13 Must-See Shows to Watch in London This Autumn

Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Sam Ryder in Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium. Photo by Johan Persson

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. With Eurovision star Sam Ryder as Jesus and a heart-stopping rock score that puts a modern spin on biblical history, Jesus Christ Superstar will play its second London run from this month. Don’t miss out on the star-studded rotation of actors playing Herod, including Glenn Close in the final week!

• Opens 16 October 2027

Jesus Christ Superstar Tickets

The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre

Teri Hatcher in The Devil Wears Prada. Photo provided by production

Based on Lauren Weisberger's best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film, The Devil Wears Prada features a divine score by Elton John, all your favourite jokes and quotes from the film, and some jaw-dropping high fashion. Plus, we’ve gotten a whole new cast as of this month, including the fabulous Teri Hatcher as our new Miranda Priestley.

• Booking until 25 September 2027

The Devil Wears Prada Tickets

The Standard of Living at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

The cast of The Standard of Living. Photo by Manuel Harlan

Who knew economics could be sexy? From Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham comes a fascinating new play that tells the story of British economist John Maynard Keynes. Rory Kinnear stars as Keynes in this fascinating insight into a pivotal time in 20th century history, featuring a surprising amount of ballet.

• Booking until 12 December 2026

The Standard of Living Tickets

Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre

Richard E. Grant (David Bliss) and Christine Baranski (Judith Bliss). Photo by Marc Brenner

Meet the world’s most eccentric family in this Noel Coward classic. Equal parts farce and comedy of manners, Hay Fever will have you in fits of laughter with its eccentric characters, razor-sharp wit, and outrageously chaotic storytelling. The fabulous Christine Baranski makes her West End debut opposite the charming Richard E Grant.

• Booking until 12 December 2026

Hay Fever Tickets

The Cherry Orchard at the Harold Pinter Theatre

The cast of The Cherry Orchard. Photo by Johan Persson

Celebrated playwright Conor McPherson adapts Anton Chekhov’s final play, a bold and powerful drama that explores a family on the brink of change and a world in transition. Award-winning actress Kristin Scott Thomas takes to the stage to bring one of Chekhov’s most memorable characters to life in this revival of a beloved Russian classic.

• Booking until 9 January 2027

The Cherry Orchard Tickets

Million Dollar Quartet at the Arts at Marble Arch

Connor Payne and Joey Bradick in Million Dollar Quartet. Photo by Alex Tabrizi

If you love rock n roll, this is a must-see. 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.

• Booking until 6 December 2026

Million Dollar Quartet Tickets

One Day at the Garrick Theatre

Artwork provided by production

Are you looking for a good cry during cuffing season? Don’t miss this dazzling, romantic musical adaptation of David Nicholls’s best-selling novel, which captures all the joy, heartbreak, and unpredictability of the classic story we all know and love, starring musical theatre icons Jamie Muscato and Sharon Rose as star-crossed lovers Dex and Em, with music by the band Johnnyswim.

• Opens 17 November 2026

One Day Tickets

The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatre

Artwork provided by production

It doesn’t get any more star-studded than this cast: Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane, and Luke Thompson star in Robert Icke's stage adaptation of the German psychological thriller. Journey back to East Berlin for a story of surveillance, espionage, oppression, and the struggle for personal freedom.

• Booking until 9 January 2027

The Lives of Others Tickets

High School Musical at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

The cast of High School Musical. Photo by Matt Crockett.

Millennials, get ready to relive the 2000s with this upbeat, joyful musical based on the beloved Disney Channel original movie that blew up into a pop culture sensation. 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.

• Booking until 3 January 2027

High School Musical Tickets

RENT at the Tom Stoppard Theatre

Gaten Matarazzo, Travis Ross and the company of RENT at Tom Stoppard Theatre. Photo by Pamela Raith

One of the most anticipated revivals of the year, and for good reason. Jonathan Larson’s RENT is one of the most beloved pieces of musical theatre of all time, featuring an instantly recognisable soundtrack, and a heartbreaking and timeless story about a group of young artists in the East Village navigating love, loss, poverty, and the looming threat of HIV/AIDS. Plus you get to see Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo in his West End debut!

• Booking until 29 May 2027

RENT Tickets

Affluenza at Riverside Studios

Noah Schnapp in Affluenza. Photo by Danny Kaan

Catch a second Stranger Things alum in his West End debut with Andy Sandberg’s first play of Mainstage Season 2026/27. Noah Schnapp stars in this thrilling and darkly funny legal drama that explores moral accountability, family legacy, and the American justice system - inspired by shocking true events.

• Booking until 28 November 2026

Affluenza Tickets

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Soho Place Theatre

Photo by Johan Persson

Gillian Anderon and Billy Crudup lead this latest revival of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, a brutal, outrageous drama about a married couple in a toxic spiral. See the X-Files star take on the iconic role of Martha, who's been played in the past by legends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Rigg, and Imelda Staunton.

• Booking until 19 December 2026

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf Tickets

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Skylar Astin and Sarah Hyland in Cabaret. Photo by Marc Brenner

Cabaret celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and this particular iteration is the longest-running production of the show in West End history. Audiences are in love with its glamorous night club setting, sultry and hypnotic soundtrack, and unforgettable characters. For the next few months, you can also see American stars Skylar Astin and Sarah Hyland in their West End debuts as the Emcee and Sally Bowles.

• Booking until 18 September 2027

Cabaret Tickets

Still scratching your head and trying to narrow down your must-see shows before the year is out? Here's a list of spooky shows that are perfect for Halloween season. And if you want to take your young ones to the theatre during half-term or the Christmas holidays, here are our top picks for family shows.