Best Theatre Shows In London

• Where: 2 Shepperton Road, London, N1 3DT

Nestled next to Regent's Canal in Islington is the characterful Rosemary Branch Theatre, an award-winning pub that's just waiting for your visit. From comedies to plays and improv, this artsy spot has a little something for everyone to be dazzled by.

Bring your friends along, nurse a cold pint and catch some of the best up-and-coming comics as they try out their new material, or watch independent shows that creatively tackle interesting themes and get your mind spinning hours after it's over. What's more, for some of the best theatre plays in London, tickets are super affordable, typically starting from around £8 per person.

• Where: London-wide

Shakespeare fans, rejoice - Fuller's Shakespeare in the Garden is back this summer with a fresh and lively take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. Performed by the brilliant Open Bar theatre company, these outdoor productions bring the Bard's magic to life in stunning pub garden settings across London and beyond.

Forget stiff auditoriums - this is Shakespeare as it should be: informal, interactive, and fuelled by laughter (and a pint or two). Whether you're a theatre regular or just discovering the classics, this whimsical retelling promises an evening of unforgettable performance and summer atmosphere.

• Where: The Bloomsbury Ballroom, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4DA

Fancy hitting up some of the best theatre in London? Known for its luxurious atmosphere and world-class talent, this spot offers an immersive journey through global cultures with stunning choreography, intricate costumes, and awe-inspiring performances. 

Currently playing at The London Cabaret Club, Roxie Rocks Chicago brings the Roaring 20s to life with dazzling performances inspired by the classic film. Featuring a star-studded cast, glitzy costumes, and show-stopping choreography, this electrifying production immerses guests in Roxie Hart's world of fame and obsession. For those craving a vibrant, festive atmosphere, the Copacabana experience will transport you to the heart of Rio with sensational samba dancers, tropical cocktails, and an unforgettable carnival celebration. 

• Where: London-wide

For those who think they've seen it all on the London stage, Fuller's Opera in the Garden is here to shake things up. Rogue Opera delivers a bold and irreverent reimagining of Mozart's Così fan tutte, blending stunning live vocals with sharp modern wit - think The Wolf of Wall Street colliding with Clueless.

Performed in English and set outdoors in a lush garden venue, this is opera as you've never experienced it: vibrant, funny, and totally unmissable.

Libra Theatre Café in Camden is a boutique venue built by actors for actors, featuring an intimate underground performance space and a stylish café bar upstairs. Known for its flexible staging and immersive atmosphere, it offers a unique platform for emerging and experimental theatre.

The venue has become a popular hub during the Camden Fringe, hosting a wide range of performances from spoken word to musical comedy. With its strong artistic identity and community-driven ethos, Libra stands out as a creative cornerstone in Camden's vibrant cultural scene.

• Where: a secret Central London spot (revealed the week before the show)

Ever got an urge to stand up and join in when watching your favourite musical? Well now you can with the West End Musical Brunch. This one-of-a-kind event invites you to step into the spotlight alongside the stars of London's iconic West End, and features live performances from the biggest names, including past stars of Wicked, Les Miserables, Hamilton, and more.

But here's the twist - the audience is part of the show. After an hour of bottomless cocktails and soft drinks, you'll be belting out Defying Gravity, singing Fame at the top of your lungs, and dancing to Grease Lightning, all while enjoying a delicious two-course meal. It's your chance to become part of the magic and immerse yourself in the world of musical theatre.

• Where: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD

Take a chance on a night full of sunshine and ABBA hits with Mamma Mia! - the world's most fabulous musical. Set on a dreamy Greek island, this feel-good extravaganza brings together love, laughter, and a whole lot of Dancing Queen energy, all set to ABBA's timeless tunes.

Join Sophie as she embarks on a quest to find her father, throwing her mom Donna's past into the mix, just days before Sophie's wedding. The result? A delightful Mama Mia moment of love, confusion, and reunion that'll have you super trooping your way through a show packed with hilarious twists, heartfelt moments, and of course, dancing in the aisles. 

