London Shows playing in January 2026

In January 2026, the English National Ballet will bring a bold reimagining of the classic romantic ballet, Giselle, to the grand stage of the London Coliseum, directed and choreographed by Akram Khan.

Based on the film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale; Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes heads to London for the Christmas season at Sadler's Wells. This powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl's dream to be the greatest dancer in the world has captivated audiences for years!

Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada looks back on his memories growing up in Jenin as he explores the true story of the Horse of Jenin, a sculpture built in the aftermath of an invasion that was torn down and stolen by Israeli forces. This one-man-show, written and performed by Shehada, blends storytelling, mask, and stand-up to create a stirring ode to resistance, imagination, and hope, in a theatrical experience packed with humour and heart.

Gerry & Sewel is transferring to London's Aldwych Theatre for a strictly limited two-week run. Jamie Eastlake's play tells the story of two lads from Gateshead on a mission to get their hands on season tickets so they can cheer on Newcastle United. From Laurel's pub in North Tyneside to the Newcastle Theatre Royal and now coming to the West End, this inspiring story of friendship, determination, and underdogs overcoming the odds is a joyful celebration of a love for football and the North East.

The story of Little Women continues with Jo: The Little Women, a semi-staged concert with a star-studded cast that tells the story of Jo March, the fearless heroine of Louisa May Alcott's beloved coming-of-age novel as she navigates grief and pursues her dreams as a writer. Directed by JoAnn M Hunter and featuring a timeless score by Dan Redfield, Jo: The Little Women will have its world premiere at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in an unmissable musical experience.

Heady, romantic, and colourful, with stunning choreography and witty dialogue, Top Hat returns to London this winter for a six-week limited run. Kathleen Marshall brings to life this musical adaptation of the 1935 Hollywood classic, packed with Irving Birling's greatest hits.

Mischief Theatre's A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is a laugh-out-loud comedy that transforms the beloved holiday classic into a chaotic disaster filled with mishaps and mayhem. With brilliant physical comedy and unexpected twists, it's the perfect festive treat that will have you in stitches from start to finish.

Step into the dreamy, wooden, candlelit space of the Sam Wanamaker Theatre, where for the first time Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong bring to the stage this magical, chaotic story of tricksy fairies and confused lovers.

Omar Elerian directs the European premiere of Rajiv Joseph’s witty, surreal tragicomedy set during the Iraq War, featuring a talking tiger, a solid gold toilet, and an unforgettable story about the search for redemption in the wake of violence and trauma.

Part true crime, part Western, Kenrex is based on a real story of a small town murder which left 60 witnesses, all who denied ever seeing anything. In this glorious one man show, Jack Holden embodies a colourful cast of characters in a small town thriller about a community coming together against a tyrant.

Witness a timeless story of love and redemption in this dazzling, spectacular production of Puccini's Turandot. Drawing on Chinese and Italian theatrical traditions, this captivating opera about a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor is filled with rich, emotional depths, a breath-taking cultural fusion, and a truly unforgettable score.

A clueless Captain, a spirited siren and pompous petty officers come together in this hilarious tale of love, honour, and duty that pokes fun at the British class system. Cal McCrystal’s revival of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, set aboard the HMS Pinafore, makes its much-anticipated return to the stage.

After 30 years, Tom Stoppard's witty, satirical play about how art can overcome cultural barriers is returning to London in this sparkling new revival starring Felicity Kendal, who originated the role of free-spirited poet Flora Crewe and now returns to play Mrs Swan. Jonathan Kent (House of Games, Double Feature, The Forest) directs this revival of one of Stoppard's most rarely performed plays, a story about passion, empire, and memory.

Woolf Works pays tribute to the unique artistic spirit of Virginia Woolf through a genre-defying, experimental ballet triptych that recreates stories from three of her novels. Choreographer Wayne McGregor brings these unique stories to life through a series of breath-taking contemporary dance performances.

La Traviata is one of Verdi's most famous operas, telling the tragic story of the romance between the doomed courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo. Inspired by history, with a timeless story that will leave you in tears, and a powerful, moving score full of the most well-known operatic melodies, this is a must-watch for all opera lovers.

