Where to See Stars on Stage in London in 2024-2025
Nothing generates a buzz quite as much as a celebrity appearing in a play or musical. Some of our very best screen actors began their careers treading the boards, and their return to London theatre is an exciting opportunity to see them in their element, live on stage. London theatre in May steps up a notch, after the Olivier Award winners have been announced and you might even be able to brag about seeing them in one of the best theatre shows in London.
Below, we’ve put together our pick of the biggest stars in the West End this year. Book quickly if you spot an actor you’d love to see perform live because tickets will sell fast!
Below, we’ve put together our pick of the biggest stars in the West End this year. Book quickly if you spot an actor you’d love to see perform live because tickets will sell fast!
1. Sigourney Weaver in The Tempest
O, wonder! Hollywood legend Sigourney Weaver makes her West End debut The Tempest at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Presented in Lloyd’s trademark stripped-back style, this brand-new production of Shakespeare’s tragi-comedy promises to enchant and delight. Weaver plays Prospero, an exiled sorcerer trapped on a desert island with her daughter, Miranda, seeking revenge on the men who put her there. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a global superstar make a splash at the West End's oldest theatre - it's such stuff as dreams are made on!
2. Brian Cox in The Score
Succession patriarch and Olivier, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Brian Cox returns to London in this new drama about Johann Sebastian Bach. When the impassioned composer is invited to the court of fearsome King Frederick II he reluctantly accepts. When Frederick sets a challenge for the composer, what comes next is something neither man could predict… Directed by Olivier Award winner Trevor Nunn, this explosive historical drama transfers to London following an acclaimed run at the Theatre Royal Bath.
3. Rami Malek in Oedipus
Greek tragedy fans are spoilt for choice this new year, as Academy Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Olivier winner Indira Varma (Game of Thrones) star in a revelatory new version of Sophokles' tragedy at the Old Vic, adapted by Olivier winner Ella Hickson (Wendy & Peter Pan). When Oedipus vows to solve the murder of the former king, what he uncovers can only lead to tragedy... Don’t miss your chance to see two huge stars enact one of the most twisted relationships in theatre history!
4. Brie Larson in Elektra
A sprinkling of Hollywood stardom lands in the West End in 2025, as Brie Larson makes her London theatre debut in this bold reimagining of Sophokles’ Greek tragedy directed by Daniel Fish (Oklahoma at the Young Vic). Larson has already proven her versatility by starring in Academy Award-winning prestige dramas like Room and blockbuster superhero films like Captain Marvel, and her magnetic presence is going to be a real winner on stage.
5. Jonathan Bailey in Richard II
After making us swoon in Bridgerton and feel thrilled by Fellow Travelers, Olivier Award-winning actor Jonathan Bailey is back on stage in one of Shakespeare’s most lyrical and grandiose History plays. Starring as Richard II, Bailey plays a charismatic but ineffective king who is up against a pragmatic challenger to the throne. Set just before Henry IV and Henry V, this is an epic story, and Bailey is perfectly cast.
6. Mathew Baynton in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
He’s made us laugh, cringe and maybe even shed a tear as passionate poet Thomas Thorne in the BBC’s Ghosts, and now Mathew Baynton makes his stage debut in Shakespeare’s bewildering comedy about love, deception and feuding fairies. Baynton stars as Bottom - who transforms into an ass! - in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production, which premiered to huge acclaim in Stratford-upon-Avon earlier this year.
7. Mark Strong in Oedipus
Stage and screen star Mark Strong has made a name for himself in Hollywood with blockbuster roles in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Kingsman: The Secret Service and Stardust, but this year theatregoers can get a taste of his classical drama training in Oedipus. Strong stars as the tragic Greek king, who is re-imagined as a modern-day politician in Robert Icke's acclaimed staging.
8. Steve Coogan in Dr Strangelove
Comedy legend Steve Coogan takes on iconic filmmaker Stanley Kubrick in this huge new production of Cold War satire Dr Strangelove. This world premiere marks the first time Kubrick's estate have allowed his work to be adapted for the stage, and Coogan portrays the weird and wonderful main character - a paranoid US General who kickstarts a nuclear war. It's one of the biggest openings of the year so book early to avoid missing out.
9. Ewan McGregor in My Master Builder
Make sure to set an alert for when this show goes on sale! Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning superstar Ewan McGregor returns to the stage after 17 years in this brand new Ibsen-inspired production by Lila Raicek, directed by Michael Grandage. July 3rd in the Hamptons, and as Independence Day approaches publishing exec Elena prepares to throw a party in her architect husband Henry’s honour. But their relationship isn’t quite what it seems, and when one of Henry’s students turns up at the party, things take an unexpected turn…
Can you meet West End stars at the stage door?
Stagedooring is a very popular tradition for London theatregoers and many actors are more than happy to meet fans after the show. It is a great way to get an autograph or photo with your favourite actor, and let them know how much you enjoyed their performance.Some theatres may have restrictions on stage door meet and greets, and this is often communicated on their social channels or with a note pinned to the stage door. If you are unsure, ask the box office team and they will be happy to provide more information.
Actors are more likely to meet fans at the stage door after evening performances than matinees, because they will need to change, rest and eat between shows in the afternoon.
How do I meet actors at the stage door?
People usually stage door after they have attended a performance, and at very popular shows you may be asked to present your ticket to prove you attended that day. If you are planning to head to the stage door after a show:Come prepared. Bring a pen (ideally a felt tip), something you would like signed such as a theatre programme, and have your phone camera ready.
Be prepared to wait for a while. Actors will be getting changed backstage, and sometimes hosting guests after a performance.
Listen to and follow directions from the theatre staff. Their priority is to ensure the stage door is well-managed and safe for everyone involved.
Be respectful of the people around you and do not try to skip the line, interrupt conversations or push others out of the way. Everyone is excited to meet their favourite actor but if the stage door gets rowdy or out of hand, it may end early.
Be respectful of the actor’s time and always say thank you! Meeting fans at the stage door is not part of an actor’s job, but many enjoy being able to meet fans and thank them for attending the show.
Be polite if the actor is unable to meet and greet. Sometimes actors simply aren’t able to come to the stage door and this will be communicated to anyone waiting as soon as possible.
Can you send cards or gifts to actors at the theatre?
Theatres have different policies for accepting gifts from fans. You may also be able to hand over a small card or letter at the stage door. If you would like to give an actor a gift, email the box office to ask before your visit and see what is allowed. Food items are less likely to be allowed for safety reasons.What happens if an actor does not appear at a performance?
The appearance of any actor in a West End show is always subject to scheduling, illness, injury, holiday entitlement, or other unforeseen circumstances. When you book your tickets, you are doing so for the production rather than a specific actor, and therefore are not usually entitled to a refund or exchange unless the performance is cancelled.Most shows have very talented understudies who will deliver amazing performances. You may even be able to brag in a few years' time that you saw a hot new rising star before they became popular!
Some shows advertise holiday dates for leading actors ahead of time, so always check these before booking. We have listed any holiday dates, or other dates that celebrities are not performing, on the production page.
