Must-see London theatre shows this summer
While summer weather in London is still very unpredictable, one thing you can always count on is plenty of incredible theatre shows. When it feels like June is just as rainy and cold as January, head to the theatre to see a drama or a comedy. If a heat wave settles in, take in a summer performance at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre or Shakespeare's Globe while enjoying the warm weather.
Rain or shine, these are our picks of London theatre shows this summer.
Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare's Globe
There's something magical about being able to say you've seen Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and this summer, Londoners will be treated to an excitingly unorthodox interpretation of the classic romantic tragedy. The production moves the story from "fair Verona" to the Wild West with the traditional duels between Montagues and Capulets replaced with saloon brawls and gunfights.
The Western-inspired play will be performed in the open-air theatre for an authentic Shakespearean experience, so be sure to dress for the unpredictable London weather.
On from April 25 to August 2
Southbank, SE1 | shakespearesglobe.com
Mrs. Warren's Profession at the Garrick Theatre
A star-studded cast brings Bernard Shaw's dramatic story of a tumultuous mother-daughter relationship to the London stage. The Crown's Imelda Staunton and Bridgerton's Bessie Carter star as an older woman running a brothel and her disapproving daughter, navigating the morality of providing for your family through any means necessary.
On from May 10 to August 16
Leicester Square, WC2H | thegarricktheatre.co.uk
Goodnight, Oscar at the Barbican
After an acclaimed Broadway run, Will & Grace's Sean Hayes brings his Tony award-winning performance as a 1950s late-night television host to the Barbican. The play follows Hayes' character, Jack Paar, as he interviews his favourite guest, Oscar Levant, a pianist and composer dealing with addiction and mental illness.
Drama unfolds as the line blurs between entertainment and exploiting Oscar's struggles.
On from July 31 to September 2
City of London, EC2Y | barbican.org.uk
Inter Alia at the National Theatre
Rosamund Pike stars as a London Crown Court Judge navigating a serious career and the demands of her personal life as a mother and wife. This work from Olivier-winning Suzie Miller comes after her acclaimed 2023 play Prima Facie captivated London audiences.
Details about this highly anticipated show have been kept under wraps, but it is set to be broadcast in cinemas in September to allow wider audiences to experience this exciting new production.
On from July 10 to September 13
Southbank, SE1 | nationaltheatre.org.uk
Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
For the first time in 35 years, a production of the classic musical Brigadoon comes to London. At the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, audiences can enjoy a performance of the charming tale of two World War II pilots who crash land in the Scottish Highlands. As they search for a way home, they find love in the idyllic village of Brigadoon.
Reimagined by Scottish playwright Rona Munro, this is sure to be an enchanting take on the iconic musical.
On from August 2 to September 20
Regent's Park, NW1 | openairtheatre.com
In Other Words at Arcola Theatre
In Other Words is a heartfelt story of a couple brought together over the music of Frank Sinatra. The play explores the power of music to evoke memories and emotions through the lens of Alzheimer's disease.
Playwright Matthew Seager drew his inspiration for this project from his time working in a care home and the way the patients responded to the music of their past. Since its London premiere in 2017, In Other Words has achieved international success and returns this summer to move and inspire London audiences once again.
On from May 19 to May 24
Dalston, E8 | arcolatheatre.com
1536 at Almeida Theatre
If you love historical drama and royal gossip, you'll love the Almeida Theatre's summer production 1536. The play follows three women in the Essex countryside in 1536 as they learn gossip from London about King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's clashing relationship. The women draw parallels to their own lives, reflecting on the violence and misogyny women of all classes experienced at the time. Mixing humour with harsh reality, the heart of the story is female solidarity and resilience.
The play is part of the new initiative, Genesis Almeida New Playwrights, Big Plays Programme, which has supported playwright Ava Pickett as she brings this story to the stage. Pickett also won the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for 1536.
On from May 6 to June 7
Islington, N1 | almeida.co.uk
Giant at Harold Pinter Theatre
Roald Dahl was known for his beloved children's books, but in Giant, audiences see the author during a moment of controversy. In 1983, Dahl wrote a book review including a criticism of Israel that led to claims that the author was anti-Semitic. The play speaks to the political moment of the 80s and now, with discussions of the complicated nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
With a star-studded cast led by John Lithgow, this nuanced performance sheds light on such a sensitive and timely topic.
On from April 26 to August 2
Piccadilly, SW1Y | gianttheplay.com
Marriage Material at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
The family home is usually the centre of family life, but for The Bains, their Wolverhampton corner shop is the glue that holds them all together. Following multiple generations of shopkeepers, the play examines what the business represents for each family member as they navigate struggles and tragedies.
Based on the novel by Sathnam Sanghera, Marriage Material is a portrait of immigrant life in the UK with reflections on identity, culture, and tradition.
On from May 22 to June 21
Hammersmith | lyric.co.uk
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