London’s West End is already preparing for a packed 2026, with a line-up that blends new writing, bold revivals and high-profile transfers. From star-led re-imaginings of classics to stage adaptations of recent novels and films, there’s already a juicy wad of material in the pipeline. With that in mind, we’re only including shows that start their previews after New Year’s Day!

Major names including Beverley Knight, Cynthia Erivo, Johannes Radebe, Sam Ryder, and Ralph Fiennes are set to take centre stage – and we know for a fact there’s a whole host of exciting productions that haven’t even been revealed yet – so expect more information in due course.

Gerry and Sewell 

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Jamie Eastlake and co-produced by Newcastle Theatre Royal, Gerry and Sewell is based on Jonathan Tulloch’s novel The Season Ticket, which was later adapted into the cult Geordie film Purely Belter. It follows two men and their mission to get their hands on a Newcastle United season ticket and is described as a “love letter” to the city and “a universal story of perseverance, loyalty and hope.” Aldwych Theatre, from 13 to 24 January  

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Adapted by Rachel Joyce from her novel, the musical features songs by Passenger and is directed by Katy Rudd. Mark Addy reprises his role as Harold, with Jenna Russell as Maureen. The transfer comes after a sold-out, critically celebrated premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre. Theatre Royal Haymarket, from 29 January to 18 April

I’m Sorry, Prime Minister

I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, written and directed by Jonathan Lynn, will move from Cirencester to London. Griff Rhys Jones starred as ex–Prime Minister Jim Hacker, with Clive Francis reprising Sir Humphrey Appleby. The play follows Hacker’s disrupted retirement at Oxford’s Hacker College and his reliance on Sir Humphrey in an era he barely recognises. Apollo Theatre, from 30 January to 25 April 2026.

Dracula

Less “For Good” and more “For Blood”! Big-screen Elphaba Cynthia Erivo returns to the stage in a one-actor adaptation of Dracula. Directed by Kip Williams, the production features Erivo portraying all 23 characters, including Jonathan Harker, Mina, Van Helsing, and Dracula himself. This “cine-theatre” staging – merging live performance with pre-recorded film and live video – offers a contemporary and psychological interpretation of the gothic classic. Noël Coward Theatre, from 4 February to 31 May

Shadowlands

No, not a reference to the very much underrated Lion King number, but a new revival of William Nicholson’s play about the relationship between C S Lewis and Joy Davidman. Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff star in the piece, which had a strongly-garlanded run in Chichester back in the 2010s. Aldwych Theatre, from 5 February to 9 May 

Marie and Rosetta

Directed by Monique Touko, the two-hander play stars Beverley Knight reprising her role as gospel and rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, alongside Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Marie Knight, who makes her West End debut. The production features live music, with songs including “Didn’t It Rain” and “Peace in the Valley”, and was a huge hit on regional runs earlier this year. @sohoplace, from 28 February to 11 April 

Teeth ‘n’ Smiles

David Hare’s rebel play will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a West End revival, directed by Daniel Raggett. It follows Maggie Frisby, once the roaring voice of 60s counterculture, and now broke and disillusioned with her band on the brink of breakup. Rebecca Lucy Taylor, also known as Self Esteem, will be adding new material to the music by Nick Bicât and lyrics by Tony Bicât, while also starring in the new revival. Duke of York’s Theatre, from 13 March

Kinky Boots

The Tony-, WhatsOnStage Award-, Olivier- and Grammy-winning musical Kinky Boots will first begin previews at Curve, Leicester, on 3 March 2026 and then open in the West End. Johannes Radebe, known from Strictly Come Dancing, makes his West End debut, reprising his role as Lola from the UK and Ireland tour. Directed by Nikolai Foster with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music by Cyndi Lauper, the production follows Charlie Price as he revives a failing shoe factory with help from Lola to create a line of high-heeled boots and find acceptance. The London Coliseum from 17 March to 11 July.

Inter Alia

Suzie Miller’s Inter Alia is described as “a searing examination of modern masculinity and motherhood.” It follows Jessica Parks, played in a tour-de-force turn by Rosamund Pike, a smart maverick at the top of her career as an eminent London Crown Court Judge. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, she tries to keep her family upright. It was a huge hit at the National Theatre and on screens across the country. Wyndham’s Theatre from 19 March to 20 June

Avenue Q

It’s back! Twenty years on and reuniting original team members, the world’s filthiest assortment (crafted by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, with a book by Jeff Whitty) of foul-mouthed puppets will be shocking audiences for a limited anniversary season at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Shaftesbury Theatre, from 20 March to 29 August 

The Last Five Years

A week’s worth of concert performances for The Last Five Years have completely sold out, but we’ve included this one for posterity! Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler will lead the two-hander in a special 25th anniversary concert run at The London Palladium, conducted and directed by the show’s composer Jason Robert Brown. The London Palladium, from 24 to 29 March

Grace Pervades

David Hare’s Grace Pervades transfers to London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited West End season beginning in April 2026, following its premiere at Theatre Royal Bath in summer 2025. Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison lead the cast as Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. Theatre Royal Haymarket, from 24 April 

1536

Ava Pickett’s hit play 1536, directed by Lyndsey Turner, will transfer to the West End next spring! The play, set in Tudor England, centres on three women in Essex whose lives are disrupted by rumours spreading from the court of Henry VIII concerning the fall of Anne Boleyn. It was wildly successful at the Almeida earlier this year. Ambassadors Theatre, from 2 May to 1 August

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

The show, which first appeared online in 2018, follows Paul Matthews, who finds his everyday life upended when a mysterious alien arrival causes his town to break into song. StarKid are West End darlings after two sell-out concerts, so expect great things from this! Apollo Theatre, from 14 to 30 May 2026

Beetlejuice

We definitely said its name more than three times, but the West End will finally get a taste of Beetlejuice! The cult classic about the immortal demon is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect, a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown and Tony nominee Anthony King. Prince Edward Theatre, from 20 May 

Jesus Christ Superstar

Our minds are clearer now, because we know what the Palladium’s summer musical will be! Eurovision ledge Sam Ryder is having a Christ summer this year at the iconic venue. The show is directed by Tim Sheader after he previously presented the show at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2016 and 2017. He reunites with creatives designer Tom Scutt and choreographer Drew McOnie. The London Palladium, 20 June to 5 September