Shows to Watch in London This Mother's Day
Shehrazade Zafar-Arif
14 March, 2026, 07:47
It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday and what better way to treat your mum than with the gift of theatre? We’ve collected some of the best shows playing in London this weekend that are sure to appeal to all the mothers out there - whether you’re looking for something uplifting and heartwarming, or moving and poignant, or cheeky and electrifying.
Mamma Mia's Sophie and Donna - the ultimate mother-daughter duo
Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre
The cast of MAMMIA MIA! Image courtesy of production.
A Mother’s Day classic: Mamma Mia is the quintessential mother-daughter story. Step into an idyllic Greek island, where bride-to-be Sophie schemes to find out the true identity of her father, something her free-spirited mother Donna refuses to divulge. When Sophie invites the three possible candidates to her wedding, hilarity and chaos ensue. Bonus points if your mum is a fan of ABBA, whose irresistibly catchy discography makes up the soundtrack of this light-hearted, heartwarming musical, with favourites like ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’, and ‘Mamma Mia’.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Mark Addy in THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY. Photo by Tristram Kenton.
If you’re in the mood for something that’ll have you both tearing up, opt for this uplifting and deeply moving musical based on a best-selling novel, about an ordinary man named Harold Fry who decides to walk six hundred miles to say goodbye to an old friend who’s dying. Filled with humour, heart, eccentric characters, an unlikely hero played by Mark Addy, and a soundtrack by indie musician Passenger, this is the perfect feel-good musical.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Tickets
SIX at the Vaudeville Theatre
The cast of SIX. Image courtesy of production.
But if you want something more upbeat and energising, take your mum to see SIX, the rollicking and wickedly funny historical retelling of the story of Henry VIII’s six wives as you’ve never seen them before. The six queens come together in a pop concert, each telling her story in her own way, through catchy, exhilarating songs that will get stuck in your head. Fall in love with the sassy, fierce, and unapologetic queens, marvel at the dazzling costumes inspired by modern-day musical legends, and enjoy this female-centric reclaiming of history with a twist.
Sinatra the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre
The cast of SINATRA THE MUSICAL. Image courtesy of production.
If your mum is a fan of Frank Sinatra, this new musical, developed in collaboration with Tina Sinatra, is a must-see. Witness the life and legacy of the musical legend, and the story of how he overcame adversity and rose to fame, becoming one of the most iconic voices of a generation. It features over twenty of his most iconic hits, including ‘One For My Baby’. ‘The Best is Yet to Come’ and ‘Come Fly With Me’, which will have you tapping your feet along.
A Mirrored Monet at the Charing Cross Theatre
Artwork provided by production.
Is your mum a fan of art? If so, step into the dreamy world of the Impressionists, in Belle Epoque Paris, with this dramatic, emotional musical about the great Claude Monet. Plagued by a creative block as he attempts to complete painting The Water Lillies, Monet finds himself looking back at his early days as a young artist. Jaw-dropping music and projections will immerse you into this thoughtful, moving tribute to one of the greatest painters of the Impressionist movement.
Ballad Lines at Southwark Playhouse Elephant
The cast of BALLAD LINES. Image courtesy of production.
Formerly titled A Mother’s Song, Ballad Lines is a stirring exploration of womanhood, identity, and storytelling, exploring the stories of three women across 17th century Scotland, 18th century Ireland, and present-day America. It combines original new songs with centuries-old traditional Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian ballads performed by an all-female band, blending the timeless beauty of folk music with the relatable emotional drama of a musical.
Sweetmeats at Bush Theatre
Shobu Kapoor and Rehan Sheikh in SWEETMEATS. Image courtesy of production.
If you’re both in the mood for a feel-good love story, Sweetmeats has humour, heart, tender intimacy, and the kind of love story that doesn’t often get told: between Hema and Liaquat, two South Asian elders who think they’ve aged out of romance, until they meet and bond over their conflicting views on desserts and how to live life to the fullest. A charming, funny, and heartwarming story of second chances, this will be an easy favourite for all the Desi mums out there.
La Fille Mal Gardee at the Royal Opera House
The cast of LA FILLE MAL GARDEE. Image courtesy of production.
If your mum is a fan of ballet, take her to see La Fille Mal Gardee: Fredrick Ashton’s whimsical, wondrous ballet about the capricious Lise, the only daughter of Widow Simone, whose love affair with a young farmer brings her into conflict with her mother, who wants to marry her off to a wealthy man. Filled with heart, choreographic innovation, and a humorous portrayal of pastoral life, this story of an equally stubborn mother and daughter butting heads is sure to win over both your hearts.
This Mother's Day, spoil your mother with a one-of-a-kind special theatrical experience. And if you're looking for more ideas, check out our compilation of all the Olivier Award-nominated shows to see in London this year.
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