London Theatre Guide: best plays on now in London, 2018
Wondering what theatre to book and what plays to see? From fringe to West End: London's best theatre
Best plays on now in London
BEST PLAYS ON NOW
Potent and timely: The Writer, Almeida Theatre ★★★★★
The Writer is a staggering and complex new play. As its title suggests, it probes into not only the creative process of playwriting, but also the sexist and capitalist structures that impede, influence, and shape that process.
read our review
Artificial intelligence: Instructions for Correct Assembly, Royal Court Theatre ★★★★★
This new futuristic drama at the Royal Court looks at how AI would enter into the family home. Distinctive and at times illuminating, Instructions for Correct Assembly is an expertly staged thought-experiment about AI, deep grief and family loss.
read our review
A new epic: The Inheritance, Young Vic ★★★★★
A generation after the AIDS crisis, Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance provides a panoramic view of gay life in New York City.
read our review
Scintillating comedy: The Way of the World, Donmar Theatre ★★★★★
The Way Of The World is, according to William Congreve, that of money, desire and duplicity. The classic comedy of manners is revived with with a parade of embroidered velvet costumes, ghastly powdered wigs and meaningfully sly sideways glances.
read our review
A love letter to opera: The Moderate Soprano, Duke of York's Theatre ★★★★★
David Hare's story of the beginning of Glyndebourne Opera House is a warm, witty tale of determination and British tradition, with plenty of in-jokes for opera buffs.
read our review
A surefire winner: Quiz, Noel Coward Theatre ★★★★★
The unstoppable playwright behind Ink and Labour of Love hits the jackpot once again with this witty game-show drama.
read our review
Change is in the air: Caroline, Or Change, Hampstead Theatre ★★★★★
Tony Kushner's Olivier-winning musical about Civil Rights era America brings a surge of motown, r'n'b, gospel and soul to the Hampstead Theatre.
read our review
Screen meets stage: Brief Encounter, Empire Cinema ★★★★★
A cinematic throwback repackaged: Kneehigh Theatre's celebrated stage version of Brief Encounter comes to life at the Empire Cinema.
read our review
Sweet dreams: Somnai, Clerkenwell ★★★★★
Control your dreams and delve into your psyche at a futuristic immersive experience that combines technology and theatre.
read our review
Exceeds expectation: Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre ★★★★★
The London transfer Lin-Manuel Miranda's magnificent hip-hop music is every bit as brilliant as we had hoped. Make it your mission to get tickets.
read our review
Presidential campaigning: The Best Man, Playhouse Theatre ★★★★★
Two sets of opposing political ideals go head to head in this starry revival of Gore Vidal’s play, which takes us behind the scenes at the Democratic National Convention in 1960.
read our review
Operatic delight: Amadeus, National Theatre ★★★★★
Michael Longhurst's spirited, sell-out 2016 revival of Amadeus is still superlative as it returns to the Olivier. Don't miss your second chance to see it.
read our review
Courtroom drama: Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall ★★★★★
You are invited into an actual courtroom, to witness the dramas of a trial murder trial as they unfold, in a new site-specific production of Agatha Christie's classic crime story.
read our review
Party with Gatsby: The Great Gatsby immersive theatre ★★★★★
The roaring twenties come to life with sparkle, drama and a large yet intimate party in this immersive production of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
read our review
Best play of the year? The Ferryman, Gielgud Theatre ★★★★★
Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes collaborate for an absorbing, intricate story of Irish family life and its tensions – and it's by far the best play we've seen all year.
read our review
Pure magic: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre ★★★★★
Whether or not you approve of the script (no spoilers here) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is every bit as magical as we'd hoped on stage. The sheer theatrical spectacle is enough to make you wonder if maybe, just maybe, there might be some wizards involved. Performances and staging are of the superlative quality you'd expect and the atmosphere as the story unfolds is electric. Unfortunately, tickets are about as elusive as a Hogwarts letter.
find out how to get tickets
Delightful disaster: The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre ★★★★★
Slapstick silliness reigns supreme in this behind-the-scene play about an ill-fated production. Even those who are fearful of farce will find themselves won over by the infectious comic talents of Mischief Theatre Company.
And Mischief Theatre's follow up show, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery which is now running at the Criterion Theatre, is more of the same irresistible silliness. It would be a crime to miss it.
read our review
Sparkle, spectacle and sheer showmanship makes this new Disney musical just as megawatt and magical as expected. Children will be enchanted by the love story and beloved songs; even the grumpiest of grown ups will forgive the cheesy Americanisation when the hilarious Genie emerges from the lamp.
read our review
Best foot forward: Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre ★★★★★
Sequins, stilettos and a sexy songbook: Kinky Boots the musical brings all the sass and spirit of the hit film to the stage. We defy even the dourest of audience members to leave without wanting to don his dancing shoes.
read our review
Mini miracle: Matilda, Cambridge Theatre ★★★★★
Roald Dahl’s story of a child genius with magic powers who brings anarchy then justice upon her little world is, it turns out, perfectly adapted for the stage. This production, underpinned by the likes of Tim Minchin and playwright Dennis Kelly, has raked in the awards, from a few Tonys in its New York run to a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the most Olivier Award wins (seven in 2012).
