Stage shows to see in October 2025

No tricks, all treats!

There’s a lot of theatre to look forward to this month, including epic new world premieres in the Capitol (and the capital!), new adaptations of much-loved comedies, and many crowd-pleasing tours hitting the road.

Plus, of course, there are some seasonal shows to get you in the mood for 31 October (and beyond).

Charley’s Aunt

Rob Madge has adapted Brandon Thomas’ 19th-century comedy for the 21st century! Combining quick wit and elaborate ruses, this playful update stars Jonathan Case and Maggie Service as the titular Charlie and his aunt. Plus, in partnership with Newbury Pride, the theatre will host its first Come As You Are Night on 27 October. You can hear more in our dedicated podcast. 

Plays at the Watermill Theatre from 3 October to 15 November

Miss Saigon

The heat is on and the heartbreaking story of the young Kim who falls in love with an American GI is back, visiting venues that it has never been to before. Set to star are Julianne Pundan as Kim, while Seann Miley Moore returns to the role of The Engineer – see the full cast and mega tour schedule here.

Tour opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 4 October

Matilda The Musical

It’s a “Miracle”! Matilda The Musical is back for its second UK and Ireland tour, kicking off at Curve, Leicester. The cast has been unveiled for this special 15th anniversary tour of the multi-award-winning show by Tim Minchin, and more and more dates keep getting added.

Tour opens at Curve, Leicester on 6 October

Sunny Afternoon

A lot of returning faces are getting Kink-y for this new tour of Sunny Afternoon! The award-winning musical, which tells the story of the early life of The Kinks’ Ray Davies, hasn’t been seen professionally in almost ten years. Danny Horn will now play Ray Davies, Oliver Hoare plays Dave Davies, Harry Curley plays Peter Quaife and Zakarie Stokes plays Mick Avory.

Tour opens at Manchester Palace Theatre on 10 October

The Unbelievers

Nicola Walker stars as a mother facing the disappearance of her teenage son in Nick Payne’s new play, The Unbelievers. Directed by Marianne Elliott and designed by Bunny Christie, it’s one of four world premieres being presented as part of artistic director David Byrne’s season.

Plays at Jerwood Theatre Downstairs space from 10 October to 29 November

Young Frankenstein

While one Mel Brooks classic plays in London, another is opening up north! Manchester will have Transylvania Mania as the show receives its regional premiere this Halloween, with Ore Oduba in the title role.

Plays at the Hope Mill Theatre from 10 October to 30 November

The Maids

Kip Williams rocked the London theatre scene when he had Sarah Snook rock her way through The Picture of Dorian Gray. He’s back, now adapting another classic in the form of Jean Genet’s The Maids, with a very starry cast in tow. Notably, the company features Yerin Ha, soon to lead the next season of Bridgerton. 

Donmar Warehouse, from 13 October to 29 November

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Cathy Tyson is preparing to take on the iconic role of Martha in a new revival of Edward Albee’s mammoth drama, directed by Cara Nolan. Patrick Robinson will play Martha’s disillusioned husband, George, while George Kemp and Tilly Steele will play the young couple Nick and Honey, who are seduced by the idea of truth and games.

Plays at Curve, Leicester from 18 October

The Hunger Games

I volunteer… to be one of the first to see the first and the highly-anticipated stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ hit franchise! Adapted by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, the piece places newcomer Mia Carragher rightfully front and centre of the story as Katniss Everdeen. Staged in the round – at a brand-new venue, no less – with singing, stunts, and epic fight scenes, audiences will be seated in one of the districts, with District 12 notably missing.

Plays at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre from 20 October

The Line of Beauty

It’s already sold out its run, but Jack Holden’s stage adaptation of the Booker-winning novel is well worth earmarking as we expect it’s going to have a long and fruitful life ahead of it. A strong cast is directed by none other than Michael Grandage – this could be a real event for the autumn.

Almeida Theatre, from 21 October to 29 November

Wendy and Peter Pan

Flying into the Barbican as part of the RSC’s autumn season, audiences can travel to Neverland with Ella Hickson’s adaptation of the JM Barrie classic. Leading the cast will be Toby Stephens as Captain Hook/Mr Darling, Lolita Chakrabarti as Mrs Darling, Daniel Krikler as Peter Pan, Charlotte Mills as Tink and Hannah Saxby as Wendy.

Plays at the Barbican from 21 October to 22 November

Othello

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift

The Midsomer Murders stage adaptation has rounded up its suspects and is hitting the road! Daniel Casey, who created the role of Sergeant Troy in the ITV show from 1997 to 2008, will now play Inspector Tom Barnaby in the world premiere stage show, which sees bizarre murders in beautiful places…

Tour opens at Richmond Theatre on 24 October

Elf

West End Sparklejollytwinklejingley couple Joel Montague and Carrie Hope Fletcher will lead the return of Elf, alongside Aled Jones! The festive favourite will feature a new set, that has been specially designed for the Aldwych Theatre. What a treat!

Plays at the Aldwych Theatre from 28 October 2025 to 4 January 2026