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Where to See Stars on Stage in London in 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!

1. Tom Hiddleston in Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing London
Much Ado About Nothing London
Marvel AND Shakspeare fans are in for a treat as Captain America and Loki stars Hayley Atwell and Tom Hiddleston play quarrelling partners in this brand-new production of Shakespeare’s witty and moving romantic comedy, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Beatrice and Benedick have never really gotten on - or so they say… With a bit of meddling, young lovers Hero - Beatrice’s cousin - and Claudio - Benedick’s friend - set the pair on track to realising their feelings. But when the villainous Don John interferes, it spells disaster for the two couples…
from £43.00

2. Billy Porter in Cabaret

Cabaret London
Cabaret London
This Olivier award-winning revival of Cabaret has offered a star-studded cast since it slinked into the Playhouse Theatre in 2021 and the latest superstar taking the stage at the Kit Kat Club is the fierce and fabulous Billy Porter as the Emcee. Best known for his Emmy-winning turn as sharp-tongued compere Pray Tell on FX’s groundbreaking TV show Pose, Porter is also a Broadway legend, winning both a Tony and a Grammy for his performance as Lola in Kinky Boots. Book today and catch Porter serving 10s across the board!
from £36.00

3. Michael Sheen in Nye

Nye London
Nye London
Good Omens and Frost/Nixon star Michael Sheen reprises his role as NHS founder Aneurin - Nye - Bevan. This whimsical, weird and wonderful play traverses the Welsh political figure's career through fantasy sequences as Bevan lies on his deathbed, spanning his beginnings as a coalminer to his parliamentary spats with Churchill and all the way through to his crowning achievement - The National Health Service. Nye sold out its earlier run at the National, so be sure to book early to catch the BAFTA and Olivier Award-nominated Sheen’s virtuosic performance.
from £42.00
Opens July 2025

4. Brie Larson in Elektra

Elektra London
Elektra London
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.
from £30.00
Save up to £10.00

5. John Lithgow in Giant

Giant London
Giant London
Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning actor John Lithgow, best known for his roles in Killers of the Flower Moon and as Winston Churchill on The Crown, reprises his outstanding performance as Roald Dahl in Giant. Beloved children’s author Dahl is embroiled in an anti-semiticism scandal in this provocative, darkly funny re-examination of one of the UK's most celebrated writers. This critically acclaimed play transfers to the West End this spring following a sell-out run at the Royal Court. Don’t miss Lithgow’s towering performance - book ahead now!
from £30.00
Opens April 2025

6. Rami Malek in Oedipus

Oedipus London
Oedipus London
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 Sophocles' 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!
from £108.00

7. Ewan McGregor in My Master Builder

My Master Builder London
My Master Builder London
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…
from £30.00
Opens April 2025

8. Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar

Good Night, Oscar London
Good Night, Oscar London
Emmy winner Sean Hayes reprises his Tony Award-winning turn as virtuoso composer Oscar Levant in this explosive new play - based on a real event in Levant’s career - about fame, exploitation and the fragility of genius, as it transfers to London for a strictly limited run. You may know him best as the hyperactive and hilarious Jack McFarland on Will and Grace, but Hayes is unrecognisable as witty but troubled wild-card Levant, giving a must-see performance that sold out the show’s run on Broadway. Book now for the show of the summer!
from £30.00
Opens July 2025

9. Martin Freeman in The Fifth Step

The Fifth Step London
The Fifth Step London
Grab a coffee, take a seat and join Martin Freeman on the road to recovery. This subversive, darkly hilarious drama about masculinity, faith and addiction was a hit at the Edinburgh International Festival and transfers to London for a strictly limited run. Freeman plays James, the enigmatic sponsor of nervous newcomer Luka, played by Slow Horses star Jack Lowden, as they both attend a twelve-step alcohol addiction program. But as the men grow closer and dark secrets are revealed, the line between support and control begins to blur…
from £54.00
Opens May 2025

10. Brian Cox in The Score

The Score London
The Score London
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.
from £22.50
Save up to £22.00
Opens February 2025

11. Jonathan Bailey in Richard II

Richard II London
Richard II London
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.
from £36.00

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.
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