Wondering what theatre shows to see before they close in London next month? Here are 8 shows you must grab a last minute ticket for in June.
The Cast of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy at the Garrick Theatre.
In June, London will see the final performances of eight outstanding shows. Highlights include Brian Cox in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night at Wyndham's Theatre and Sir Ian McKellen in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre. Additionally, there are six other must-see shows before they close. To stay updated on the best new shows coming to London, check out our guide to what's hitting the city.
1. Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson. Photo by Johan Persson
Long Day’s Journey Into Night, starring Brian Cox, offers a profound exploration of family dynamics, addiction, and the complexities of human relationships. Eugene O’Neill’s masterful writing, combined with powerful performances from the cast, makes this one of the must-see plays in London this year.
- Playing at Wyndham’s Theatre
- Booking until 8 June
Book Long Day's Journey Into Night Tickets
2. Player Kings
Ian McKellen in PLAYER KINGS artwork.
Directed by the award-winning Robert Icke, Sir Ian McKellen stars in an inspiring new rendition of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 and 2. The limited 12-week run of the play comes to a close in June, so don’t miss the rare opportunity to see one of the greatest actors of our time in an unmissable and exciting production.
- Playing at Noel Coward Theatre
- Booking until 22 June
3. The Hills of California
Nicola Turner, Nancy Allsop, Lara McDonnell and Sophia Ally in The Hills of California. Photograph: Mark Douet
From the writer of Jerusalem, Jez Butterworth and director Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy), The Hill of California follows the Webb sisters as they arrive at their mother’s run-down guest house, as she lies dying upstairs. Follow them as they rifle through decades of their family’s past, set in Blackpool in 1976.
- Playing at Harold Pinter Theatre
- Booking until 15 June
Book The Hills of California Tickets
4. The Government Inspector
The cast of The Government Inspector.
Nikolai Gogol’s masterful comedy, The Government Inspector delves into how corrupt power destroys itself. Starring co-creator of BBC Comedy Ghosts Martha Howe-Douglas alongside Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Dan Skiine, it’s your last chance to experience one of the greatest comedies in the world.
- Playing at Marylebone Theatre
- Booking until 15 June
Book The Government Inspector Tickets
5. For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy
The Cast of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy at the Garrick Theatre.
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy’s limited run in the West End comes to an end at the start of June. Nominated for Best New Play and Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2023 Olivier Awards, this production has been hailed as “a powerful and deeply moving meditation on Black masculinity and Black life in Britain” by The Guardian.
- Playing at Garrick Theatre
- Booking until 1 June
6. The Enormous Crocodile
The Enormous Crocodile. Original Cast from Leeds Playhouse. Credit Manuel Harlan
Grab the little ones and experience The Enormous Crocodile, a new musical armed with joyous music and breathtaking puppetry. Set in the idyllic surroundings of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this is an unforgettable presentation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale.
- Playing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
- Booking until 1 June
Book The Enormous Crocodile Tickets
7. Jerry’s Girls
Julia Yammanee, Jessica Martin and Cassidy Janson in Jerry's Girls. Photo by Tristram Kenton.
Jerry Herman’s iconic music comes to life in this show which celebrates the life and legacy of his work. Brought to life by an extraordinarily talented cast, Jerry’s Girl features songs from musicals such as Hello, Dolly!, Mame and Mack and Mabel. With only a limited 6 weeks to catch it, now is your time to be swept away by this spectacular showcase.
- Playing at Menier Chocolate Factory
- Booking until 29 June
8. Machinal
Machinal production image. Photo by Manuel Harlan
Based on the true crime story of Ruth Snyder, Machinal is a pulse-pounding portrayal of someone pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of life, expectation and convention. With an outstanding performance from Rosie Sheehy who reprises her critically acclaimed role in the show, Machinal is worth the ticket!
- Playing at Old Vic Theatre
- Booking until 1 June
With so many great shows closing next month, grab your last minute tickets to see some of the best shows in London whilst you can.
