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. Rachel Zegler in Evita
2. Imelda Staunton in Mrs Warren's Profession
Imelda Staunton stars in George Bernard Shaw’s classic drama alongside her real-life daughter Betsy Carter. Best known for her roles in Vera Drake, and Harry Potter, Staunton is no stranger to the stage, giving award-winning performances in Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, and more and is a BAFTA and Olivier Award-winner and Tony and Emmy-nominee. This provocative play, in which an educated young woman discovers the shocking secrets of her mother’s past, first premiered in 1893, and remains as relevant as ever. Book today to catch this mother-daughter duo on stage!
3. Billy Porter in Cabaret
4. Ewan McGregor in My Master Builder
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… Book now to catch this Hollywood legend's return to the West End!
5. Martin Freeman in The Fifth Step
6. John Lithgow in Giant
7. Ncuti Gatwa in Born With Teeth
1591 - a dangerous time for writers, who risk the wrath of censorship. In the dark back room of a tavern, William Shakespeare and Christopher "Kit" Marlowe meet... but what happens next? Doctor Who and Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa stars as Marlowe in this acclaimed play from American writer Liz Duffy Adams, following his riotous performance in The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre. Born With Teeth is full of seduction, intrigue, and scintillating drama - perfect for the always magnetic Gatwa.
8. Bryan Cranston in All My Sons
Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston stars as Joe Keller in this brand new production of Arthur Miller's American classic by innovative director Ivo Van Hove. Following a turbulent wartime, the Kellers are trying to get their life back on track. But when the daughter of Joe’s former colleague brings news that her father is being tried for criminal manufacturing during the war, what comes to light will shatter their world forever. Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Paapa Essiedu star alongside Cranston in this explosive, powerful and unmissable drama.
9. Cynthia Erivo in Dracula
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning Wicked superstar Cynthia Erivo returns to the West End in this one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel. When Jonathan Harker travels to the Transylvanian estate of Count Dracula, he believes it to be a business trip like any other. But there’s something strange, almost inhuman, and incredibly…hungry about the Count… Adapted and directed by Kip Williams, director of the recent Olivier-winning solo production of The Picture of Dorian Gray starring Sarah Snook, Dracula promises to be bloody brilliant - don’t miss out!
10. Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar
11. Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia
12. Michael Sheen in Nye
13. Brendan Gleeson in The Weir
The Banshees of Inisherin and In Bruges star Brendan Gleeson makes his West End debut this year in a revival of Irish playwright Conor McPherson's haunting drama. This is a huge coup for London theatre fans, as Gleeson has never appeared on our main stages and was last treading the boards over a decade ago! With BAFTA, Oscar and Golden Globe nominations under his belt, we think he could snag his first Olivier nod as well...
14. The Lady from the Sea
Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, best known for her roles in Tomb Raider, The Danish Girl and Ex Machina makes her stage debut in this scintillating play about love, loss and desire. Vikander stars as Elida, a discontented housewife who worries she has settled, opposite Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln, as Elida’s husband Edward. When an old flame of Elida’s visits the couple, he brings with him an unexpected reckoning… This explosive reimagining interprets Ibsen’s classic through a modern lens, and promises to be unmissable. Secure your tickets today.
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.
