London Shows playing in August 2026

Sandra Oh will star as the titular Misanthrope in this modern adaptation of Moliere's classic comedy of manners, in which a brilliant but misanthropic novelist lashes out against the sycophantic society around her and risks destroying her reputation. Martin Crimp's wickedly funny and clever retelling will relocate this classic play to the modern day, with Moliere's anti-hero reimagined as a woman, in a searing and contemporary take on this dark comedy about public perceptions.

Ava Pickett's debut play returns after delighting audiences and critics at the Almeida Theatre in summer 2025. Bold, clever, funny, and dark, it retells the story of the execution of Anne Boleyn, through the eyes of three ordinary women in Essex, each with her own domestic troubles and difficult choices to make. With a searing commentary on misogyny and female solidarity, 1536 is an unmissable theatrical experience.

Loosely inspired by the Scottish ballad Barbara Allen, Dark of the Moon is an ethereal, enchanting musical about witchcraft, small-town prejudices, and forbidden love, in which Barbara Allen, a small town girl from rural Appalachia, falls in love with John, a witch-boy, while their dynamically polarised communities fight to keep them from being together. With a thrilling score that blends country/bluegrass and rock, this bold new staging of a timeless story will sweep you away into the Appalachian mountains with a story about love that defies all odds.

Dav Pilkey's beloved children's book series comes to the stage in the musical adaptation of Dog Man, the story of a half-man half-dog police officer conjured up from the minds of budding comic book artists George and Harold. Follow Dog Man as he solves crimes, fights villains, and does his best not to chew on the furniture, in this joyful, funny, and heartwarming musical by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander.

Sink into the Globe Theatre’s highly anticipated 2026 summer season with this electrifying staging of Shakespeare’s playful, chaotic comedy about spells, transformations, and the fickle nature of love. Four young Athenian lovers, caught in a love quadrangle, flee into an enchanted forest, where they become the victim of a love spell by the mischievous fairies that dwell within it. Dream and reality blur into midsummer madness in the sun-soaked open air of the Globe Theatre, making for an unforgettable and immersive theatrical treat.

Globe Director of Education Lucy Cuthbertson and Splendid Productions' Kerry Frampton and Ben Hales team up for a brand new original play for the Globe Theatre's magical summer season. Perfect for the whole family, it follows a boy named Cass, who invents a rich imaginary world of adventuring and heroism, inspired by his grandmother's love for Shakespeare. Don't miss this whimsical and heartwarming celebration of the joy of storytelling.

Based on Judith Kerr's beloved picture book and adapted by David Wood, The Tiger Who Came to Tea follows a little girl named Sophie, who's confronted by a huge, tea-guzzling tiger when he invites himself over to her house for afternoon tea. Filled with humour, heart, and infectious songs, this is the perfect summer treat for the whole family, appropriate for children of all ages. Book now and don't miss this charming, delightful story about kindness and embracing the unexpected.

The epic rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that follows Jesus Christ in the days leading up to his crucifixion is one of the biggest cultural sensations in musical theatre. And now, for the first time since 2019, London audiences will be able to re-experience it live in the West End. Tim Sheader directs and Eurovision star Sam Ryder stars in this iconic theatrical phenomenon that blends biblical history with a modern musical, for eleven weeks only at the London Palladium.

A thrilling new musical is coming to London, based on the cult classic 1993 novel by Irvine Welsh and the equally iconic 1996 film starring Ewan McGregor. Experience Trainspotting in a whole new light, with beloved, eccentric characters like Renton, Spud, Sick Boy, and Franco, set to a soundtrack filled with original songs as well as unforgettable tracks from the films like Iggy Pop's Lust For Life and Lou Reed's Perfect Day. Fans of the pop culture sensation won't want to miss this new spin on the darkly funny and cynical story of addiction and finding reasons to choose life.

From the creative duo behind 42 Balloons, Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, comes a charming new musical about the messy love story between Earth and Humanity. Packed with original pop songs, whimsical comedy, and a powerful message about climate change, Hot Mess is coming to The Other Palace this summer.

Inspired by Lionsgate's worldwide blockbuster franchise, Now You See Me, and fresh off a world tour that dazzled audiences across Australia and Singapore, Now You See Me Live is finally coming to the UK. This international stage illusion spectacular features a world-class magic ensemble from around the world, based on the film's Four Horsemen, who enthrall and amaze audiences with their jaw-dropping arsenal of illusion, magic tricks, spectacle, and storytelling.

Carrie Cracknell's Olivier-nominated revival of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia returns after a sold-out run at the Old Vic, transferring to the Duke of York's Theatre.Arcadia takes place across two timelines: in the past, a teenage prodigy investigates sex and mathematics with her tutor, while in the present, a group of scholars try to sniff out a historical scandal. Witty, clever, moving, and provocative, Arcadia explores the nature of time and the relationship between order and disorder.

Aaron Sorkin's critically acclaimed stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird returns to the West End this summer as part of a UK and Ireland tour. Based on the 1960 coming of age novel by Harper Lee, in which six year old Scout Finch narrates the story of her father Atticus and his attempts to defend a black man falsely accused of rape in a southern town, the story has continued to inspire and fascinate readers and audiences in the decades since it was first written. Richard Coyle reprises his role as Atticus Finch in this raw, unflinching retelling of a beloved story.

