10 Exciting New Shows in London in 2023-2024
2023 has proven itself to be an incredible time for theatre in the capital, and a huge number of fantastic shows have opened since January. As we head into the second half of the year and beyond, there are lots of exciting London theatre shows in September, which marks the beginning of a busy autumn and winter in the West End. Expect the return of some massive musicals 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 new musicals in London in 2023. 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 new musicals in London in 2023. 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
After wowing audiences during its world premiere last year - and taking home 6 Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play - this incredible stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 film is back in London for an 18-week season in November. The childlike wonder of Studio Ghibli springs off the stage, and the puppets from Jim Henson's Creature Shop are utterly magical.
from £58.90
2. Sunset Boulevard: Nicole Scherzinger in the Hollywood classic
Singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger stars as faded Hollywood star Norma Desmond in this striking revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, opening in September. Director Jamie Lloyd brings his trademark clarity to this new production, and with hits including Cyrano de Bergerac and Evita at Regent's Park under his belt, this is sure to be something special.
from £23.80
3. MJ the Musical: an exhilarating glimpse into the mind of a genius
Discover the mind of musical superstar Michael Jackson as this Broadway sensation transfers to London! Starring Tony Award winner Myles Frost as Jackson, this is a jukebox musical that delves beyond the moonwalks and music to see what made him tick. With "Thriller", "Beat It" and more performed live by a sharp West End cast, this 5-star show delivers in buckets and is one to watch for 2024.
from £23.80
4. Lyonesse: Lily James stars in an intriguing new play
Stage and screen stars Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas team up for one of the biggest events of the year, as Penelope Skinner's latest play premieres in the West End. Set at the remote Cornish house of an elusive actress, this starkly funny and passionate play will draw you in and have you second-guessing who's in charge of the story. James and Scott Thomas are electric together, so book now!
from £79.00
5. The Time Traveller's Wife: an enchanting new British musical
Audrey Niffenegger's story of a couple torn apart by time but united in love has captivated readers since its release in 2003, and now comes to the West End stage. Joss Stone and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) pen soulful original songs for this new British musical that promises to surprise and move in equal measure.
from £29.80
6. Hamnet: the RSC's stunning adaptation hits London
Discover the woman who married Shakespeare in this incredible stage adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning book. The Royal Shakespeare Company and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti transform the story of Agnes, William and the loss of son Hamnet into a moving meditation on grief, nature and creativity. It sold out during its premiere in Stratford, so book now to see it in London.
from £29.80
7. The Ocean at the End of the Lane: a thrilling spectacle
The breathtaking, Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel is back in the West End for a limited season, and you should book quickly because it was a sell-out hit last year! Part fairytale, part horror, and entrenched in the nostalgia of childhood imagination, the play boasts incredible puppetry and physical theatre performances. You will be utterly swept up in the tide of this bewitching story.
from £25.00
No fees8. Stranger Things The First Shadow: theatre in a new dimension
Unlock the secrets of Hawkins in this hotly-anticipated play, from the creators of the Netflix series. In 1959, Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado are normal teens, in a normal town, until Henry Creel arrives... From the Duffer Brothers and an award-winning creative team comes a jaw-dropping theatrical experience that will shock, surprise and grip fans of Upside Down.
from £23.80
9. Backstairs Billy: Luke Evans in a royally good new comedy
Luke Evans and Penelope Wilton team up for this brand-new comedy, based on real events! The year is 1979 and the Queen Mother is entertaining guests with her loyal servant and friend, William "Backstairs Billy" Tallon. Events outside are about to collide with the order of the royal household, with chaotic results... This new play is set to be a fun and fascinating peek behind the scenes of Britain's longest-held establishment.
from £35.70
10. 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 soon; set an Alert for updates and get your best outfit ready for opening night.
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 2023 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 appears to have been pushed back to 2023.
Other rumoured new London musicals that are transferring from Broadway include Mean Girls, Tootsie and Beetlejuice. Anais Mitchell’s Greek myth-inspired Hadestown is confirmed to be returning to London in 2024, after wowing NYC audiences, and it is not the only modern musical you'll want to catch in the West End next year: Sheffield Crucible's Standing at the Sky's Edge is one of the best British shows of recent years, with tickets available soon.
We love to see big stars on stage in London. Sadly Imelda Staunton in Hello, Dolly! has been delayed until 2024, but in the meantime keep an eye out for news on new West End plays with starry casts, such as Helen Mirren in Greek tragedy Oedipus.
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! is still planned, and we’d be astonished if a West End run doesn’t follow.
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.
