Here’s our selection of the finest new plays, shows, and musicals to grab tickets for in London’s theatres in 2024.
London’s theatre scene has pretty much bounced back to its pre-Covid glory: it’s once again the best theatre city in the world, bustling with classic musicals, daring new plays, thrilling international productions, and of course, the all-important fringes.
This ongoing list is regularly updated to share the highlights of what’s on the horizon and currently available for booking. These selections aren’t the definitive list of all the great theatre in 2024, but they certainly represent the grandest and most exciting shows on the horizon, as well as the smaller, trendier productions we’re eagerly anticipating.
These are the shows you should book without delay – not only to secure your seats before they sell out but also to grab the cheaper tickets that are initially released for most shows but tend to disappear months before the actual performances begin.
Can’t-miss theatre shows heading to London in 2024!
Guys & Dolls – Standing Immersive Tickets
The Bridge undergoes a stunning transformation for one of the greatest musicals of all time: Guys and Dolls, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of Manhattan.
This production features timeless Broadway classics, including ‘Luck Be a Lady,’ ‘Sit Down You Are Rocking The Boat,’ ‘Adelaide’s Lament,’ ‘Guys & Dolls,’ and more. The cast includes Daniel Mays, Cedric Neal, Andrew Richardson, Celinde Schoenmaker, and Marisha Wallace.
You have two ticket options to immerse yourself in the experience:
‘Immersive Tickets’ allow you to stand right in the heart of the action and move around the stage area, while ‘Seated Tickets’ offer comfortable seating within the auditorium, ensuring you’re never more than four rows away from the stage.
Regarding bags, please note that for the safety and comfort of all audience members, cast, and crew, those with standing tickets for Guys & Dolls are required to leave all coats and bags in the complimentary cloakroom provided. It’s advisable to arrive at least 45 minutes before the show’s start time to allow for coat and bag drop-off.
For larger items such as bags, luggage, folding bicycles, or e-scooters, we regret that we are unable to provide storage. The nearest public bike racks are located by The Real Greek to the left of our venue, outside Prosecco House to the right of our venue, or on Tooley Street.
The Roundhouse Theatre, London, UK
This imposing brick structure serves as a space to absorb both Camden’s rich history and its vibrant contemporary culture.
This aptly-named Camden landmark boasts a rich history steeped in radical theatre and music. Its circular brick walls have reverberated with the sounds of legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and The Doors. It even made headlines in 1969 for hosting theatre critic Kenneth Tynan’s scandalous nude revue, ‘Oh Calcutta.’ While it may have settled into a somewhat more tranquil atmosphere today, it continues to welcome an eclectic array of renowned musical acts, from Alex G and Stereolab to Pavement.
Originally constructed in 1846 as a turntable shed for the London and Birmingham railway, the Roundhouse holds the distinction of being a Grade II-listed building. Its history is a storied one, with periods as a liquor warehouse and long spells of abandonment. However, it truly came into its own as a legendary music venue in the ’60s and ’70s, hosting a wide spectrum of groundbreaking events. The extensive renovation and refurbishment efforts began in 2004, leading to its reopening in 2006 as a modern hub for arts and mixed-media performances, with a strong community focus.
The main room boasts a striking high-domed ceiling adorned with Victorian metal ‘ribs.’ It features a versatile auditorium capable of accommodating seated audiences for theatre or cabaret shows, as well as standing crowds for electrifying gigs.
Chalk Farm Rd, London, United Kingdom
Sharon Osbourne – Cut The Crap
Delightfully enjoyable with a touch of predictability.
For more than two decades, Sharon Osbourne has been an undeniable presence on our TV screens. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, she’s faced the intense scrutiny that accompanies life in the spotlight, and she’s never shied away from controversy. Now, she takes her talents to the stage, bringing her live and unfiltered presence to ‘Sharon Osbourne – Cut The Crap!’
Details:
Russell St, London, United Kingdom
The Mousetrap
The longest-running show, ‘The Mousetrap,’ continues to shine with enduring charm.
In this elegant Agatha Christie thriller, a newly revealed homicidal maniac steps into the spotlight to warn everyone never to reveal their identity. Celebrating its remarkable 60th birthday, ‘The Mousetrap’ has managed to keep audiences engaged despite the passing of time. While Wikipedia and Stephen Fry may have unveiled the murderer’s identity, there remains a remarkable conspiracy of silence around this enduring production.
