10 Exciting New Shows in London in 2024-2025
2024 has proven itself an incredible time for theatre in the capital, and a huge number of fantastic shows are gearing up to open over the next 12 months. As we head into summer, you can book now for lots of exciting London theatre shows in August and beyond that people will hyping for months to come! Expect the return of some of the biggest hits of yesteryear and new writing that will transport you all around the world from the comfort of your seat. There’s never been a better time to visit London and immerse yourself in a new play or musical.
Below, we have listed our pick of the most hyped, must-see plays and best musicals in London over the coming year. Get excited, but most importantly get booking so you don’t miss out on the shows everyone will be talking about!
Below, we have listed our pick of the most hyped, must-see plays and best musicals in London over the coming year. Get excited, but most importantly get booking so you don’t miss out on the shows everyone will be talking about!
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 winner 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 2025's biggest theatre events for anyone who wants to escape into a world of whimsy, sisterhood and childhood imagination.
from £30.00
2. Dr Strangelove: Steve Coogan takes on Kubrick
Alan Partridge and The Reckoning star Steve Coogan stars in the West End premiere of this huge new play, based on Stanley Kubrick's classic Cold War satire. Adapted by Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It), expect biting comedy, shocks and an incredible performance from Coogan as a rogue US general who presses the nuclear button.
from £31.00
3. Hercules: a star is born with Disney's new musical!
Who put the “glad” in “gladiator”? The producers of this huge new West End musical! We’ve certainly got a smile on our faces as Disney’s Hercules musical is confirmed to premiere at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in summer 2025. Based on the beloved film and featuring Alan Menken’s iconic songs, the heroic tale of a demi-god who discovers his own path and saves Mount Olympus is one of the biggest openings of the next 12 months.
4. Richard II: Jonathan Bailey stars in an epic Shakespeare play
Set a date with a Shakespearean epic as Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) stars in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre. This is the first production at the venue after the five-star Guys and Dolls closes, and director Nicholas Hytner isn’t holding back - a brilliant actor and an incredible story of a frivolous king who is unfit to rule make this a must-see in 2025.
5. The Devil Wears Prada: a new musical with songs from Elton John
Get ready to see Miranda Priestly in the flesh as The Devil Wears Prada musical struts into London! This hot new show with songs from Elton John debuts in the West End, so you can enjoy it before it hits Broadway. The film is a modern classic, so gird your loins… it’s about to be even more fun and fabulous on stage. Tickets are on sale now, so get booking and have your best outfit ready for opening night.
from £30.00
6. Oliver!: a thrilling new revival of the crowd-pleaser musical
It has sparked a love of musical theatre for generations thanks to catchy songs, a touching story and the Oscar-winning film adaptation, and now you can enjoy the magic of Lionel Bart's iconic show live on stage. Producer Cameron Mackintosh and award-winning director/choreographer Matthew Bourne lead this exciting, reconceived version of Oliver!, which is back in the West End for the first time in over a decade.
7. Inside No 9: brand new thrills from Pemberton and Shearsmith!
Prepare for the uncanny, the uneasy and the downright bizarre as Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith bring their BAFTA-winning TV show to the West End! The series may be ending, but this is a fantastic chance to enjoy a whole new story live on stage - with Pemberton and Shearsmith appearing in it as well as writing the (as yet unrevealed) story. The buzz around Stage/Fright is huge already, so set an alert for tickets now.
8. Death of England: the acclaimed state-of-the-nation show returns
For the very first time, book tickets to see all three of Roy Williams and Clint Dyer's incredible Death of England monologues performed in rep, as part of one season at Soho Place. Following the interlinked lives and experiences of four people, the plays are a stirring and explosive look at race, class and identity in 21st-century Britain. They open with Death of England: Michael, followed by Delroy and Closing Time. All three are powerful alone, but unforgettable together.
All three plays must be booked separately, with more information on the production pages.
All three plays must be booked separately, with more information on the production pages.
from £24.00
9. The Real Thing: Tom Stoppard's popular comedy returns
James McArdle and Bel Powley lead a huge revival of Tom Stoppard's popular comedy The Real Thing at the Old Vic Theatre this year, and it is set to be a hot ticket for theatregoers. Stoppard's trademark witty existentialism is out in full force, aided by some top-class performances and a creative team including Olivier Award-winning director Max Webster (Life of Pi).
from £17.00
Save up to £15.0010. Why Am I So Single?: a new show from the team behind SIX
Fans of SIX should swipe right and book tickets for this new musical! The creators of the hit histo-remix musical are back with a brand new show about two super-cool people who are also, weirdly, super-single. Modern dating, creativity and friendship all step into the limelight for this very modern new musical. See it with a date, with your mum, or totally alone - either way, it’s going to win you over.
from £24.00
London Theatre Shows By Month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberLondon Theatre Rumours
At SeatPlan we keep our ear to the ground to bring you the latest news of upcoming shows in London. We have gathered together all the industry whisperings on new West End musicals and plays coming in 2024 and beyond, so set an Alert for your most anticipated shows, and we will let you know when they’re confirmed.Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill, inspired by Alanis Morissette’s iconic album, was rumoured to open in London in late 2022, but this has been pushed back.
Other rumoured new London musicals that are transferring from Broadway include Tootsie and Beetlejuice.
For families, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of David Walliams’ book The Boy in the Dress is reportedly looking for a West End home, and Emma Thompson is developing Nanny McPhee the Musical.
Birmingham Rep’s UK premiere of Shakespeare spoof Something Rotten! was unfortunately postponed, but good news: a staged concert performance, starring Jason Manford, is planned at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a full West End season announced soon.
Derren Brown’s mind-bending version of H.G. Wells’ sci-fi story The Invisible Man was rumoured to be opening in 2022, but has been delayed.
Exciting film adaptations include It’s a Wonderful Life with music by Paul McCartney and book by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot). Ealing Comedy favourite Kind Hearts and Coronets has also been picked up for a stage adaptation, by Stephen Fry.
Other huge rumours include the West End premiere of Off-Broadway hit Titanique, a parody of Titanic mixed with Celine Dion.
