There are some big ones 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.
Sing Street
Following sell-out runs in Boston and NYC, Sing Street, a musical based on the 2016 movie of the same name by John Carney, is getting its UK premiere at Lyric Hammersmith this summer. Directed by Rebecca Taichman, the show is an ode to young love and the power of music – set in Dublin in 1982, 16-year-old Conor is out to impress new girl Raphina by casting her in a music video for a band, he just doesn’t have a band yet.
Tues 8th July – Sat 23rd August 2025
Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL
lyric.co.uk
Burlesque the Musical
Burlesque the Musical, the stage adaptation of the film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, is making its West End premiere at the Savoy Theatre this summer. Featuring songs by Christina Aguilera and Sia, plus new music by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley, Burlesque the Musical tells the story of Ali, who finds her voice and a family at an underground burlesque club in New York.
Thurs 10th July – Sat 6th September 2025
Savoy Court,The Strand, London, WC2R 0ET
thesavoytheatre.com
My Master Builder
Ewan McGregor has returned to the theatre for the first time in 17 years to star in My Master Builder, a play by Lila Raicek that takes inspiration from the classic Ibsen play. Michael Grandage is directing the production, with McGregor starring as architect Henry Solness, whose imminent 4th July party in the Hamptons, thrown by his wife Elena (played by Kate Fleetwood), gets interrupted by the arrival of Mathilde (played by Elizabeth Debicki), a former student of his with whom he shared an intimate connection.
Until Sat 12th July 2025
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA
mymasterbuilderplay.com
The Crucible
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, which is set during the Salem witch trials and explores the way paranoia, fear and mass hysteria sweeps through the town, and how the truth can be distorted by prejudice, is being staged at the Globe, with Ola Ince directing. It’s the first modern classic to be performed at the theatre.
Until Sat 12th July 2025
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
shakespearesglobe.com
Fiddler on the Roof
After a sold-out run last summer at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof has transferred to the Barbican for an eight-week season before it goes on out a UK tour. The iconic musical, in which Jewish milkman Teyve is challenged by his five daughters and is learning to live in a changing world, features songs like ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’
Until Sat 19th July 2025
Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
Brixton Calling
Southwark Playhouse is hosting the world premiere of Brixton Calling, a new play from Alex Urwin, directed by Bronagh Lagan. The play, inspired by Simon Parkes’ bestselling memoir Live at the Brixton Academy, tells the true story of the 23-year-old who bought a derelict cinema for £1 in 1983, called it The Academy and turned it into an iconic music venue. Given the play is all about a music venue, music will play a huge part in the production, with a live soundtrack of reggae, punk, rock and rave.
Weds 23rd July – Sat 16th August 2025
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD
southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
The Fifth Step
Following a premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2024, David Ireland’s play The Fifth Step is transferring to London for a run @sohoplace. Slow Horses star Jack Lowden is reprising his role as Luka in the drama, which tackles topics like addiction, masculinity and faith, with Martin Freeman starring opposite as James, who, after many years in Alcoholics Anonymous, agrees to become Luka’s sponsor. As the pair build a friendship, it becomes clear that both Luka and James have secrets in their past that could threaten both of their recoveries.
Until Sat 26th July 2025
4 Soho Pl, Charing Cross Rd, London W1D 3BG
sohoplace.org
Noughts & Crosses
Dominic Cooke’s adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel Noughts & Crosses, directed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director Tinuke Craig will be hitting the outdoor stage in the summer.
Until Sat 26th July 2025
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU
openairtheatre.com
This Bitter Earth
Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winner Billy Porter is making his UK directorial debut with This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre this summer. The play, by Harrison David Rivers, tells the story of young black man Jesse, who meets young white man Neil at the Million Hoodie March in 2012. The pair begin dating and over the years have to negotiate the course of their relationship against a backdrop of political and social turmoil. Omari Douglas will be starring as Jesse, opposite Alexander Lincoln as Neil.
Until Sat 26th July 2025
Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE
thisbitterearthplay.com
Good Night, Oscar
Will & Grace star Sean Hayes is reprising his Tony Award-winning role as Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar, which is transferring from Broadway to the Barbican this summer. The play, by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright, follows actor, concert pianist and subversive wit Oscar Levant, who is the favourite guest of late-night talk show host Jack Paar. Famous for his one-liners, including “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity; I have erased this line”, Oscar appears live on Paar’s show in 1958 in an episode that America won’t soon forget.
Thurs 31st July – Sun 21st September 2025
Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
Every Brilliant Thing
It’s been performed in over 80 countries and now Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing is getting its West End premiere @sohoplace, with Macmillan directing alongside Jeremy Herrin. The one-person play follows a child who makes a list of the best things in the world to help ease their mother’s depression as they (and the list) grow into adulthood. It’ll be performed by four different actors – Lenny Henry, Jonny Donahoe, Ambika Mod and Sue Perkins – across its run.
