When is World Theatre Day?
World Theatre Day is on 27 March each year. This date was first chosen to coincide with the opening of the Theatre of Nations season in Paris.
The history of World Theatre Day
Set up by the International Theatre Institute in 1961, World Theatre Day is a global celebration of theatre in all its forms, promoting the work of the theatre community on an international scale and highlighting the impact theatre has on our lives each year. Each year, a special message is shared to reflect on a particular theme.
World Theatre Day events and things to do in London
There are many ways to mark World Theatre Day in London this year. Although there’s no overarching World Theatre Day event in London, there are plenty of performances and theatre-themed activities to help you celebrate London’s theatre scene.
See “only in London” shows
Want to impress your friends by seeing something in London that you can’t see elsewhere right now? Enjoy plenty of courtroom drama as you become immersed in a thrilling courtroom trial with Witness for the Prosecution. Come face to face with the fearsome Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, set against music by Elton John. Or delve into the extraordinary tale of a boy who suddenly discovers he’s a demigod in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.
For an authentic London theatre experience, book Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ghostly love story Phantom of the Opera, the original production which first opened in the West End in 1968. Or be one of more than 10 million people who have seen Agatha Christie’s whodunnit The Mousetrap – the world’s longest-running play, which has just celebrated its 30,000th performance!
Find more iconic theatre in London.
Tick off one of London’s top musicals
Most of London’s top musicals have performances on 27 March. Travel to the Serengeti with Simba and be wowed by the costumes at The Lion King. Watch as a precocious child stands up to bullies with Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Mix hip-hop and history as you learn more about the US’s founding father in Hamilton. Or sing along to catchy ABBA hits at Mamma Mia! The Musical.
Check out more must-see musicals.
Be among the first to see new shows
Want to get ahead of the curve? New shows just opened in London include the first West End run of high school hit Clueless The Musical, and the West End debut of the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro – following its great success on the London stage in recent years.
Learn what the fuss is all about with Olivier Awards nominees
Ahead of the Olivier Awards on 6 April, check out one of the nominated shows to see what makes them so admired.
Explore the mystery of F Scott Fitzgerald’s much-loved tale about a man growing younger in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, or re-live Michael Jackson’s hits as they're brought to life on stage in MJ The Musical – both among the nominees for Best New Musical.
Be amazed by Gabriella Slade’s designs in Starlight Express, which have led to her nomination for Best Costume. This fast-paced musical on roller skates has also been nominated for Best Musical Revival alongside the return of much-loved musical Oliver!, based on the Dickens classic.
You can also book ahead to see Fiddler On The Roof, which received 13 Olivier Award nominations in 2025, as it transfers to the Barbican from 24 May.
Don’t miss shows closing soon
Grab the last chance to see limited-run shows this month. It’s a laugh a minute as Robin Williams’ famous character takes to the stage in Mrs. Doubtfire (ends 26 April); or, for a more dramatic affair, be transported into the heart of climate negotiations in the immersive Kyoto (ends 3 May).
Some big names leave the stage next month… Brie Larson in Greek tragedy Elektra, which ends on 12 April; while the curtain also comes down on Brian Cox’s portrayal of Johann Sebastian Bach in The Score on 26 April. There’s also only a few more weeks left to see Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star in Shakespeare’s tumultuous comedy Much Ado About Nothing, which closes on 5 April.
Book ahead for new shows opening next month
If you’re not in London this World Theatre Day make sure you time your visit for hotly anticipated new arrivals next month.
Be transported to the Gatsby Mansion in Tony Award-winning The Great Gatsby (opens 11 April), expect plenty of not-so-secret operations in The Comedy About Spies from the company behind riotous The Play That Goes Wrong (opens 14 April), or see Ewan McGregor in My Master Builder (opens 17 April), which is inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s original play.
Join a Theatreland tour
Swap treading the boards for treading the pavements of London’s West End on a Theatreland tour. Learn about historic theatres, including the city’s oldest theatre site: Theatre Royal Drury Lane and find out how the world’s longest running play has continued to thrill audiences since 1952. The 90-minute tour also takes in Covent Garden, a hub of live street theatre and music.
Book the Theatreland tour now.
Step beyond the curtain at Shakespeare’s Globe
Go behind the scenes of one of London’s most iconic theatres on a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe. Discover how this faithful reconstruction of the original open-air playhouse from 1599 was built in the 1990s. You’ll also learn how the Bard’s works have been brought to life – from the time of their creation to the modern day – and become immersed in theatre-craft with the help of expert guides.
Book onto a Shakespeare’s Globe tour now.
Support grassroots theatre
Given its ethos to support theatre in all forms, why not see emerging talent at grassroots venues across the city this World Theatre Day.
A great place to find new shows is in one of London’s pub theatres, where up-and-coming playwrights often test out new works in relaxed venues.
Among the options this World Theatre Day... Camden’s Etcetera Theatre hosts Dysmorphia, a moving love story about a soldier battling with trauma from the front line; Chiswick’s Tabard Theatre sees a relationship between two adult orphans disintegrate with In The Mat; while Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens returns with Men’s Business – a love story set in the back room of a butcher’s shop – at the Finborough Theatre in West Brompton.
Whether you’re visiting London on World Theatre Day or planning future theatre experiences, find more inspiration with our theatre guide. Not sure what to wear to the theatre? Our handy tips on theatre attire will have you perfectly dressed for your theatre outing.