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 Sadie Sink in Romeo & Juliet , Kristin Scott Thomas in The Cherry Orchard and Hugh Bonneville in Shadowlands .

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.

Thursday Matinees in London

If you’re wondering what theatre matinees are on Thursdays, the short answer is most of them! No other weekday has as many afternoon performances to choose from, and the long-running musicals are all available to book including Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret. Thursday matinees begin between 2pm and 2.30pm, so you can avoid rush hour in central London, and tickets are often cheaper than Saturday and Sunday matinees. If you have annual leave to use up, clear your calendar for a midweek theatre trip and check out Wednesday matinees for even more weekday afternoon entertainment.