Titanique: The Musical is a unique take on the classic story, putting a hilariously camp twist on it. This tells the story of Celine Dion hijacking a Titanic museum tour to tell her own version of events, promising plenty of jokes, powerful vocals and 90s throwbacks. Catch this fantastic performance at Criterion Theatre, packed full of huge laughs and even bigger hits.

• Where: Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A2DY
• Read DesignMyNight's review of Clueless: The Musical

After some musical action with a healthy hit of nostalgia? Bringing her 1995 cult teen movie Clueless to the stage as one of the best theatre shows in London for 2025 is Amy Heckerling, writer-director of the original film. 

Clueless: The Musical is everything you want it to be and more. Think all the antics and quotable one-liners of Cher Horowitz, who's based on Jane Austen heroine Emma, alongside new music by Brit Award winner KT Tunstall and lyrics from Grammy® winner and three-time Tony® nominee Glenn Slater (known for Sister Act The Musical and School Of Rock). 

• Where: Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

One of the best romantic comedies of all time, 50 First Dates tells the story of Henry and his relationship with Lucy, who wakes up every morning with no memory of the previous day. The musical is being shown at Other Palace in Victoria, starting from only £30 per person.

Written by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen, this spellbinding production stars Georgina Castle (Mean Girls) and Josh St. Clair (Ghost). Plus, the choreography is by multi-Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw.

• Where: Kit Kat Club, Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE

Leave your troubles outside - life is beautiful at the Kit Kat Club. Step into the hedonistic heart of 1930s Berlin as Cabaret transforms The Playhouse Theatre into a dazzling, immersive wonderland. This multi-award-winning production invites you to drink, dance, and disappear into the world of the Kit Kat Club - where the Emcee watches all and the line between pleasure and peril is dangerously thin.

Set against the backdrop of the rise of the Nazis, this multi-award-winning show features amazing burlesque acts and musical hits like 'Wilkommen', 'Mein Herr' and 'Maybe This Time'. Plus, you can secure tickets from just £37 per person.

• Where: London Coliseum, 33 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES

Want to see a show that'll make you feel like it's the Roaring 20s again? Then head to The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum. This fantastic musical takes F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless story and makes it even more entertaining.

Follow the beautiful but tragic tale of Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan, produced by the award-winning Korean musical producer Chunsoo Shin - with tickets starting from only £25 per person.

• Where: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Kingsway, WC2A 2HT

I'm Every Woman tells the untold story of Chaka Khan, the fierce, fearless force behind some of the most iconic tracks in music history. From funk and soul to pop and activism, Chaka's voice has echoed across generations - and now her story does too.

Expect high-energy choreography by Jade Hackett, emotional depth, and a soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seat. This is a tribute not just to the music, but to the resilience, heart, and power of a woman who changed the game.

• Where: Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS

Laugh your holy socks off with The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. This Tony Award®-winning musical from the creators of South Park - Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez - delivers a hilariously twisted take on two Mormon missionaries sent to spread their word in a Ugandan village.

But with the villagers more focused on their own divine problems than the missionaries' teachings, things go off the rails in the best possible way. Featuring unforgettable songs like I Believe and Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, this show blends sharp satire, toe-tapping tunes, and a surprisingly heartfelt message. 

• Where: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

Hadestown is a Broadway sensation that has won hearts worldwide. Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, this award-winning musical is a must-see at the Lyric Theatre.

With 8 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and a Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theatre Album, Hadestown invites you on a spellbinding journey to the underworld and beyond. Through two intertwined love stories - one of Orpheus and Eurydice, full of passion and tragedy, and another between the powerful King Hades and his wife Persephone - the production explores themes of love, sacrifice, and fate in a mesmerising performance you won't forget.

