It’s September already so we’re here to wrap up the month of August. We share the most talked about news, what shows we reviewed, and even look at what's set to open (and close) in September. Find out more in our ‘This Month in the West End’ feature.
The most talked about theatre news in August 2025
Kenrex to transfer to The Other Palace
Jack Holden in Kenrex. Photo by Manuel Harlan
Based on a true crime thriller and infused with a live Americana soundtrack, Kenrex will return to the stage following critically acclaimed sold-out runs in London and Sheffield. Co-written by Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian, the play will head to the Southwark Playhouse Borough for a limited run in December.
Top Hat to have Christmas season at Southbank Centre
Phillip Attmore & company in Top Hat at Chichester Festival Theatre. Photo by Johan Persson
Another exciting production heading to the capital over the festive season is Irving Berlin’s Top Hat. Starring Phillip Attmore, Clive Carter, Sally Ann Triplett, the musical is inspired by the classic 1935 film, which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The story of romance, style, and golden-age Hollywood charm heads to the Queen Elizabeth Hall in December.
Full company announced for The Hunger Games on Stage
It’s not long until the highly anticipated stage production of The Hunger Games On Stage opens in London, and we have finally received news on who will be starring in this premiere. Adapted from the book by Suzanne Collins, the production will be led by Mia Carragher as Katniss Everdeen and Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark. Performances begin in October.
Nicola Roberts to join West End production of Hadestown
Nicola Roberts. Photo by Michael Wharley
Talking of casting news, Nicola Roberts, known for being part of the BRIT Award-winning group Girls Aloud, will join the West End production of Hadestown in September. Roberts will play the role of Persephone, taking over from Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. The deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful musical production continues performances at the Lyric Theatre.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to open in the West End in 2026
Artwork for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
We are already looking ahead to 2026 with the news that The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry has announced its West End transfer. The critically acclaimed new musical, based on the book by Rachel Joyce, shares a moving story of a recently retired man who receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply, but keeps walking. It opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from January 2026.
What London shows are closing in September 2025
As a new month begins, we bid farewell to a few smash-hit productions that have lit up London’s theatre scene. With its incredible tour-de-force cast, The Great Gatsby takes its final bow at the London Coliseum, while Tina – The Tina Turner Musical waves goodbye to the Aldwych Theatre after an incredible seven-year run. And at the London Palladium, Rachel Zegler will deliver her final, moving balcony performance of ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ in Evita. If you haven’t booked your last chance to see these shows - do it immediately!
What London shows are opening in September 2025
With Autumn on the horizon, so are the openings of new shows across the city in September. Some highlights for next month include The Importance of Being Earnest and Punch, two exciting West End transfers, following sold-out premieres elsewhere in the city and beyond. Brendan Gleeson makes his own debut on the London stage at The Weir and catch Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln in The Lady from the Sea over at the Bridge Theatre. If you'd like to find out what other shows are heading to the London stage, you can just read our '10 New London Theatre Shows in September 2025' guide.
What we reviewed in August
The Gathered Leaves at Park Theatre
Richard Stirling and Chris Larkin in The Gathered Leaves. Photo by Rich Southgate.
This multigenerational family drama by Andrew Keatley is brought back to the London stage after its initial run in 2015. The Gathered Leaves is a brittle, brilliant and fragile gem which is both testament to the quality of the writing and the cast’s collective interpretation.
Brigadoon at Regent’s at Park Open Air Theatre
Louis Gaunt and Danielle Fiamanya in Brigadoon. Photo by Mark Senior
Brigadoon has returned to the London stage for the first time in over 35 years. If you’re looking to make the most of what is left of the summer, Lerner and Leowe’s rarely performed mystical tale of charm is joyous.
Every Brilliant Thing at @sohoplace
Lenny Henry in Every Brilliant Thing. Photo by Helen Murray
Lenny Henry is part of the small collective that is bringing the one-person play Every Brilliant Thing to life on the West End stage. It’s a beautiful exploration of depression which utilises audience involvement to focus on the wonderful things in life.
A Role to Die For at Marylebone Theatre
Tanya Franks in A ROLE TO DIE FOR
Written by Jordan Waller and directed by Derek Bond, A Role to Die For is Farcical, frenetic, and bitingly funny. Tanya Franks leads this production which, although the characters are entirely fictional, it’s influenced by the real family who once had creative control over the Bond film franchise.
The Best-Selling Shows in London in August 2025
August was a fantastic month for theatre, with audiences flocking to the city to soak up the summer atmosphere. The best-selling shows of the month included Just For One Day, Choir of Man, My Neighbour Totoro, Les Misérables, and Oliver!
Before you go—if you’re looking for a little extra theatreland inspiration, don’t miss our latest posts: The Best Theatre Show for a Girls’ Night in London and 10 Tips for Booking Your Theatre Tickets.
