Nothing beats the thrill of seeing your favourite screen stars live on stage and London’s theatre scene doesn’t disappoint – with grand theatres and intimate venues, it’s always been the ideal place to enjoy celebrity appearances.
This year is no exception, as Olivier Award winners, rising talents and big names join musicals and plays across the city’s stages, which continue to host stars on the West End.
The biggest celebrities lighting up the West End and London theatre
Find out more about celebrities live on stage in the West End right now, as well as upcoming shows that you can book ahead, so you don’t miss out.
Vanessa Williams in The Devil Wears Prada
Based on the hit film The Devil Wears Prada, this musical reimagining tells the story of budding journalist Andy, who is fresh out of college when she lands a job at the prestigious Runway magazine as an assistant to editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, played by the formidable Vanessa Williams. As Andy sacrifices her personal life to meet the relentless demands of the job, she begins to discover the kind of person she truly wants to be.
- Who is starring in this show: Vanessa Williams is a true star of the stage - singer, actress and model she is known for fantastic performances in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, among others. Williams nails the role as the icy Miranda, cutting through the chaos with a steely presence that’s as mesmerising as it is intimidating.
- Where in London is it playing: Dominion Theatre
- Dates: Booking until September 2026
Book now to see Vanessa Williams in the Devil Wears Prada.
Stephen Fry in The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde’s satire follows Jack and Algernon, two Victorian bachelors who pretend to be named Earnest to pursue Gwendolyn and Cecily, women that believe they can only love men with that name. It's not long before the troublesome duo get entangled in their own lies and struggle to keep up the charade. The play critiques societal norms and shows just how superficial “earnest” romances can be.
- Who is starring in this show: Celebrated performer Stephen Fry takes on the role of Lady Bracknell. The actor, comedian, broadcaster and writer is known for many popular TV series (Blackadder, Bones), films (Wilde, Kingdom) and often appears as the narrator of many beloved films and books, including the Harry Potter series. Olly Alexander is cast in the role of Algernon Moncrieff. The talented frontman of popular British band Years & Years rose to critical aclaim for his outstanding performance in BBC drama It's a Sin. Writer, comedian and actor Hugh Dennis will perform as Reverand Canon, no doubt bringing that killer timing and dry humour that audiences love him for.
- Where in London is it playing: Noël Coward Theatre
- Dates: Until 10 January 2026
Book tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest now and see Stephen Fry captivate audiences.
Toby Jones and Caitlin Fitzgerald in Othello
The famous play by William Shakespeare tells the story of Othello, a respected Venetian general who is hiding his secret marriage to Desdemona, daughter of Senator Brabantio. Things unravel when Othello’s servant Iago is overlooked for promotion and tells the senator about the wedding. A storm of rage, jealousy and power plays follow, leading to the death of Desdemona.
- Who is starring in this show: See David Harewood (Homeland) return to the stage as Othello, a role he previously played in the National Theatre in 1977, making him the first black actor to do so. Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) also joins the limited-run show alongside Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession)
- Where in London is it playing: Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Dates: Until 17 January 2026
Get your tickets for Othello now before the show ends in January 2026.
Bryan Cranston in All My Sons
Arthur Miller’s All My Sons follows Joe Keller, a self-made businessman whose wartime profits harbour a dark secret. When his business partner is charged for shipping faulty aircraft parts causing the deaths of 21 pilots, Joe denies responsibility... but the disappearance of his son in combat and the exposure of buried truths wreck his family’s fragile stability. The play shows how ambition and denial interfere with moral responsibility, exposing the hardship of pursuing the American dream.
- Who is starring in this show: Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) returns to the West End as Joe Keller, joining him on stage is BAFTA-nominated actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies, Hard Truths) in the role of Kate Keller, Joe’s resilient and haunted wife. Paapa Essiedu (Death of England: Delroy, I May Destroy You) takes on the role of their idealistic son Chris.