• Where: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0NS

Get ready to rev up your time machine and journey to the past with Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. This time-travelling stage sensation brings the iconic 1985 film to life, with Marty McFly, the ultimate rock 'n' roll teen, accidentally zipping back to 1955 in Doc Brown's legendary DeLorean. Now, Marty's got a heavy task ahead of him - making sure his young parents fall in love to avoid erasing his existence from the future.

Packed with all the nostalgic characters and epic moments you know and love, including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode, this musical is a timeless adventure. With a mix of magic, laughs, and heart-pounding excitement, it's a show that'll have you wishing you could hop in the DeLorean and experience it all over again.

• Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF

Head to Theatre Royal Drury Lane to catch Hercules, the fantastic musical adaptation of Disney's classic film. Written by Tony winners Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah and featuring new songs from Alan Menken and David Zippel, this is a truly brilliant performance.

Join Hercules as he battles monsters, defies the gods, and discovers what it truly means to be a hero. Following acclaimed runs in the U.S. and Germany, this larger-than-life show is ready to go the distance in London, with tickets starting from just £31 each.

Featuring a fantastic soundtrack from Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren and more, Burlesque: The Musical is a night out to remember. This dazzling show takes place at the Savoy Theatre, promising lots of glitz and glam.

Watch as Ali journeys through New York's underground club scene, promising plenty of dazzling dance routines, powerhouse vocals and diva energy.

• Where: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY
• Read DesignMyNight's review of Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Uncork the champagne and let the dazzling world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical transport you to a place where the sparkle of Parisian glamour meets boundless energy. It's a spectacular blend of Bohemian spirit and aristocratic allure, where dreams are born and passions ignite.

Inspired by Baz Luhrmann's iconic film, this thrilling new musical adaptation bursts to life on stage in a whirlwind of creativity. With direction from Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers, a script by Tony Award® winner John Logan, choreography by Emmy Award® nominee Sonya Tayeh, and music supervision by Justin Levine, Moulin Rouge! The Musical promises an unforgettable night of music, dance, and breathtaking spectacle.

• Where: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ

Step into the world of The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre and be transported to the heart of Africa with a dazzling stage production inspired by the beloved Disney film.

Running in London for 22 years, this award-winning musical features evocative African rhythms and stunning choreography, alongside spectacular special effects and masterful puppetry. Follow Simba's transformation and destiny in a show that combines heart, humour, and breathtaking artistry, making it a must-see for families and theatre lovers alike.

Expect the unexpected at Storehouse, a brand new immersive show that has taken over a mysterious warehouse in Deptford. This interactive performance will have you questioning everything, from media and power to memory.

Follow the story of a collector obsessed with preserving everything, from breaking headlines to online messages. This is on for 16 weeks only, so don't miss out.

• Where: Phoenix Theatre, 110, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0JP

Prepare to dive into the origins of Stranger Things with The First Shadow - a gripping new adventure that promises to take you deeper into the supernatural world of Hawkins.

This multi-award-winning production transports you to 1959, where Jim Hopper is facing car trouble, Joyce Maldonado is set on leaving town, and a mysterious new student, Henry Creel, brings chaos to their lives. As the shadows of the past loom large, this thrilling tale could reveal the shocking truth behind the Stranger Things saga. 

• Where: London Palladium, 8, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary EVITA makes a triumphant return, reimagined by visionary director Jamie Lloyd. This bold new production breathes fresh life into the iconic story of Eva Perón - her meteoric rise, her undeniable power, and her lasting legacy.

Featuring timeless hits like 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' and 'You Must Love Me', this electrifying revival is set to take The London Palladium by storm. For 12 weeks only from the 14th of June 2025, witness the passion, the politics, and the unforgettable music that made EVITA a global sensation.

SIX: The Singalong is louder than ever, giving fans the chance to sing their hearts out with the queens themselves at the Vaudeville Theatre. With tickets starting at £42, it's a rare chance to be part of the show, not just watch it.