Although the ticket prices are one aspect that has evolved over the years, the rest of the show feels firmly rooted in the 1950s, including the actors’ strained Received Pronunciation (RP). Nevertheless, ‘The Mousetrap’ stands as a living piece of theatre history, and a seat in the stalls, even at £39, is a ticket to the most captivating museum exhibit in London.
Agatha Christie’s cleverly constructed plot is a timeless gem, defying the mummifying effect of over 25,000 performances. It retains an uncanny precision that befits the mistress of murder, Miss Marple’s, chilling legacy.
While the premise of the story, where six Cluedo-like middle-class characters are trapped in a country house by snow as they try to identify a murderer among them, has become a cliché, it’s still a nostalgic delight. The quaint response to adverse weather conditions, such as skiing police officers in Berkshire, adds to the charm.
‘The Mousetrap’ offers a glimpse into the past with echoes of Peter Cotes’s original 1952 production. While at times it may feel like a thin and campy shadow of its former self, it occasionally rekindles the suspense that made it a classic. Though the current cast may lean towards xenophobic exaggeration or dullness, there are still one or two standout performances that capture the essence of Christie’s best thrillers.
While the trap may still snap shut, ‘The Mousetrap’ remains a delightful piece of theatre, and the mice have kept the play alive even after the cat’s departure.
Details
West St, London, United Kingdom
Shen Yun 2024
Experience 5,000 years of Chinese history through dance, enchanting live orchestra music, authentic costumes and interactive backdrops. Shen Yun brings audiences back to a time when divine beings walked the earth— performances feature around 20 pieces that rapidly move between regions, legends and dynasties. The classical Chinese dance company tours the globe with an all-new program each year, working to preserve the traditions of Chinese culture.
45 Queen Caroline St, London, United Kingdom
Ghost Hunt At The Barn Theatre Oxted
Exploring The Barn Theatre Oxted on a ghost hunt was a spine-tingling experience. The location, known for its unexplained phenomena, drew brave souls seeking answers to the mysteries within. Late-night echoes of footsteps, eerie voices, and ghostly apparitions added to the eerie atmosphere. Armed with paranormal equipment, the group ventured into the unknown. Whispers, dancing shadows, and an electrifying presence were among the intriguing discoveries. This unforgettable journey into the supernatural pushed the boundaries of bravery and curiosity. For those seeking an adventure that lingers in memory, a ghost hunt at this captivating location is a must.
Details
25 Bluehouse Ln, Oxted, United Kingdom
Backstairs Billy
Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans shine in ‘Backstairs Billy,’ a surprisingly impactful comedy-drama that delves into the life of the Queen Mother and her devoted steward, William Tallon.
Marcelo Dos Santos’s ‘Backstairs Billy’ is a rare gem, making its West End debut under the direction of Michael Grandage, thanks to the support of his charity, MGCFutures, championing the next generation of creatives.
Set in the late 1970s, the play thrusts the Queen Mother into the spotlight after her subdued role in ‘The Crown’ and explores her sidelined existence at Clarence House.
The eponymous Billy is portrayed by Luke Evans, who captures the character’s essence brilliantly. Billy, also known as ‘Backstairs Billy,’ has been in the Royal Household since he was 15, accompanying the Queen Mother (Penelope Wilton) to Clarence House following the passing of her husband, King George VI. Now Steward and Page of the Backstairs, Billy’s journey unfolds as he serves her for nearly three decades.
Dos Santos’s script and Grandage’s lively production offer something delightfully subversive, making the play incredibly engaging. While it’s promoted as a ‘joyful comedy’ about an unconventional friendship, it’s decidedly more hard-hitting. It doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenging issues of the era, including a looming cost-of-living crisis, riots, and the impending Thatcher government. Furthermore, Billy’s homosexuality is not merely tolerated but treated as nonexistent by the Queen Mother.
The play’s one-night stand escapade, where Billy’s encounter with artist, communist, and sex worker Ian (Elokoa Ivo) leads to a bizarre incident involving a penis-shaped sculpture, initially resembles a drawing-room farce. However, the ensuing consequences delve into a darker, more humiliating realm, emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s place in this world.
Luke Evans delivers a masterful performance as Billy, combining arch humor with a sense of devotion to the Royal Family that has consumed his own life. He navigates confrontations with Mr. Kerr (Ian Drysdale) with finesse, showcasing the brittleness beneath his peacock-like showiness.
