Stars on stage in London: 11 celebrity theatre shows not to miss in 2026

Celebrities you can see on the London stage in 2026

From West End debuts to the return of theatre favourites, discover the biggest names performing live on London's stages and make sure to book ahead so you don't miss out.

Don't miss Vanessa Williams star as Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada, the musical inspired by the Hollywood blockbuster of the same name, continues to rock London's West End with an extravaganza of fashion, glamour and a sing-along soundtrack by Elton John, featuring standout songs including House of Miranda and Dress Your Way Up.

Meet Andy, a fresh out of college budding journalist with serious plans to make it into the news world, who lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine Runway as assistant to the formidable editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Known for her terrifying presence, sharp attitude and iconic "That's all" sign-off, Miranda pushes Andy to her limits with her near impossible requests. As Andy navigates the glamorous world of high fashion, delivering Miranda's every demand one designer outfit at a time while slowly sacrificing her personal life, she soon begins to discover the consequences of chasing success.

Who’s on stage:

Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Vanessa Williams takes on the iconic role of Miranda Priestly, bringing her own style and attitude to the legendary fashion editor. From her dramatic first entrance in towering heels and sleek tailored suits to her powerful vocals and sharp one-liners, Vanessa Williams embraces every side of Miranda, delivering a fierce and glamorous performance full of confidence and sass.

Show details:

Where: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 7AQ
Dates: Vanessa Williams is confirmed to end her run as Miranda Priestly until 19 September 2026, with her successor yet to be announced.

See the return of Adrian Lester on stage in Cyrano de Bergerac

After a successful run and rave reviews last year in Stratford-upon-Avon, the RSC's revival of the classic French play Cyrano de Bergerac transfers to London's Noël Coward Theatre. This fresh adaptation of Edmond Rostand's beloved classic brings the timeless story to life with a modern twist while preserving the poetry, wit and romance at its heart.

Meet poet and master duellist Cyrano de Bergerac, a man of many talents who has everything to shine, if it wasn't for his growing self-doubt, convinced his appearance makes him undeserving of love. When the handsome Christian, unable to express his feelings, falls for Cyrano's childhood sweetheart Roxane, Cyrano lends him his words, writing heartfelt love letters while pouring his own emotions onto the page. What follows is a gripping tale of unspoken love and thrilling sword fighting in a story that has captivated audiences for generations.

Who’s on stage: 

Olivier Award-winning actor Adrian Lester takes on the title role of Cyrano, earning praise for his powerful interpretation of the iconic character. The production also features exhilarating sword fighting, with Lester excelling in the carefully choreographed fight scenes created by fight director Bethan Clark.

Lester has appeared in a number of acclaimed stage productions throughout his career, including Sweeney Todd at the National Theatre and Company, for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1996. He also starred in the Broadway transfer of The Lehman Trilogy, earning a Tony Award nomination for his performance.

Show details:

Where: Noël Coward Theatre, St. Martin's Lane, WC2N 4AU
Dates: 13 June-5 September 2026

Catch Stephen Mangan in the twisted comedy The Truth

The Truth, the Olivier Award-nominated comedy by Oscar-winning writer Florian Zeller, returns to the London West End for a strictly limited run at the Apollo Theatre. This wickedly funny play explores just how far the truth can stretch, as loyalty becomes negotiable and everyone seems to have something to hide.

Following two couples caught in an entangled love triangle filled with deception and infidelity, the tightly plotted comedy unfolds through unexpected revelations, twists and turns as relationships begin to unravel. As the characters question if honesty is always the best option, this hilarious yet dramatic story explores the difficult choices people make when love, loyalty and deception come into play.

Who’s on stage: 

Zeller’s play brings a star-studded cast to the stage, led by actor, comedian and presenter Stephen Mangan, best known for his roles in TV series including Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years and Green Wing. Although widely recognised for his screen work, Mangan has also appeared in three Olivier Award-winning productions, including The Norman Conquests, Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense and The Birthday Party. Joining him on stage is Sarah Hadland, best known for playing Stevie in Miranda, as well as in West End comedies Horrible Histories and Noises Off.

Show details:

Where: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 7EZ
Dates: 9 June-12 September 2026

Don’t miss Summer Strallen as she joins the cast of Beetlejuice The Musical

Taking up residency in the West End for the foreseeable future is Beetlejuice The Musical, casting its spell on theatregoers and taking audiences on a journey to the Underworld. Fresh from Broadway and based on Tim Burton's cult classic film, the smash hit musical is packed with outrageous humour, unforgettable songs and larger-than-life characters, placing the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice centre stage.

Meet Lydia, an angsty teenager struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother, who is forced to start a new life with her father and his eccentric life coach, Delia. Desperate to return to the world of the living, the green-haired ghoul Beetlejuice sees Lydia as his chance, convincing her to bring him back to life and unleashing chaos and supernatural mayhem along the way.