Richard Jones's critically acclaimed staging of Mussorgsky's epic opera returns to London, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth and starring Bryn Terfel. Capturing a crucial and turbulent moment in Russian history, it chronicles the rise and fall of Tsar Boris Godunov as he confronts vengeful ghosts, his own guilt, and the rise of a usurper who threatens his throne. How far will he go for power?

Adapted for the stage for the first time, John Le Carre’s The Spy Who Came In From the Cold arrives on the West End after a sold-out run in Chichester. David Eldridge and Jeremy Herrin adapt this moody, mesmerising story about a British spy during the peak of the Cold War.

Noel Coward's funniest comedy returns to the stage for its centenary, with a wickedly witty and outrageous story about two wives drawn into the temptation of infidelity when a charming ex-lover comes back into their lives. Once banned for its scandalous content, Fallen Angels will have its first London revival in 25 years, with an all-star cast including Janie Dee and Alexandra Gilbreath.

Luke Norris's heartbreaking and emotional drama about a couple confronting impossible choices and the enduring power of hope and love opens at the Royal Court as part of its 70th anniversary season. Audiences will fall in love with this unflinching look at life's unpredictability, directed by Jeremy Herrin.

Acclaimed British playwright and director Alan Ayckbourn’s jaw-dropping 1985 play returns to the stage after fifteen years in a breath-taking new revival. In Woman in Mind, melancholy housewife Susan dreams up the perfect, loving family to replace her existing one, but the hallucinations of her ideal family members begin encroaching further on reality in this darkly surreal story of domestic horror.

In this collaboration between Irish drama and British theatre, the Abbey Theatre and the National Theatre come together for the revival of the Irish masterpiece about a killer who becomes a folk hero. Starring Irish national treasures like Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke, and Siobhán McSweeney, this darkly comic play comes to the National Theatre this winter.

Written by Anna Jordan and produced by Frantic Assembly, Lost Atoms tells the story of ex-lovers Robbie (Joe Layton) and Jess (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) as they explore all of the could-have-beens of their relationship. Interrogating all the ways a relationship can succeed and fail, and how our memories can play tricks on us, this tragic and witty play with take you on a powerful and emotional journey.

In this electrifying new musical directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next To Normal, Rent), the story of legendary couple F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald is brought to life through the eyes of their adult daughter, Scottie. This passionate, moving story of endless parties, a turbulent marriage, and literary genius features a book by Mona Mansour (The Vagrant Trilogy) and music and lyrics by Hannah Corneau (Wicked, Renascence). See the Fitzgeralds as you've never seen them before at the Southwark Playhouse Borough in 2026.

The circus is back in town with this buzzing, colourful adventure as OVO Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall. The story of a mysterious egg and the love between a ladybug and a fly is told through a series of thrilling, mind-boggling acrobatics, and a visually stunning set and costume design that immerses you right into the wondrous world of its insect characters. Come be amazed at the myriad of tricks and effects blended into the magic of storytelling.

Directed by Ivo van Hove, “Bryan Cranston is magnetic in this masterful staging” (The Independent) of Arthur Miller's 1946 play. Returning to London for the first time since the 2019 production at The Old Vic, the play follows a self-made businessman during World War II faces the fallout of his actions and the breakdown of his family.

Written by Noel Coward and reimagined by Bill Rosenfield, The Rat Trap is the story of the turbulent marriage between two brilliant but egotistical creative minds.

Terence Rattigan's provocative, dramatic portrait of a father and son's complicated relationship during the height of the Great Depression returns in a thrilling revival at the National Theatre. Ben Daniels and Laurie Kynaston star as Gregor and Basil Antonescu in this heart-racing story of corruption, greed, and ambition in 1930s New York.

Carrie Cracknell (Sea Walk/A Life, The Grapes of Wrath) makes her Old Vic directorial debut to direct this new revival of Tom Stoppard's classic play. 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.

Three women, separated by space and time: a 17th century minister's wife in Scotland, an 18th century Irish teenager, and a queer woman in present-day America. Told through a gorgeous, stirring blend of folk music and modern original songs performed by an all-female band, this powerful, emotionally resonant musical makes its London premiere with an unmissable 8-week run in 2026.

