is playing at the brand new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, which has been purpose built to host the world premiere of this show. Mia Carragher is playing Katniss Everdeen, with Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark, Joshua Lacey as Haymitch Abernathy, Tristan Waterson as Gale Hawthorne, Tamsin Carroll as Effie Trinket, and Stavros Demetraki as Caesar Flickerman, with John Malkovich appearing via screens as President Snow. May the odds be ever in your favour.
Until Sun 18th October 2026
Wood Wharf, London, E14
thehungergamesonstage.com
Paddington The Musical
The UK’s Paddington obsession shows no signs of cooling – we’ve had three movies and now we’ve got a stage musical all about the marmalade sandwich-loving bear from Peru. The show tells the story of Paddington’s arrival into London and how he gets taken in by the Brown family before his life is put in peril. Olivier Award winner Jessica Swale has done the book, McFly’s Tom Fletcher has done the original music and lyrics, and Luke Sheppard is directing.
Until Sun 25th October 2026
Savoy Ct, Strand, London WC2R 0ET
paddingtonthemusical.com
Long-Running Shows That Are Still Worth a Watch
Starlight Express
Get your skates on because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, which ran in the West End from 1984 to 2002, has rolled back into the capital. And this time, the musical, which famously features performers on roller skates, is runing in the purpose-built Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Starlight Express tells the story of child’s train set Rusty, who magically comes to life and wants to become the fastest engine in the world to impress first-class car Pearl. The new production, which being directed by Luke Sheppard (who also took the reins for &Juliet), choreography from Ashley Nottingham and has Arlene Phillips returning as creative dramaturg, features the same music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics from Richard Stilgoe but with a big new plot twist. Fans of the original will have something new to look forward to but the classic songs, including ‘AC/DC’, ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’, ‘Make Up My Heart’ and ‘Starlight Express’ will also be present and correct.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
It’s spectacular spectacular news for musicals fans, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is on the West End. Alex Timbers’ stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film follows the original story – penniless writer Christian falls in love with courtesan Satine but the pair have to hide their relationship so nightclub owner Harold Zidler can secure funds for the venue’s transformation from The Duke, who wants Satine for himself. All the iconic songs like ‘Come What May’ and ‘Lady Marmalade’ are in there too along with a whole load of new additions, including hits from Whitney, The Rolling Stones, Beyonce, Adele and Lady Gaga, so there’ll be even more songs to can-can along to.
Cabaret
Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Cabaret, one of the most iconic musicals of all time, is back in the West End. This immersive production has taken over the Playhouse Theatre and turned it into the Kit Kat Club so prepare to lose yourself in the world of Weimar Berlin.
The Lion King
You’ve seen the movie, now see The Lion King on stage and watch Simba grow from young cub to king of the pridelands with Timon and Pumba by his side. The award-winning show features all the classic songs, including ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’, ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘Circle of Life’, with all the animals of Pride Rock brought to life with incredible puppetry, costumes and special effects.
Back to the Future
Great Scott, a Back to the Future musical has come to the West End! And the actual creators of the film trilogy – Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale – are behind it. All the regulars like Doc, Marty, Biff, George and Lorraine are making a return but this time they’re belting out the tunes. Obvs the absolute classics like ‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’ will be involved, but as it’s a musical there’ll be some new songs to learn and sing your heart out to as well. Get into your DeLorean and roll up to the Adelphi Theatre.
SIX the Musical
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s smash-hit Six The Musical, which is a modern retelling of Henry VIII’s wives complete with pop-inspired soundtrack, is back on stage at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Hamilton
Hip-hop meets history in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s epic musical about the US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an Caribbean immigrant who fights in the War of Independence and becomes the country’s first Treasury Secretary. Even if you think you don’t care about American history, you’ll find yourself rapping about the 1776 the Declaration of Independence and Aaron Burr for weeks afterwards.
Mrs Doubtfire the Musical
The screen’s favourite housekeeper and babysitter is staying in the West End as Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical is on at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 2025. Based on the hit and much-loved film, this musical adaptation comes from the same award-winning team – made up of John O’Farrell, Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick – behind Broadway’s Something Rotten!
The Book of Mormon
If you like your musicals to be wildly politically incorrect and funny as hell, The Book of Mormon is the one for you. Created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the minds that brought you South Park, the show follows two Mormon missionaries on their journey to convert Ugandan natives to their religion. The lyrics may inappropriate, bordering on offensive, but the songs are bloody catchy and you won’t be able to stop laughing.
Wicked
The award-winning Wicked, London’s 14th longest running show, is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, which is set in the land of Oz way before Dorothy and the gang got there in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The show tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two sorcery students at Shiz University, who eventually become Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Mamma Mia!
25 years on stage and two record-breaking films and we’ve still got Mamma Mia fever. The musical, which tells the tale of a mother, a daughter and three fathers set on Greek island to a soundtrack of ABBA’s greatest hits, has been seen by almost 70 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1999 and it’s still going strong at the Novello Theatre.
