The best plays in London in 2026

Mischief Theatre's latest comedy, The Comedy About Spies, returns to London this summer after a hugely successful premiere last year. Packed with the company's signature fast-paced humour, the show is another brilliantly chaotic comedy where, unsurprisingly, everything that can go wrong does.

Step into 1960s London as spies, tourists and aspiring actors descend on London's Piccadilly Hotel after a rogue MI6 agent steals plans for a top-secret weapon known as Project Midnight. With CIA and KGB agents racing to get their hands on the missing file, a clueless young couple, an actor auditioning for the next James Bond film and a string of double agents all find themselves caught up in the chaos, leading to one case of mistaken identity after another.

What really stood out to us was Mischief Theatre's impeccable comic timing, with every gag landing perfectly. From colourful 1960s costumes, trench coats and dark sunglasses to disguises, dramatic chases and cleverly choreographed slapstick, the action barely slows down. Every scene somehow raises the stakes even further, leaving us laughing from start to finish.

Best for: Fans of Mischief Theatre and anyone looking for a fast-paced comedy packed with slapstick humour and clever visual gags.

Good to know: You don't need to have seen any of Mischief Theatre's previous productions to enjoy The Comedy About Spies. While fans will spot plenty of the company's trademark style, this is a brand-new story that stands completely on its own.

If there's one show in the West End that has earned its place in theatre history, it's The Mousetrap. Now in its 74th year, Agatha Christie's murder mystery remains the world's longest-running play, continuing to attract both first-time theatre-goers and returning audiences eager to experience the mystery all over again.

From the moment we stepped inside the historic St Martin's Theatre, we could feel the excitement of watching such a legendary production. We loved exploring the theatre's corridors, which are filled with memorabilia celebrating its remarkable history, from awards and photographs to humorous sketches and even a telegram from Buckingham Palace. As the curtain rises, newly married couple Molly and Giles Ralston welcome their first guests to Monkswell Manor, their newly opened countryside guest house, just as a snowstorm cuts them off from the outside world. Seven strangers soon find themselves trapped together as a shocking murder turns everyone into a suspect.

As tensions rise and secrets begin to unravel, alibis are questioned, unexpected connections come to light and trust quickly disappears. With every new revelation, you'll find yourself constantly changing your mind over one question: Who did it?

Best for: Agatha Christie fans, lovers of classic murder mysteries and anyone who enjoys trying to solve the case before the final reveal.

Good to know: If you decide to get the programme, don't forget to ask for it to be stamped before you leave. The stamp features the performance number you attended, making it a unique keepsake from your visit.

Seeing A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic has become a much-loved festive London tradition. Now returning for its 10th consecutive year, Jack Thorne's adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless classic has become one of The Old Vic's biggest hits and a must-see Christmas experience in London. From the moment you enter the auditorium, the production immerses you in the world of Dickens through all the senses, with the smell of freshly baked mince pies filling the air and Christmas carols echoing through the theatre. 

The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge on a bitterly cold Christmas Eve as he finds himself alone and forced to confront the mistakes of his past. Visited by the four ghosts of Christmas, Scrooge embarks on a journey through his past, present and future, discovering the impact of a lifetime of greed and selfishness and facing one final chance to change before it is too late.

The Old Vic's unique in-the-round staging brings audiences closer to the action, creating a magical 360-degree experience. Whether it's the atmospheric set, the surrounding audience arrangement or the unexpected moments happening all around you, the production makes you feel fully transported into Scrooge's world.

Best for: Anyone looking for a magical festive theatre experience that captures the warmth, wonder and spirit of Christmas.

Good to know: Front-row seats offer the most immersive experience, placing you right in the middle of the action and close to all the festive surprises.

One of Anton Chekhov's most celebrated plays returns to the London stage in Ian Rickson's new revival of The Cherry Orchard, with Kristin Scott Thomas taking on the role of the grieving Lyubov Ranevskaya. Set against the backdrop of a changing Russia on the brink of social upheaval, the story follows Lyubov as she returns to her childhood home after years abroad, only to find her beloved family estate and its famous cherry orchard under threat.

