London Theatre Shows in January 2026
New Year, new openings! Our guide to the top shows opening and closing in January 2026 has all the hottest shows to warm you up this winter. Keep your eyes peeled for even more productions coming soon or book for one of your favourite long-running shows! Plus, the new year in London means quieter streets and winter sales, so watch out for theatre discounts to see top shows for less.
76 Shows in London
Top Shows Opening and Closing in January
New shows for January 2026 include a wide range of musicals, plays and dance shows.
There’s dazzling acrobatics from Cirque du Soleil: OVO, plus a limited run of Akram Khan’s revolutionary reimagining of Giselle, blending Indian dance with classical ballet. For musicals, catch The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, based on the heartwarming film and novel of the same name, plus The Kinks musical Sunny Afternoon returns.
New plays opening in January 2026 include the hilarious final chapter for beloved sitcom Yes Minister in the form of live stageshow I’m Sorry Prime Minister, and acclaimed theatre company Frantic Assembly celebrate their 30 years anniversary with brand new romantic drama Lost Atoms, by Succession writer Anna Jordan. Plus, a revival of Arcadia by the late Tom Stoppard at the Old Vic, and moving relationship drama Guess How Much I Love You at the Royal Court.
For shows closing this month, make sure to catch Freema Agyeman in Twelfth Night at the Barbican Centre and the National Theatre’s West End transfer of The Importance of Being Earnest, starring Stephen Fry and Ollie Alexander.
Best Family Friendly Shows in January
January might be quieter after the festive rush, but it’s still a great time to enjoy a family trip to the theatre. Many kid-friendly shows continue their runs into the new year, and with fewer crowds, it’s often easier to snap up good seats, sometimes at lower prices.
Long-running favourites like The Lion King and Matilda The Musical remain popular choices for kids and grown-ups alike, offering an uplifting day out during the winter lull. Some festive productions also extend into the first week of January. Shows like The Snowman or Elf! The Musical often stick around for a few extra performances while schools are still on holiday.
If you're looking to beat the January blues, a family theatre trip is a fun and memorable way to start the year, and you’ll often find great value with discounts for weekday shows or matinees.
Top comedy shows in January
The start of the year is a great time to enjoy a comedy in the West End. With festive crowds starting to thin out and theatres a little quieter, it’s easier to plan a spontaneous night out in January, and find a few bargains along the way.
For Musical fans, there’s the hilarious and irreverent Mel Brook’s musical The Producers, as well as the boundary-pushing Book of Mormon, from the creators of South Park. If you're after a play, you can’t go wrong with The Play That Goes Wrong, which delivers brilliantly timed disasters and physical comedy that’s just as funny the second (or third) time around.
You’ll often find last-minute tickets available throughout January, making it a great month for spontaneous theatre plans if you're flexible with dates and don't mind booking closer to the day of the show.
What’s on in London in January
After the festive rush, January in London brings a welcome change of pace. The city slows down a little, but there’s still plenty going on, especially if you’re looking for quieter crowds, good deals, and a more relaxed way to explore.
Many West End shows continue their runs into the new year, and it’s one of the best times to find theatre tickets at lower prices, thanks to seasonal promotions and wider availability. Opera, ballet and classical concerts also continue through January, with major venues offering New Year programmes.
For those looking beyond theatre, London’s major galleries and museums remain busy with winter exhibitions, offering a cosy cultural escape from the cold. Seasonal pop-ups and festive light trails often stay open for the first week or two of the month, so there’s still a bit of sparkle to enjoy after New Year’s.
January is also a good time to explore London’s food scene, with quieter restaurants, winter menus and food festivals like Veganuary bringing something new to the table.
Tips for visiting London in January
Dress for the chill: Expect temperatures between 3–8°C, with short days, crisp air and the occasional frosty morning. Bring a warm coat, gloves, and layers you can peel off once inside heated venues.
Enjoy the quieter season: The post-holiday lull means fewer crowds and more room to explore. It’s a great time to visit galleries, museums and major landmarks without the queues.
Public transport: The Tube runs on a normal schedule, and stations are generally less busy than during the festive season. Avoid rush hour for the most relaxed journeys.
Where to eat: Many restaurants offer winter set menus or January discounts. Areas like Covent Garden, Soho and Fitzrovia are full of warm, welcoming spots perfect for a pre-show meal.
Theatre timing: With sunset before 5pm, evening shows offer a cosy way to spend the night. Matinees are a good daytime option, especially if you’re planning to keep evenings free for sightseeing.
Look out for theatre deals: January often brings seasonal promotions and quieter midweek performances, perfect for finding good seats at a better price.
