This Month in the West End (October 2025)

With the spooktacular month of October coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to sit back and reflect on everything it has brought to theatregoers. From a plethora of brand-new show announcements to thrilling casting news, it’s been a month packed with excitement. And of course, we’re edging ever closer to the highly anticipated cinema release of Wicked: For Good — the event everyone in theatreland is talking about!

The most talked about theatre news in October 2025

UK premiere of John Proctor is the Villain announced

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

Following its critically acclaimed run in the US, UK audiences will get an opportunity to see John Proctor is the Villain as part of Royal Court Theatre’s recent announcement of their 70th anniversary season. This bold, contemporary play inspired by Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is by Kimberley Belflower and can be seen from 20 March.

Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler to star in The Last Five Years

Rachel Zegler and Ben Platt. Photo by Sophie Wilson and Design by Jedly.

This cast announcement sent fans into a frenzy! Yes, the musical theatre powerhouses Rachel Zegler and Ben Platt will lead the 25th anniversary concert of The Last Five Years to the London Palladium next March. The iconic musical by Jason Robert Brown will be performed live, bringing back the unforgettable story of Jamie and Cathy’s intertwined love.

Chris Pine to make London stage debut in IVANVO

Chris Pine. Photo by Tommaso Boddi.

More exciting casting news came from the team at Bridge Theatre who revealed that Chris Pine, best known for his roles in Star Trek and Wonder Woman, will be making his London stage debut in their space next year. Written and directed by Simon Stone, Ivanov will be another radical reimagining of a classic work presented at the theatre from next summer.

Inter Alia to transfer to the West End

A recent smash-hit production at the National, Inter Alia, heads to the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre next year in an exciting transfer for those who missed out on the production (or just want to see it again!). Rosamund Pike reprises her role in the ‘searing legal drama’ (The Guardian) which examines motherhood and modern masculinity. Performances start on 19 March 2026.

Just For One Day announces final performance in the West End

Just For One Day at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Unfortunately the month came with some sad news for theatregoers with Just For One Day revealing it would be concluding its West End run early next year. Inspired by the legendary Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia, Just For One Day takes audiences behind the scenes of one of the most iconic music events in history, offering a fresh look at the moments, music, and people who made it unforgettable. Just For One Day will wrap up its run at Shaftesbury Theatre on 7 February.

What London shows are closing in November 2025

As a new month of theatre begins, the city will be saying goodbye to several standout productions in November. The electric West End transfer Punch, a true story of hope, humanity, and the power of change, will conclude its 10-week run at the Apollo Theatre at the tail end of the month. It’s your last chance to catch Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln perform together in Simon Stone’s bold reimaging of The Lady from the Sea at Bridge Theatre and get your final dose of spooky-ness with Ghost Stories concluding its haunt at the Peacock Theatre on 20 November.

What London shows are opening in November 2025

London has so many fantastic new shows heading to the stage in November. If you missed out on it last year, Ballet Shoes returns to the National Theatre - bringing the magic of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story for audiences of all ages. Families are also in for another treat for performances of Paddington The Musical beginning at the Savoy Theatre. Don’t worry, fans of a gripping play, All My Sons, which stars Paapa Essiedu and Bryan Cranston, heads to the Wyndham’s Theatre in November too!

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 November 2025' guide.

What London Shows We Reviewed in October 2025

Fanny, King’s Head Theatre ★★★★

Charlie Russell as Fanny. Photo by David Monteith-Hodge.

Fanny is one part Bridgerton, one part Pride and Prejudice, with a helping of Laura Wade’s The Watsons and a dash of Max Webster’s current production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Calum Finlay’s fun and fascinating feminist fable has a stellar central performance, and tells an often-overlooked story in a sparking, original tone.

Read our full review of Fanny.

The Choir of Man, Arts Theatre ★★★

The cast of THE CHOIR OF MAN. Photo by Mark Douet.

The Choir of Man is more concert than musical, cheerfully shattering the invisible divide between audience and actor to invite us to be part of the action, and rejecting traditional storytelling in favour of a heavy focus on performance.

Read our full review of The Choir of Man

Hamlet, National Theatre (Lyttelton) ★★★★

Hiran Abeysekera in Hamlet at the National Theatre. Photo by Sam Taylor

Hamlet — Shakespeare’s age old tale of tragic goings-on at the Danish Court has been revived for the Lyttelton stage under the direction of Robert Hastie. Hastie by name and hasty by nature, the running time is a snappy 2 hours and 50 mins (including 20 min interval), due in no small part to Hiran Abeysekera’s quick-fire central performance.

Read our full review of Hamlet

Born with Teeth, Wyndham’s Theatre ★★★★

Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in BORN WITH TEETH at Wyndham's Theatre. Photo by Johan Persson.

So much has been written about Shakespeare’s life, but so much is also a mystery, leaving thrilling room for speculation. The same can be said of his contemporary, Christopher Marlowe - a genius in his own right, wildly successful, but cut down in his prime. In Born With Teeth, Liz Duffy explores these two literary giants, using the gaps in our knowledge to paint a lush, complex, and tragic picture of their relationship.

Read our full review of Born with Teeth

Before you go—if you’re looking for a little extra theatreland inspiration, don’t miss our latest posts: Christmas Shows for families in London in 2025 and Everything you need to know about ‘BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL’ in London.