Unable to come to terms with a world that is rapidly changing, Lyubov clings to the past as old loyalties begin to fade and new ambitions emerge. As the aristocracy's grip on society weakens, Chekhov paints a deeply moving portrait of love, loss and the struggle to let go, capturing a family caught between holding onto cherished memories and accepting the inevitable.

This poignant new production also marks a welcome reunion between Kristin Scott Thomas and director Ian Rickson, who previously collaborated on The Seagull, a performance that earned her the Olivier Award for Best Actress.

Best for: Fans of Chekhov, classic theatre lovers and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking family dramas.

Good to know:  While The Cherry Orchard explores love, loss and the passing of an era, Chekhov intended it to be a comedy. This production embraces both sides of the story, mixing heartfelt moments with lighter scenes.

The first production from Mischief Theatre, The Play That Goes Wrong has become a true London theatre classic, delighting West End audiences for over 13 years. If you're after a laugh-out-loud comedy, this is one of the funniest shows you'll find in the capital.

Often described as Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off, this Olivier Award-winning comedy follows the amateur Cornley Drama Society as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery. Unsurprisingly, almost everything that can go wrong does. From props flying across the stage and actors missing their cues to forgotten lines and scenes changing course in the most unexpected ways, the production quickly descends into brilliantly choreographed chaos.

As the director desperately watches his play unravel at record speed, the stage manager struggles to keep everyone on track, the backstage crew is forced to step into the spotlight, and the increasingly fragile set threatens to collapse at any moment. The result is a fast-paced comedy packed with slapstick humour, clever mishaps and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that will have you in stitches from start to finish.

Best for: Comedy lovers, fans of fringe theatre and anyone looking for a fun night out in London's West End.

Good to know: Arrive early and be in your seat at least 15 minutes before the show starts. The cast performs a series of pre-show skits that are easy to miss but well worth seeing.

Dive into the world of beloved period drama author Jane Austen with a twist as Austentatious brings completely improvised new stories to the stage. Each performance starts with the audience suggesting the title of a Jane Austen-inspired novel, with the chosen idea becoming the foundation for a brand-new Regency-era adventure filled with dashing gentlemen, courageous heroines and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

With each cast member taking on multiple characters, expect plenty of chaotic costume changes and unexpected plot twists. We were laughing from start to finish at the adventures of the characters, from a pirate facing a dramatic fate to a lady promised to marry a very Mr Collins-style suitor, two completely opposite characters with dreams pulling them in very different directions, one longing for a quiet and predictable life, the other chasing adventure on the open sea.

The result? Pure mayhem on stage, combining Jane Austen's world of romance, manners and period drama with the energy and unpredictability of fringe-style improv comedy.

Best for: Jane Austen fans, comedy lovers and anyone looking for a fun and completely unpredictable night at the theatre.

Good to know: While Jane Austen fans will love the references and Regency setting, you don't need to have read any of her books to enjoy the show. Each story is completely new and only loosely inspired by the Austen universe, making it just as enjoyable for fans of improv and comedy theatre.

The uproarious, Tony Award-winning dark comedy Oh, Mary! continues to make its mark on the London stage with a star-studded line-up of performers taking on the role of Mary Lincoln. After winning the Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, Cole Escola's hit play shows no sign of slowing down, with theatregoers praising its high-energy performances and irreverent humour. After Cole Escola reprised their original Broadway role as Mary this summer in the West End, it’s now RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon’s turn to return to the role for a six-week run from 17 August.

Set in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the play follows a suffocated and deeply unhappy Mary Lincoln, who dreams of a more glamorous life on the cabaret stage rather than the looming pressures of political life. Blending history with absurdity, Oh, Mary! is a sitcom-style farcical comedy packed with unexpected twists, larger-than-life characters and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Best for: Fans of dark comedy, offbeat humour and plays with unexpected twists.

Good to know: Despite being inspired by real historical figures, Oh, Mary! is a fictional comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you're expecting a traditional historical drama, you’ll be disappointed.

