London’s theatre scene is set to dazzle audiences this year with an array of new productions, ranging from classic adaptations to innovative new works. Here are 10 of the most anticipated shows gracing the West End and beyond.
The original Broadway cast of The Great Gatsby. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
The Great Gatsby at London Coliseum
The Tony Award-winning new musical comes to the West End stage in a dazzling new musical, opening next month.
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless novel, mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby entertains the rich and famous with riotous parties at his Long Island mansion - yet he never joins in. Gatsby longs instead to reunite with his former flame Daisy Buchanan, but Daisy comes from another lifetime, long before the money…
The Great Gatsby opened at The Broadway Theatre in April 2024 direct from a record-breaking, sold-out world premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in late 2023.
Chunsoo Shin, the lead producer of The Great Gatsby musical, said: "We cannot wait for West End audiences to experience the magic, music, and spectacle of this iconic story like never before."
When: 11th April to 7th September.
Website: londongatsby.com.
Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Disney’s beloved 1997 animated film Hercules makes its West End debut as a stage musical this summer. Directed and choreographed by the acclaimed Casey Nicholaw, known for hits like The Book of Mormon and Aladdin, this production promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy.
The show features cherished songs such as “Go the Distance” and “Zero to Hero,” along with new numbers crafted for the stage adaptation.
When: Opens 6th June.
Website: herculesthemusical.co.uk.
Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre
The acclaimed and multi-award winning hit play by David Adjmi transfers to the West End this May, following a twice-extended Broadway run.
Last year, Stereophonic became the most Tony Award-nominated play ever and the most Tony Award-winning show of 2024.
Original cast members reprising their highly lauded performances from Broadway include Andrew R. Butler as Charlie, Eli Gelb as Grover and Chris Stack as Simon.
In Stereophonic, Adjmi invites the audience to immerse themselves — with fly-on-the-wall intimacy — in the explosive rise of a band on the verge of fame.
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s music industry, Stereophonic delves into the tumultuous world of rock ‘n’ roll, exploring the challenges and triumphs of a rising band. This play offers a raw and authentic look at the era’s music scene, capturing the essence of ambition, fame, and the personal costs that come with it.
When: Opens 24th May.
Website: stereophonicplay.com.
The Comedy About Spies at Noël Coward Theatre
From the creators of the acclaimed The Play That Goes Wrong comes a new comedic adventure, The Comedy About Spies.
When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you've got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.
This play promises a hilarious romp through the world of espionage, filled with the company’s signature physical comedy and unexpected twists.
When: 14th April to 5th September.
Website: www.mischiefcomedy.com.
Giant at Harold Pinter Theatre
After a successful run at the Royal Court Theatre, Giant transfers to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre.
Tony and Golden Globe-winner John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) will reprise his extraordinary performance as the renowned author Roald Dahl. The play delves into a controversial period of Dahl’s life, offering a nuanced exploration of his personal and professional challenges.
When: 26th April to 2nd August.
Website: gianttheplay.com.
Clueless The Musical at Trafalgar Theatre
This new musical comedy based on the Paramount Pictures classic 1995 film brings the beloved characters of Cher, Dionne and Tai, to the stage.
The modern spin on Jane Austen’s Emma gets another timeless makeover from the original film’s writer-director alongside a majorly acclaimed creative team.
Cher Horowitz is the most popular student at Beverly Hills High, renowned for her unique talent at finding love for others. She’s about to embark on her biggest project yet – making over her awkward new friend, Tai, and setting her up with the most handsome boy in school. But what happens to Cher when, for the first time, everything is not perfect? This fresh musical comedy is fun, fashionable, and, like, so way cool.
Based on the iconic 1995 film, Clueless The Musical features ’90s hits and witty dialogue, offeringiokm a nostalgic yet fresh take on the classic teen comedy.
When: Open now to14th June.
Richard II at The Bridge Theatre
Shakespeare’s historical drama receives a contemporary staging at The Bridge Theatre.
Richard II, played by played by Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travellers), is charismatic, eloquent, and flamboyantly witty. And a disastrous King – dishonest, dangerous, and politically incompetent. Echoing down the centuries is the perennial problem: how to deal with a ruler who has a rock-solid right to rule but is set on wrecking the country he leads.
Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic, and powerful play revolves round two startlingly modern figures: Richard, an autocrat who believes he is divinely sanctioned, and Henry Bullingbrook, a hard-headed pragmatist who has genuine authority.
This production aims to shed new light on the themes of power, identity, and destiny, making the classic play resonate with modern audiences.
When: Now open to 10th May.
Website: bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/richard-ii.
Sing Street at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Tony Award winners Enda Walsh (Once) and Rebecca Taichman (Indecent), with music from Gary Clark (Danny Wilson), bring John Carney’s beloved coming-of-age film to the UK stage for the first time in this brand new production, following sell-out runs in Boston and New York.
Adapted from the 2016 film, Sing Street tells the story of a group of teenagers in 1980s Dublin who form a band to escape their challenging home lives. With an uplifting score and heartfelt narrative, this musical captures the spirit of youthful ambition and the transformative power of music.
When: 8th July to 23rd August.
Website: lyric.co.uk/shows/sing-street.
EVITA at The London Palladium
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd.
Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me.
Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul.
When: 14th June to 6th September.
Website: www.evitathemusical.com.
Fiddler on the Roof
In a strictly limited 8-week season, this is a rare opportunity to catch the critically acclaimed production from a powerhouse team directed by Jordan Fein (Oklahoma, Young Vic), choreographed by Julia Cheng (Cabaret), designed by Tom Scutt (Winner of 2024 Tony Award for Cabaret).
It’s 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka. Tevye, a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, that means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, can he hold on to his roots, or must he bend to the will of his children and embrace the unfamiliar?
One of the greatest musicals of all time featuring, ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’, this classic musical of joy and community is an exuberant celebration of love and life.
When: 24th May to 19th July.
Website: www.barbican.fiddler-on-the-roof.