West End shows already announced for 2025

As the autumn gets into full flow, now’s the perfect time to get excited for what’s cooking as we head towards 2025! Here’s plans for next year, based on the show that will begin previews at West End venues from January.

Inside No 9 – Stage/Fright

The ingenious minds of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith has resulted in many things, including nine seasons of the fantastic BBC series Inside No 9. The duo now bring the show to the stage, with a variety of familiar characters though now in a brand-new tale. Wyndham’s Theatre, from 18 January

Elektra

Oscar winner Brie Larson will be making her West End debut in the title role of Elektra. Directed by Daniel Fish, who brought us the hit Oklahoma! recently, the show features a new translation by Anne Carson and explores themes of grief, survival, and vengeance as Elektra is haunted by her father’s assassination. Duke of York’s Theatre, from 24 January to 12 April 2025

The Years

The critically acclaimed adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s semi-autobiographical novel premiered at the Almeida Theatre in 2024. It stars Deborah Findlay, Romola Garai (appearing until 8 March), Gina McKee, Anjli Mohindra, and Harmony Rose-Bremner, who portray a single character across a lifetime of personal and societal shifts. Harold Pinter Theatre from 24 January to 19 April 2025

Kyoto 

The political thriller, brought by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance, is directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin. The play, written by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, recounts the tense negotiations of the 1997 Kyoto climate summit. Stephen Kunken stars as American oil lobbyist Don Pearlman, and it also received a glowing five-star review from WhatsOnStage earlier this year, so might be rather unmissable now. @sohoplace, from 9 January to 3 May 2025

Much Ado About Nothing

The starry new production of Much Ado About Nothing is set to bring together Tom Hiddleston as Benedick and Hayley Atwell as Beatrice. With Jamie Lloyd’s typically bold direction and the witty banter and romantic entanglements between Hiddleston and Atwell, this one is sure to captivate theatre-goers. Theatre Royal Drury Lane, from 10 February to 5 April 2025

Clueless

Based on the 1995 film, this musical features new songs by KT Tunstall and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and choreographed by Kelly Devine, the show offers a modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma, with Cher Horowitz navigating high school life in Beverly Hills. Rumblings from a try-out run in Bromley were very positive, so we’re intrigued! Trafalgar Theatre, currently booking from 15 February to 14 June 2025

The Score

Written by Oliver Cotton and directed by Trevor Nunn, this play stars Brian Cox as Johann Sebastian Bach. Set in 1747 Potsdam, Prussia, it follows Bach’s visit to Frederick II’s court, leading to unexpected and explosive events. Theatre Royal Haymarket, from 20 February to 26 April 2025

The Last Laugh

Direct from a sold-out stint at the Edinburgh Fringe, Paul Hendy’s The Last Laugh reimagines the lives of three of Britain’s beloved comedians, offering a look at their impact on the comedy world. It’s set to star Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe, Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper, and Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse. Noël Coward Theatre from 25 February to 22 March 2025

My Neighbour Totoro

The multi-award-winning production has been one of the most successful new shows since the Covid lockdowns ended, providing some mammoth puppetry and whimsical storytelling for audiences. It now makes an eagerly anticipated transfer to the West End, playing within the wonderful confines of the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Gillian Lynne Theatre, from 8 March 2025

The Great Gatsby 

Good news, old sports! Broadway’s The Great Gatsby is heading to London for the summer. It is based on F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel about a self-made millionaire and his quest for the American Dream (in the arms of the married woman living across the bay). London Coliseum, from 11 April to 7 September 2025

The Deep Blue Sea

Lindsay Posner’s production, first seen in Bath last year, features Tamsin Greig as Hester Collyer and Finbar Lynch as Miller. Terence Rattigan’s play delves into themes of obsession and the destructive power of love, and received a fantastic five-star write-up from WhatsOnStage earlier this year. Theatre Royal Haymarket, from 7 May to 21 June 2025 

Just For One Day

The musical, inspired by the iconic Live Aid concert, had a record-breaking premiere at the Old Vic earlier this year. The show will feature a special gala performance on 13 July 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of the original Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia. Begins performances at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 15 May 2025

Hercules

After a number of different versions in New York, New Jersey and Hamburg, Hercules looks set to go the distance all the way to Theatre Royal Drury Lane! Specifics (dates, casting, etc) have not yet been revealed, but the animated classic should promise some epic moments – and that’s the gospel truth! Theatre Royal Drury Lane, from summer 2025

Many major London venues have also unveiled their 2025 season plans – including the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Oh, and Evita looks set to be on the London stage again soon.