read our review
Potent and timely: The Writer, Almeida Theatre ★★★★★
The Writer is a staggering and complex new play. As its title suggests, it probes into not only the creative process of playwriting, but also the sexist and capitalist structures that impede, influence, and shape that process.
read our review
Artificial intelligence: Instructions for Correct Assembly, Royal Court Theatre ★★★★★
This new futuristic drama at the Royal Court looks at how AI would enter into the family home. Distinctive and at times illuminating, Instructions for Correct Assembly is an expertly staged thought-experiment about AI, deep grief and family loss.
read our review
A new epic: The Inheritance, Young Vic ★★★★★
A generation after the AIDS crisis, Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance provides a panoramic view of gay life in New York City.
read our review
Scintillating comedy: The Way of the World, Donmar Theatre ★★★★★
The Way Of The World is, according to William Congreve, that of money, desire and duplicity. The classic comedy of manners is revived with with a parade of embroidered velvet costumes, ghastly powdered wigs and meaningfully sly sideways glances.
read our review
A love letter to opera: The Moderate Soprano, Duke of York's Theatre ★★★★★
David Hare's story of the beginning of Glyndebourne Opera House is a warm, witty tale of determination and British tradition, with plenty of in-jokes for opera buffs.
read our review
A surefire winner: Quiz, Noel Coward Theatre ★★★★★
The unstoppable playwright behind Ink and Labour of Love hits the jackpot once again with this witty game-show drama.
read our review
Change is in the air: Caroline, Or Change, Hampstead Theatre ★★★★★
Tony Kushner's Olivier-winning musical about Civil Rights era America brings a surge of motown, r'n'b, gospel and soul to the Hampstead Theatre.
read our review
Screen meets stage: Brief Encounter, Empire Cinema ★★★★★
A cinematic throwback repackaged: Kneehigh Theatre's celebrated stage version of Brief Encounter comes to life at the Empire Cinema.
read our review
Sweet dreams: Somnai, Clerkenwell ★★★★★
Control your dreams and delve into your psyche at a futuristic immersive experience that combines technology and theatre.
read our review
Exceeds expectation: Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre ★★★★★
The London transfer Lin-Manuel Miranda's magnificent hip-hop music is every bit as brilliant as we had hoped. Make it your mission to get tickets.
read our review
Presidential campaigning: The Best Man, Playhouse Theatre ★★★★★
Two sets of opposing political ideals go head to head in this starry revival of Gore Vidal’s play, which takes us behind the scenes at the Democratic National Convention in 1960.
read our review
Operatic delight: Amadeus, National Theatre ★★★★★
Michael Longhurst's spirited, sell-out 2016 revival of Amadeus is still superlative as it returns to the Olivier. Don't miss your second chance to see it.
read our review
Courtroom drama: Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall ★★★★★
You are invited into an actual courtroom, to witness the dramas of a trial murder trial as they unfold, in a new site-specific production of Agatha Christie's classic crime story.
read our review
Party with Gatsby: The Great Gatsby immersive theatre ★★★★★
The roaring twenties come to life with sparkle, drama and a large yet intimate party in this immersive production of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
read our review
Best play of the year? The Ferryman, Gielgud Theatre ★★★★★
Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes collaborate for an absorbing, intricate story of Irish family life and its tensions – and it's by far the best play we've seen all year.
read our review
Pure magic: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre ★★★★★
Whether or not you approve of the script (no spoilers here) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is every bit as magical as we'd hoped on stage. The sheer theatrical spectacle is enough to make you wonder if maybe, just maybe, there might be some wizards involved. Performances and staging are of the superlative quality you'd expect and the atmosphere as the story unfolds is electric. Unfortunately, tickets are about as elusive as a Hogwarts letter.
find out how to get tickets
Delightful disaster: The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre ★★★★★
Slapstick silliness reigns supreme in this behind-the-scene play about an ill-fated production. Even those who are fearful of farce will find themselves won over by the infectious comic talents of Mischief Theatre Company.
And Mischief Theatre's follow up show, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery which is now running at the Criterion Theatre, is more of the same irresistible silliness. It would be a crime to miss it.
read our review
Drag queen teen: Everybody's Talking about Jamie, Apollo Theatre ★★★★★
Teen Drag Queen musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a young, fun and fresh celebration of being a little bit different
Transylvania Mania: Young Frankenstein, Garrick Theatre ★★★★★
Veteran film-maker and comedian Mel Brooks brings monster musical Young Frankenstein to London with an all-star cast.
Arabian nights: Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre ★★★★★
Sparkle, spectacle and sheer showmanship makes this new Disney musical just as megawatt and magical as expected. Children will be enchanted by the love story and beloved songs; even the grumpiest of grown ups will forgive the cheesy Americanisation when the hilarious Genie emerges from the lamp.
read our review
Best foot forward: Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre ★★★★★
Sequins, stilettos and a sexy songbook: Kinky Boots the musical brings all the sass and spirit of the hit film to the stage. We defy even the dourest of audience members to leave without wanting to don his dancing shoes.
read our review
Mini miracle: Matilda, Cambridge Theatre ★★★★★
Roald Dahl’s story of a child genius with magic powers who brings anarchy then justice upon her little world is, it turns out, perfectly adapted for the stage. This production, underpinned by the likes of Tim Minchin and playwright Dennis Kelly, has raked in the awards, from a few Tonys in its New York run to a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the most Olivier Award wins (seven in 2012).
read our review
