Unmissable theatre to see this Halloween

It’s spooky season, and where better to celebrate than in a dark room watching a story unfold?

It goes without question that you could mark the occasion with the classic tale of two witches (Wicked) or whodunnits (Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap or Witness for the Prosecution). Still, if you have ticked those off your list already, there are plenty of other shows ready to thrill and delight.

Beetlejuice

The ghost with the most has taken up residence in the West End after years of wishing and speculation! Adapted from Tim Burton’s cult movie, this musical comedy takes audiences on a trip to the netherworld, accompanied by an outrageous guide to the other side.

Plays at the Prince Edward Theatre

Derren Brown: Only Human

One of the world’s most beloved mentalists, Derren Brown has arrived in the West End with his latest offering, Only Human, following a hit tour. This production explores what it means to be human – our perceptions, our beliefs, and the choices we make.

Plays at the Apollo Theatre

Ghosts

Richard Eyre’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s family drama Ghosts may be lacking in the paranormal, but it is instead full of real-life horrors, including long-buried secrets, unexpected arrivals, disease and despair. Frightening!

Plays at Jermyn Street Theatre

Hamlet: Hail to the Thief

Shakespeare and Radiohead proved to be a perfect match after the premiere of Hamlet: Hail to the Thief in Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon; now the tragedy is set to receive its London premiere, opening on 31 October!

Plays at the Barbican Centre

The Haunting of Hill House

Based on Shirley Jackson’s novel (turned into a wildly successful Netflix series), this new stage adaptation is haunting theatres across the UK this month. The story follows a group investigating the mysteries of Hill House, where their research leads to unsettling events within the building…

On tour throughout October

The Hungry Ghost

WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award nominee Mei Mac stars in Mei Leng Yew’s debut play, drawing on Chinese ghost month traditions. It is described as a sexy horror rom-com exploring what takes root in the space between superstition and rationality.

Plays at Bush Theatre

Into the Woods

The Olivier Award-winning revival of Into the Woods has taken up residence in the West End, and has brought its cautionary tales with it! Be careful what you wish for this spooky season…

Plays at the Noël Coward Theatre

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is the perfect gothic novel to get your teeth into this autumn, and audiences are spoilt for choice! John Caird and Paul Gordon’s musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel is currently having its UK premiere in London, while a separate play is touring.

Musical runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant; tour continues across the UK

Little Shop of Horrors

There are plenty of chances to go “Somewhere That’s Green” as a flurry of Little Shops are making their way across the country. Definitely worth a check to see if any “Mean Green Mother from Outer Space” are taking over your local.

On various tours

Paranormal Activity

The frightfully good stage adaptation of Paranormal Activity has extended its second London run while running on Broadway and on a UK tour. In the West End, there will be an extra late-night performance on Halloween, for anybody brave enough.

Plays at Ambassadors Theatre and on tour

Phantom of the Opera

Romance meets horror in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End classic, currently celebrating its 40th anniversary of haunts. Can’t make it? The show is finally being filmed live!

Plays at His Majesty’s Theatre

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Another psychological gothic tale, there are again two versions of Oscar Wilde’s classic on stages across the country – and one is a musical! The play stars Jack Crumlin, in a new adaptation directed by Seán Aydon. Meanwhile, the musical penned by Mark J Middlemiss stars Christopher Twyford in the title role.

Both on tour

The Silence of the Lambs

The 1990s psychological horror has arrived on stage, helmed by Nikolai Foster and starring John Partridge as the infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Pairs well with a nice Chianti.

On tour

Stoker Wilde

Jamie Bogyo and Glenn Adamson star as the two literary icons who ran away from Dublin to London, finding themselves in a rivalry that defined queer horror! This new glam-rock musical is at the start of its life and will be performed for just seven shows.

Plays at Wilton’s Music Hall from 27 October

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

It’s your last chance to catch the WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award-winning prequel play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Written by Kate Trefry from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry, the play is set in 1959 Hawkins.

Plays at the Phoenix Theatre

The Turn of the Screw

Based on the seminal ghost story by Henry James, The Turn of the Screw follows a governess who takes up a post caring for two children in a remote house – with spooky goings-on.

On tour

The Void

This is a chilling sci-fi horror that uses illusions and projections to ask the audience, what are you afraid of? It follows Flint, a space ranger, who is heading towards an ageing research vessel in the grip of a nightmare.

On tour