Fri 1st August – Sat 27th September 2025
4 Soho Place, London W1D 3BG
sohoplace.org
Romeo & Juliet
The Globe is transforming into the Wild West this summer for a bold retelling of Romeo & Juliet, directed by Globe Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes. An ancient grudge between two sworn enemies erupts when their son and daughter fall in love, leading to saloon brawls, brutal gunfights and a town divided.
Until Sat 2nd August 2025
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
shakespearesglobe.com
Giant
After a sold-out run at the Royal Court Theatre, Mark Rosenblatt’s Giant has transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre for a 14-week run. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the play is set in a single afternoon at Roald Dahl’s home in 1983, just as The Witches is about to be released, where the author is in the midst of a scandal thanks to his recent antisemitic outbursts. John Lithgow is reprising his role as Dahl, alongside Elliot Levey as Tom Maschler, in a production that explores the difference between opinion and rhetoric and examines the complicated reality behind the literary icon.
Until Sat 2nd August 2025
Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
gianttheplay.com
Brigadoon
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season is finishing with Rona Munro’s adaptation of Lerner & Loewe’s Brigadoon, with Drew McOnie helming the production. It’s the first time the show, where downed WWII fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff meet sisters Fiona and Jean in the dreamlike village of Brigadoon in the Scottish Highlands, has been revived in London for 35 years.
Sat 2nd August – Sat 20th September 2025
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU
openairtheatre.com
A Man for All Seasons
Following an acclaimed national tour, A Man for All Seasons is transferring to the Harold Pinter this summer for a West End run. Robert Bolt’s play, directed by Jonathan Church, brings some of the most powerful figures of English history to life, including Sir Thomas More, played by Martin Shaw. More, Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII and loved by the people, is forced to choose between his loyalty and his conscience as a Catholic when Henry demands a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so that he can marry Anne Boleyn. Shaw is joined by a cast including Gary Wilmot, Edward Bennett, Nicholas Day, Calum Finlay, Orlando James, Hari Kang, Asif Khan, Annie Kingsnorth, Sam Parks, Sam Phillips, and Louisa Sextona.
Weds 6th August – Sat 6th September 2025
Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
atgtickets.com
Born With Teeth
Liz Duffy Adams’ Born With Teeth, a thrilling reimagining of the relationship between William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, is getting its West End premiere at the Wyndham’s Theatre this summer. Starring Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare and Ncuti Gawta as Marlowe, the show is set in the winter of 1591, a time of conspiracy and paranoia, where the two writers – and rivals – who are forced together in a creative union take secret meetings in the back room of a pub.
Weds 13th August – Sat 1st November 2025
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DA
delfontmackintosh.co.uk
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the immersive production that was a massive hit for the Bridge Theatre back in 2019, is back at the theatre this summer. Nicholas Hytner is directing the production, with JJ Feild as Oberon/Theseus, Susannah Fielding as Titania/Hippolyta, Emmanuel Akwafo as Bottom and David Moorst returning as Puck/Philostrate.
Until Sat 23rd August 2025
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
bridgetheatre.co.uk
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 is transferring to the Garrick Theatre in the summer. The main cast of Marc Antolin, Trevor Ashley, Raj Ghatak, Andy Nyman, Harry Morrison and Joanna Woodward are all returning 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.
Sat 30th August 2025 – Sat 21st February 2026
2 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0HH
thegarricktheatre.co.uk
Evita
Not content with putting on star-studded productions of Shakespearean classics, Jamie Lloyd is also taking on one of the most iconic musicals ever in 2025 by directing Evita at the London Palladium, with Rachel Zegler starring as Eva Perón in her West End debut. Lloyd has got form with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s show, having staged it at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre back in 2019, so we’re expecting big things from the West End production, which tells the story of Eva Perón, who rose to become the most powerful woman in Latin America and a symbol of hope for Argentines.
Until Sat 6th September 2025
8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
evitathemusical.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 7th September 2025
Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JP
strangerthingsonstage.com
The Great Gatsby
It’s been a smash on Broadway and in 2025 producer Chunsoo Shin has brought his musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby to the London Coliseum. One of the most popular novels of all time, The Great Gatsby tells the story of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who throws opulent parties at his Long Island mansion, but who, instead of joining in with the revelry, longs for his old flame Daisy Buchanan.
Until Sun 7th September 2025
London Coliseum, St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4ES
londongatsby.com
Photo credit: Original Broadway Cast (c) Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
The Lady from the Sea
Simon Stone (who’s also reimagined Yerma and Phaedra) is adapting and directing a production of Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea at the Bridge Theatre. Alicia Vikander is starring as Ellida, opposite Andrew Lincoln as Edward, in Ibsen’s portrayal of a woman’s fight for autonomy. Ellida, who has a comfortable life married to a well-off doctor, is looking to break the routine of her life when a lover from her past reappears at her remote country house.
Weds 10th September – Sat 8th November 2025
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
bridgetheatre.co.uk
Dracula
Lyric Theatre Hammersmith is staging Morgan Lloyd Malcom’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula this autumn, with Emma Baggott directing. In this production, Mina Harker recounts her version of Dracula’s journey from Transylvania to London, trying to piece together the truth in memory of her beloved friend Lucy. Umi Meyers is starring as Min, alongside Mei Mac as Lucy and Jack Myers as Jonathan.
