The Best London Theatre Right Now

The Best London Theatre | Amazing Shows to Book and See in January 2025

There are 241 theatres in London.

That’s enough to pretty much guarantee that there’s something on that you’ll absolutely love, and too many to wade through alone (unless you absolutely love decision paralysis).

So just to deftly slash this Gordian knot, here’s your trusty Nudge Theatre Guide, which collates reviews from all the top critics, tells you the best spots for dinner before the show, has a good place for some drinks afterwards, and includes literally dozens of fantastic shows…

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Jump Straight To: MUSICALS | DRAMA | COMEDY | IMMERSIVE

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Titanique | Criterion

We all know the story of Jack, Rose, and the wardrobe manufacturer who clearly skipped “floatability” day at trade school. But have you heard the story from Celine Dion’s point of view? No? Well, here it is, in the form of an upbeat, eye-wateringly funny jukebox musical. The plot involved Celine herself hijacking a Titanic museum tour. It’s been making the rounds in various cities across the globe, and it’s somehow managed to dodge any and all of the many, many critical icebergs that you would expect to veer towards it.

Dinner before: If you can get a reszzie, then the Devonshire is first class
Drinks after: Sink a couple of cocktails at SOMA
London Theatre Critics say: 4* Guardian
Details: Titanique is playing at the Criterion, and currently playing until 30th March 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at the Criterion theatre website.

 

Oliver! | Gielgud Theatre

Oliver! is a title that basically shouts at you, but then proceeds to earn its punctuation mark with its sheer energy, pathos, and seemingly endless supply of classic tunes (Food Glorious Food! Consider Yourself! I’d Do Anything! They just keep coming). There’s a reason it beat 2001: A Space Odyssey to the Best Picture Oscar. And this new staging from Matthew Bourne appears to have picked the pockets of every great production to come before it, mixing them all up in a pleasingly old fashioned bag.

Dinner before: Ask for more at Randall & Aubin
Drinks after: Disappear into the depths of Soho (AKA Bar Lina)
London Theatre Critics say: The Chichester production last year was extremely well received…
Details: Oliver! Is playing at the Gielgud Theatre, and booking until 28th September 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at the Gielgud theatre website

 

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 | Donmar Warehouse

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is a musical that takes a mere 70-page slice of Tolstoy’s War & Peace and turns it into a two-hour spectacle, every word of which is sung. And as for tone? Imagine Russian aristocrats in a 19th-century rave, complete with techno beats and vodka-fuelled debauchery – the show is a wild blend of opera, pop, electronica, and absolutely seizure-inducing staging. Critics are both dazzled and bemused, and have basically said that it’s a bit like epic Russian literature poured through the lens of a Eurovision fever dream with glitter cannons & pink neon. Utterly mad, yet strangely captivating.

Dinner before: Start the story at Story Cellar
Drinks after: Sing the praises of Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
London Theatre Critics say: 5* Telegraph, 4* Guardian, 4* Independent, 3* Times, 3* Standard
Details: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is playing at the Donmar Warehouse and booking until 8th February 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at the Donmar theatre website.

 

The Devil Wears Prada | The Dominion Theatre

Okay, you already know this one. It’s the Devil Wears Prada, so it’s almost guaranteed you already know what it’s about. But is it any good? Well, there was a worrying premiere a couple of years ago (reviews called it “alarmingly un-fun”) so we’re happy to report that this new version is, well, amazing. On the night that we went along, pretty much everyone in the audience finished the show on their feet, singing and dancing before leaving the theatre feeling genuinely euphoric. It’s basically everything you want from a West End Musical – an engaging storyline, brilliant songs, a talented and energetic cast, a great set, and all of the most iconic moments from the film. Miranda would approve.

Dinner before: Tattu is eminently fashionable
Drinks after: Strut your stuff in the Bloomsbury Club Bar
London Theatre Critics say: 5* Standard, 3* Times
Details: The Devil Wears Prada is playing at The Dominion Theatre, and booking until 31st May 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at the Devil Wears Prada website.

