If there's something you've been meaning to see, this is your reminder. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Confirmed Closings

Back to the Future: The Musical

Venue: Adelphi Theatre Final Performance: April 2026 Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes

The DeLorean is flying for the last time. The spectacular effects, the 80s nostalgia, the flying car. Once this closes, there's no guarantee it returns.

Why see it now: The technical achievements are remarkable. This is the closest you'll get to time travel.

Limited Runs to Watch

Many West End shows announce as "limited engagements." These won't run indefinitely:

The Importance of Being Earnest (Stephen Fry, Olly Alexander) Star-driven productions rarely extend. Once the stars move on, the production closes.

All My Sons (Bryan Cranston) Limited engagement with a major Hollywood star. These windows are short.

Shows That Could Close (Unannounced)

Theatre economics are brutal. Shows that aren't selling well close without warning. Keep an eye on:

• Shows with heavy discounting

• Productions that haven't announced future booking

• Limited cast contracts

Why "Last Chance" Matters

Productions Change

Even "permanent" shows evolve. Today's Lion King isn't identical to 1999's premiere. Casts change. Staging adjusts. The version you see today is unique.

Shows Close Unexpectedly

Phantom of the Opera closed suddenly after 35 years. Nothing is permanent.

Stars Move On

If a show has notable casting, that won't last. Once the stars leave, the production changes fundamentally.

Still Running Strong (No Closing Announced)

These shows have no announced closing date but won't run forever:

ABBA Voyage - Extended to May 2026 The technology is revolutionary but the infrastructure has limits. Extended but not permanent.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow - Extended through 2026 Olivier Award winner riding high, but licensed properties have complex futures.

The Mousetrap - Running since 1952 The exception that proves the rule. But even this could theoretically close.

The Long-Runners (Probably Safe)

These are West End institutions:

• Les Misérables (since 1985) - Book tickets

• The Phantom of the Opera (since 1986) - Book tickets

• The Lion King (since 1999) - Book tickets

• Mamma Mia! (since 1999) - Book tickets

• Wicked (since 2006) - Book tickets

• Hamilton (since 2017) - Book tickets

• SIX (since 2019) - Book tickets

• Matilda (since 2011) - Book tickets

"Safe" is relative. Nothing is guaranteed.

How to Track Closings

Official Channels

• Show websites announce booking periods

• Social media often reveals news first

• Theatre news sites track closing announcements

Warning Signs

• Heavy discounting

• Reduced performance schedule

• Short booking window

• Cast contracts ending

Don't Wait

The West End has taught us repeatedly: shows you assume will run forever sometimes don't.

If there's something you've been meaning to see, book it. London theatre through tickadoo makes it simple.

What's on your "must-see" list? Because the curtain will fall eventually on everything.

What Do You Wanna Doo?

tickadoo - Your AI-powered travel concierge. London theatre booking. Don't miss out. Official tickets. Instant confirmation. What Do You Wanna Doo?