September is wrapping up quickly so it's time for ‘This Month in the West End’ where we highlight the biggest news from the last month and also look ahead to what October has in store for theatregoers!
This month, we heard the news that Beetlejuice The Musical would be making its long-anticipated West End premiere, Sheridan Smith is returning to the West End in a new revival, and Bridge Theatre announced one heck of a cast for their new production of Into the Woods! We will also look at what shows are opening in London in October and who we will be saying goodbye to as well.
The most talked about theatre news in September 2025
Beetlejuice The Musical is coming to the West End!
Artwork for Beetlejuice.
The biggest announcement this month is that Beetlejuice The Musical, the smash-hit Broadway sensation inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic film, is set to make its West End debut in 2026. Making its debut at the Prince Edward Theatre in May, the musical follows a deceased couple who try to haunt the new inhabitants of their former home. We know this is going to be one of the most popular shows of 2026 and we cannot wait for it!
Details released for Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo Headshot. Photo by Mark Seliger.
We may be counting down the days until Wicked: For Good hits cinemas this November, but Cynthia Erivo isn’t stopping there. Her next theatrical project will see her sinking her teeth into Dracula! Directed by the innovative Kip Williams, this new West End adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic arrives at the Noel Coward Theatre in February, with Erivo astonishingly set to play all 23 characters.
Sheridan Smith to star in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind
Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind. Photography by Oliver Rosser.
Sheridan Smith returns to the West End in 2026 in a thrilling new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman in Mind. The play explores one woman’s fractured reality with heart and humour. The production heads to the Duke of York’s Theatre from 9 December.
Cast announced for Into the Woods revival at Bridge Theatre
The cast of Into the Woods at Bridge Theatre. Headshots provided by production.
This December, audiences can look forward to a bold new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods. Boasting a stellar cast including Bella Brown, Chumisa Dornford-May, and Kate Brayden—the timeless musical will run for a strictly limited 20-week season.
New cast announced for Moulin Rouge The Musical
Karis Anderson and Alistair Brammer. Photo by Matt Crockett.
New Bohemians are heading to the Piccadilly Theatre in October. Moulin Rouge The Musical, which is based on Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, has now been playing in the West End for five years. The production will now be led by Karis Anderson as Satine and Alistair Brammer as Christian. If you haven’t experienced the electrifying performances, extravagant costumes, and memorable score yet - now is the time!
What London shows are closing in October 2025
As a new month begins, London bids farewell to several standout productions. The Olivier Award-winning musical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button takes its final journey through time at the Ambassadors Theatre, while the Lyric Hammersmith’s bold and feminist reimagining of Dracula plays its last performance. Audiences also have their final chance to experience the critically acclaimed The Code starring Tracie Bennett and John Partridge.
What London shows are opening in September 2025
Now that October has arrived, so has a wealth of new shows across the city. Some highlights coming to the stage are The Hunger Games: On Stage, the highly anticipated new production based on the bestselling series by Suzanne Collins. David Harwood and Toby Jones will star in a new modern take on Othello at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, whilst Nicola Walker stars in a striking portrayal of motherhood, faith, and family in The Unbelievers at the Royal Court. 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 Opening in October 2025' guide.
What we reviewed in September
Punch, Apollo Theatre
David Shields as Jacob Dunne in Punch. Photo by Marc Brenner
James Graham’s Punch transfers to the West End following two successful runs at the Nottingham Playhouse, where it premiered, and the Young Vic earlier this year. Punch generates emotional power which gradually builds and takes hold of the audience, particularly in its latter stages and was palpable on opening night.
Clarkston, Trafalgar Theatre
Clarkston production image. Photo by Marc Brenner
Joe Locke makes his West End debut in Clarkston, alongside acclaimed actors Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville. The play follows the story of two lonely young men who form an unlikely connection in the Costco of a small American town. Under Jack Serio’s sensitive direction, the bond that is formed between Chris and Jake is both tender and understated.
The Harder They Come, Stratford East
The Harder They Come is a new musical based on the 1972 Jamaican film of the same name, famous for bringing reggae to the world outside the Caribbean. Parkes’ canny writing, Xia’s inventive direction, and some strong performances makes The Harder They Come a resounding, Reggae-sounding success.
Dracula, Lyric Hammersmith
Umi Myers and Mei Mac as Mina and Lucy in DRACULA at the Lyric Hammersmith. Photo by Marc Brenner.
Dracula is a unique and haunting reimagining, one which allows us to relive the familiar story from new and unexpected angles, investigating matters of storytelling, fear, and womanhood through that wonderfully versatile and malleable genre: horror.
The Best-Selling Shows in London in September 2025
September was a fantastic month for theatre, with audiences flocking to the city to enjoy some of the best theatre London has to offer. The best-selling shows of the month included Just For One Day, Choir of Man, My Neighbour Totoro, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables.
Before you go—if you’re looking for a little extra theatreland inspiration, don’t miss our latest posts: Screen to Stage Adaptation in the West End and The Best Theatre to see in London this Autumn.
