New West End Shows 2025-2026: What's Opening in London Theatre
by James Johnson
December 1, 2025
Share

New West End Shows 2025-2026: What's Opening in London Theatre
by James Johnson
December 1, 2025
Share

New West End Shows 2025-2026: What's Opening in London Theatre
by James Johnson
December 1, 2025
Share

New West End Shows 2025-2026: What's Opening in London Theatre
by James Johnson
December 1, 2025
Share

This guide covers every major new show opening in London, from blockbuster musicals to intimate plays, so you can plan your theatre calendar and book early for the hottest tickets.
If you love theatre, these are the shows you need to know about.
Major Musicals Opening
Beetlejuice (May 2026)
Venue: Prince Edward Theatre What is it: The cult Tim Burton film becomes a Broadway smash, now transferring to London. Ghost-with-the-most Betelgeuse causes chaos for a recently deceased couple. Why book: Massive Broadway hit with spectacular staging. Limited run likely.
Avenue Q (2026)
Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre What is it: The irreverent puppet musical returns to the West End for the first time in over two decades. Sesame Street for adults. Why book: Contains "The Internet is for Porn" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist." Cult classic finally back.
Jesus Christ Superstar (2026)
Venue: London Palladium What is it: Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera revival at a flagship venue. Why book: This will be a major production at one of London's most prestigious venues.
Kinky Boots (2026)
Venue: London Coliseum What is it: The Cyndi Lauper musical about a shoe factory saved by drag queens returns to London. Why book: Feel-good crowd-pleaser with massive following.
Cats (Summer 2026)
Venue: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre What is it: The iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical performed outdoors. Why book: Jellicle Cats under the stars. Unique outdoor staging.
Pride The Musical (2026)
Venue: National Theatre What is it: Based on the 2014 film about LGBT activists supporting Welsh miners during the 1984 strike. Why book: British story, acclaimed film, National Theatre production.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket What is it: New musical based on Rachel Joyce's bestselling novel about a man who walks across England. Why book: World premiere of a potentially major new British musical.
Currently Running Must-Sees
While looking ahead, don't miss what's already playing:
ABBA Voyage (Extended to May 2026)
Venue: ABBA Arena Why now: Extended but won't run forever. The technology is revolutionary. London exclusive.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Venue: Phoenix Theatre Why now: Olivier Award winner with effects that seem impossible. Extended through 2026.
Back to the Future (Closes April 2026)
Venue: Adelphi Theatre Why now: Last chance to see the flying DeLorean before it's gone.
Star-Studded Limited Runs
The Importance of Being Earnest
Stars: Stephen Fry, Olly Alexander Venue: Noel Coward Theatre Why book: Stephen Fry in Oscar Wilde. Limited run will sell fast.
High Noon
Stars: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre Why book: Stage adaptation of the classic Western with major film stars.
Othello
Stars: David Harewood, Toby Jones, Caitlin FitzGerald Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket Why book: David Harewood returns to the role that made his name at the National.
The Weir
Stars: Brendan Gleeson Venue: West End (venue TBC) Why book: Oscar winner in Conor McPhhelan's Irish classic.
What's Rumoured (Unconfirmed)
Theatre gossip suggests these might be coming:
The Outsiders - Tony-winning Broadway musical about teen gangs Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Immersive ballroom-culture reimagining Death Becomes Her - Broadway musical based on the 1992 film
Nothing confirmed yet, but watch this space.
How to Get Tickets to New Shows
Book Early
Opening nights and first previews sell out immediately. Sign up for alerts on show websites.
Preview Prices
First performances often have reduced prices as the show finds its feet.
Official Channels Only
Book through tickadoo for official tickets and instant confirmation.
Consider Matinees
New shows often have availability on weekday matinees when evenings are sold out.
What's Still Running Strong
While new shows arrive, the classics continue:
Les Misérables - Since 1985, celebrating 40 years
The Phantom of the Opera - The longest-running West End show
The Lion King - 25+ years at the Lyceum
Wicked - Nearly 20 years of defying gravity
Mamma Mia! - Since 1999
Hamilton - The phenomenon continues
SIX - Pop queens reign
Matilda - Revolting Children forever
Plan Your 2025-2026 Theatre Year
The West End calendar is packed. Whether you prefer established classics or want to be first through the doors for new productions, London theatre through tickadoo makes booking simple.