- Where in London is it playing: Wyndham’s Theatre
- Dates: Until 7 March 2026
Book All My Sons now and enjoy a star cast perform.
Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind
Susan, the bored and unhappy wife of a vicar, feels isolated from her family and the weight of her dependent sister-in-law. After she injures her head, she imagines a perfect life where everyone adores her and she is successful. In time, she is unable to differentiate between fantasy and reality. With humour woven into this psychological drama, the play dives into themes of identity, family, and the need for escape.
- Who is starring in this show: Sheridan Smith known for The Royle Family and Gavin & Stacey takes on the role of Susan, accompanied by the popular stand-up comedian Romesh Ranganathan (Live at the Apollo, A League of Their Own)
- Where in London is it playing: Duke of York's Theatre
- Dates: 9 December 2025 to 28 February 2026
Book tickets for Woman in Mind now and don’t miss out on the hilarious play.
Billy Crudup and Denise Gough in High Noon
In this Western classic, Marshal Will Kane has to decide if he’d rather protect what he values or fulfil his duty. On the day he gets married, Kane is informed that Frank Miller – who he sent to prison – is back to seek revenge, together with his former gang. Kane and his new wife escape town, but he feels a sense of duty to defend the town against the outlaws. The dilemma is a test of love versus responsibility, as he questions what to save when there’s a risk of losing everything.
- Who is starring in this show: Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Billy Crudup (Almost Famous, The Morning Show) is set to play Will Kane, while Olivier Award-winning actress Denise Gough (Monday, The Stolen Girl) takes on the role of Amy Fowler.
- Where in London is it playing: Harold Pinter Theatre
- Dates: 17 December 2025 to 07 March 2026
Book tickets for High Noon now and watch Billy Crudup and Denise Gough perform live.
Mark Addy in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Harold Fry’s destiny changes when he receives a letter from an old friend facing a terminal illness. He embarks on a journey from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed, hoping to reach his friend in time, leaving his struggling marriage to his wife, Maureen, behind. On his way, he meets numerous characters who help him overcome difficulties and reach his final goal which, in turn, helps him to re-evaluate his life. Through the people he meets, Harold embarks on a journey of self-discovery, in this heart warming story.
- Who is starring in this show: English actor Mark Addy (Collaborators, The Full Monty, Game of Thrones) will be the lead actor in the musical, playing the role of Harold Fry.
- Where in London is it playing: Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Dates: 29 January 2026 to 18 April 2026
Book tickets for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry now starring Mark Addy.
Rebecca Lucy Taylor in Teeth ‘n’ Smiles
Fifty years after its initial run, Teeth ‘N’ Smiles is ready to return with the original story and music. The story follows Maggie Frisby, an icon of the 1960s raw rock 'n' roll scene and lead singer of a struggling rock band, who is fighting to stay relevant. One night in 1969, Maggie refuses to go quietly and is determined to make her mark. What follows is a night fuelled by booze, fury and a voice that refuses to die.
- Who is starring in this show: Rebecca Lucy Taylor – also known by her stage name, Self Esteem (singer-songwriter of former band member of the Slow Club duo) – takes to the West End in the lead role of Maggie Frisby.
- Where in London is it playing: Duke of York's Theatre
- Dates: 13 March 2026 to 6 June 2026
Book your tickets for the return of Teeth 'n' Smiles on stage now.
Ralph Fiennes in Grace Pervades
Grace Pervades, is a play about the theatre legend Henry Irving, actor and manager at the Lyceum Theatre in the Victorian era. See different locations and time periods with a focus on Irving’s on-and off-stage relationship with actress Ellen Terry... an on-stage collaboration of 20 years that changed the face of theatre. Worn down by his responsibilities as manager, Irving is challenged by Ellen Terry who shows him the search for perfection on stage is not everything, and that embracing life beyond the stage is equally important.
- Who is starring in this show: Ralph Fiennes – known for numerous films including The English Patient, The Menu and in the role of Voldemort in the Harry Potter films. Fiennes is joined by Miranda Raison, who plays Ellen Terry. She is known for appearing in Spooks and Warrior.