Noel Coward's irreverent yet irresistible comedy Hay Fever returns to the London stage starring screen legend Richard E. Grant alongside Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner Christine Baranski, who makes her West End debut. Written in 1924, the classic comedy remains one of Coward's most celebrated plays, blending witty dialogue, social satire and plenty of farcical misunderstandings.

The play follows the Bliss family during an eventful weekend at their country house. Judith, a retired and restless actress, dreams of returning to the stage, while her novelist husband David prefers to keep to himself. Their grown-up children Sorel and Simon are equally unconventional, and without telling each other, every member of the family secretly invites a guest of their own. What follows is a whirlwind of farcical situations, awkward encounters, flirtation and melodrama. As the weekend unfolds, the Bliss family’s unconventional behaviour creates complete chaos, much to the discomfort of their unsuspecting guests.

Best for: Fans of classic British comedy, witty dialogue and fast-paced chaotic comedies.

Good to know: Hay Fever is a classic Noel Coward comedy, so expect witty dialogue, sharp humour and a more traditional style of British farce rather than a fast-paced modern comedy. The play is less about a fast-moving plot and more about the eccentric Bliss family and the chaos created by their larger-than-life personalities.

Set inside the historic courtroom of London's County Hall, Witness for the Prosecution is one of the most immersive theatre experiences in the capital. Based on Agatha Christie's gripping courtroom drama, the production makes full use of its unique setting, with the grand courtroom immediately making you feel as though you're about to witness a real murder trial. From the towering pillars and judge's bench to the witness stand, jury box and audience seating surrounding the courtroom, every detail adds to the atmosphere before the play has even begun.

First adapted for the stage in 1953, the story follows Leonard Vole, who stands accused of murdering a wealthy older woman after unexpectedly becoming the sole beneficiary of her estate. As the trial unfolds, witnesses take the stand, barristers battle to convince the jury and new evidence continues to emerge, with each revelation changing everything you thought you knew about the case.

Packed with unexpected twists and tense courtroom exchanges, Witness for the Prosecution keeps the suspense building throughout both acts before delivering a classic Agatha Christie ending that left us genuinely shocked.

Best for: Agatha Christie fans, lovers of legal dramas and anyone who enjoys a murder mystery packed with twists, revelations and plenty of suspense.

Good to know: Arrive early to take in the unique County Hall setting before the performance begins. Wander through the historic corridors and courtroom, and keep an eye out, you might even spot members of the cast already in character, just as we did.

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings to the stage the eighth story in the world of everyone's favourite wizard. Set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, we meet an older Harry Potter, now an overworked Ministry of Magic Auror and father of three, as he grapples with the weight of his past while struggling to connect with his son, Albus.

Meanwhile, his son Albus finds himself living in the shadow of his father's legacy. Determined to change the mistakes of the past, Albus embarks on a time-travelling adventure that unleashes dark forces far beyond his control, with consequences that threaten both the present and the future.

What impressed us most was the show's incredible use of special effects and staging, bringing the wizarding world to life before our eyes. From Hogwarts' moving staircases and wizards appearing and disappearing in the blink of an eye to spellbinding duels and jaw-dropping moments that go far beyond the stage, it's one of the most visually spectacular productions on the West End.

Best for: Harry Potter fans and anyone wanting to see a show that blends magical storytelling with showstopping set design and special effects.

Good to know: The production is currently performed in two parts , a London exclusive, until 20 September. From 9 October, the show is set to return in a one-part version.

One of this autumn’s most anticipated debuts, The Lives of Others brings a stage adaptation of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s Oscar-winning 2007 film to the London stage. The drama, brought to the West End by Olivier Award-winning director Robert Icke, takes audiences to 1980s East Germany, at a time when the Stasi regime had near-total control over political expression and art in all its forms.

We meet Gerd Wiesler, a Stasi officer played by Stephen Dillane, as he begins a close surveillance operation, watching the daily life of novelist Georg Dreyman, played by Luke Thompson, and his partner Christa-Maria Sieland, an actress portrayed by Keira Knightley. From his post in the attic, Wiesler listens in on their conversations, but as the operation continues, he begins to question where loyalty ends and personal freedom begins.