The ensemble cast, including Emily Barber as a soap actress and Lady Miffie, adds a delightful layer to the narrative. Elokoa Ivo brings a wry edge to the afternoon tea pantomime at Clarence House.
However, it’s Penelope Wilton who steals the show with her portrayal of the Queen Mother. Her performance exudes a dazed, distracted quality that masks papercut cruelty concealed behind a benign smile. The dynamic between Wilton and Evans is captivating, but ‘Backstairs Billy’ isn’t a straightforwardly heartwarming tale. It reveals that Billy is as much a pawn in the royal game as anything else, and the Queen Mother’s blessings come with their own set of conditions.
St Martin’s Ln, London, United Kingdom
Basil Brush – LIVE
Step into a world of enchantment and laughter with Basil and Mr. Martin as they present a show brimming with magic, storytelling, and humor.
Prepare for an interactive experience where you can win fabulous prizes through audience participation. Get ready for family games and sing-along tunes that everyone can enjoy!
Don’t miss out on this delightful and entertaining show that’s perfect for the entire family.
32 Thames St, Windsor, United Kingdom
THE CIVIC THEATRE – Chelmsford (Matinee)
Details
Fairfield Rd, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Taylormania – Taylor Swift Tribute
If you missed out on scoring tickets to an upcoming Taylor Swift concert, don’t fret. Shake off your disappointment and immerse yourself in the magic of one of these TSwift candlelight tributes.
Candlelight Concert’s A Tribute to Taylor Swift offers a captivating experience where you can enjoy the pop icon’s biggest hits performed live by a talented local string quartet. All of this unfolds in a stunning candlelit venue, creating an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical.
During these hour-long shows, you’re not just a passive observer – singing, clapping, and dancing are actively encouraged. So, get ready to let loose and truly engage with the music in a unique and memorable way.
170 High St, Chatham, United Kingdom
Ulster American
“Ulster American,” a play within a play, delivers a scathing critique of performative wokeness and hollow identity politics, shedding light on the darker aspects of human nature with a touch of dark humor. Written by Northern Irish playwright David Ireland, the production offers a thought-provoking comedy that doesn’t shy away from its black comedic core. Within the first three minutes, you’ll either be captivated or repelled by its unapologetic exploration of human hypocrisy.
The story unfolds in the London apartment of theatre director Leigh Carver (played by Brian Meegan) as he meets with Oscar-winning American actor Jay Conway (played by Jeremy Waters), who is set to star in Carver’s play about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Despite rehearsals being yet to start, Conway’s fame has already sold out the entire season. As they engage in conversation, Conway, attempting to grapple with being a male feminist, sips on Diet Coke while Carver tries to steer the discussion back to the play’s subject. Both characters’ hypocrisies are exposed when the play’s writer, Ruth Davenport (played by Harriet Gordon-Anderson), arrives.
Conway, with Irish Catholic heritage, expected to star in a play about a courageous Irish rebel struggling against British oppression. However, Davenport, a staunch Unionist who identifies as British rather than Irish, has penned a pro-UK narrative. Conway insists on script changes, and Carver, eager to please his star actor, exerts increasing pressure. Davenport, on the other hand, refuses to let two men dictate the essence of her work and identity, regardless of their woke personas.
“Ulster American” is a dark, skillful, and unrelenting production that offers little sympathy for its characters, except perhaps a smidge for Ruth. It is rich with insights, exposing the veneer of civility that swiftly erodes when confronted with a few glasses of wine and harsh words. Conway, the movie star, is laid bare as an egotistical boor, oscillating between reciting righteous platitudes and contemplating assaulting Princess Diana under specific conditions. Carver, the cultured intellectual, seamlessly transitions from being the voice of reason to a patronizing agent of the patriarchy, dismissing Davenport’s identity struggles. Ruth, though not without her flaws, emerges as the closest thing to a protagonist, driven by ambition that prioritizes career advancement over her own mother’s life.