Who’s on stage: 

Olivier Award-nominated actress Summer Strallen joins the cast of Beetlejuice The Musical for a limited run from 3 August to 2 November, taking on the role of the eccentric Delia Deetz. She steps into the role while Aimie Atkinson makes her Broadway debut in SIX. Summer Strallen is no stranger to the West End, having starred in productions including Top Hat, Love Never Dies, The Sound of Music and Cats. Throughout her career she has received four Olivier Award nominations, including a nomination for Best Supporting Role in a Musical for her performance in The Boy Friend.

Show details:

Where: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS
Dates: Summer Strallen stars as Delia Deetz from 3 August to 2 November 2026. Beetlejuice The Musical is currently booking until April 2027.

See Sting make his West End debut in The Last Ship

After premiering in Chicago in 2013 before transferring to Broadway, where it earned two Tony Award nominations, The Last Ship finally makes its long-awaited London premiere this autumn.

Featuring music and lyrics by Sting, the original musical is inspired by the musician's 1991 album The Soul Cages, as well as his own childhood growing up in Wallsend. Drawing on his father's career as an engineer in the local shipbuilding industry and the closure of the town's shipyard, the musical tells a deeply personal story rooted in the North East of England. This West End production, featuring a new book by Barney Norris and music score by Sting, is set at the heart of a shipbuilding community facing an uncertain future as their shipyard stands on the brink of closure. As jobs disappear and the town's future hangs in the balance, the community must come together in the face of hardship and fight for what matters most to them. 

Who’s on stage: 

Seventeen-time Grammy Award winner Sting takes on the lead role of foreman Jackie White, making his West End debut after previously playing the character in the Toronto production, the 2020 UK tour and the 2026 world tour. As Jackie faces the biggest challenge of his career while navigating declining health, the role carries particular significance, with the musical inspired by Sting's own upbringing and the experiences of his father, neighbours and community in Wallsend.

While Sting is best known for his music career as a solo artist and frontman of The Police, he has also appeared on screen in films including Quadrophenia, Radio On, Dune and Bring on the Night. More recently, he made an appearance as himself in the first season of Only Murders in the Building.

Show details:

Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, WC2B 5JF
Dates: 22 September-3 October 2026

Catch Sam Ryder make his West End debut in Jesus Christ Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's award-winning rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar is once again taking the West End by storm, bringing the spectacular musical back to the stage with electrifying performances from an all-star cast. 

The musical phenomenon, which has already secured a West End transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane later this year, brings to the stage the story of Jesus Christ in his final days, told through the perspective of Judas in a tale of friendship, betrayal and faith leading up to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The poignant production focuses on those surrounding Jesus during this time, from King Herod and Pontius Pilate to Mary Magdalene, exploring themes of sacrifice and power, all set to the spectacular rock score featuring songs including Gethsemane and I Don't Know How to Love Him.

Who’s on stage: 

Brit Award and Emmy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Sam Ryder makes his West End debut in the lead role of Jesus. Known for his soaring vocals following his unforgettable performance at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, Ryder brings his powerful voice to some of the musical's most iconic songs.

Joining him is a star-studded cast, with a rotating lineup of celebrities taking on the role of King Herod throughout the summer, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary.

Show details:

Where: London Palladium (until 5 September), 8 Argyll Street, W1F 7TF, and Theatre Royal Drury Lane (from 16 October), Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF
Dates: 20 June-5 September 2026 and 16 October 2026-9 January 2027

Watch Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant in Hay Fever

Noël Coward's farcical comedy Hay Fever returns to the London West End, bringing explosive chaos, sharp wit and plenty of eccentric characters to the stage. One of British theatre's most beloved and frequently revived plays, Hay Fever is set in the 1920s and follows retired actress Judith Bliss, her novelist husband David and their grown-up children, Simon and Sorel.

Longing to return to the spotlight, Judith invites a young admirer to the family's country home for the weekend, only to discover that every member of the Bliss family has invited a guest of their own. What follows is a series of misunderstandings, awkward encounters and increasingly chaotic situations as the weekend quickly spirals out of control.

Who’s on stage: 

American actress and two-time Tony Award winner Christine Baranski makes her West End debut as Judith Bliss. Although she has enjoyed a long and celebrated career on screen, Baranski first made her name on stage, winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance as Charlotte in Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing in 1984. On television, she is best known as Maryann Thorpe in the sitcom Cybill, a performance that earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Joining her on stage is Richard E. Grant as David Bliss. The acclaimed actor and presenter is best known for his performance as Jack Hock in Marielle Heller's Can You Ever Forgive Me?, for which he received numerous awards. 

Show details:

Where: Wyndham's Theatre, 32-36 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DA
Dates: 22 September-12 December 2026

See Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo in RENT

Much to the delight of theatregoers, Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking rock musical RENT returns to the London West End, 30 years after its original Broadway premiere. Directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, Paddington The Musical), this bold new revival brings the iconic musical back to the stage for a new generation.

Set in New York's East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists trying to build lives on their own terms while navigating love, ambition and the challenges of making it on the creative scene. As they search for their place in the world against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, the rock-infused musical is a powerful celebration of friendship, resilience and a community determined to make every moment count, told through raw and emotional storytelling.