- Where in London is it playing: Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Dates: 24 April 2026 to 11 July 2026
Book tickets for Grace Pervades with Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison.
Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia
Jessica Parks, a Crown Court judge, struggles to balance justice, motherhood and personal ambition while challenging the justice system. Her personal and professional worlds collide, forcing her to confront how far integrity can stretch before it breaks. Witness themes of law, mortality and the societal pressures of the modern woman in this limited-run production.
- Who is starring in this show?: Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) is the formidable Crown Court judge Jessica Parks, who will star alongside Jamie Glover (Waterloo Road) as her husband, Michael Wheatley.
- Where in London is it playing? Wyndham’s Theatre
- Dates: 19 March 2026 to 20 June 2026
Book tickets for Inter Alia with Rosamund Parker and Jamie Glover in this legal drama.
Hugh Bonneville in Shadowlands
Set in 1950s Oxford, Shadowlands is a drama about the writer C.S. Lewis, who strikes up a deep friendship and, in turn loving relationship, with American poet Joy Davidman. The deeper their bond grows, the more he is compelled to confront feelings of faith, grief and loss. The play, based on an award-winning television drama, blends the intellectual world of Oxford with deeply personal revelations. Enriched by evocative design, music, and lighting, this production brings a fresh perspective to a timeless story of transformation through love.
- Who is starring in this show: The Earl of Grantham himself, Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington and Notting Hill), is C.S. Lewis.
- Where in London is it playing: Aldwych Theatre
- Dates: 5 February 2026 to 9 May 2026
Book your tickets for Shadowland with Hugh Bonneville now.
Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots
The new production of Kinky Boots is a vibrant, feel‑good musical that celebrates individuality, inclusivity and friendship. Based on a true story and the 2006 film, it follows Charlie Price, who inherits his family’s failing shoe business, and Lola, a fierce drag queen with a bold vision. Together, they create high heels for men, a revolutionary product that redefines fashion and transform both of their lives. Dazzling costumes and striking set design are on the way in spring 2026!
- Who is starring in this show: Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe takes centre stage in the lead role of Lola, promising to deliver an electrifying performance
- Where in London is it playing: London Coliseum
- Dates: 17 March 2026 to 11 July 2026
Book tickets for Kinky Boots with Johannes Radebe as the lead now.
Chris Pine in Ivanov
Chris Pine stars in the stage adaptation of Ivanov, a comedic revival of a classic Chekhov play. Follow Ivanov’s journey as his life is falling apart...happiness is a distant memory amidst rising depths and his wife’s failing health. While looking for an escape from his sorrows and heading from party to party, he stumbles into an affair that threatens everything he has built. At its heart, the play explores burnout, melancholy, and the fragile search for meaning in a collapsing life.
- Who is starring in this show: Chris Pine, previously seen in Star Trek and Wonder Woman, makes his London debut in this daring new production of Ivanov.
- Where in London is it playing: Bridge Theatre
- Dates: 27 July 2027 to 16 October 2027
Book tickets for Ivanov the revival of a Chekhov classic with Chris Pine now.
Stars on stage in London FAQs
How can I book tickets for celebrity theatre shows in London?
Simply click on the booking now button when you are on the booking page for each show.
Which shows are family friendly but star-studded?
There are no star-studded family shows in London currently, but there are plenty of family-friendly shows starring established and emerging West End actors.
How do theatres promote celebrity-led productions?
Celebrity-led productions are promoted through press junkets, artwork and press nights. Keep an eye out for promotional events ahead of the opening performances.
Are there plans for extended runs if demand exceeds expectations?
In some cases, a show may be extended due to popular demand. Check our theatre guide for the latest shows and performance times.
Find upcoming West End shows and discover what’s on in London Theatre, whether you are interested in seeing the best play or musicals in London. Make sure to book in advance, particularly for popular shows with star actors, so you don’t miss out.