The 2026 Olivier Award-nominated shows to see in London this year

Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre

Photo by Johan Persson

The critically acclaimed, smash-hit production, nominated for 11 awards at this year’s Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, enchants audiences of all ages in the West End. The beloved Peruvian bear created by Michael Bond comes to life in this beautifully presented production that has already sold out a majority of its run in 2026 already!

Paddington the Musical Tickets

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Mark Addy in THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY. Photo by Tristram Kenton.

This new British musical, which has just recently made its West End debut, is based on the bestselling novel by Rachel Joyce. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry follows the story of a man who embarks on a heartfelt journey after attempting to post a response to a letter from an old friend who is dying in a hospice. Jenna Russell, who is nominated for Best Actress in A Musical, stars in the production alongside Mark Addy.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Tickets

Into the Woods at Bridge Theatre

Gracie McGonigal in Into the Woods. Photo by Johan Persson.

Recently revived in London since its last run in 1990, Bridge Theatre’s production of Into the Woods has obtained 11 nominations for this year’s Olivier Awards. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical, which intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, is a must-see for fans of a good theatrical revival this year.

Into the Woods Tickets

The Producers at the Garrick Theatre

Photo by Manuel Harlan.

If you’re craving another dose of revival magic in the West End, Mel Brooks’ The Producers delivers a superbly comedic production. Based on the cult classic film, this musical has been a huge hit with audiences since its first debut on Broadway in 2001. The Producers tells the timeless story of down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock and timid accountant Leo Bloom, who join forces to stage what they believe will be the biggest flop in theatre history. Instead, their plan spectacularly backfires with uproarious results.

The Producers Tickets

1536 at Ambassadors Theatre

Siena Kelly, Tanya Reynolds and Liv Hill in 1536 at the Almeida Theatre. Photo by Helen Murray.

The Olivier Award-nominated Best New Play, 1536, made its initial debut at the Almeida Theatre last Spring. Now more audiences will be able to enjoy Ava Pickett’s play about three women who gossip about the arrest and execution of Anne Boleyn as it makes its way to the Ambassadors Theatre for a West End transfer. Hailed by our reviewer as a “punchy modern parallel” begins performances on 2 May.

1536 Tickets

Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre

Rosamund Pike (Jessica) in Inter Alia at the National Theatre. (c) Manuel Harlan

Experience Oscar and BAFTA nominee Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia, where she plays the role of a high-court judge and mother whose life unravels when her teenage son is accused of rape. The play, written by Suzie Miller, was a hit with audiences and critics alike during its debut at the National Theatre. Now it heads to the Wyndham’s Theatre in a limited run from 19 March.

Inter Alia Tickets

Oh, Mary! At Trafalgar Theatre

Artwork of OH, MARY!

Described as Time Out as ‘Breathtakingly funny’, Oh, Mary! is an uproariously dark comedy centered on the miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The Broadway smash-hit play by Cole Escola is so funny that the production has already won Tony Awards and so the nomination for Best Comedy Play is no surprise!

Oh, Mary! Tickets

Paranormal Activity at Ambassadors Theatre

Patrick Heusinger and Melissa James in PARANORMAL ACTIVITY at the Ambassadors Theatre. Photo by Johan Persson.

If you love a thrilling experience at the theatre, Paranormal Activity’s arrival in the West End fits the bill. The play, which is based on the popular film franchise, made its debut in Leeds and follows a couple who find themselves plagued by a malevolent entity in their new home. Felix Barrett directs the play, which uses psychological tension to bring this production to life for West End audiences.

Paranormal Activity Tickets

So whether you'll be booking a ticket to see The Producers or Inter Alia before the Olivier's at the Royal Albert Hall next month, don't forget our What's New in London guide will also keep you up to date on the latest additions to the city in the coming months.