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Emmie Newitt

5 Plays to see in London in August (2024)

With the end of summer in sight, August has a lot to offer for theatre enthusiasts in London. We’ve rounded up 5 of the best plays you can see across the month of August.

the 39 steps west endThe 39 Steps production image. Photo by Mark Senior.

Amongst the standout productions is Jeremy O. Harris’ hard-hitting masterpiece, Slave Play which recently transferred to the West End whilst younger audiences can enjoy Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors as a lasting memory before they go back to school. Keep up to date with the best plays to see in London with our carefully curated guide too.

1. Fawlty Towers

fawlty towers west endHemi Yeroham, Victoria Fox, Adam Jackson-Fox and Anna-Jane Casey. © Trevor Leighton

If you're a fan of the beloved British sitcom, you can now experience it live on the West End stage. Adapted by John Cleese himself, this production masterfully combines three iconic episodes into an entertaining two-hour play. With all the favourite characters brought to life, Fawlty Towers is captivating theatre audiences and becoming a must-see hit!

Fawlty Towers Tickets

2. Farm Hall

Julius D'Silva, Archie Backhouse, Forbes Masson, Alan Cox, Daniel Boyd, David Yelland in Farm Hall - Photo credit Alex BrennerJulius D'Silva, Archie Backhouse, Forbes Masson, Alan Cox, Daniel Boyd, David Yelland in Farm Hall - Photo credit Alex Brenner

Heading to the West End for a limited time following a sold-out run at the Jermyn Street Theatre, Farm Hall dramatises the true story recorded inside the bugged walls of Farm Hall between July 1945 and January 1946. Farm Hall will offer audiences a compelling dramatisation of a pivotal moment in history.

Farm Hall Tickets

3. Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors

horrible histories terrible tudorsHorrible Histories: Terrible Tudors production image.

Looking to dive into some history with all the gory details left intact? Kids will have a blast with Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors, returning to the West End for a third year just in time for the summer holidays to finish. Uncover the fate of Henry’s unfortunate wives, witness his clash with the Pope, survive the Spanish Armada’s assault, and come face-to-face with Bloody Mary!

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors Tickets

4. Slave Play

Slave Play at Noel Coward Theatre. Photo by Helen Murray Slave Play at Noel Coward Theatre. Photo by Helen Murray

The most groundbreaking, controversial, and Tony-nominated play in history, Slave Play, has made its way to the West End. Jeremy O. Harris' bold exploration of gender, sexuality, and race will leave you completely captivated.

Slave Play Tickets

5. The 39 Steps

the 39 steps west endThe 39 Steps production image. Photo by Mark Senior.

The hilarious, fast-paced comedy 39 Steps takes audiences on a 100-minute journey of unforgettable laughter. Based on John Buchan's popular 1915 novel and Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film classic, 39 Steps turns a serious story into a wildly entertaining comedy adventure.

The 39 Steps Tickets

With tickets for 39 Steps and Farm Hall selling out quickly, there's clearly a huge demand for plays in London. Make your August unforgettable by experiencing some brilliant theatre. Don’t forget that our guide to the best plays to see in London will give you more inspiration.