 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | The Ambassador’s Theatre

After reaching the peak of the entertainment ladder back in 2008 (a Hollywood film with Brad Pitt), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has now morphed into a younger version of itself in the form of this musical. It draws from F Scott Fitzgerald’s original 1922 short story, but this time transports the location to a small Cornish fishing village. The first run in Southwark was hugely well-received, and this is an impressive step up – so let’s hope it lives to a ripe old age…

Dinner before: Louie will make you feel younger
Drinks after: Oriole has the jazz-age charm you need after this show
London Theatre Critics say: Telegraph 5*, Guardian 4*, FT 4*, Times 4*
Details: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is playing at The Ambassador’s Theatre, and booking until 15th February 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at the Ambassador’s theatre website

 

Why Am I So Single | The Garrick

Depending on your relationship status, googling this show is either going to helpfully, or unhelpfully, skew your algorithm for a while. So, to save you the bother, here’s the skinny: it’s from the pair of theatre writers behind SIX (Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss) and it’s about two theatre writers who are struggling to compose songs for a musical, while musing on their sh*tty love lives. We won’t read much into it. Early word is verrry positive, but not quite as ecstatic as that for SIX, so let’s hope it’s another fun little number.

Dinner before:See a bunch of couples on dates at Bancone
Drinks after: Refuse to let your drink be single at Petersham Nurseries
London Theatre Critics say: 4* Times, 4* Observer, 4* Standard
Details: Why Am I So Single is playing at The Garrick theatre until 13th February 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at their official website.

 

Hadestown | Lyric Theatre

They say the devil has all the best tunes – well now he’s also got a Tony and Grammy-winning megahit Broadway musical, making its long-awaited transfer to the West End.

Multi-talented singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell has written the lyrics, book and the brassy, brilliant soundtrack to this epic underworld tale steeped in Greek mythology, which tracks the intertwining love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Persephone and her husband King Hades. Rolling into town on the back of rapturous critical notices, and with an enormous buzz ahead of its opening night, commit whatever unforgivable sins are necessary to secure a ticket – it really is a hell of a show.

Dinner before:First rate dumplings at Leong’s Legend, one of the best restaurants in Chinatown
Drinks after: Head to the underground candlelit bar, Below Stone’s Nest
London Theatre Critics say: Guardian 4*, FT 4*
Details: Hadestown is playing at the Lyric Theatre (closest tube station Piccadilly Circus) until 28th September 2025. Tickets cost from £20-125, and can be purchased HERE.

 

SIX | Vaudeville Theatre London

Divorced, beheaded, live in concert: it’s the story of Henry VIIIth’s six wives, performed by the queens themselves in the form of a punk girl-band. To say it’s a phenomenon would be to undersell it: it started out as an Edinburgh Fringe show, and has now scored runs in the West End, on Broadway and down in Oz. Expect neon ruffs; Greensleeves-techno mash ups and unexpectedly poignant moments interspersed with its high-energy score.

Dinner before: Cult dumplings at Din Tai Fung
Drinks after: Subterranean cocktails at Eve
London Theatre Critics say: Evening Standard 5*; The Telegraph 5*; The Times 4*
Details: Six is booking at the Vaudeville Theatre (closest tube station Charing Cross) until 4th May 2025. Tickets cost from £34.50-74.50, and can be purchased HERE.

 

Moulin Rouge! | Piccadilly Theatre

Why should you go see this live musical production of Moulin Rouge? Because you can can can! This dazzling show has transferred from Broadway to London, with an impressive 14 Tony nominations under its belt, a crack team of award-winning producers and creatives (including Baz himself), and an incredible soundtrack of 71 songs…

Dinner before: Soho’s stellar new opening The Devonshire, conveniently across the road
Drinks after: Subterranean cocktails at SOMA
London Theatre Critics say: The Independent 4*; The Telegraph 4*
Details: Moulin Rouge! runs at the Piccadilly Theatre (closest tube station Piccadilly Circus) until 24th May 2025. Tickets cost £29 – £229, and can be booked HERE.

 

Matilda The Musical | Cambridge Theatre

A show in which a genius-level child with telekinetic powers somehow starts off as an underdog, this long-running musical take on the classic Roald Dahl tale – produced by theatre nobility the RSC – has had critics positively raving. And with good reason too – with lyrics by the inimitable Tim Minchin, ridiculously catchy tunes and a genuinely exceptional cast of kids, there’s not a single hole in this colourful patchwork of song and dance.

