Top theatre to see this October

It may be spooky season, but with this much new theatre arriving this month – there is nothing to be scared of!

That being said, keep an eye out for our top picks to see this Halloween, coming soon.

In the meantime, there are star-studded new plays, ceilidh dancing, and flying DeLoreans to get excited about, as well as new productions of classics, murder mysteries, and two Dorian Grays to choose from!

Martin Guerre

A new version of Martin Guerre, the lesser-known musical from the writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, will receive a new staging this autumn. Matthew Warchus will direct the semi-staged production in the round for a limited run. Find out more in our dedicated podcast.

Plays at The Old Vic from 1 to 31 October

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Seán Aydon has adapted and directed a new production of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Set to lead the cast is Jack Crumlin, who will play the young man whose portrait ages in his place while he remains outwardly youthful.

Opens at Watford Palace Theatre from 1 to 3 October before touring

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Gayle Rankin stars in the title role of the play, returning both to the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the show, in which she appeared as one of the schoolgirls in the 2003 production. Presented by the National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, this new staging is adapted by David Harrower from Muriel Spark’s novel and directed by Vicky Featherstone.

Opens at Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, from 2 October before touring

King Lear

David Threlfall will take on the iconic role in Matthew Dunster’s reimagining of the Shakespearean tragedy of King Lear. Forming part of the Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary season, he will be joined by WhatsOnStage Award and Mercury Prize-nominated songwriter and performing musician Nadine Shah as Goneril, alongside an all-star cast.

Plays at Royal Exchange Theatre from 2 October to 15 November

The Cherry Orchard

Conor McPherson has newly adapted Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard for a new West End staging. Kristin Scott Thomas leads the cast, alongside Anastasia Martin in the role of Anya.

Plays at Harold Pinter Theatre from 3 October 2026 to 9 January 2027

Ceilidh

Grab your partner! Oh, Mary!’s Tony Award-winning director Sam Pinkleton directs the UK premiere of this new musical by Scottish writing duo Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie. It follows a family gathering at a ceilidh, with the story unfolding through original songs and traditional Scottish music.

Opens at Pitlochry Town Hall from 7 October before touring

Back to the Future

Don’t go back in time – the Back to the Future tour sets off this month! The WhatsOnStage Award-winning new musical will be flying its way around the country with some much-loved alumni returning to the show, alongside some new faces.

Opens at Bristol Hippodrome on 8 October before touring

Don Black’s From the Heart

Shona McGarty, Frances Mayli McCann, Caroline O’Connor, Clive Rowe and Michael D. Xavier form the cast of Don Black’s From the Heart. Returning to the West End after concert performances last year, the piece celebrates Black’s career and his connection to the New York cabaret scene, finishing with a medley and a special guest!

Plays at Garrick Theatre from 8 to 18 October

The Hollow

Hercule Poirot is back on stage! Peter Polycarpou will play the Belgian detective in the latest Agatha Christie adaptation, which sees him involved in a murder investigation after a gathering of guests is interrupted by a gunshot.

Opens at Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury on 9 October before touring

The King’s Speech

Listen up! Stefan Dennis will play Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, who partners with the future King George VI (played by George Rainsford) to help him overcome his stammer, in the stage adaptation of the hit film.

Opens at Barn Theatre, Cirencester, from 9 October to 7 November before touring

Derren Brown: Only Human

He’s back! The beloved psychological illusionist – who happens to be a WhatsOnStage Award winner! – is bringing his newest show to the West End, and will be exploring what it means to be human – our perceptions, our beliefs, and the choices we make.

Plays at Apollo Theatre from 10 October 2026 to 30 January 2027

Ilford Boy

Danny Lee Wynter’s world premiere arrives at the Donmar Warehouse, directed by Tim Sheader. The story, set in 1990s East London, follows mixed-race teenager Ted Martin, whose house is filled with chaos, laughter and tough love. His life is changed when Patrick arrives, bringing with him a new sense of style, humour and a love of show tunes.

Plays at Donmar Warehouse from 10 October to 28 November

The Lives of Others

Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane and WhatsOnStage Award winner Luke Thompson lead Robert Icke’s stage adaptation of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s film, The Lives of Others. For those unfamiliar, the story is set in East Germany in 1984, and follows a writer and an actor placed under state surveillance by the Stasi. The officer listening to their conversations becomes increasingly involved in the lives he is observing…

Plays at Adelphi Theatre from 14 October 2026 to 9 January 2027

Triumph

If you’re short on time this month, we may have a solution. A new 15-minute play by Caryl Churchill will premiere at the Almeida, directed by James Macdonald, and starring Tony nominee Matthew Beard and Emmy Award winner Kate O’Flynn. It follows press secretary Iris, who is falling for a reporter, as questions arise over whether everyone will remain happy.

Plays at Almeida Theatre from 16 to 23 October 

The Picture of Dorian Gray – A New Musical

Fancy a bit of music in your Dorian Gray? Good news! A new musical is also touring the UK this autumn. This new show, penned by Mark J Middlemiss, is said to be inspired by the dark, classic, sung-through musicals of the 1970s and 1980s and is set in two acts, twenty years apart. Christopher Twyford will take on the title role, with Kevin Kennedy as Mr Isaacs.

Opens at Darlington Hippodrome from 19 October