Matthew Warchus and Stephen Beresford bring to life the remarkable true story of a group of gay and lesbian activists who allied themselves with miners during the strikes of 1984. Fierce, funny, and moving, Pride tells the story of two threatened communities who came together during a powerful moment in British and queer history, told through a score of original songs inspired by protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition.

A personal and powerful collaboration between composer Philip Glass and performer-director Phelim McDermott (Improbable), Tao of Glass explores life, loss, and the question of where true inspiration comes from. Part concert and part performance, it features ten meditations on life, death, and Taoist wisdom, set to ten brand new pieces of music from Glass. It's presented by McDermott, alongside an ensemble of musicians and puppeteers bringing this beautiful story to life.

Secret Cinema’s Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is returning to Evolution London for a strictly limited season this summer. Fans of the film will delight in the opportunity to lose themselves in this one-of-a-kind immersive experience: wandering the halls of Rydell High, enjoying American diner food at the Frosty Palace, seeing the iconic characters come to life, and witnessing thrilling live performances of beloved songs such as ‘Summer Nights', 'Greased Lightnin', and 'We Go Together'.

Don't miss a rare opportunity to catch one of Shakespeare's least performed comedies, in which a group of men who have sworn off women are tempted by the arrival of a group of women in Navarre, leading to a battle of wits and desires, and a story filled with wordplay and poetry. Indiana Lown-Collins brings this rarely staged play to life through energetic flamenco dance, inviting you to join a celebration of fiery romantic tension and joyous revelry this summer.

For seven weeks only, Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless, iconic musical about the life and times of a very special group of cats will be coming to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre before heading on a UK-wide tour. Don't miss the revival of this magical, memorable musical filled with colourful characters and unforgettable songs, returning to London after a decade.

From the creators of the beloved West End hit The Play That Goes Wrong comes The Comedy About Spies—an action-packed comedy thriller set in 1960s London. Prepare for a whirlwind of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and mistaken identity in this hilarious new production.

Places aren't haunted, people are. Witness the horror phenomenon based on Oren Peli's Blumhouse film franchise, now on the stage for the first time. An American couple moves into a haunted house in London, running from their past, and are tormented by terrifying supernatural entities.

Inspired by the 2001 film by Baz Luhrmann that starred Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor; passion, romance and spectacle collide in the dazzling extravaganza, Moulin Rouge The Musical! With its electrifying performances, extravagant costumes, and memorable score, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a breathtaking celebration of love and the transformative power of art.

Black Panther star Letitia Wright will star in the UK premiere of Tracey Scott-Wilson's The Story, a smart and slick newsroom drama about an ambitious young reporter's investigation of a murder of a white teacher in a black neighbourhood. Clint Dyer (Othello, Death of England) directs this thrilling mystery play about the elusive nature of the truth, which offers a raw look at the relationship between race and media.

David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori's Tony Award-winning new and original musical tells the story of Kimberly, whose rare disease causes her to age at four times the normal rate. This funny, heartwarming story of a teenage girl who looks like a seventy-year-old woman has delighted and enchanted Broadway audiences with its unique story and unforgettable soundtrack, and now it's transferring to London. Don't miss this quirky coming of age story with a twist.

Step into the Globe's decadent, joyful summer season with Chelsea Walker's production of Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare's wittiest comedy, in which polar opposites Benedick and Beatrice clash in a battle of the sexes while their friends attempt to matchmake them. Full of mistaken identities, witty banter, and hilarious antics, Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies for its sharp-tongued hero and heroine, and tricksy, mischievous plot.

Step into the Globe's highly anticipated 2026 summer season with a classic Shakespearean comedy, in which young lovers Rosalind and Orlando navigate romance while hiding out in the Forest of Arden. Featuring mistaken identity, disguises, and live music, Sean Holmes and Charlie Josephine team up to bring this light-hearted and euphoric story of love, lust, and revelry to life in the gorgeous open-air Globe Theatre.

Step into the world of ABBA like never before with ABBA Voyage, a revolutionary blend of live performance and cutting-edge technology. Described as 'ground-breaking' by Metro, ABBA Voyage is one of the most popular immersive experiences London has to offer.

Disney's The Lion King is an unparalleled West End theatrical experience, bringing the enchanting world of the African savannah to the stage in a mesmerising spectacle for all ages. Adapted from the 1994 animation film, The Lion King has been selling out to audiences for over two decades.

Loosely based on the 2017 movie everyone loves, Come Alive! - The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is a new London attraction situated in a purpose-built big top. With the finest in musical theatre and extraordinary circus skills, this is one for all the family to enjoy!

Wacky ghosts, madcap hijinks, a haunted house - step into the musical adaptation of Tim Burton's 1988 classic, where goth girl Lydia Deetz moves with her family into a house haunted by a recently deceased couple and the terrifyingly funny poltergeist Beetlejuice, all determined to scare off the newcomers. After a wildly successful Broadway run, Beetlejuice: The Musical arrives to haunt the West End with an unforgettably charming story, eccentric characters, and an irresistible soundtrack.

Beloved children’s book character Paddington Bear gets his own musical, directed by Luke Sheppard with music by Tom Fletcher. This heart-warming story of a lost bear searching for a home in London has arrived at the Savoy Theatre and is already a hit with audiences of all ages!