Watch as the surveillance operation takes its course, with freedoms becoming increasingly fragile and every whispered conversation or opinion potentially carrying serious consequences. The result is a gripping psychological drama that explores censorship, loyalty, morality and the personal cost of living under constant surveillance.

Best for: Theatregoers with a taste for tense political thrillers and psychological dramas. Also a great pick for those wanting to see a star-studded West End cast.

Good to know: The tense political thriller comes to the West End for a strictly limited run, so we’d recommend booking your tickets in advance. With a star-studded cast, The Lives of Others is set to be one of the must-see dramas of the season.

The spectacular stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games franchise, brought to life by Olivier Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, has collected rave reviews, praised for its vibrant storytelling and innovative staging techniques.

Meet Katniss, played by Mia Carragher in her stage debut, the heroine at the heart of a fearless competition where 24 competitors enter a deadly arena and fight for their lives. The production retells the 74th Hunger Games in the dystopian world of Panem, with audiences surrounding a tailor-made 360-degree stage that recreates the atmosphere of the deadly competition, bringing the action closer to the audience in a setting that feels more like an arena than a traditional theatre.

The production makes a splash with performers flying high above the stage, while combat, modern dance choreography and fire-blazing numbers come together for a spectacle that brings the world of The Hunger Games to life. With stunt performers taking on some of the action, expect a performance that is anything but a traditional stage adaptation.

Best for: Fans of The Hunger Games saga and quest-led narratives, as well as theatregoers looking for an immersive and spectacular performance.

Good to know: Your seat is allocated to one of the districts, reflecting the different areas represented in the Hunger Games. During the performance, Districts 1 and 2 rotate at certain points in the show for around 30 seconds.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes audiences back to Hawkins, long before the events of the Netflix series. At first glance, life in the small town seems ordinary. Young Jim Hopper is struggling to get his car started, Bob Newby dreams of making a name for himself on the radio, and Joyce Maldonado can't wait to leave Hawkins behind after graduation.

Everything changes when Henry Creel arrives, hoping for a fresh start. Before long, strange events begin to unfold, and it becomes clear that the shadows of the past are never far away. As Henry struggles to understand what is happening to him, he finds himself at the centre of a story that reveals the origins of the darkness that would later consume Hawkins.

Winner of multiple Olivier Awards, Stranger Things: The First Shadow brings the world of the Upside Down to life through spectacular special effects, clever stagecraft and theatrical storytelling. From shifting sets to jaw-dropping illusions, the production creates moments that feel impossible to achieve on stage. 

Best for: Fans of Stranger Things, immersive theatre and spectacular stage effects. A must-see for anyone wanting to discover the story behind Hawkins and the origins of the Upside Down.

Good to know: The show acts as a prequel to the Netflix series, revealing the story of Henry Creel before the events of Stranger Things. Fans of the series will spot plenty of familiar references, and we'd recommend newcomers have a general understanding of the Stranger Things universe before seeing the show.

The Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved films, My Neighbour Totoro, continues to delight theatre-goers for one final West End run until 10 January 2027. Complete with breathtaking puppetry the production captures all the magic of the original film while bringing something truly special to the stage.

Follow young Mei as she moves from Tokyo to the countryside with her older sister Satsuki and dad, only to discover a creaky old house that seems to have a life of its own, thanks to its mischievous soot spirits. As the sisters settle into their new home, the nearby forest becomes a place of wonder and escape. Before long, they meet the gentle giant Totoro, leading to some of the show's most heartwarming moments, from Mei bouncing on Totoro's giant fluffy belly to Satsuki finally meeting him while waiting in the pouring rain.

One of our favourite moments was watching the giant inflatable Catbus whizz through the theatre above the audience, travelling across beautifully animated city and countryside backdrops as it came to Mei and Satsuki's rescue. And chances are, just like us, you'll leave the theatre humming Totoro's closing song long after the curtain falls.

Best for: Studio Ghibli fans, families and anyone looking for a magical introduction to the West End.

Good to know: If you're looking for the perfect photo opportunity, head to the area by the bar where you can recreate the iconic bus stop scene with Mei and Satsuki under a red umbrella.