Expect glitter, girl power, and a crowd that knows every word - this is history rewritten as a pop concert.

• Where: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU

Based on Roald Dahl's classic tale, Matilda: The Musical is guaranteed to put a smile on your face as one of the best theatre shows in London for families. Created by the Royal Shakespeare Company, this brilliant show follows the story of a young girl who is misunderstood by her parents but is finally recognised as a genius when she starts school.

Since its debut in 2010, this musical has won over 100 international awards. With terrifying teachers, revolting children, and a touch of magic, Matilda: The Musical is a riotous celebration of imagination and resilience and you'll find this performance at Cambridge Theatre, with tickets beginning at £25 per person.

One of the best known plays of all time, Romeo and Juliet is being performed at the Globe Theatre this summer. This adaptation puts a Wild West twist on Shakespeare's classic tale, featuring saloon fights and gun battles, in between vibrant parties.

Watch this tragic love story unfold in a new setting, with tickets starting from just £7 per person - choose between seated or standing.

• Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW

Rediscover the magic of childhood with My Neighbour Totoro, the beloved and award-winning Royal Shakespeare Company production that has captured hearts worldwide. After a record-breaking run at the Barbican, this enchanting stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's 1988 animated classic is heading to the West End in 2024, bringing its timeless story to life like never before.

My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside to be closer to their mother, who is recovering from an illness. In their new home, Mei encounters the lovable and mysterious Totoro, a magical creature that guards the forest. As the siblings embark on incredible adventures, they discover a world filled with spirits, sprites, and wonders beyond their wildest imaginations. This heartwarming tale celebrates the boundless power of imagination and the special bond between family, making it the perfect show for audiences of all ages.

One of the best-known plays of all time, Othello is being performed at Theatre Royal Haymarket near Charing Cross. The Shakespeare classic tells the story of war, love and betrayal, promising to be an unforgettable show.

This production stars David Harewood (Homeland, Best of Enemies), Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Detectorists) and Caitlin FitzGerald (Succession, Masters of Sex) - and it costs as little as £31 per person.

• Where: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Fulton Road, London, HA9 8TS

Get ready for a thrill ride at the Starlight Express, held at the Starlight Auditorium in the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This electrifying musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber spins a high-speed tale of Rusty, a once-reliable steam engine determined to leave his outdated ways behind and race his way to victory, both on the track and in winning the heart of the sleek Pearl.

Set entirely on roller skates, the show is a dazzling spectacle of rapid choreography, bold set designs, and a heart-pounding race to claim the title of Fastest Engine in the World. As Rusty faces off against rivals like Greaseball, the arrogant diesel, and Electra, the flashy new electric engine, he must overcome every obstacle and prove that being a true champion is about more than just speed.

The ultimate, party-fuelled tribute to the People's Princess, The Diana Mixtape promises to be a fantastic night out. This show is led by a cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK stars, including Courtney Act, Divina De Campo, Rosé, Baby and Kitty Scott-Claus.

Expect plenty of comedy, songs and jaw-dropping routines, complete with all your favourite pop hits - think Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa and much more.

• Where: His Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL

Often considered to be one of the most amazing productions in history, Phantom of the Opera is Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece. You can see it at His Majesty's Theatre for as little as £37 per person, starring Dean Chisnall as The Phantom, Lily Kerhoas as Christine Daaé and Joe Griffiths-Brown as Raoul.

This performance has been seen by over 160 million people all over the world, in 21 different languages. Expect a stunning show, featuring songs like Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again and more.

One of Shakespeare's most classic tales, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a play full of romance, magic and whimsy. You can see the iconic story being performed at Bridge Theatre in London Bridge this year, following its critically-acclaimed run in 2019. 

The talented cast includes Susannah Fielding, Emmanuel Akwafo and David Moorst. And the best part? Tickets start from only £19.50.