May offers audiences a plethora of new shows to discover with over ten new openings happening across the city this month. We take a look at the ten we’re the most excited for making it one of the best times to head to the theatre.
With the Spring well and truly here, so too comes the arrival of London’s open-air theatre productions. Shucked begins its UK premiere at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and a glorious revival of The Crucible hits Shakespeare’s Globe. There’s no better time to soak up what London’s theatres have to offer. There is also the highly anticipated arrival of Just For One Day, heading to the Shaftesbury Theatre, transferring from its sold-out run at The Old Vic last year. Check out what delightful doses of escapism you can get from London Theatre this month.
The Fifth Step, @sohoplace
The Fifth Step arrives in the West End this month, following its successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Centring on an Alcoholics Anonymous group, The Fifth Step explores addiction, masculinity and faith in a funny and brutally honest play which stars Martin Freeman alongside Jack Lowden. Performances begin on 10 May.
Mrs Warren’s Profession, Garrick Theatre
Recently snapping up an Olivier Award for her performance in last year’s Hello, Dolly revival at the London Palladium, Imelda Staunton once again takes to the stage this month in Mrs Warren’s Profession. Starring alongside her daughter Bessie Carter in their first collaboration on stage, George Bernard Shaw’s early 1900s masterpiece will be both thought-provoking and deeply engaging to audiences. Performances begin on 10 May.
Mrs Warren's Profession Tickets
Bat out of Hell The Musical, Peacock Theatre
Returning to the West End for the first time since its last revival at the Dominion Theatre in 2018, Bat Out of Hell The Musical arrives at the Peacock Theatre as part of its 2025 UK tour. Considered as a loose retelling of Peter Pan, this rock musical is based on the Bat Out of Hell album by Meat Loaf and features music, lyrics and book by Jim Steinman. Experience a heart-pounding mix of romance and rebellion from 21 May.
Bat Out of Hell The Musical Tickets
The Deep Blue Sea, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Tamsin Greig heads to the stage for the first time since she last performed in Labour of Love at the Noel Coward Theatre in 2017 this month. Performing as part of a double season of productions transferring from the Theatre Royal in Bath, Greig stars in a take on Terence Rattigan’s 1950 exploration of obsession and the destructive nature of love. Check out one of the greatest actresses on stage on 7 May.
Fiddler on the Roof, Barbican Theatre
The multi-award-winning Olivier production of Fiddler on the Roof begins its summer run at the Barbican Theatre in May. Set in 1905, this classic musical follows a Jewish milkman who lives his life by their proud traditions. The production, which begins performances on 24 May, explores a story of joy, revolution and community alongside one of the most unforgettable music scores of all time.
Just For One Day, Shaftesbury Theatre
Celebrating 40 years since one of the greatest music events in history, Just For One Day retells the events leading up to Live Aid. With a book by John O’Farrell, the story is told through a modern-day perspective and encompasses everything from that event. Featuring an incredible fleet of music from the likes of Bob Dylan, Status Quo, David Bowie and Queen - don’t miss out on remembering this remarkable event at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 15 May.
Stereophonic, Duke of York’s Theatre
David Adjmi's 13-time Tony Award-nominated play, Stereophonic, makes its way to the West End this month. Set in a music studio between 1976 and 1977, Stereophonic portrays an ambitious rock band on the brink of blowing up. Original actors from the Broadway production will perform in the production at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 24 May.
The Crucible, Shakespeare’s Globe
Arthur Miller’s classic thriller The Crucible heads to the outdoor surroundings of Shakespeare’s Globe as part of their new season. The Crucible is a powerful and political historical play set in Salem in 1692. It follows a group of girls who are rumoured to be practising witchcraft. It begins performances from 8 May.
Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
The Tony Award-winning Broadway production Shucked opens up Drew McOnie’s inaugural season as Artistic Director at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this month. Shucked is a quirky musical comedy that centres on the community of Cobb County. When a sudden corn crisis threatens their way of life, a group of unlikely heroes come together to save the day. Ben Joyce, Georgina Onuorah and Steven Webb are just some of the brilliant talent you’ll be able to see in the production from 10 May.
Elephant, Menier Chocolate Factory
Part gig, part musical love story, part journey through identity in 21st-century Britain - Anoushka Lucas' Elephant returns in a reimagined new production. Elephant received critical acclaim when it was last performed and earned Lucas the Best Writer Award at The Stage Debut Awards. Elephant begins performances on 22 May.
Whether you are after an exciting West End premiere or a bold new revival, May has everything and more for you to enjoy. If you’re looking to bag a last minute ticket to see some of the productions closing in London this month, including Dear England, Richard II, Manhunt and Dracula, A New Comedy. Keep up to date with what new shows you need to watch in London with our carefully curated guide.