Tim Crouch directs this revival of Shakespeare's powerful, moving story of freedom, power, and magic, set on a hidden, enchanted island ruled by the magician Prospero, where he, his daughter Miranda, and his unearthly servants Caliban and Ariel attempt to retell their own stories. Witness a mystical take on this classic play as you've never seen it before, in the beautiful candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

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.

From Jonathan Lynn, the mind behind the political satire sitcom Yes, Minister and its theatrical spin-offs, comes the final chapter chronicling the story of the now ageing former Jim Hacker and Humphrey Appleby. I’m Sorry, Prime Minister comes to the West End in January 2026, opening at the Apollo Theatre.

Into the Woods masterfully weaves classic fairy tales into a rich, thought-provoking story. With Sondheim’s stunning score and a darkly humorous yet heartfelt narrative, it'll be the first major revival of the production in London for over nine years!

If you loved the Netflix series, Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes audiences back to Hawkins in a breathtaking stage prequel that uncovers dark secrets and untold origins. Be brought closer to the supernatural events that shaped Hawkins long before Eleven and her friends, see you in the errie world of the Upside Down!

Experience a hilarious new Jane Austen novel with the smash-hit comedy Austentatious. Inspired entirely by a title from the audience and performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment - it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed.

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.

Disney’s Hercules is brought to life on the West End stage in an exciting new musical adaptation, inspired by the beloved animated film and rooted in ancient Greek mythology. With its larger-than-life energy, humour, and heart, this spectacular show is sure to win over gods and mortals alike.

Rediscover the Wizarding World 19 years after the epic Battle of Hogwarts with the multi-award-winning production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Jampacked with spectacular spells, embark on a mind-blowing race through time with one of London's most popular plays!

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.

The immersive and electrifying West End production of Cabaret has captivated London’s theatre scene. Enter the transformed Playhouse Theatre, where you're transported directly into the vibrant and turbulent world of 1930s Berlin.

Based on Lauren Weisberger's best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film, The Devil Wears Prada features an all-star, award-winning creative team including Elton John and Jerry Mitchell. Experience this fabulous musical for yourself in the West End!

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!

Back in London five years after its sold-out run at the National Theatre, Hadestown transports audiences to a realm where love, hope, and redemption collide. The winner of 8 Tony Awards, Hadestown offers a unique fusion of ancient mythology and modern storytelling.

Les Misérables has retained its crown as the longest-running musical in the West End for nearly 40 years. Over 130 million people worldwide have been captivated by this timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption. This is a must-see on your plans when you visit London.

The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless tale of love, obsession, and tragedy set in the glamourous world of the Paris Opera House. With its haunting music from Andrew Lloyd Wbber, opulent sets, and gripping storyline, The Phantom of the Opera has been captivating audiences across the world for over 37 years.

Step into London’s historic County Hall for Witness for the Prosecution, where Agatha Christie’s gripping courtroom drama unfolds in an unforgettable, immersive setting. This acclaimed production brings you up close to the suspense as shocking twists keep you guessing right until the final verdict.

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.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the ultimate classic whodunit that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for decades with its suspenseful plot and surprising twists. Experience the thrill of live mystery and see why this record-breaking play remains a timeless masterpiece of London's theatre scene.

This sizzling, sexy dance production inspired by the hit Magic Mike film franchise starring Channing Tatum is the perfect show for a girls' night. Step into mythical Club Domina, a purpose-built venue in London's Hippodrome Casino, where you'll experience a group of talented, attractive artists perform a thrilling variety of 360-degree dance and acrobatic feats combined with one-of-a-kind acts.

Matilda The Musical takes audiences of all ages on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, heart, and the inspiring tale of a courageous little girl with extraordinary powers. The show has won over 100 international awards since it opened in London in 2011.

The Play That Goes Wrong is an unmissable comedy, delivering laugh-out-loud moments as a fictional theatre company attempt to perform a murder mystery production collapses. Known for its brilliantly timed physical humour and unexpected mishaps, The Play That Goes Wrong is the longest-running comedy in the West End for a reason!

SIX reinvents history with a fresh twist, giving the six wives of Henry VIII the spotlight to finally share their own stories. With catchy, empowering songs and electrifying choreography - this show is executed in a fierce pop concert that has captivated audiences worldwide.

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!