Discover just 10 of the must-see new London shows lighting up the city's stages in 2024, offering unforgettable performances before the end of the year.
Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 artwork.
As London’s theatre scene continues to thrive, a lineup of must-see shows is set to captivate audiences before the end of 2024. Highlights include The Importance of Being Earnest, featuring Ncuti Gatwa in a standout role, alongside the hilarious Titanique, a comedic twist on a beloved classic. Whether you're a fan of timeless revivals or innovative new productions, these ten shows promise unforgettable experiences for every theatre lover.
1. Oliver!
The cast of Oliver!. Photo by Johan Persson
Making a triumphant return to the West End is the beloved musical Oliver! Bringing Dickens’ classic tale and its unforgettable songs back to life, audiences can look forward to a fresh revival of this timeless story from Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne. Filled with vibrant characters and iconic numbers like “Consider Yourself” and “Food, Glorious Food”, Oliver! is a show worth every penny!
Playing at Gielgud Theatre from 14 December 2024
2. The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
The Lightning Thief Musical artwork.
Set for its highly anticipated UK premiere, Rick Riordan’s epic tale of Greek gods and monsters is heading to The Other Palace in November. Starring Max Harwood (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), fans of the beloved book series can expect a high-energy production packed with adventure, humour, and thrilling musical numbers that capture the spirit of Percy Jackson’s journey.
Playing at The Other Palace from 23 November 2024
The Lightning Thief Musical Tickets
3. Titanique
Constantine Rousouli, Marla Mindelle & Alex Ellis in Titanique at The Asylum. Photo by Emilio Madrid
A parody musical that hilariously reimagines Titanic through the lens of Céline Dion's iconic music, is set to delight London audiences when it premieres here in December. A huge hit Off-Broadway already, Titanique presents a clever, comedic twist on the classic love story. If you want an evening of laughter, nostalgia and show-stopping performances, this is the one for you!
Playing at Criterion Theatre from 9 December 2024
4. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Matthew Baynton in A Midsummer Night's Dream artwork.
One of the most infamous Shakespeare stories, A Midsummer Night’s Dream offers audiences an enchanting blend of romance, comedy, and magical elements that will leave you wanting more. Starring Matthew Baynton, the critically acclaimed production from the RSC arrives at the Barbican Theatre for a limited season.
Playing at Barbican Theatre from 3 December 2024
A Midsummer Night's Dream Tickets
5. The Unseen
The Unseen artwork.
Experience an intense and thought-provoking exploration of human resilience under oppressive regimes with The Unseen, written by Craig Wright. This gripping play follows the journey of two strangers struggling to escape captivity, while their conflicted torturer grapples with both a sense of duty and deep revulsion for his work.
Playing at Riverside Studios from 15 November 2024
6. The Little Foxes
The Little Foxes artwork.
Starring BAFTA Award-winning actress Anne-Marie Duff at the forefront, The Little Foxes heads to London in a savage new staging of the modern classic by Lillian Hellman. The Little Foxes is set in the American South during the early 20th century and centres around the ruthless and manipulative Hubbard family.
Playing at the Young Vic from 2 December 2024
7. The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest artwork.
Oscar Wilde’s best-loved play heads to London next month in a new production at the National Theatre. Starring an epic cast including Ncuti Gatwa, The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic comedy full of sharp wit, clever dialogue, and hilarious situations that will still resonate with the audiences of today.
Playing at the Lyttelton Theatre from 20 November 2024
The Importance of Being Earnest Tickets
8. Ballet Shoes
Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre artwork.
Noel Streatfeild’s beloved children’s novel is being adapted for the stage for the first time this Winter with a delightful production heading to the Olivier Theatre. Originally published in 1936, Ballet Shoes follows the lives of three young adopted sisters as they grow up and challenge their parental figures in an effort to live life on their own terms.
Playing at Olivier Theatre from 23 November.
9. The Tempest
The cast of The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Jamie Lloyd directs a captivating new production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest as part of a season celebrating The Bard. Starring Sigourney Weaver as Prospero, this unforgettable tale of betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness promises to intrigue audiences this winter.
Playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 7 December 2024
10. Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 artwork.
Inspired by a slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Dave Malloy’s dazzling, genre-defying musical will make its London premiere in December. Set in 19th-century Russia and focussing on Natasha’s affair with Anatole and Pierre’s search for meaning; Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 will provide an irresistible blend of classical literature and immersive theatrical elements.
Playing at Donmar Warehouse from 7 December 2024
The Great Comet of 1812 Tickets
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of new productions, including A Midsummer Night's Dream and Oliver, lighting up London’s stages before the end of 2024. Keep up to date with our Best New Shows in London to keep up to date with the latest shows heading to the capital.
