London Shows playing in May 2026

Ryan Craig's emotionally stirring, powerful family drama follows a Jewish family ostracised by their community when their lawyer daughter begins investigating war crimes in Gaza while her brother is killed serving with the IDF. Returning for a major revival at the Menier Chocolate Factory, this provocative play tackles themes of family, identity, and tradition, and feels just as resonant today as it did when it was first staged.

Michael Frayn's compelling historical mystery drama receives its first London revival since 1998 in this new production by Michael Longhurst, starring Alex Kingston, Damien Molony, and Richard Schiff. Step into Copenhagen during the middle of World War II, where the great physicist Heisenberg pays a visit to his old friend Bohr - a mysterious meeting that has left historians boggled. A scientific quest for truth meets a searing exploration of humanity in this clever, thought-provoking modern classic.

Witness the works of Wayne McGregor, one of the leading trailblazers in the world of modern dance, with this mixed programme that celebrates his creativity, imagination, and passion for ballet. From Yugen, inspired by American composer Bernstein, to Untitled, 2023, a collaboration with minimalist artist Carmen Herrera, to the premiere of a brand new ballet by McGregor, these performances will inspire and enchant ballet lovers and newcomers alike.

William Nicholson's heartbreaking drama returns to the stage, with this story of love, grief, and faith, coming to the Aldwych Theatre in 2026. It stars Hugh Bonneville (Paddington, Downton Abbey) in the role of author and academic C S Lewis, as his blossoming romance with American poet Joy Davidman turns into a tragic exploration of how to persevere after a loss.

The Authenticator reunites writer Winsome Pinnock and director Miranda Cromwell, the dream team behind Rockets and Blue Lights, with a gothic psychological thriller about an artist who inherits her family's stately home and enlists the help of an academic and her mentor to uncover its hidden secrets. This powerful, chilling story about the secrets that haunt us features a brilliantly talented cast including Rakie Ayola, Sylvestra Le Touzel, and Cherrelle Skeete.

Don't miss The Karate Kid: The Musical as it makes its way through a UK-wide tour starting at London's New Wimbledon Theatre. Follow the heartwarming coming-of-age story of Daniel LaRusso, who trains in karate under Mr Miyagi and discovers the strength that was inside him all along. This uplifting, energetic stage adaptation stays true to the spirit of the beloved 1984 film while retelling the familiar story for a brand new generation to fall in love with.

Written by Bush Writers' Group alum Kit Withington (As We Face The Sun) and directed by Bush Theatre Associate Director Katie Greenall, Heart Wall is the story of a family falling apart in their grief, told through the perspective of a daughter trying desperately to move on, even as hidden secrets come to the surface. Don't miss this heartrending and clever exploration of grief and family.

Don't miss the world premiere of FLYBY at Southwark Playhouse Borough, a heartbreaking story of love and loss where engineer Daniel leaves behind his old love Emily to embark on a mysterious journey into space, told through flashbacks and space logs. Written by Theo Jamieson, this is a powerful, tender musical about the enduring power of love against the vastness of space, which is sure to leave you in tears.

Kenneth MacMillan's psychologically thrilling 1978 ballet reimagines the story of a real-life scandal in the Austro-Hungarian court, where the death-obsessed Crown Prince Rudolph begins a clandestine affair with the beautiful, morbid Baroness Mary Vetsera, leading to a devastating murder-suicide. Dark desires, family secrets, and political intrigue come together in this searing exploration of the darkest parts of the human psyche.

Experience a classic murder mystery on the spot with Murder, She Didn't Write - an ingenious improvised comedy which returns to London. A huge success with audiences during its Edinburgh Festival Fringe, be a part of your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage.

Dale Wasserman and Clint Dyer bring to life Ken Kassey's iconic 1962 novel about the inmates in a psychiatric facility, living under the cruel reign of the cruel Nurse Ratched, until a new arrival threatens to dismantle the whole system. Coming to the Old Vic in 2026, this bold new adaptation of a story of systemic oppression and dissent, reshaped in a powerful light for modern audiences.

Deborah Warner's (Billy Budd, Wozzeck) stunning contemporary staging of Benjamin Britten's bleak, harrowing opera returns to the Royal Opera with the story of Peter Grimes, a fisherman driven to madness after the death of his apprentice causes his community to turn against him. Opera lovers will be thrilled and moved by this psychologically complex, atmospheric story of alienation and exile, set to a powerful score.

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!

