New Book to Stage Adaptations in See in 2026

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

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Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling 2003 mystery novel follows autistic teenager Christopher Boone, who has a brilliant mind but struggles to deal with the unpredictability of people. When a neighbour’s dog is killed and Chris comes under suspicion, he decides to play detective and uncover the truth. Simon Stephen’s stage adaptation premiered at the National Theatre in 2012 to widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking theatrical design and emotional storytelling, and is now returning to the UK for a major tour.

Why fans of the book should see the show: The stage show captures every bit of the heart, humour, and intelligence that made Haddon’s book so beloved by readers of many different ages. This new production offers a bold new interpretation by gender-swapping the character of Christopher (reimagined as Chris) and casting two female actors, Alex Keenan and Imi Price, to alternate in the role for the first time ever.

• Playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre
• Opens 10 November 2026

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Tickets

To Kill a Mockingbird

Richard Coyle in To Kill a Mockingbird. Photo by Johan Persson.

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 novel is one of the most well-known coming of age stories of all time. In Depression-era Alabama, young Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch recounts her childhood adventures with her brother Jem, as well as the story of her father Atticus, a lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. After a smash hit run in the West End in 2022, Aaron Sorkin’s celebrated stage adaptation is returning to London as part of its UK and Ireland tour.

Why fans of the book should see the show: With fascinating framing devices and expanded scenes for some of the characters, the stage play offers a broader perspective of the story than the novel, with its limited first-person perspective, while still staying true to Lee’s harrowing exploration of racism and the justice system. The great Richard Coyle plays Atticus Finch, one of the most famous and beloved literary characters of all time.

• Playing at Wyndham’s Theatre
• Closes 12 September 2026

To Kill a Mockingbird Tickets

The Jungle Book

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Rudyard Kipling’s classic collection of stories follows a boy named Mowgli, abandoned in the jungle as a baby and raised by a wolf pack. Growing up, Mowgli learns the ancient ways of Law of the Jungle from his teachers Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. But the wrathful tiger Shere Khan has been hunting him all his life, and Mowgli must be ready to confront the dangers that threaten his family and his home. Indu Rubasingham’s staging is the latest in countless adaptations of this beloved story.

Why fans of the book should see the show: Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera, who previously wowed us in The Father and the Assassin and Hamlet, will take on the role of Mowgli. And thrillingly, the beloved animal characters like Baloo, Bagheera, Shere Khan, and Kaa will be brought to life with life-sized, intricate puppets designed by Lume. It's sure to be a magical, immersive experience, especially for those of us who grew up with The Jungle Book, and a great chance to introduce your children to the story.

• Playing at the National Theatre
• Opens 13 November 2026

The Jungle Book Tickets

Trainspotting the Musical

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Irvine Welsh’s cult classic 1993 novel, which inspired an even more well-known film by Danny Boyle, is narrated by heroin junkie Mark Renton, and follows a group of young wayward Scottish men and their experiences grappling with drinking, sex, family problems, HIV, death, and most of all, heroin addiction.

Why fans of the book should see the show: It's fascinating to see how the novel’s dark, bizarre, and often psychedelic moments are translated to the stage, and how its harrowing themes are reframed through a musical. It features well-known music from the film, like Iggy Pop's Lust for Life and Lou Reed's Perfect Day, as well as original songs written for the stage. Author Irvine Welsh was heavily involved in creating it, which is always a good sign that an adaptation will be faithful to its source material.

• Playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
• Closes 5 September 2026

Trainspotting Tickets

One Day: The Musical

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David Nicholls’s best-selling romance novel follows Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, who meet and strike up a friendship the day of their graduation university. They decide to check in once a year on the anniversary of the day they met. As the years pass, Em and Dex's lives intertwine through joy and heartbreak, missed opportunities and second chances, and they navigate love, ambition, and the unpredictable twists of life. David Greig's musical adaptation had its world premiere in Edinburgh and will now transfer to the West End.

Why fans of the book should see the show: We cried over the book, we cried over the film and television show, and now it's time to cry over the musical that breaks this heartbreaking story to life in a brand new way. Musical theatre icons Jamie Muscato and Sharon Rose breathe life into the unforgettable characters of Dex and Em, while US band Johnnyswim provide a dazzling score that captures the emotional beats of this timeless story.

• Playing at the Garrick Theatre
• Opens 17 November 2026

One Day Tickets

Eurotrash

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In Christian Kracht's internationally best-selling novel, a novelist with writer’s block is summoned to Zurich by his vodka-swilling, pill-popping mother, and the two embark on a chaotic, outrageous road trip through the Swiss Alps to give away their family fortune, amassed from arms investments and dairy products. Colin Teevan's adaptation of this darkly comedic travelogue about family and redemption will have its world premiere as part of the Young Vic's upcoming season.

Why fans of the book should see the show: Reuniting the creative teams behind hit Young Vic productions like Kafka's Monkey and The Emperor, this brand new and first-time English language adaptation is sure to capture all the biting wit and scathing satire that made the novel so popular. It also has a star-studded cast, with Ben Whishaw and Kathryn Hunter teaming up to play this funny, messy, and complicated mother-son duo.

• Playing at the Young Vic
• Opens on 13 November 2026.

Eurotrash Tickets

Jane Eyre

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Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 classic is one of the most famous and archetypal Gothic romance novels of all time. Free-spirited and independent, the orphaned Jane Eyre has lived a hard life. Seeking new pastures, she takes a job as a governess at the eerie Thornfield Hall, where she quickly becomes intrigued by its mysterious master, Mr Rochester. But strange things are happening at Thornfield Hall, and Jane soon becomes entangled in Rochester’s dark secrets. John Caird and Paul Gordon's musical adaptation first premiered in Toronto in 1996, and now, thirty years later, it’s finally coming to London.

Why fans of the book should see the show: The musical captures the haunting tone of the novel, with its passionate romance, thrilling mystery, and loveable heroine, and its gorgeous score evokes the darkly ethereal atmosphere of Bronte's Gothic setting. The revival is directed by John Caird, known for adapting other iconic works like Les Miserables and Spirited Away, and Broadway star Megan McGinnis. Charlie Burn and Ashley Gilmour lead the cast and bring to life the unforgettable love story of Jane and Rochester, putting a fresh spin on a story that's been adapted and retold countless times.

• Playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant
• Opens 28 August 2026

Jane Eyre Tickets

If you love stage shows based on books, did you know The Phantom of the Opera is also based on a 1910 French novel? Find out everything you need to know about The Phantom of the Opera in our feature on this iconic musical. And if you're on the lookout for more shows to watch this year, be sure to check out London Theatre Week and all the great discounts you can get on theatre tickets until 13 September.