Who’s on stage: 

Gaten Matarazzo, best known for playing Dustin Henderson in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, takes on the role of aspiring filmmaker Mark. Although widely recognised for his screen work, Matarazzo first began his career on stage, appearing as Benji in the original Broadway production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert before playing Gavroche in the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables.

Show details:

Where: Duke Of York's Theatre, 104 St Martins Lane, WC2N 4BG
Dates: 26 September 2026-27 March 2027

Don't miss Kristin Scott Thomas return to the West End in The Cherry Orchard

The West End welcomes back Olivier Award winner Conor McPherson, bringing to the stage a poignant new adaptation of Anton Chekhov's cherished classic The Cherry Orchard. The revival brings to the stage a deeply moving portrait of love, ambition and loyalty as a family struggles to let go of the past.

Set in Russia at the turn of the 20th century, Chekhov's last play, described as a tragicomedy, follows Lyubov Ranevskaya as she returns to her family home and grand estate after several years abroad. Faced with the heartbreaking reality of having to sell the estate filled with cherished childhood memories, she must come to terms with a changing social order, as the rise of a new generation challenges the privileges of the old aristocracy.

Who’s on stage: 

Five-time BAFTA Award nominee and Olivier Award winner Kristin Scott Thomas returns to the London West End in the lead role of Lyubov Ranevskaya. Best known for her acclaimed film career, Scott Thomas has starred in films including Four Weddings and a Funeral and The English Patient, the latter earning her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
No stranger to the stage, Scott Thomas previously starred in another of Chekhov's classics, The Seagull, winning the Olivier Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Show details:

Where: The Harold Pinter Theatre, 4 Panton Street, SW1Y 4DN
Dates: 5 October 2026-9 January 2027

See McFly's Harry Judd in High School Musical

Every millenial is about to rejoice at the prospect of seeing one of Disney Channel's most beloved films brought to life on stage. Twenty years after High School Musical first premiered starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, the hit musical heads to London in a brand new stage production.

Dive back into East High as Troy, Gabriella and their classmates navigate teenage life, balancing first love, basketball games and school auditions while discovering where they truly belong. Staged at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, audiences can expect an immersive East High experience, with the venue's flexible staging placing the audience right at the heart of the action. The musical also features fan favourite songs including Breaking Free, Get'cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and We're All in This Together.

Who’s on stage: 

McFly drummer Harry Judd takes to the stage as Coach Bolton, best known as a member of the rock band McFly as well as winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. He is joined on stage by Disney icon KayCee Stroh, who played Martha Cox in the original High School Musical films, returning to the franchise this time as drama teacher Ms Darbus.
Also joining the cast is Tobias Turley, winner of ITV's Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, taking on the role of Troy Bolton alongside Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez. Caitlin Tipping plays Sharpay Evans, following roles in SIX The Musical and Disney's Frozen, while Ryan Evans is played by Luke Baker, best known for being part of the original West End cast of Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

Show details:

Where: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 1 Fulton Road, Wembley Park, HA9 8TS
Dates: 12 Oct 2026 to 3 Jan 2027

Catch Keira Knightley return to the stage in The Lives of Others

Olivier Award winner Robert Icke brings Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's Oscar-winning film The Lives of Others to the London West End, immersing audiences in a gripping tale of paranoia at a time when nobody is safe from state surveillance.

Set in East Germany in 1984 during the Cold War, The Lives of Others follows novelist Georg Dreyman and his partner, actress Christa-Maria Sieland, as their lives are turned upside down after coming under the surveillance of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police. Watching from the attic of their apartment is officer Gerd Wiesler, tasked with monitoring their every conversation and movement. But as he becomes increasingly drawn into their lives, he begins to question the regime he serves and the true cost of his loyalty.

Who’s on stage: 

Keira Knightley returns to the stage for the first time in 15 years, taking on the role of actress Christa-Maria Sieland. Academy Award-nominated actress, Knightley is best known for her work on screen, starring in blockbusters such as Love Actually, Pride & Prejudice and The Imitation Game. She is no stranger to the London stage, having previously appeared in The Misanthrope and The Children's Hour.

Joining her is Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor Stephen Dillane as Gerd Wiesler. Dillane is best known for playing Stannis Baratheon in Game of Thrones and for his Tony Award-winning performance in Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing.

Show details:

Where: Adelphi Theatre
Dates: 14 October 2026-9 January 2027

Which celebrity will you see on stage?

2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for the London West End, with celebrities and world-famous acting talents taking to the stage across London's theatres, from theatre legends and Hollywood actors to TV favourites. Whether you're looking to see Keira Knightley return to the live stage, watch Sting make his West End debut, or see Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo take to the stage in the 30th anniversary revival of RENT, there is no shortage of star-studded productions to add to your 2026 theatre plans.

If you're still undecided on which show to book, explore our dedicated guides to London theatre, including the top 10 musicals and plays not to miss this season, or dive into our latest theatre reviews, including our review of Beetlejuice The Musical.