London Theatre Shows in May 2026
London theatres are in full bloom this May! Check out the hottest new shows opening this May, as well as all the best shows you should catch before they close. There are plenty of long-runners, comedy and family-friendly shows available to book, and stay tuned for even more show announcements with brand new productions springing into the West End soon!
40 Shows in London
Top Shows Opening and Closing in May
Get ready for the ghost with the most this summer as the biggest new show opening this month is Beetlejuice the Musical. This Tony-nominated musical is based on the cult classic Tim Burton film, and a West End transfer has been rumoured for the show since it’s Broadway premiere in 2015. Finally, the wait is over - so say his name three times and book, book, book!
For fans of classic drama, there’s a bold new staging of Oscar Wilde’s witty melodrama, An Ideal Husband, opening at the Lyric Hammersmith, directed by Lyric Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie. Plus, more shows to be announced soon!
There are some tip shows closing this month too - make sure to catch Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville in Shadowlands, the deeply moving drama about Narnia author C.S. Lewis and his wife Joy Davidman . Finally, don’t miss I’m Sorry Prime Minister at the Apollo Theatre - the closing chapter to the hilarious sitcom Yes, Minister, live on stage.
Best Family Friendly Shows in May
May is a great month to enjoy a family theatre trip, with two bank holiday weekends and the start of warmer weather making it ideal for a day out in London. There’s a strong mix of family-friendly shows running throughout the month, with something to suit all ages.
Long-running favourites like The Lion King and Oliver! remain popular choices along with new musical Paddington, offering unforgettable performances for kids and adults alike. New touring productions and short-run family shows also start to appear, particularly around the half-term break.
Theatres can get busier during the holidays, so it’s worth booking in advance if you’re planning a bank holiday outing. However, you can still find great value discounted tickets with weekday matinee performances.
Top Comedy Shows in May
Longer days and warmer weather make May a brilliant time for a comedy night in the West End. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening out without the summer crowds, with plenty of performances offering big laughs and easy-going entertainment.
Top comedy musicals like Back to the Future bring fast-paced laughs, slick effects and a healthy dose of nostalgia. If you’re after something more unpredictable, why not book for the weird and wonderful Titanique - this campy show re-tells the story of the movie Titanic from the perspective of Canadian songstress Celine Dion and is strictly for grown ups!
Demand can pick up during the bank holiday weekends, but you’ll often still find last-minute tickets available, especially if you're flexible on dates or showtimes.
What’s on in London in May
The city feels especially lively in May, as cultural venues, neighbourhood festivals and seasonal events take full advantage of the spring momentum. There’s plenty to explore, from art and theatre to gardens in bloom and food-filled weekends.
Theatre remains a major draw, with musicals, plays and operas running across major venues the West End and beyond. New productions often launch in May, and outdoor performances and pop-up events also begin to appear, offering new ways to experience live theatre and music as the weather improves.
Art lovers can enjoy London Craft Week, which showcases the best of design, fashion, and artisan creativity through exhibitions, open studios and workshops across the city. The Chelsea Flower Show, one of the world’s most famous horticultural events, transforms the Royal Hospital grounds into a spectacular display of garden design, and often inspires floral-themed pop-ups and displays throughout central London.
Food festivals, weekend markets and al fresco dining all return in full force in May, with seasonal menus and new openings from some of the city’s best-known chefs. Parks and gardens are at their most colourful, making it a great month to explore everything from Kew to Hyde Park on foot. With so much going on across art, food, theatre and design, May captures that perfect moment in London between spring charm and summer buzz.
Tips for visiting London in May
Expect mild, changeable weather: Temperatures usually sit between 10–17°C, with a mix of sunny afternoons and cooler evenings. Bring a jacket for late nights and an umbrella for surprise showers.
Quieter weeks, busier weekends: Weekdays in May are often less crowded, making it easier to visit major attractions and pick up good theatre seats. The two bank holiday weekends, however, do get noticeably busier across the city.
Public transport: Tube and train services run normally throughout the month. Check ahead for planned weekend works, and spikes around the bank holidays.
Where to eat: May is a great month for terrace dining, with plenty of restaurants in Covent Garden, Soho and King’s Cross opening up their outdoor spaces. Booking is recommended for pre-show meals.
Theatre timing: With daylight lasting well into the evening, an early dinner followed by a show makes for an easy night out. Matinees are ideal if you're looking to make the most of sightseeing in the late afternoon light.