What Do You Wanna Doo?
tickadoo - Your AI-powered travel concierge. London theatre booking. Official tickets. Instant confirmation. What Do You Wanna Doo?
This guide covers every major new show opening in London, from blockbuster musicals to intimate plays, so you can plan your theatre calendar and book early for the hottest tickets.
If you love theatre, these are the shows you need to know about.
Major Musicals Opening
Beetlejuice (May 2026)
Venue: Prince Edward Theatre What is it: The cult Tim Burton film becomes a Broadway smash, now transferring to London. Ghost-with-the-most Betelgeuse causes chaos for a recently deceased couple. Why book: Massive Broadway hit with spectacular staging. Limited run likely.
Avenue Q (2026)
Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre What is it: The irreverent puppet musical returns to the West End for the first time in over two decades. Sesame Street for adults. Why book: Contains "The Internet is for Porn" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist." Cult classic finally back.
Jesus Christ Superstar (2026)
Venue: London Palladium What is it: Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera revival at a flagship venue. Why book: This will be a major production at one of London's most prestigious venues.
Kinky Boots (2026)
Venue: London Coliseum What is it: The Cyndi Lauper musical about a shoe factory saved by drag queens returns to London. Why book: Feel-good crowd-pleaser with massive following.
Cats (Summer 2026)
Venue: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre What is it: The iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical performed outdoors. Why book: Jellicle Cats under the stars. Unique outdoor staging.
Pride The Musical (2026)
Venue: National Theatre What is it: Based on the 2014 film about LGBT activists supporting Welsh miners during the 1984 strike. Why book: British story, acclaimed film, National Theatre production.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket What is it: New musical based on Rachel Joyce's bestselling novel about a man who walks across England. Why book: World premiere of a potentially major new British musical.
Currently Running Must-Sees
While looking ahead, don't miss what's already playing:
ABBA Voyage (Extended to May 2026)
Venue: ABBA Arena Why now: Extended but won't run forever. The technology is revolutionary. London exclusive.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Venue: Phoenix Theatre Why now: Olivier Award winner with effects that seem impossible. Extended through 2026.
Back to the Future (Closes April 2026)
Venue: Adelphi Theatre Why now: Last chance to see the flying DeLorean before it's gone.
Star-Studded Limited Runs
The Importance of Being Earnest
Stars: Stephen Fry, Olly Alexander Venue: Noel Coward Theatre Why book: Stephen Fry in Oscar Wilde. Limited run will sell fast.
High Noon
Stars: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre Why book: Stage adaptation of the classic Western with major film stars.
Othello
Stars: David Harewood, Toby Jones, Caitlin FitzGerald Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket Why book: David Harewood returns to the role that made his name at the National.
The Weir
Stars: Brendan Gleeson Venue: West End (venue TBC) Why book: Oscar winner in Conor McPhhelan's Irish classic.
What's Rumoured (Unconfirmed)
Theatre gossip suggests these might be coming:
The Outsiders - Tony-winning Broadway musical about teen gangs Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Immersive ballroom-culture reimagining Death Becomes Her - Broadway musical based on the 1992 film
Nothing confirmed yet, but watch this space.
How to Get Tickets to New Shows
Book Early
Opening nights and first previews sell out immediately. Sign up for alerts on show websites.
Preview Prices
First performances often have reduced prices as the show finds its feet.
Official Channels Only
Book through tickadoo for official tickets and instant confirmation.
Consider Matinees
New shows often have availability on weekday matinees when evenings are sold out.
What's Still Running Strong
While new shows arrive, the classics continue:
Les Misérables - Since 1985, celebrating 40 years
The Phantom of the Opera - The longest-running West End show
The Lion King - 25+ years at the Lyceum
Wicked - Nearly 20 years of defying gravity
Mamma Mia! - Since 1999
Hamilton - The phenomenon continues
SIX - Pop queens reign
Matilda - Revolting Children forever
Plan Your 2025-2026 Theatre Year
The West End calendar is packed. Whether you prefer established classics or want to be first through the doors for new productions, London theatre through tickadoo makes booking simple.
