New plays to watch in London in 2026

1536 at Ambassadors Theatre

Artwork for 1536.

Over at the Ambassadors Theatre from May is the West End transfer of 1536. Ava Pickett’s writing debut is set against the backdrop of Anne Boleyn’s execution and examines whether things have really changed for Women. The production, which premiered and received critical acclaim at the Almeida Theatre, promises to be as powerful as it is humorous.

1536 Tickets

Dracula at Noel Coward Theatre

Artwork for Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo.

If you’re looking for an electric, genre-defying one-woman show in 2026 - then look no further with the arrival of Dracula. In town from 4 February, Golden Globe nominee Cynthia Erivo takes centre stage in this thrilling new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, directed by Kip Williams.

Dracula Tickets

Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre

Inter Alia artwork.

The show, led by Oscar and BAFTA-nominated actor Rosamund Pike, made its debut at the National Theatre in 2025. Now the show, which was a hit with audiences and critics alike, transfers to the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre from March. Hailed as a ‘searing legal drama’ by The Guardian, Inter Alia examines motherhood and modern masculinity through an impactful piece of theatre.

Inter Alia Tickets

Ivanov at Bridge Theatre.

Chris Pine. Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

There is a great collection of stars taking to the London stage, including Chris Pine who makes his London stage debut at the Bridge Theatre in the summer. A new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s thrilling and comic drama will be directed by Simon Stone, who received critical acclaim for his work on The Lady from the Sea. It follows Nikolai Ivanov, an unhappy government official searching for an escape from mundane everyday life.

Ivanov Tickets

John Proctor is the Villain at Royal Court Theatre

Artwork for John Proctor is the Villain. Provided by production.

Make sure you take a trip to the Royal Court Theatre in 2026 who has a vibrant programme of productions on offer! One of those is Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor is the Villain. With a sold-out run on Broadway, this sharp, contemporary reimagining of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible digs deeper into the themes. John Proctor is the Villain begins performances in March for a limited season.

John Proctor is the Villain Tickets

Marie and Rosetta at @sohoplace

Marie and Rosetta. Photo credit Seamus Ryan. Design by Bob King

A play with music, Marie and Rosetta depicts the true story of gospel legends Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, tracing the night they first met and the partnership that helped shape the future of rock ’n’ roll. Beverly Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu reprise their roles in the production that had a hugely successful tour in 2025 and now transfers to the West End in 2026!

Marie and Rosetta Tickets

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at The Old Vic

Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera for One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Headshots provided by production

Ken Kassey’s iconic novel about the inmates in a psychiatric facility will be brought to life on the stage at The Old Vic next Spring. Directed by Clint Dyer, Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera will star in Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Experience a striking production about masculinity and freedom for a limited season.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Tickets

Romeo and Juliet at Harold Pinter Theatre

Noah Jupe and Sadie Sink. Photo by Helen Murray

A new vision of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet heads for the Harold Pinter Theatre. The timeless story of family feuds and forbidden love will be brought to life by film producer James Bierman and be led by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe, who features in the upcoming film Hamnet, making their West End debuts in the show.

Romeo and Juliet Tickets

Teeth ‘n’ Smiles at Duke of York’s Theatre

Artwork for Teeth 'n' Smiles.

Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who made her West End debut in Cabaret, returns to the stage in a landmark 50th anniversary revival of Teeth ‘n’ Smiles. Following the self-destructive rock band led by Maggie Frisby as their dreams of rebellion diminish, this play will pay tribute to the 1970s in London from February.

Teeth 'n' Smiles Tickets

The Authenticator at National Theatre (Dorfman)

Rakie Ayola, Cherrelle Skeete and Sylvestra Le Touzel in The Authenticator at the National Theatre. Photography by Blacksocks

2026 is set to be another explosive year of theatre for the National with a plethora of productions heading to their stages, but it's The Authenticator that stands above the rest on offer. Billed as a gripping gothic psychological thriller, three women join forces to unearth the truth behind Harford Hall when a stash of hidden diaries is discovered.

The Authenticator Tickets

If you are looking for further theatreland inspiration, we have the top 10 tips for booking your theatre tickets to ensure you get the best value for your money!