This Christmas, children are in for a treat as Julia Donaldson’s beloved character returns to the West End in this family favourite, blending puppetry, music and a heartwarming story. Follow Stick Man as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, trying to reunite with his family while crossing paths with all sorts of characters along the way. Things soon take an unexpected turn when he meets a dog who wants to play fetch, a swan looking for material for her nest, and even finds himself in a sticky situation after ending up on a fire. Will he overcome the obstacles in his path and make it back home to the family tree?

Twinkling trees, playful choreography and sing-along songs make for a festive treat, while the clever puppetry is a real highlight, with the dog puppet proving especially popular with younger audience members. Performed by a cast of three, the show packs plenty of energy, humour and heart into its one-hour running time, keeping both children and adults entertained throughout.

Best for: Families with children aged 3+ and fans of Julia Donaldson's books.

Good to know: With a running time of just one hour and no interval, this is a great choice for first-time theatre-goers and younger children who might struggle with a longer performance.

Treat the whole family to the return of Room on the Broom, a laugh-out-loud stage show bringing one of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling books to life.

The Olivier Award-nominated family show is packed with high-energy fun, delighting children with cracking jokes, plenty of chaos and a few unexpected surprises along the way. Follow the witch and her cat as they set off on their broomstick, meeting all sorts of characters who want to join them, from a friendly dog to a majestic bird and even a flamboyant frog. But with only so much space on the broom, things are bound to go wrong.

With lively puppetry, catchy songs and plenty of laughs, the show brings the much-loved story to the stage in a fun-filled adventure that is sure to have both children and adults laughing along at the witch’s mishaps.

Best for: Families with young children and fans of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books

Good to know: The show is a great introduction to live theatre for younger audiences, with puppetry, songs and plenty of comedy to keep children entertained. 

Edmond Rostand's 1897 tragicomedy Cyrano de Bergerac, one of France's greatest theatrical classics, makes a triumphant transfer to the London West End this season following its critically acclaimed run with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson's fresh RSC adaptation gives the beloved story a modern edge, blending lyrical poetry and razor-sharp wit with sweeping romance and exhilarating sword-fighting duels.

But the battles aren't fought with swords alone. We meet the brilliant poet and swordsman Cyrano de Bergerac, played by the outstanding Adrian Lester, whose razor-sharp wit and gift for words help the handsome but inarticulate Christian win the heart of Roxane, Cyrano's childhood friend and the woman he secretly loves. Despite his confidence on the battlefield and his brilliance with words, Cyrano is held back by his deep insecurity over his appearance, believing his famously large nose makes him unworthy of Roxane's love.

Reprising his acclaimed role, Adrian Lester delivers a captivating performance, effortlessly balancing Cyrano's wit, vulnerability and emotional depth while bringing the character's lyrical poetry and thrilling duelling scenes to life. 

Best for: Fans of classic theatre, timeless love stories and anyone looking for beautiful written productions combined with outstanding performances.

Good to know: Even if you're not familiar with the original play, this modern adaptation is easy to follow and strikes a great balance between humour, romance and action. If you enjoy clever wordplay and beautifully written dialogue, this is one production not to miss.

The first London stage adaptation of the popular film franchise, Paranormal Activity brings the supernatural thriller to the stage, delivering plenty of tense moments, scare jumps and gasps from the audience.

The haunting tale is brought to the stage by director Felix Barrett and writer Levi Holloway, creating a psychological thriller centred around an American couple who move from Chicago to the UK, only to find themselves dealing with strange supernatural happenings. Lou believes she has been haunted by a dark and malevolent spirit since childhood, while her partner James tries to support her, despite struggling to believe in the occult.

As strange things start happening around them, the play becomes increasingly tense and claustrophobic, creating the feeling that there is a presence on stage with us. Darkness, lighting, screens and clever illusions all add to the atmosphere, with a few jump scares along the way making the experience feel even more real.

Best for: Those looking to dive into all things spooky, fans of the Paranormal Activity franchise and anyone who enjoys supernatural stories filled with tension and unexpected twists.

Good to know: Paranormal Activity leans more into psychological tension and the supernatural than traditional horror, slowly building an unsettling atmosphere.