Dinner before: Grab a quick bite at KERB Seven Dials
Drinks after: Slip into La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
London Theatre Critics say: The Telegraph 5*; The Guardian 5*; The Evening Standard 5*; The Independent 5*
Details: Matilda The Musical is booking at the Cambridge Theatre (closest tube station Covent Garden) until 25th May 2025, with tickets running between £20 and £150. You can book them HERE.

 

Operation Mincemeat | Fortune Theatre

After multiple sell-out runs at London’s fringe theatres, Operation Mincemeat, the debut musical by creative quartet SpitLip, has come to the West End – and been extended eight times. What is it? It’s the story of the (genuine) Second World War plan to confound the Nazis by planting false intel on a corpse, and allowing the Germans to discover it. How is it told? In a riotous, rapid-fire barrage of role-swapping physicality.

Now with two Olivier awards under its belt, ‘Operation take the West End by storm’ has been a resounding success. Go see it, that’s an order.

Dinner before: Get mincemeat made into one of London’s best burgers at Joe Allen
Drinks after: A thoroughly old fashioned drinking den, Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration
London Theatre Critics say: They’ve picked up 65 5* reviews so far…
Details: Operation Mincemeat! is booking at the Fortune Theatre (closest tube stations Covent Garden and Temple) until 7th June 2025. Tickets cost from £39.50 – £89.50 and you can book HERE, or enter the £25 ticket lottery HERE.

 

Les Misérables | Sondheim Theatre

Do you hear the people sing? Well, you will if you head to Les Mis, an iconic musical based on Victor Hugo’s gloomy revolutionary novel that’s now in its 4th decade. It closed for the first time in 34 years while the theatre got some upgrades (and, er, other global events interfered) – but now it’s back, flying the flag once more with a critically acclaimed new production.

Dinner before: Enjoy classic brasserie fare at Dean Street Townhouse
Drinks after: A drink at The French House seems strangely appropriate
London Theatre Critics say: The Guardian 5*; The Telegraph 5*; Evening Standard 4*
Details: Les Misérables plays at the Sondheim Theatre (closest tube station Piccadilly Circus), with tickets from £47.50-£175. You can book up until 29th March 2025 right HERE.

 

Hamilton | Victoria Palace Theatre, London

Hamilton might have won 11 Tony Awards for its Broadway run, but the London cast have proved they were ready to Rise Up to the challenge.

Following the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, it’s a pioneering musical that raps its way through history, and within months of playing here, earned a record-breaking 13 Olivier nominations for its troubles…

Dinner before: Glitzy brasserie fare at The Ivy Victoria
Drinks after: Cocktails – and then inevitably a round of darts – at Flight Club
London Theatre Critics say: The Guardian 5*; The Telegraph 5*; The Independent 5*; The Stage 5*; The Evening Standard 5*
Details: Tickets are on sale for Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre (closest tube station Victoria) until 29th March 2025. They cost from £20-200, and can be purchased HERE.

 

Cabaret | The Kit Kat Club (Playhouse Theatre)

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to this phenomenal new production of cabaret, directed by the sensationally talented Rebecca Frecknall. For this revival of the classic musical & film, the Playhouse Theatre has been transformed into a giant version of the Kit Kat Club, where (the lucky few, at least) can sip cocktails and dine at intimate cabaret tables while the show unfolds. Cara Delevingne and Luke Treadaway have now stepped into the shoes of Emcee and Sally Bowles. Plus, you’ll see some of the most beautiful costume design that’s hit London stages in the past few years…

Dinner before: Go fancy at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill
Drinks after: Superlative cocktails at Velvet Bar
London Theatre Critics say: Evening Standard 5*; The Independent 5*; The Telegraph 5*
Details: Cabaret is booking at the Playhouse Theatre (closest tube station Embankment) until 4th October 2025. Tickets cost £30 – £375, and you can book HERE.

 

Back To The Future: The Musical | Adelphi Theatre

Future you visited us, and said it was imperative we tell you about this new musical. And to be fair, if you like cult movies and 80s hits, you’re probably going to enjoy it.