Thurs 11th September – Sat 11th October 2025
Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL
lyric.co.uk
The Weir
Brendan Gleeson is making his West End debut this autumn by 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.
Fri 12th September – Sat 6th December 2025
4 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
theweirplay.com
The Importance of Being Earnest
After a sell-out run starring Ncuti Gatwa as Algernon Moncrieff and Sharon D Clarke as Lady Bracknell earlier this year, 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 will take over the role of Algernon, who along with his friend Jack, are leading double lives that get them caught in a web of lies as they try to impress some eligible ladies.
Thurs 18th September 2025 – Sat 10th January 2026
Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
earnestonstage.com
Punch
Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and the Young Vic, Punch, written by Olivier-Award winning playwright James Graham (based on the book Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne) is transferring to the West End. The play tells the real-life story of Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham who ends up in prison after an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences and who is transformed after he meets the parents of his victim James. The original cast, including David Shields (who won the 2024 UK Theatre Award for Best Performance as Jacob), Alec Boaden, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, Shalisha James-Davis and Emma Pallant will be reprising their roles for the run at the Apollo Theatre.
Mon 22nd September – Sat 29th November 2025
Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ
punchtheplay.com
Mary Page Marlowe
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon will be making her UK stage debut alongside Andrea Riseborough in the UK premiere of Tracey Letts’ Mary Page Marlowe at the Old Vic. The drama is a time-jumping mosaic of the title character’s life over 70 years, with Sarandon and Riseborough playing her at different stages of her life.
Tues 23rd September – Sat 1st November 2025
103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB
oldvictheatre.com
Till the Stars Come Down
A smash-hit for the National Theatre and the wedding of the year, Till the Stars Come Down, has transferred to the West End this summer to play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Written by Beth Steel, the show is set during Sylvia and Marek’s wedding where a larger-than-life family gather to welcome a newcomer into their midst but passions heat up and the limits of love are tested. Sinéad Matthews is reprising her role as Sylvia, with Julian Kostov joining the cast as Marek.
Until Sat 27th September 2025
Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT
tillthestarscomedown.com
Oliver!
Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne, who first worked together on a revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! back in 1994, are teaming 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 28th September 2025
Gielguld Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6AR
oliverthemusical.com
The Unbelievers
Nick Payne (writer of Constellations and We Live in Time) is back at the Royal Court with The Unbelievers, a new play that explores motherhood, faith, and family. Directed by Marianne Elliot, the show stars Nicola Walker as a mother dealing with the aftermath of her teenage son’s disappearance.
Fri 10th October – Sat 29th November 2025
Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
royalcourttheatre.com
Stereophonic
Stereophonic, the most Tony Award-nominated show ever, has moved to the West End following a twice-extended Broadway run. Playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre, the show follows an Anglo-American rock band in 1976 as they try to record a breakthrough album while navigating tense personal relationships – essentially it’s a fictionalised account of the making of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. It’s written by David Adjmi, with music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, and original cast members Andrew R. Butler, Eli Gelb and Chris Stack will be reprising their roles.
Until Sat 11th October 2025
St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG
stereophonicplay.co.uk
The Hunger Games
Irish playwright and five-time Tony nominee Conor McPherson is adapting 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 will be opening in October at the brand new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, which has been purpose built to host the world premiere of this show. May the odds be ever in your favour.
Opens Mon 20th October 2025
Wood Wharf, London, E14
thehungergamesonstage.com
Othello
A star-studded production of Othello is playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket this autumn, 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.
Thurs 23rd October 2025 – Sat 17th January 2026
Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT
othelloonstage.com
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.
Thurs 23rd October 2025 – Sun 1st March 2026
Ariel Way, London, W12 7SL
dirtydancingonstage.co.uk
Paddington The Musical
The UK’s Paddington obsession shows no signs of cooling – we’ve had three movies and now we’re getting a stage musical all about the marmalade sandwich-loving bear from Peru. The show will tell 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. No word on the casting yet but we do know that Olivier Award winner Jessica Swale is doing the book, McFly’s Tom Fletcher is doing the original music and lyrics, and Luke Sheppard is directing.
From Sat 1st November 2025
Savoy Ct, Strand, London WC2R 0ET
paddingtonthemusical.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.
Thurs 6th November – Sat 13th December 2025
Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
royalcourttheatre.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.
Fri 14th November 2025 – Sat 7th February 2026
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DA
delfontmackintosh.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.
Mon 17th November 2025 – Sat 21st February 2026
4 Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG
sohoplace.org
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
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 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
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 4th January 2026
218-223 Piccadilly London, London, W1J 9HR
titaniquemusical.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 10th January 2026
210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP
theliveaidmusical.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
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
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
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 29th March 2026
Gillian Lynne Theatre,166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW
lwtheatres.co.uk
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.