Despite their deeply flawed nature, the characters are undeniably entertaining, with each cast member fully embracing their character’s intellectual vanity and bravado. Director Shane Anthony ensures the production’s brisk pace and sharp wit, with humorous details, such as Conway’s New Age tattoos and Carver’s droll reactions to his American guest’s pretensions, adding depth to the story. “Ulster American” offers a blend of Oscar Wilde and Oliver Stone, using shock comedy to confront the lies we tell ourselves and each other. While it may have been labeled as a post-#MeToo work, its ambitions reach beyond, aiming to provide a searing critique of human self-delusion through laughter and discomfort.
101 Queen Caroline St, London, United Kingdom
The Ultimate Commitment and Blues Brothers Experience
The Blues Brothers” is a complex film, simultaneously serving as a soul-stirring celebration of rhythm and blues legends and a potential example of crass cultural exploitation. While it provided exposure to musical legends who may have otherwise been forgotten, it also used black culture as a vibrant backdrop for the antics of its white comedians.
There’s no doubt that Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi had a genuine love for this music, evident in their careful selection and exceptional performances. However, the film sometimes gives off the impression of cultural tourism, especially in scenes set in a gospel church and a Chicago street market. These lively musical sequences clash with director John Landis’s penchant for excessive destruction, which, although entertaining at times, can become tiresome.
Nonetheless, “The Blues Brothers” remains a nostalgia-inducing experience, largely due to the natural chemistry between Aykroyd and Belushi, a touch of zany humor, and several iconic musical moments that leave a lasting impression.
Woodville Pl, Gravesend, United Kingdom
Live Forever Festival
Blur2 is a Blur tribute band that will be performing at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town as part of the Live Forever Festival. The event will include numerous acts such as Definitely Oasis, Happy Mondaze, Pulp’d, and True Order, with plenty of indie music and nostalgia to enjoy. The best live events you can’t miss!
9-17 Highgate Rd, London, United Kingdom
Fortune Feimster
US comic, UK debut, The Mindy Project, Chelsea Lately, Conan. American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, Fortune Feimster, is performing at Union Chapel in London on Saturday, 27th January 2024. Besides her stand-up work, Fortune is currently starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Netflix action-comedy hit FUBAR. She is also co-hosting a comedy podcast named Handsome with Mae Martin and Tig Notaro. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Fortune Feimster’s live show, billed as her only UK performance in 2024.
19b Compton Terrace, London, United Kingdom
DRINK & PLAY: The Hunt for The Smoking Caterpillar
The smoking caterpillar has gone and hidden all your gold, and now you’ve been roped into the mission to find it. Do you reckon you’ve got the guts to give it a shot? Well, put your smarts to the test over at Ninth Life. They’ve got this interactive team game going on where you’ll be doing things like having a good old chat with some characters and taking a gamble with your gold. You can have up to 22 folks playing together, but they’ll split you into smaller groups of two to five. You’ll be poking around for clues and such during a 90-minute adventure. Just keep in mind that every move you make changes how things turn out. It’s a real whimsical spin on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, perfect for birthdays, team outings, and parties. So, don’t wait around – book your spot and get ready for some seriously curious fun!
167 Rushey Grn, London, United Kingdom
THE KATE BUSH EXPERIENCE
They’ve dubbed it ‘The Ultimate, Ultimate Kate Bush Experience’, and trust us, that’s not just some overly enthusiastic exaggeration.
Get ready for a rare treat – an opportunity to witness the enchanting songs of Kate Bush brought to life by a dynamic 5-piece band. Led by the exceptionally talented Maria Ahearn, KBE delivers the iconic and beloved tracks from Kate’s extensive repertoire just as she would have performed them during her touring days. Following a tremendously successful run of theater performances in 2023, KBE is swiftly gaining recognition as the must-see Kate Bush tribute act!
And that’s not all; the Hampton Hub is establishing itself as the ultimate destination for a relaxed and enjoyable live music experience. Featuring possibly the finest sound system in the vicinity, a well-stocked bar, spacious dance floor, and a convenient location right next to Hampton train station, you can expect an incredible night out, whether you’re a music enthusiast, a dancer, or just looking to unwind!
Starting their musical journey in local pubs, The Kate Bush Experience quickly made a name for themselves, attracting attention that propelled them to perform in intimate ticketed venues. Today, they’ve developed a captivating and immersive theater show, securing repeat bookings and a steadily growing fanbase. They are already recognized as the most authentic and exhilarating Kate Bush tribute band in the UK, and their trajectory suggests they’re on their way to becoming the most popular too. Don’t miss out!
3 Ashley Rd, Hampton, United Kingdom
