This Month in the West End (January 2026)

The most talked about theatre news in January 2026

The cast of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD. Photo by Manuel Harlan.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to Evolve into a One-Part Production

With Harry Potter and the Cursed Child celebrating its 10th anniversary in the West End this year, the multi-award-winning play has revealed it will be altering the show, making it into a reimagined one-part production. Currently, the show is presented as a two-part theatrical event; this shift will allow Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to be condensed into a shorter show and therefore become accessible to more audiences. The change will take place from 6 October 2026 at the Palace Theatre.

Starlight Express production image. Photo by Pamela Raith.

Starlight Express reveals final extension at Troubadour Wembley Park

Sad news for theatregoers with Starlight Express announcing that it would make its final bow at the Troubadour Wembley Park in May. The recent production, which opened to widespread acclaim in June 2024, was the first time Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical was revived in London for over two decades. You cannot miss out on this true theatrical event, which fully immerses audiences into a world of speed, song, and storytelling!

Paul Chahidi, Sandra Oh and Abigail Cruttenden.

Sandra Oh to star in The Misanthrope at the National Theatre

The award-winning actress Sandra Oh is another name in a jam-packed of stars heading to the London stage in 2026. Best known for starring in TV programmes like Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, a new version of Molière’s dark comedy, The Misanthrope, will be staged at the National Theatre this summer.

Artwork for The Traitors on Stage.

‘The Traitors’ heading to the London stage in 2027

People have been gripped by the recent BBC series of The Traitors, and now those fans will be able to experience a brand-new theatrical experience, planned to be staged in 2027. The Traitors on Stage will be written by John Finnemore and directed by Robert Hastie, who won an Olivier Award for his work on Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

Sinatra the Musical to open in the West End

Sinatra the Musical is heading to the West End! The new musical, written by the two-time Tony Award-winning writer Joe DiPietro and directed by three-time Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall, is based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon. The news comes after the musical sold out its season at Birmingham Rep, where it debuted in 2023. Performances begin at the Aldwych Theatre in June.

What London shows are opening in February 2026

February has a fantastic collection of new shows heading to London’s stages. Cynthia Erivo takes on the almighty task of performing 23 roles in one night in a bold new production of Dracula. If that doesn’t take your fancy, two exciting West End transfers are getting underway — Hugh Bonneville stars in Shadowlands, while Beverley Knight appears alongside Ntombizodwa Ndlovu in Marie and Rosetta.

If you'd like to find out what other shows are heading to the London stage, you can just read our 'New London Theatre shows to look out for in February 2026' guide.

What London shows are closing in February 2026

With the new month ahead, there are also some shows closing their runs across the city. The 10-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, MJ The Musical, wraps up its run at the Prince Edward Theatre, where it has played since 2024. Just For One Day also plays its final performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre, with a UK tour already planned for the show next year. It’s also your last chance to catch The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, starring Rory Keenan, which plays its last performance on 21 February.

What London Shows We Reviewed in November 2025

Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan in WOMAN IN MIND. Photo by Marc Brenner.

Woman in Mind, Duke of York’s Theatre ★★★★

Donmar Warehouse’s former artistic director Michael Longhurst helms this revival of Alan Ackybourn’s 1985 foray into the realm of blurred mental realities. Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan star in this snappy production laden with pithy meaning even in the intentionally stylised moments.

Read our full review of Woman in Mind

Killian Thomas Lefevre and Iffy Mizrahi in Already Perfect. Photo by Pamela Raith.

Already Perfect, King’s Head Theatre ★★★★★

With book, music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning performer Levi Kreis, this production mirrors much of the creator’s much lived experience. This ain’t a song ‘n’ dance spectacular, but you’ll rarely witness a better musical production at an intimate fringe venue, than this.

Read our full review of Already Perfect

Rosie Sheehy and Robert Aramayo in Guess How Much I Love You? Photo by Johan Persson

Guess How Much I Love You? at Royal Court Theatre ★★★★★

An explosive firecracker of a play to kickstart Royal Court Theatre’s 70th season, Luke Norris’ play Guess How Much I Love You? follows a young-ish pregnant couple who await, and then navigate, the results of an ultrasound.

Read our full review of Guess How Much I Love You?

Before you leave us for another month- we’ve got tons of theatreland inspiration on our website for you to stuck into, including London theatre shows closing in 2026, The must-see theatre revivals in London in 2026 and Everything you need to know about ‘Avenue Q’.