What Do You Wanna Doo?
tickadoo - Your AI-powered travel concierge. London theatre booking. Official tickets. Instant confirmation. What Do You Wanna Doo?
This guide covers every major new show opening in London, from blockbuster musicals to intimate plays, so you can plan your theatre calendar and book early for the hottest tickets.
If you love theatre, these are the shows you need to know about.
Major Musicals Opening
Beetlejuice (May 2026)
Venue: Prince Edward Theatre What is it: The cult Tim Burton film becomes a Broadway smash, now transferring to London. Ghost-with-the-most Betelgeuse causes chaos for a recently deceased couple. Why book: Massive Broadway hit with spectacular staging. Limited run likely.
Avenue Q (2026)
Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre What is it: The irreverent puppet musical returns to the West End for the first time in over two decades. Sesame Street for adults. Why book: Contains "The Internet is for Porn" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist." Cult classic finally back.
Jesus Christ Superstar (2026)
Venue: London Palladium What is it: Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera revival at a flagship venue. Why book: This will be a major production at one of London's most prestigious venues.
Kinky Boots (2026)
Venue: London Coliseum What is it: The Cyndi Lauper musical about a shoe factory saved by drag queens returns to London. Why book: Feel-good crowd-pleaser with massive following.
Cats (Summer 2026)
Venue: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre What is it: The iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical performed outdoors. Why book: Jellicle Cats under the stars. Unique outdoor staging.
Pride The Musical (2026)
Venue: National Theatre What is it: Based on the 2014 film about LGBT activists supporting Welsh miners during the 1984 strike. Why book: British story, acclaimed film, National Theatre production.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket What is it: New musical based on Rachel Joyce's bestselling novel about a man who walks across England. Why book: World premiere of a potentially major new British musical.
Currently Running Must-Sees
While looking ahead, don't miss what's already playing:
ABBA Voyage (Extended to May 2026)
Venue: ABBA Arena Why now: Extended but won't run forever. The technology is revolutionary. London exclusive.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Venue: Phoenix Theatre Why now: Olivier Award winner with effects that seem impossible. Extended through 2026.
Back to the Future (Closes April 2026)
Venue: Adelphi Theatre Why now: Last chance to see the flying DeLorean before it's gone.
Star-Studded Limited Runs
The Importance of Being Earnest
Stars: Stephen Fry, Olly Alexander Venue: Noel Coward Theatre Why book: Stephen Fry in Oscar Wilde. Limited run will sell fast.
High Noon
Stars: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre Why book: Stage adaptation of the classic Western with major film stars.
Othello
Stars: David Harewood, Toby Jones, Caitlin FitzGerald Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket Why book: David Harewood returns to the role that made his name at the National.
The Weir
Stars: Brendan Gleeson Venue: West End (venue TBC) Why book: Oscar winner in Conor McPhhelan's Irish classic.
What's Rumoured (Unconfirmed)
Theatre gossip suggests these might be coming:
The Outsiders - Tony-winning Broadway musical about teen gangs Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Immersive ballroom-culture reimagining Death Becomes Her - Broadway musical based on the 1992 film
Nothing confirmed yet, but watch this space.
How to Get Tickets to New Shows
Book Early
Opening nights and first previews sell out immediately. Sign up for alerts on show websites.
Preview Prices
First performances often have reduced prices as the show finds its feet.
Official Channels Only
Book through tickadoo for official tickets and instant confirmation.
Consider Matinees
New shows often have availability on weekday matinees when evenings are sold out.
What's Still Running Strong
While new shows arrive, the classics continue:
Les Misérables - Since 1985, celebrating 40 years
The Phantom of the Opera - The longest-running West End show
The Lion King - 25+ years at the Lyceum
Wicked - Nearly 20 years of defying gravity
Mamma Mia! - Since 1999
Hamilton - The phenomenon continues
SIX - Pop queens reign
Matilda - Revolting Children forever
Plan Your 2025-2026 Theatre Year
The West End calendar is packed. Whether you prefer established classics or want to be first through the doors for new productions, London theatre through tickadoo makes booking simple.
What Do You Wanna Doo?
tickadoo - Your AI-powered travel concierge. London theatre booking. Official tickets. Instant confirmation. What Do You Wanna Doo?
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