London Shows playing in October 2026

August Wilson's landmark 1985 play, set in the 1950s, is the sixth installment in his ten-part Pittsburgh Cycle, exploring the evolving African-American experience in the face of race relations. In this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama, Troy, a working class 53-year-old man, struggles to provide for his family as head of the household. From one of America's most influential 20th century writers comes a powerful story about race, class, and ambition.

Reimagining the big top for the theatre stage, Cirque Berserk combines contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, featuring over thirty acrobats, aerialists and daredevil stuntmen showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills. Filled with electrifying spectacle, dazzling stunts, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment, it's the perfect half-term activity for the whole family.

Martin Guerre is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, in which a man returns to his wife and village after years away, only to be suspected of being an imposter by his community. Based on a remarkable historical mystery, retold many times in many mediums, this latest revival comes with new lyrics, new folk-inflected orchestrations and an immersive in-the-round staging.

This dark, unsettling, and Pulitzer-winning opera comes from contemporary Chinese-American composer, performance artist and activist Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek. Combining Yun's eclectic and genre-defying musical style with a dynamic, immersive staging, Angel Bones shatters operatic tradition to tell a harrowing story about a struggling couple who find a pair of angels in their garden and abuse their heavenly gifts for their own greed. Witness a powerful exploration of modern slavery and human trafficking through a truly unique opera.

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.

Jay Presson Allen's 1989 play about the great American novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Truman Capote is coming to London, with Jesse Tyler Ferguson at the helm of this funny and heartbreaking one-man play. Get ready for an unflinching portrait of the brilliant mind behind In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's as Capote reckons with his career in the aftermath of his scandalous unfinished memoir, with an intimate, powerful, and utterly unique theatrical experience.

Tim Crouch's groundbreaking piece of experimental theatre returns with the story of a father who confronts his daughter's killer, a stage hypnotist, during one of his acts. In a powerful exploration of loss and suggestion that's both funny and moving, Crouch plays opposite a different co-star every performance, each one seeing the script for the very first time onstage. Don't miss this unique celebration of the communal power of theatre.

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.

Based on Wladyslaw Szpilman's internationally acclaimed memoir, which was the inspiration for Roman Polanski's Academy Award-winning 2002 film, The Pianist is a new musical that recounts Szpilman's harrowing experiences as a renowned pianist in 1930s Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. It features Szpilman's own music with new lyrics and is freshly orchestrated by Simon Lee, bringing his music and story together on the stage for the first time, in a love letter to the extraordinary power of creativity.

Inspired by true events surrounding a shocking legal defence, Affluenza explores the ripple effects of power and privilege in the fallout from a drunk driving accident in the Hamptons. Written and directed by Andy Sandberg, this biting and darkly funny new play unpacks moral accountability, family legacy, and the justice system, in a way that's deeply timely and urgent to modern-day America.

Step back into the 1950s with this thrilling celebration of the sound of rock 'n' roll. It's 1956, and Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley walk into a Memphis recording studio for an impromptu jam session that would shape the trajectory of rock 'n' roll music across the world. Get ready for a story of ambition, jealousy, and fame, set to a truly jaw-dropping soundtrack filled with classic rock tunes you know and love.

ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon reimagines Puccini's timeless opera, exploring the art of resistance and love in the face of political censorship. In a concert hall in a European state overrun by civil war, opera singer Floria Tosca and her lover Cavaradossi are hunted by the sadistic police chief Scarpi. Experience this thrilling opera in a whole new light in this gripping new production that feels urgently relevant to the modern age, featuring some of Puccini's most iconic arias, in a story about the enduring power of love and art to defy tyranny.

From Nassim Soleimanpour and Omar Elerian, creators of new theatre company There & Then, comes a show like no other: White Rabbit Red Rabbit is a one-of-a-kind, boundary-defying, experimental production in which a different performer takes to the stage each night with a brand-new script and performs with no director or rehearsals. Featuring a dazzling roster of performers like Riz Ahmed, David Tennant, David Harewood, and Jodie Whittaker, this genre-defying production, now in its 15th year, is a stunning exploration of obedience, choice, and freedom of expression.

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!

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.

The beloved musical comedy featuring puppets and human actors is returning to the West End after two decades. The winner of multiple Tony Awards, with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and a book by Jeff Whitty, Avenue Q has been delighting audiences with its unique concept, catchy songs, and loveable characters since it first premiered in 2006, and now London audiences get to experience this quirky, charming story once again.

Based on the Disney Channel original movie that blew up into a pop culture sensation, this upbeat, joyful musical takes you back to East High School in the 2000s, where basketball hero Troy Bolton and brainy Gabriella Montez fall in love, causing their diametrically opposed social circles to come into conflict. With a talented cast and a soundtrack filled with all your favourite catchy songs from the film, this musical captures every bit of heart, humour, and high school drama that we loved in the original franchise.

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.

What do you get when Céline Dion’s music clashes with the 11-time Oscar-winning movie Titanic? Meet TITANÍQUE, a jukebox musical transforming one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterically funny, utterly outrageous slay-fest.

Dressed in flippers and not much else, comedic star Garry Starr pays tribute to the western literary canon by recreating and performing every Penguin Classics novel ever published. Witness classic works like Moby Dick and The Little Prince as you've never seen them before, in this one-of-a-kind, riotously funny comedy show.

From award-winning director Jordan Fein comes the Olivier Award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved and classic musical, in which characters from the Brothers Grimm’s unforgettable fairy tales come together in a desperate search for a happily ever after. Combining a fantastic score, memorable storytelling and endearing characters with a dark and clever twist on the fairy tales we all know and love, Into the Woods is a darkly humorous and heartfelt story that has been enchanting audiences for years. 

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 Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

This gripping political thriller explores the truth behind three of the most infamous deaths of the 20th century: Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, and Lee Harvey Oswald. Olivier Award winner Janie Dee stars as investigative journalist Dorothy Kilgallen in this new play written by Torben Betts and directed by Trevor Nunn, which is inspired by astounding true events. Bold, clever, and intriguing, it combines Hollywood glamour, political intrigue and true-crime mystery.

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.

Lionel Bart's musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved novel returns to the stage with the story of the orphaned Oliver Twist, who escapes a cruel workhouse and ends up in the seedy criminal underworld of Victorian London. Experience Dickens' incredible, moving, and hopeful story in this musical packed with lively choreography, dynamic sets, a truly talented cast, and all the songs you know and love - perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

This brand new musical about the life and musical legacy of the legendary Frank Sinatra is coming to the Aldwych Theatre in summer 2026, written by Joe DiPietro and directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. This powerful, inspiring account of Sinatra's struggles, love affairs, and rise to glory features over 20 of his most beloved hits, including "That's Life", "One For My Baby", "The Best Is Yet To Come", and "Come Fly With Me".

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.

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.

Comedy legend Cole Escola’s dark, off-beat, and utterly outrageous historical comedy comes to the UK. This gleefully anachronistic take on American history follows Mary Todd Lincoln, wife to Abraham Lincoln: a woman who's feisty, thorny, drunken, and utterly unforgettable. Don’t miss this short and snappy 80-minute play packed with gags and mayhem, in a wild story about a First Lady as you’ve never seen her before.

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.

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.

If you enjoy some spontaneous entertainment, grab a ticket for Showstoppers! The Improvised Musical. The multi award-wining show takes suggestions from the audience and turns them into a unique treat for theatregoers.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!