8 of the best theatre shows to see in London this year
Looking to book your next theatre trip? Here are eight of the best shows to see this year in London.
There really is nothing quite like London’s theatre scene. If you ask us, it’s the best in the world – whether you love drama, musical or cabaret, there truly is something for everyone.
And now 2026 has arrived, there are plenty of great shows that have opened or are opening soon. And if you’re waiting to see a revival of your favourite musical, looking for some hard-hitting Shakespeare or want to see some of your favourite stars on stage, the West End has plenty to offer this year.
So grab your diary and get booking – as these are the best shows to see in the capital in 2026.
Cirque du Soleil OVO
Cirque du Soleil is on many a bucket list. Until March, you can catch the world-famous show – which combines circus acts, acrobatics and drama – at the Royal Albert Hall. This iteration is a humorous homage to the insect world and promises to be a delight for adults and children alike.
Fancy enhancing your experience? Book a table at Town House, the elegant restaurant within The Kensington Hotel, for a pre-theatre dinner. The luxurious hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the Royal Albert Hall and you can feast on dishes including roasted pumpkin salad, duck leg confit and poached pear before heading to the show
Into The Woods
Musical fans will know that Into The Woods is one of the legendary Steven Sondheim’s most beloved tales. It chronicles the stories of the baker, the baker’s wife, the witch, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rapunzel – but unlike the fairy tales we’re familiar with, they don’t necessarily get the happy endings we’re all acquainted with. With songs including No One Is Alone and Last Midnight, it’s a must-see.
Marie & Rosetta
Sister Rosetta Thorpe is hailed as the ‘godmother of rock ’n’ roll’, thanks to her gospel music, which inspired countless musicians from Tina Turner to Elvis Presley. Telling the story of her genre-defining music and featuring plenty of tunes along the way, this musical stars Beverley Knight as Rosetta and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Marie, Rosetta’s younger sister.
Romeo & Juliet
Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Noah Jupe (Hamnet) in their West End debuts, this adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays promises to be both ‘electrifying’ and ‘timeless’.
High Society
There’s certainly been a renaissance of Cole Porter musicals in London lately – and we couldn’t be more excited for it. This year, the Barbican will stage Porter’s High Society – chronicling a society wedding that’s swarmed with reporters searching for scandal. The production stars Helen George (Call The Midwife) and Felicity Kendal (The Good Life) and is one not to miss.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Following its in-demand run at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2017, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical will once again come to life this summer at London Palladium, with Eurovision’s Sam Ryder taking on the role of Jesus.
Images: courtesy of productions
