9 Exciting New Shows in London in 2024
2024 is set to be 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 from winter into spring, you can book now for lots of exciting London theatre shows in February and beyond that people will hyping up 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. Hello, Dolly: Make a match with Imelda Staunton!
Theatrical heavyweight Imelda Staunton is back in the West End in a dazzling revival of Hello, Dolly!. This classic story about a socialite turned meddling matchmaker is exuberant fun and a real showpiece for its main actress. Staunton is a powerhouse in everything she does, but we think Dolly Levi might be the most perfect match for her yet! This production is at the Palladium for a limited time, so book early to avoid missing out.
from £23.80
2. Fawlty Towers: Basil welcomes new guests in this hilarious play!
Que? You heard that right: Basil Fawlty is back in business and this time, he's welcoming you for a short but sweet stay in the West End. Written by the legendary John Cleese, this brand-new stage adaptation of the classic '70s sitcom is packed with your favourite characters - from bumbling Manuel to gossipy Sybil - nods to the show's funniest moments, and a few new surprises to keep you on your toes.
from £20.00
3. Long Day's Journey Into Night: Brian Cox's West End homecoming
After starring in one of the most popular television dramas of the last decade, stage and screen veteran Brian Cox is now making a hotly anticipated return to the West End for the first time in almost a decade. His play of choice is an American classic about a dysfunctional family... if that sounds familiar, rest assured that Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer-winning work is an exciting, powerful character study that Cox is sure to dominate.
from £24.90
4. 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
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 £29.80
6. Player Kings: Ian McKellen returns to Shakespeare
Culture buffs should have Ian McKellen and Olivier Award-winning writer-director Robert Icke's daring take on Henry IV at the top of their wishlist! McKellen stars as the infamous Sir John Falstaff in this new version of Shakespeare's classic history play, condensed into one part by Icke. A divided kingdom, an ailing monarch, a fickle heir, and at its centre... a staggering performance by one of our greatest actors.
from £32.40
7. Next to Normal: a Broadway phenomenon finally hits London
There are some Broadway musicals that West End audiences wait years for, and Next to Normal is well worth that wait! After a UK premiere at the Donmar Warehouse, this "brave and breathtaking" (The New York Times) musical now transfers to Wyndham's Theatre for a strictly limited season. The story of a US mother and wife who lives with bipolar disorder and regrets from her past has fantastic rock-inspired songs, and it will stay with you long after you've watched it.
from £23.80
8. Starlight Express: Lloyd Webber's fastest show on earth returns!
Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals cover all manner of subjects, from biblical epics to political regimes and talking cats. But none stand out quite so much as the quirky Starlight Express, famous for being performed on rollerskates at breakneck speed. The story of a steam train who longs to be the fastest in the world - and win the heart of observation car Pearl - finally returns to London, so get your skates on and book as soon as tickets go on sale.
from £35.10
9. People, Places and Things: the hard-hitting drama returns
One of the most acclaimed plays of the 21st century makes a triumphant return to London this year, with Olivier Award-winner Denise Gough (Angels in America) reprising her role as an actress who enters rehab. Duncan Macmillan's "transfixing" (The Times) tale of a woman whose life is spinning out of control is sharply observed and completely gripping, with a central performance that will leave you breathless with awe.
from £25.00
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.
We love to see big stars on stage in London, so keep an eye out for new West End plays such as Mark Strong 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.