Theatre shows in London this spring
Theatre-going Londoners are spoilt for choice with the amount of world-class theatre at their fingertips. This spring, some particularly exciting productions are set to make their debut. From star-studded casts in iconic roles to inventive independent shows, there's an ever-growing list of tickets we're hoping to get our hands on.
Here are some of the most anticipated London theatre shows for spring 2025.
The Years at the Harold Pinter Theatre
Based on Annie Ernaux's Nobel Prize-winning memoir, The Years is a striking account of 20th-century France told through the lens of Ernaux's personal experiences. The adaptation features five actors dramatising stages of the author's life as they relate to the broader political environments in which Ernaux lived.
The play embodies the heaviness of the source material, including some intense and devastating moments - highly recommend checking trigger warnings before booking.
On from January 24 - April 19
Piccadilly, SW1Y | haroldpintertheatre.co.uk
Otherland at the Almeida Theatre
Following a breakup, the main characters of Otherland, embark on a journey of self-discovery as they learn what life is like without the other. Written by Olivier-winning Chris Lee and directed by Ann Yang, this emotional story explores themes of courage, identity, and inevitable change.
On from February 12 - March 15
Islington, N1 | almeida.co.uk
Here We Are at the National Theatre
A star-studded, transatlantic cast will bring Sondheim's final musical to life in London this spring. Featuring performances by Tracie Bennet and Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the comedic musical follows the trials and tribulations of a brunch gone wrong. From the director of the stage production of Wicked, Joe Mantello presents a stylish production of this satirical and poignant show about privilege, wealth, and the end of the world.
On from April 23 - June 28
Southbank, SE1 | nationaltheatre.org.uk
The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse
Can't get enough of Sondheim? Luckily, a production of his lesser-known adaptation of an ancient Greek comedy, The Frogs, will also hit London stages this spring. Starring Glee alumni, Kevin McHale, the play follows Dionysos' journey to bring playwright George Bernard Shaw back from Hades in an attempt to save civilisation through art.
If the premise isn't intriguing enough, the play has a fascinating history. It was originally performed in 1974 at the Yale University swimming pool in which the frogs literally swam throughout the production and the cast list included then-burgeoning actresses, Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver.
On from May 23 - June 28
Elephant and Castle, SE1 | southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
The Brightening Air at The Old Vic Theatre
From Olivier-winning director, Conor McPherson, The Brightening Air is a new play about memory and the complexities of the family home. The production brings together actors of the stage and screen, including Brian Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, and Hannah Morish, to tell the story of a family in 1980s Ireland.
On from April 10 to June 14
Southwark, SE1 | oldvictheatre.com
Richard II at Bridge Theatre
If your Jonathan Bailey obsession is still going strong since seeing Wicked, this spring, Londoners can see the musical and Bridgerton star in Shakespeare's Richard II. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the play explores themes of power and leadership through Richard's downfall as a corrupt king.
While details of Hytner's interpretation have remained under wraps, the production is highly anticipated following the success of Bridge Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls.
On from February 10 - May 10
Tower Bridge, SE1 | bridgetheatre.co.uk
Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Director Jamie Llyod presents Shakespeare's play of love and miscommunication with a blockbuster cast led by Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell. The classic play follows a plot of secrets and deceit that wreak havoc on the courtship of two couples.
Following Llyod's unconventional production of The Tempest, audiences are in for an exciting interpretation of Much Ado About Nothing.
On from February 10 - April 5
Covent Garden, WC2B | lwtheatres.co.uk
Cry-Baby at Arcola Theatre
East London's Arcola Theatre will present the UK debut of the musical, Cry-Baby. Based on the film directed by John Waters (the trailblazing brains behind Hairspray), the musical is set in 1950s Baltimore as a preppy school girl falls for Cry-Baby, an outcast from the wrong side of the tracks. Think Grease, but with more edge.
This comedic, rockabilly musical is the product of Arcola Theatre's mission to create accessible, inclusive, and sustainable theatre shows in London.
On from March 6 - April 12
Dalston, E8 | arcolatheatre.com
Shanghai Dolls at Kiln Theatre
When two young actresses become fast friends at an audition in Shanghai, their lives are forever changed. Their complicated friendship is influenced by political turmoil that eventually shapes the protagonists into some of the most influential women in Chinese history.
The Kiln Theatre presents this exciting new work by playwright and historian Amy Ng, directed by Women's Prize winner Katie Posner.
On from April 3 - May 10
Kilburn, NW6 | kilntheatre.com
The Inseparables at the Finborogh Theatre
Based on Simone de Beauvoir's novel inspired by her childhood, The Inseparables provides an insight into the influential feminist philosopher's most formative friendship. Sylvie and Andrée develop a closeness through their discussions of literature, religion, and the societal pressures on women.
The novel was published (controversially) posthumously in 2020, providing an exciting new glimpse into de Beauvoir's personal life. Sylvie and Andrée's story will be brought to life at the intimate, 50-seat Finborough Theatre by director Grace Joy Howarth.
On from April 15 - May 10
West Brompton, SW10 | finboroughtheatre.co.uk
The Seagull at Barbican Theatre
Cate Blanchett returns to the London stage accompanied by Tom Burke and Emma Corin, in Chekhov's The Seagull. Directed by Jamie Llyod, this stripped-back interpretation follows the complicated and interwoven relationships between four artists at a country estate.
The initial release of tickets for this much-anticipated production has sold out, but more will be available during the run.
On from February 26 - March 6
Barbican, EC2Y | barbican.org.uk
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