What are the top London theatre shows in 2024-2025?

Prestige, star-driven plays in London are always popular, so don't wait to book for The Tempest , starring Sigourney Weaver in her West End debut, and Brigerton’s Jonathan Bailey in Richard II . Or catch Dr Strangelove with Steve Coogan and Oedipus with Mark Strong and Lesley Manville in their final few weeks! Cinema-goers are going crazy for the Wicked movie, but nothing can beat the original, long-running stage show, plus 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. This year has seen lots of acclaimed new musicals such as The Devil Wears Prada and a folk-inspired take on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button . 2025 promises even more fabulous new shows including The Great Gatsby , transferring from Broadway, and an adaptation of iconic '90s film Clueless . So avoid disappointment and book today; these are set to be some of the best London theatre shows of 2025, and tickets are sure to fly out of the door! Finally, finish the year with the return of a much-loved classic! Chichester Festival Theatre's Oliver! opens in the West End this December. This new revival is a delight for fans, offering plenty of "Oom-Pah-Pah" as orphan Oliver Twist searches for belonging and family in Victorian London.

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.

London Theatre Shows in January 2025

The new year in London means quieter streets and winter sales, so watch out for theatre discounts to see top shows for less! Hollywood goes Greek this January - Rami Malek and Indira Varma star in Oedipus at the Old Vic, and Brie Larson makes her West End debut in Elektra, heading up a star-studded cast. New shows include transfers of the Royal Shakespeare Company's five-star political thriller Kyoto and stunning new play The Years.

Catch Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling Corteo at the Royal Albert Hall or breathtaking Chinese dance Shen Yun at the Eventim Apollo, or keep that festive feeling going with The Nutcracker and the Palladium Panto both still playing! Finally, don’t miss your last chance to see Mark Strong and Lesley Manville in Robert Icke’s Oedipus, and Bridge Theatre’s immersive Guys and Dolls, both closing early this month.

Guys and Dolls

If the weather's getting you down at the start of the year, head to the clubs of Havana via the Bridge Theatre! This Olivier Award-winning revival of Guys and Dolls immerses audiences in the story, with standing tickets available if you want to mingle where the action happens. Classic Broadway tunes, including "Luck Be a Lady", make this a must-see musical for January - but be quick because it closes this month.

Elektra

Academy Award-winner Brie Larson makes her West End debut this January, heading up a star-studded cast including Stockard Channing and Patrick Vaill, in this major new revival of Sophokles’ tragedy. Haunted by her father's assassination, grief-stricken Elektra seeks survival - and revenge - at any cost. When her long-lost brother Orestes returns, Elektra urges him to avenge their father. But is revenge truly worth the price?