What are the top London theatre shows in 2026?

Must-see shows in London right now include the hit Paddington musical , which has charmed audiences and critics with its catchy songs, heart-warming story and jaw-droppingly adorable lead actor… well, bear! Not just for kids, this is one of the best new British musicals in years. Talking of smash-hits, The Producers is one of the biggest musicals currently running. Mel Brooks’ sharp wit and satire is as good as ever on stage, and tickets have been selling like hotcakes. Meanwhile, cinema fans are going crazy for the Wicked movie, but nothing can beat the original, long-running stage show. Other crowd-pleasing West End musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables are great choices that continue to delight packed-out crowds every night. Finally, don’t wait to book for some of the best star-studded plays in London, including Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind , Bryan Cranston in All My Sons and Hugh Bonneville in Shadowlands .

What are the showtimes for West End theatres?

Most West End shows start at 7.30pm for their evening performances, while 2.30pm or 3pm are standard for London matinee shows . There are some exceptions to this, such as Matilda , which start evening performances at 7pm. Shows aimed specifically at young children may adhere to even earlier showtimes. Always check showtimes thoroughly when booking London theatre tickets and planning your visit.

Where in London is the West End?

The West End is located in the Western region of Central London; West of the City of London and East of Mayfair. Many West End theatres can be found along major thoroughfares such as the Strand, Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Popular tourist areas such as Leicester Square and Covent Garden are part of the West End. Tube stations that are well located for West End theatres include Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

Why is the London theatre district called 'The West End'?

The theatre district is located in Central London, but just to the West of what is known as 'the City of London'; the commercial district surrounding tube stations such as Bank and Monument. In the early 19th Century, areas West of Charing Cross were highly fashionable and this is when the term 'the West End' became widely used. While the urban sprawl of London now extends much farther West than the theatre district, the majority of popular theatres are located in what was traditionally the Western end of the city, before it merged with the nearby city of Westminster to become the city recognisable today.

Where can I buy London theatre tickets?

You can find tickets to top London shows right here on SeatPlan. Browse our listings, which are kept up-to-date with the latest musicals, plays, dance shows and opera in the capital, and avoid queues with our hassle-free online booking experience. You won't have to worry about remembering your tickets on the day either - they're delivered straight to your inbox and can be shown on your phone or printed out. We regularly have offers and discounts available that beat box office prices; for discounted tickets take a look at cheap theatre tickets in London .

How do I find last-minute theatre tickets and deals for London's West End?

If you're looking to head to London at the last-minute or are already in the area, you can use our last-minute theatre tickets page to search for the best deals and availability within the next 7 days.

Saturday Matinees in London

Spend your weekend the right way with an afternoon trip to the theatre! There is no limit to what matinees are on in London on Saturday; this is the biggest day of the week for crowds flocking to the West End. Whether it’s a huge TV or film star on stage or a family-friendly musical, tickets are available for practically any show you want to watch.

Saturday theatre matinees start between 2pm and 2.30pm, leaving plenty of time to sightsee and have lunch before a show, and you can keep your evenings free to enjoy London’s best nightlife spots as well. You cannot beat the atmosphere of a weekend theatre trip, so check Sunday matinees for even more shows to book for now.