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. 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.
from £30.00
2. Jodie Whittaker in The Duchess
Broadchurch and Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker returns to the stage for the first time in 12 years this autumn, starring in a sharp, contemporary version of visceral Jacobean tragedy The Duchess of Malfi. Whittaker is well-known for playing some of the most compelling television characters of the last two decades, and in Zinnie Harris' 21st century reworking she steps into the shoes of one of theatre's most iconic female roles.
Jodie Whittaker is not scheduled to perform on all dates. See production page for more details.
Jodie Whittaker is not scheduled to perform on all dates. See production page for more details.
from £15.00
Save up to £15.003. 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.
from £30.00
4. 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.
5. 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.
from £30.00
6. Bel Powley in The Real Thing
BAFTA nominee Bel Powley has enjoyed a huge rise to fame since starting out on CBBC’s M.I. High. She’s appeared in indie hit Diary of a Teenage Girl, portrayed Princess Margaret in A Royal Night Out, and now steps onto the stage in one of Tom Stoppard’s best-loved comedies. Powley performs opposite James McArdle as a couple whose relationship began as an affair, and is caught up in a web of lies...
from £15.60
7. White Rabbit Red Rabbit
Where to start with this strictly limited season of a play that has little plot to give away? White Rabbit Red Rabbit is a surprising theatrical experience that sees a new actor step on stage at every performance. They’ve never read the script before, they don’t have a director, and everything they are about to perform is completely fresh. Anything could happen, and the allure of this experimental play has attracted stars including Miriam Margolyes, Lenny Henry, Toby Jones and Jill Halfpenny.
For a full listing of dates and performers, visit the production page.
For a full listing of dates and performers, visit the production page.
from £24.00
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.
