TV & Film-inspired theatre shows to see in London

High Society, Barbican Centre

High Society artwork.

This summer, the first London revival of High Society since 2015 will take place at the Barbican Theatre. The musical comedy, which features a book by Arthur Kopit and music and lyrics by Cole Porter, was initially based on a stage comedy called The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry before becoming a treasured musical film adaptation in 1956. That film featured some of the best actors from that era, including Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra. For people considering the revival, it will star Helen George and Felicity Kendal in a limited 8-week season.

High Society Tickets

Wicked, Apollo Victoria

Before the release of the two films over the last two years, Wicked was (and very much still is) one of the most popular West End musicals since it opened here in 2006. The musical is loosely based on a novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz novel by L. Frank Baum, and its timeless 1939 film adaptation. Wicked is set in the world of Oz, both before and after Dorothy arrives from Kansas, and focuses on the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Catch it at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Wicked Tickets

The Producers, Garrick Theatre

Photo by Manuel Harlan.

Mel Brooks is known for his signature style of comedy, and The Producers is a perfect snapshot of that. Adapted from Brooks' film of the same name that was released in 1967, the Original Broadway production was a huge success, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, and had subsequent runs in the West End debut and internationally too. The Producers now plays in the West End once again, bringing the story about a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his accountant’s scheme to create the biggest flop in the theatre industry to beloved fans of the show, but also new audiences.

The Producers Tickets

The Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre

The cast of The Devil Wears Prada. Photo by Matt Crockett

If it's a show with high fashion and even higher drama that takes your fancy, The Devil Wears Prada must strut its way to the top of your must-see list. Newly adapted for the stage from Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling novel and the blockbuster film in 2006, the musical made its UK premiere in Plymouth before transferring to the West End in 2024. Throwing audiences into the world of a top fashion magazine, The Devil Wears Prada follows Andy’s journey as an assistant to the formidable editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly.

The Devil Wears Prada Tickets

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre

Lauren O'Neil and Jack Christou in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Photo by Manuel Harlan

The American television series gripped thousands of viewers when it was first released on Netflix in 2016, with the fifth and final season wrapping up in 2025. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is an original play written by Kate Trefry, and it serves as a prequel to the series and delves into the backstory of Henry Creel before he became the formidable antagonist Vecna through jaw-dropping set and scenic effects. Its West End debut at the Phoenix Theatre in 2023 has proved a huge hit with audiences, obtaining multiple awards, including an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. Now the production also plays on Broadway, and there have been recent reports that it will be filmed for Netflix in the near future.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Tickets

Pride the Musical, National Theatre

Artwork for Pride the Musical.

A new musical, based on the award-winning film, will make its stage debut at the National Theatre this summer. Set during the 1984 miners’ strike, Pride follows the awe-inspiring true story about a group of friends who form the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners in a small village in South Wales. Book and lyrics are by Stephen Beresford, who also created the film in 2014. Pride was nominated for numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe, and it won 3 BAFTA Awards, including one for Best British Independent Film.

Pride the Musical Tickets

Paranormal Activity, Ambassador's Theatre

Patrick Heusinger and Melissa James in PARANORMAL ACTIVITY at the Ambassadors Theatre. Photo by Johan Persson.

When this supernatural phenomenon was released in cinemas in 2007, viewers were haunted by the events that unfolded in the home of a young couple, all recorded through a camcorder. The franchise went on to release eight more films, with the final one in 2021. Now fans of spine-tingling theatre can see Paranormal Activity on the stage in an original new story written by Levi Holloway and directed by Punchdrunk’s Felix Barrett. The show has a delicious combination of psychological horror and immersive theatrical elements that make it well worth a visit.

Paranormal Activity Tickets

My Neighbour Totoro, Gillian Lynne Theatre

Production image of My Neighbour Totoro. Photo by Manuel Harlan

The quintessential charm of Studio Ghibli’s animation film, My Neighbour Totoro, makes it transfer to the stage seamlessly. Incredibly popular globally, Hayao Miyazaki’s film was released in 1988 and follows two young sisters who move with their father to the countryside when their mother takes ill. There they encounter forest spirits, including Totoro. Adapted for the stage by Tom Morton-Smith, and featuring music by Joe Hisaishi, My Neighbour Totoro played two sell-out seasons at the Barbican Centre before transferring to the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where it currently runs.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre

Ensemble cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Image provided by production.

One of the best jukebox musicals in London right now, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is based on Baz Luhrmann’s vibrantly delicious 2001 film. The movie, which starred Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, received eight accolades and became the first musical film since Beauty and the Beast in 1991 to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The musical itself has been just as successful since its debut on Broadway in 2018, including 10 Tony Award wins! Now in London, where it has played at the Piccadilly Theatre since 2021, Moulin Rouge! The Musical follows the tragic love story between Christian, a young writer, and Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge cabaret.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical Tickets

Back to the Future the Musical, Adelphi Theatre

Back To The Future The Musical production image.

There is nothing that screams nostalgia quite like a trip to see Back to the Future The Musical, where the 1985 film has been transformed into one of the most exciting nights you’ll have in the West End. Bob Gale, Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard’s musical adaptation takes the story’s core foundations and amps them up with an electric score and even fiercer stage effects. Since its opening at the Adelphi Theatre in 2021, Back to the Future The Musical has won a multitude of awards, including Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards.

Back to the Future the Musical Tickets

Beetlejuice the Musical, Prince Edward Theatre

US Tour production image of Beetlejuice The Musical. Photo provided by production.

If you want more 80s nostalgia on the West End stage, look no further than the debut of Beetlejuice the Musical. Tim Burton’s 1988 movie has been adored by audiences across the globe for years, and so when a musical based on it was created in 2018, it became a huge hit with other productions taking place across the US. The story follows a deceased couple who try to haunt the inhabitants of their former home by seeking help from a chaotic ghost named Beetlejuice. Now audiences can lap up every ounce of the fun when it arrives at the Prince Edward Theatre in Spring 2026!

Beetlejuice The Musical Tickets

However, there aren’t the only ones with productions like Disney’s Hercules, I’m Sorry, Prime Minister , and Kinky Boots also being great theatre shows inspired by film and TV in the city. If you are still looking for some more theatrical inspiration after reading this post, we’ve also got a guide on the must-see theatre revivals in London in 2026.