Top 10 Best Plays in London 2026
The West End is synonymous with the bright lights, gripping plots and soaring melodies of the very best theatre shows in London, and if you're looking for intimate dramas, rib-tickling comedies and gripping whodunnits, there is nowhere we'd recommend more! Big names are a familiar sight in West End plays so you’ve even got the chance to see your favourite actor live on stage!
Major revivals, bold new work and magical book-to-stage adaptations make the best plays in London a bright and varied bunch no matter your tastes. If you’re not sure where to start, here are the shows we think will make your next trip to the theatre the best yet.
Picked your perfect play? Check out London plays, for the next 7 days for offers, the latest availability and discounts for shows in London over the next 7 days!
1. My Neighbour Totoro: Studio Ghibli magically realised on stage
Find your spirit with tickets to the "awe-inspiring" (Time Out) West End transfer of Studio Ghibli's beloved film on stage. This six-time Olivier Award winning play is a breathtaking triumph from the Royal Shakespeare Company and Joe Hisaishi that has already enjoyed two sold-out seasons at the Barbican Theatre. Now, it is one of the biggest theatre events for anyone who wants to escape into a world of whimsy, sisterhood and childhood imagination.
2. Stranger Things: phenomenal theatre in a new dimension
3. The Mousetrap: still gripping after 70 years
4. The Play That Goes Wrong: the West End’s funniest show
5. Witness for the Prosecution: Agatha Christie's courtroom drama
6. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: the magic remains alive
7. I’m Sorry Prime Minister: the classic comedy’s final hurrah
Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby return for one last laugh in this final chapter of the beloved comedy series. Griff Rhys Jones stars as Jim Hacker, who is now an Oxford don and seeks out his old pal Sir Humphrey, played by Clive Francis, to help save him from cancellation. Written by BAFTA-winning Yes, Minister co-creator Jonathan Lynn, I’m Sorry Prime Minister is dedicated to Lynn’s late writing partner Antony Jay and is filled with nostalgia, biting political comedy and plenty of laughs. Secure your tickets today!
8. Shadowlands: Hugh Bonneville leads this moving play
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville reprises his role as C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands, transferring to London following a sell-out, critically acclaimed run at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019. Based on a true story, the play tells the story of the unexpected, beautiful and ultimately tragic romance between Narnia author Lewis and his wife Joy Davidman. This production is one of the most moving of 2026 - book now, and get your tissues at the ready
9. Marie and Rosetta: Rockin' Musical Play Has Soul
Olivier and MOBO winner Beverley Knight stars as lesser-known soul legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe in this acclaimed drama, transferring from a 5-star run in Chichester. When gospel guitarist Tharpe is cast out of her religious community, she embarks on a tour across the segregated South - but she needs a singer. Enter Marie Knight (Ntombizodwa Ndlovu), the perfect vocalist, if Tharpe can dirty up her sweet sunday sound a little… This musical play tells the story of two forgotten icons of the rhythm and blues scene. Secure your tickets today!
10. Oh, Mary! : A darkly comic, camply irreverent Tony winner
This hilarious history-ish play from Tony winner and Pulitzer finalist Cole Escola shoves aside her famous presidential husband, Abe, and puts Mary Todd Lincoln firmly in the spotlight. Delving into the hidden hopes, desires and troubles of the first lady in the weeks leading up to her husband's assassination, this “smartly stupid riot” (Variety) puts a blackly satirical, tongue-in-cheek and fabulously queer slant on this famous couple. Comedy icon Catherine Tate takes over the lead role from Mason Alexander Park (The Sandman, Cabaret) from late April - book your tickets today!