Dinner before: Steak at 1985 prices at Flat Iron Covent Garden
Drinks after: Hand-picked wines at Lady of the Grapes
London Theatre Critics say: The Metro 5*; The Telegraph 5*;  Michael J. Fox: “A truly great show.”
Details: Back To The Future: The Musical is booking at the Adelphi Theatre (closest tube station Charing Cross) until 27th July 2025. Tickets cost £19.55 (of course) – £168.50, and can be booked HERE.
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THE BEST DRAMA ON NOW

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Cat On A Hot Tin Roof | Almeida Theatre

Tennessee Williams’ cult classic play is hot, sultry, and seductive. And this adaptation of it, brought to us by Directed by Rebecca Frecknall (known for her acclaimed revivals of Williams’ works), is a slice of emotional intensity that may well be too much to take for its exhausting three hour running time. Nevertheless, stars Daisy Edgar Jones and Kingsley Ben-Adir have enough charisma and talent to keep you hooked.

Dinner before: Go old school at Bellanger…
Drinks after: …and stay old school at 69 Colebrook Row
London Theatre Critics say: 4* Telegraph, 4* FT, 3* Guardian
Details: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof is playing at the Almeida Theatre and booking until 1st February 2025. Tickets are scant, but they do come up – you can find out more at the Almeida Theatre website.

 

Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Phoenix Theatre

There are TV shows, there are hit TV shows, and then there’s whatever Stranger Things is – at this point, a cultural psyche-shaping global mega-phenomenon. So to all those Stranger Things fans out there – and statistically, that’s very likely to be you – rejoice, for the show’s extended universe now expands, with a brand new play featuring a story by the Duffer Brothers (creators of Stranger Things) and written by Kate Trefry (a writer on the show) and Jack Thorne (writer of basically everything, and, in light of Cursed Child’s runaway success, the go-to playwright for all big-ticket-IP-stage-adaptations). The starry creative team is a hint at who’s backing the production – Netflix itself, making its first foray into theatre – and the title is a hint at the plot – the show is a prequel to the weirdness that eventually goes down in Hawkins, Indiana. A streamer-backed TV adaptation play that’s genuinely good? Stranger things have happened…

Dinner before: Turkish street food dishes at Yeni
Drinks after: Tequila time at La Bodega Negra
London Theatre Critics say: Sunday Times 5*, The Guardian 5*, Evening Standard 5*
Details: ‘Stranger Things’ is playing at the Phoenix Theatre (nearest tube station Tottenham Court Road) until 6^th April 2025. Tickets are from £32.50 and are available HERE.
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THE BEST COMEDY ON NOW | LONDON THEATRE

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The Importance of Being Earnest | The National Theatre

Would Oscar Wilde have approved of the thrilling injection of ultra-vibrant, contemporary, flamboyant aesthetic that the National Theatre’s latest spin on his classic play has been given? Who knows. Either way, he’d have said something delightfully witty about it – and he wouldn’t have been able to fault the mischievous charm that Ncuti Gatwa’s Algernon exudes, nor the fresh authority that Sharon D Clarke’s Lady Bracknell gives to all of her lines. While some comedic elements may feel overstated, the ensemble’s infectious energy and the innovative staging offer a joyous tribute to what is an enduring satire.

Dinner before: Something British at Lasdun
Drinks after: Go Wilde at Forza Wine
London Theatre Critics say: FT 4*, Guardian 4*, The Times 4*
Details: The Importance of Being Earnest is playing at The National Theatre until January 25th 2025. You can find out more and get ticket at the National Theatre website.

 

Twelfth Night | The Orange Tree Theatre

The Orange Tree Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night, directed by Tom Littler, transposes Shakespeare’s classic comedy to a 1940s English setting, infusing the narrative with post-war melancholy and charm. The intimate, in-the-round staging enhances audience engagement, with Stefan Bednarczyk’s Feste centrally positioned at a grand piano, performing period-appropriate songs that underscore the era’s ambiance. Notable performances include Oliver Ford Davies as a poignantly fragile Malvolio, Jane Asher’s cunning Maria, and Clive Francis’s mischievous Sir Toby Belch. The reason this show is timeless is because of productions like this.

