Top 10 Best Plays in London 2026

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.

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!

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

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!

Gone Girl’s Rosamund Pike stars in the West End transfer of blistering drama Inter Alia, the new play from the award-winning team behind internationally acclaimed sell-out hit Prima Facie. Fresh from an acclaimed 2025 run at the National, which marked Pike’s first stage performance in over 15 years, Pike reprises the role of Jessica Parks, a crown court judge renowned for her feminist views and harsh sentencing. But when Jessica’s own family are rocked by a shocking turn of events, she is forced to reassess just what she stands for - justice, or her own family?