Red theatre curtain

London West End Preview

In this article, you'll learn the following:

London’s West End is home to some of the best theatre shows in the world, and the 2025 programme is sure to inspire you. From award-winning musicals to dramatizations of literary classics and family-friendly favourites, there’s something everyone can enjoy.

Plus, it’s easy to get to London’s West End theatres when travelling on our network. Read on to find out more, including exclusive theatre SWR Rewards offers for our customers.

New West End musicals for 2025

If you’re a seasoned theatregoer looking for the best West End shows London has to offer, these are our top picks for 2025.

The Devil Wears Prada

Scene from the production of the Devil wears Prada

Fans of the original film will love this stage adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, which boasts an original score by Elton John. Get a glimpse inside the cut-throat world of a New York fashion magazine in this musical comedy featuring award-winning cast members and – of course – fabulous costumes.

When: Until 31 May 2025

Price: Tickets from £25

Address: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ

How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road – a 10-minute journey.

Clueless

Based on the 1995 hit movie of the same name, this musical comedy makes its West End debut after a successful Off-Broadway run. Featuring an original score by KT Tunstall and a script by the director of the original film, Amy Heckerling, Clueless is a fun musical comedy that tells an all-American coming-of-age story.

When: 15 February – 14 June 2025

Price: Tickets from £25

Address: Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY

How to get there: Take the Northern or Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross, then walk 4 minutes to the theatre.

Sing Street

Set in Dublin in 1982, Sing Street is a story of the trials and tribulations of being a teenager, young love and the uplifting power of music. Adapted from the 2016 film with an original score of ‘80s-inspired new wave music, this is a feel-good musical and a must-see for 2025.

When: 8 July – 23 August 2025

Price: Tickets start at £10

Address: Lyric Theatre, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL

How to get there: The nearest SWR station to Lyric Theatre is Richmond. From there, hop on the District line for 17 minutes, then walk 3 minutes to the theatre.

The Great Gatsby

West End show - The Great Gatsby

Let yourself be transported to the roaring ‘20s watching the musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby. A story of money, love and glamour amongst the 1920s New York elite, it’s a spectacular, crowd-pleasing show that anyone will enjoy. The show arrives in London’s West End after its smash-hit success on Broadway – you won’t want to miss it!

When: 11 April – 7 September 2025

Price: Tickets start at £20

Address: London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES

How to get there: Hop on the Bakerloo or Northern line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross, then walk 4 minutes to the theatre.

Theatre highlights for 2025

London’s rich and varied theatre scene promises something for everyone. Discover our top picks for 2025 here, from black comedy to crime dramas and retellings of popular TV shows.

Inside No. 9 – Stage/Fright

Based on the BBC drama of the same name, Inside No. 9 – Stage/Fright combines comedy and horror, promising a thrilling watch. Fans of the TV show will recognise familiar stories and characters, but there’s plenty of new material, too.

When: 18 January – 5 April 2025

Price: Tickets start at £27.75

Address: Wyndham's Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA

How to get there: Hop on the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 3 minutes to the theatre.

The Lonely Londoners

The Lonely Londoners is adapted from Sam Selvon’s iconic novel. Set in 1950s London, it tells the story of the hopes, dreams and realities of the Windrush generation. While this moving production explores themes of loneliness and exile, it also serves as a reminder of what unites us all.

When: 10 January – 22 February 2025

Price: Tickets from £15

Address: Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR

How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Kilburn, then walk 8 minutes to the theatre.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

If you loved Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things, you won’t want to miss this new stage production. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a gripping tale that takes you right back to the beginnings of the mysterious goings-on in Hawkins, with many of the same characters appearing alongside new faces.

When: Until 6 April 2025

Price: Tickets from £30

Address: Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JP

How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road, then walk 5 minutes to the theatre.

New family shows for 2025

Looking for things to do in London with kids? Nothing beats a trip to the theatre! Explore the best new family shows for 2025 to keep everyone entertained.

Hercules the Musical

West End 2025 Hercules

Inspired by Disney’s animation and the iconic Greek myth, Hercules the Musical is an electrifying show that all ages will love. In true Disney fashion, expect dazzling costumes, awe-inspiring special effects and spectacular musical numbers.

When: 6 June 2025 – 10 January 2026

Price: Tickets start at £29.50

Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF

How to get there: The theatre is a 19-minute walk from London Waterloo. Alternatively, take the number 172 bus from Waterloo Station/Waterloo Road (stop F) to Aldwych/Drury Lane – a 9-minute journey.

My Neighbour Totoro

Following a sold-out run at the Barbican Centre, My Neighbour Totoro moves to London’s West End stage in 2025. Based on the Studio Ghibli animation of the same name, it’s a magical story exploring the power of the imagination, which has long captivated children and adults alike.

When: 8 March – 2 November 2025.

Price: Tickets from £25.

Address: Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW

How to get there: Walk 23 minutes from London Waterloo to the theatre, or hop on the number 172 bus from Waterloo Station/Waterloo Road (stop F) to Aldwych/Drury Lane – a 13-minute journey.

101 Dalmatians

The much-loved musical adaptation of this Disney classic returns to London’s West End for an exclusive six-week run in 2025. It’s the perfect family show, with incredible puppetry, costumes and set design bringing the heartwarming story to life. If you’re looking for things to do with the kids during the school holidays, they’ll love 101 Dalmations!

When: 18 July – 30 August 2025.

Price: Tickets start at £22.

Address: Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9QH

How to get there: The closest SWR station is Richmond. From there, take the District line to Hammersmith – a 17-minute journey – then walk 3 minutes to the theatre.

Where to see Shakespeare theatre in London

One of the best places to see a Shakespeare production is Shakespeare’s Globe, with daily shows and tickets starting from £5. If you’re interested in the history of the theatre, SWR customers can take advantage of 2FOR1 guided tour tickets at Shakespeare’s Globe.

In early 2025, Theatre Royal Drury Lane has two Shakespeare productions by the Jamie Lloyd Company – The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing – featuring acclaimed actors like Sigourney Weaver, Hayley Atwell and Tom Hiddleston.

Travel to the theatre with SWR

Ready to plan your theatre trip for 2025? Booking your train to London couldn’t be easier. Plus, we have plenty of cheap train tickets and exclusive offers to save you money on your journey. Enjoy up to 1/3 off with a Railcard and get extra discounts with GroupSave tickets when travelling with family or friends

Our Evening Out tickets are an excellent choice when heading to a later performance, giving you extra flexibility on return journeys. Similarly, if you’re travelling to a Sunday matinee performance and want to make the most of your day in London, choose our Sunday Out tickets .

While you’re here, sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly travel inspiration, exclusive offers, competitions and more.

 

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