Dinner before: Either Scott’s, or Napoli on the Road, depending on mood
Drinks after: Dropkick Jonny’s is a whiskey bar disguised as a pub, so it’s on theme
London Theatre Critics say: Guardian 4*, Telegraph 4*
Details: Twelfth Night is playing at The Orange Tree Theatre until January 25th 2025. You can find out more and get ticket at the Orange Tree Theatre website.

 

Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha | Soho Theatre

Ok, so this one has been showered in critical acclaim. Masli is an Estonian clown moonlighting as an agony aunt. Her show is entirely improvised, and involves her approaching audience members, asking ‘Problem?’ before offering up a left-field therapeutic solution. Previous shows have seen audience building their own chair, drinking vodka or volunteering to take their clothes off. It’s absolutely hilarious, but also unexpectedly heartwarming. Don’t miss it.

Dinner before: You may have to queue for Kiln, but it’ll be worth it
Drinks after: Solve all your problems with boost at Zum Barbarossa
London Theatre Critics say: Guardian 5*, Telegraph 5*, Time Out 5*
Details: Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha is playing at the Soho Theatre until 11th of January 2025. You can find out more and get ticket at the Soho Theatre website.

 

Dr Strangelove | Noel Coward Theatre

Whoever Steve Coogan’s understudy is, they better hope he never gets ill. Because his sheer force of chameleon-like charisma as he leaps from role to role (4 total, all big parts) in this adaptation of Kubrick’s black comedy is amazing. Considering that the legendary Peter Sellers made the role famous, Coogan is among the very few who has the gumption to go toe-to-toe with him. And he pulls it off with aplomb.

Dinner before: There’ll be nothing strange about your love for Louie
Drinks after: Drink to the end of the world in style at Spey Bar
Details: Dr Strangelove is playing at the Noel Coward Theatre until 25th January 2025. You can find out more and get tickets at the Noel Coward Theatre website.

 

Fawlty Towers | Apollo Theatre

John Cleese himself has adapted three of the best episodes of Fawlty Towers (which, for those keeping score, is a quarter of them) for the stage, and woven them into one play. You can expect classic scenes from The Hotel Inspector, Communication Problems, and – yes – The Germans. Early word is good, but the show will really come into its own after the cast have had a couple of weeks to gel together. Basically, if you like Fawlty Towers, you’ll like Fawlty Towers.

Dinner before: Something Manuel would approve of from Barrafina 
Drinks after: Get a basil-based cocktail at Swift Soho 
Details: Fawlty Towers is playing at the Apollo Theatre until 1st March 2025. Tickets start at £20 and you can get them right here.

 

The Play That Goes Wrong | Duchess Theatre

Honestly, they could be messing this up horribly every night, and no one would notice. In fact, they’d probably clap.

Dinner before: Bombastic Italian at Ave Mario
Drinks after: Highly-rated cocktails at Side Hustle
London Theatre Critics say: The Independent 4*; Financial Times 4*; The Stage 4*
Details: The Play That Goes Wrong is booking at the Duchess Theatre (closest tube station Covent Garden) until 4th May 2025. Tickets cost £22-67.50, and can be booked HERE.

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Looking for more comedy? Check out our guide to the best comedy gigs in London this month

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THE BEST IMMERSIVE SHOWS IN LONDON

 

The Gunpowder Plot | Tower Vaults

Step into the past, and a purpose-built venue in the Vaults opposite the Tower of London, as you experience – and participate in! – the historic gunpowder plot, via the medium of ‘Layered Reality’. What does that mean? Think VR headsets combined with live theatre, plus ‘real physical sensations’ (that’s right). Written by Danny Robins (he of 2:22 A Ghost Story), the piece stars Slytherin’s very own Tom Felton as Guy Fawkes, who leads a ‘digital cast’ that includes Gary Beadle and Michelle Asante. A unique – and explosive – night out.

Dinner before: Riverside dining at Coppa Club
Drinks after: Moonshine Saloon if you can’t get enough of all things immersive
Details: The Gunpowder Plot is currently playing at the Tower Vaults, 8-12 Tower Hill Vaults London EC3N 4EE until 31st January 2025. Tickets available HERE.

 

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Want to see great theatre for less? Find out how to get cheap theatre tickets in London…