Cynthia Erivo returns to the West End stage in this one-of-a-kind adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula by Kip Williams: intoxicating, sexy, and utterly outrageous. Erivo plays all 23 roles in this dizzying, electrifying one-woman-show that combines film and cinema in a genre-defying blend, bringing a fresh take on the classic story of the ancient and terrifying vampire who leaves his castle in Transylvania to torment London.

Young rising star playwright Leo Simpe-Asante's clever and confident absurdist comedy will open at the Royal Court Theatre as a curtain raiser to a searing revival of Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, starring Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), which returns to the Royal Court after almost seventy years. Don't miss an evening of scintillating theatre that combines a bold new voice with a classic.

Richard Jones's energetic, sophisticated staging of Camille Saint-Saëns's grand opera, in this biblical epic that retells the story of the love affair between the superhumanly strong Samson and the Philistine temptress Dalila. Alexander Soddy conducts this harrowing story of temptation, betrayal, and a trial of faith, set to an instantly recognisable and powerful score that will enthrall both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers.

‘I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics.' So says the complicated hero of Oscar Wilde's darkly witty and scathing social satire about London high society, in which Sir Robert Chiltern finds his perfect life threatened when the devious Mrs Cheveley threatens to wreck his reputation with political scandal and blackmail. Don't miss this bold new adaptation of Wilde's outrageously funny and clever play by the Lyric's Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie.

Choderlos de Laclos's scandalous, provocative French novel about seduction, manipulation, and betrayal comes to the stage in this thrilling adaptation directed by Marianne Elliott. Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville star as the scheming, power-hungry Vicomte de Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil in this darkly witty satire of pre-revolutionary French elite society in all its glamour and social vice.

A new Sherlock Holmes mystery comes to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, from writer Joel Horwood and director Sean Holmes. Step into Victorian London and experience a thrilling mystery filled with deadly, high-stakes chases and shocking twists, as Holmes and Watson go against the clock to unveil the mastermind behind a deadly conspiracy. Lovers of Sherlock Holmes and the detective genre will fall in love with this brand new original story in the Sherlock Holmes canon.

Arthur Miller's powerful and gripping family drama returns to the stage in a thrilling new production from Oliver-nominated director Jonathan Munby. Estranged brothers Victor and Walter reunite while selling their late father's possessions and get caught in an emotional reckoning that throws up buried family secrets. With a stellar cast including Olivier Award-winning Henry Goodman, this is a searing exploration of resentment, sacrifice, regret, and emotional inheritance with all the ingredients of a Miller classic.

The world's most famous lovers - Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac, and the Marquis de Sade - come together in an unforgettable pop battle to decide who among them is the world's greatest romantic. X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris star in this sassy, funny, and smart story of passion and seduction, featuring a contemporary pop score by Eurovision finalists Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal.

Frederick Ashton’s joyful ballet is a love letter to the countryside, a light-hearted pastoral tale about a battle of wills between Lise and her mother over the question of marrying for love or for money. This whimsical, humourous ballet features dancing chickens, a dizzying ribbon dance, clog-dancing and an adorable Shetland pony, making it a comic masterpiece that will leave you smiling long after you've left the theatre.

Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl's brilliant romantic comedy makes its UK premiere, following a critically acclaimed New York run. Two stage actors fall in love while performing a long-forgotten melodrama in New Haven about two estranged and star-crossed lovers. Get ready for passion, sizzling chemistry, and a charming ode to theatre in this original new play directed by Blanche McIntyre.

Robert Icke directs Sadie Sink (Stranger Things, The Whale) and Noah Jupe (Hamnet, A Quiet Place) in their West End debuts as Romeo and Juliet comes to life at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Shakespeare's timeless story of family feuds and forbidden love will receive a sparkling new adaptation on the London stage in March 2026 in a highly anticipated theatrical experience that will enchant and enthrall audiences and critics alike.

Emmy award-winner, Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike will star in the world premiere of Inter Alia. Set to be a "searing exploration of modern masculinity and motherhood", this production will reunite the team behind the global phenomenon Prima Facie.

As part of its highly anticipated summer season, Shakespeare's Globe will be tackling the great German playwright Bertolt Brecht for the first time, with a staging of his harrowing anti-war masterpiece directed by Elle While. Michelle Terry stars as Mother Courage, a war profiteer who will do whatever it takes to protect her children, in this dark, urgent play that explores the realities of war, capitalism, and complicity, and which feels just as relevant today as it did when it was first written.

Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] returns with more improvisation, comedic chaos, and a delightfully unique premise, where each performance sees a new celebrity step into the lead role with no rehearsing whatsoever. This year, step into the Wild West, a world of cowboys, sheriffs, and lost gold, and sing along with a company of actor-musicians and a live saloon pianist as you watch a talented actor find their way through the story blind.

Peter Shaffer's shocking, unsettling 1973 psychological thriller returns for a gripping revival directed by Lindsay Posner. In this disturbing story that confronts the conflict between faith and passion, a psychiatrist is drawn into the world of a young man who blinded six horses in an act of religious and sexual obsession, and finds himself questioning everything. Equus is a bold, startling play that has been haunting audiences since it was first staged.

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.

The Book of Mormon is a wildly entertaining, award-winning show that is as hilarious as it is heartfelt. Audiences worldwide have been captivated by this production which pushes boundaries whilst delivering laughs and unforgettable performances.

Don't miss the party of the year with Cole Porter's much-loved musical comedy in this sparkling revival directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. A witty, laugh-out-loud that pokes fun at Oyster Bay high society, this musical takes you right into the wedding preparation for the latest nuptials of pretentious socialite Tracy Lord, which quickly descend into chaos with the arrival of her ex-husband. High Society stars Call the Midwife's Helen George and Anything Goes's Felicity Kendal and features many of Porter's classic songs such as 'Just One Of Those Things', 'Let's Misbehave', 'I Love Paris', 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?', and more.

The beloved British musical comes home after strutting its way across the UK on a sell-out tour in 2025! Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and featuring music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this story of the unlikely team-up between a shoemaker and a drag queen is sure to leave a smile on your face.

Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison star as Henry Irving and Ellen Terry in this new play by acclaimed playwright David Hare and directed by Jeremy Herrin. Grace Pervades transfers to London after a wildly successful run at the Theatre Royal Bath. Don't miss this witty, dramatic historical play about two theatre legends and the resounding impact they had on an industry we all love.

Alexander Zeldin makes his much anticipated return to London to direct his powerful, uplifting play about a grandmother forced to live in a care home after a fall, where she befriends other elderly people in the same uncertain stage of transition, and learns to appreciate life’s unexpected joys.

This bold new musical is based on the true story of Malawian inventor William Kamkwamba, who built a windmill in his village to combat a drought, using only library books and spare parts. Chiwetel Ejiofor, who first brought the story to life for the screen, returns as Creative Associate and Lynette Linton directs, with a book by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton. Don't miss this inspiring story about overcoming the odds to bring hope for tomorrow.

Perfect for all ages, War Horse returns to the stage once again, celebrating twenty years of a powerful, epic, and emotionally stirring story about a young man's search for his beloved horse across the battlefields of World War I. Jaw-dropping life-sized puppets bring the iconic horses of this unforgettable play to life, immersing you into a story about friendship, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his horse.

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.

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.

After having a triumphant run at the Barbican Theatre, My Neighbour Totoro transfers to the West End. Delivering a plethora of vibrant visuals, jaw-dropping puppetry and delightful characters, this production takes audiences on a magical journey into the wonders of childhood imagination and the beauty of friendship.

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.

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!

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.

Heading to the West End this autumn for the first time since 2004, following a sold-out three-month run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Producers is tipped to be the biggest show this year! Experience sharp wit, unforgettable songs, and standout performances, all of which have earned the production critical acclaim.

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!

The third-longest-running musical in West End history, Mamma Mia! is an irresistibly joyous musical set to ABBA's timeless hits. The show contains 23 of the biggest ABBA hits, including unforgettable hits like "Dancing Queen", "Waterloo" and the title song "Mamma Mia".

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.

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.

Conor McPherson adapts The Hunger Games, the thrilling saga about tyranny and revolution, based on the best-selling series by Suzanne Collins. Panem comes to life in the purpose-built, state-of-the-art Troubadour Canary Wharf 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.

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.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience debuted in Brisbane back in 1997 and is now a huge success across the world, including here in London. Enjoy the antics of Basil, Sybil and Manuel in a 2 hour interactive production whilst tucking into a 3-course lunch or dinner.

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.

Now in the 10th longest-running West End stage production in British history, Wicked is the multi-award winning musical based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Dubbed Best Musical of the Decade by Entertainment Weekly, Wicked continues to be one of the West End's most popular family musicals.

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 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.

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!

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!

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.

The award-winning and record-breaking Hamilton is delighting audiences at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Now in its eighth year, this is a hugely popular musical based on America's founding father Alexander Hamilton's life with a book, music, and lyrics written by musical theatre icon Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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!