Best plays in London in 2025

Head to St Martin's Theatre to see The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the world, with its first performance in London dating back to 1952. Written by Agatha Christie, the queen of murder mysteries and creator of some of the greatest detectives in fiction, this is one of the West End's most popular shows. Try to solve the mystery as the plot unfolds, but beware of the usual twists and turns that the author is known for. This masterpiece is currently showing until March 2026.

Described as Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off, laugh along to Mischief Theatre’s hilarious production of The Play That Goes Wrong in London's West End. See actors from an amateur theatre company trying to put together a murder mystery play set in the 1920s. Right from the start, it becomes clear that nothing is going as planned, with props flying off the stage and actors missing their cues. Belly laughs are guaranteed! This laugh-out-loud play is booking up to August 2026.

Experience a gripping courtroom drama as you witness the trial of a man accused of murder in the classic Agatha Christie thriller, Witness for the Prosecution. Step inside the magnificent London County Hall and its courtroom set, and experience the intensity of a gripping story of justice and betrayal as Leonard Vole tries to convince the jury of his innocence. The famous court case and play will be prosecuting up until April 2026.

Travel beyond the pages of the books as the first theatre production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes the West End by storm. Nineteen years after the last book, join Harry Potter and his trusty pals, Hermione and Ron Weasley, as a new generation boards the Hogwarts Express. Harry’s youngest son Albus Severus befriends Scorpius Malfoy and the pair find themselves entangled in a complex web of time travel and dark magic, as they attempt to right the wrongs of the past. The award-winning show is running until February 2026.

The Netflix sensation Stranger Things lands in London's West End with a highly anticipated brand new story. Travel back to 1959 in Hawkins, a seemingly normal town with normal people. This prequel takes you on a thrilling ride as you witness the first manifestation of the shadowy forces that lurk in the parallel dimension known as the Upside Down. It's a plot crackling with tension as friendships are tested and unbreakable alliances forged in the face of an imminent and malevolent threat. See the origins of Hawkins' supernatural terror through to November 2025.

See the return of the magical adaptation of the beloved Studio Ghibli anime, My Neighbour Totoro, for a second season at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. With whimsical sets, captivating music, and a talented cast, immerse yourself in the heartwarming story of two sisters and their extraordinary encounters with the lovable forest spirit, Totoro. Embark on an extraordinary adventure and follow Totoro and friends in this extraordinary masterpiece until March 2026.

Want more details? Read our review on the Visit London blog

The stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde's masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, is back in London this autumn. Previously sold out, the production stars Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff and Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell. Dive into Victorian England as two bachelors, both named Earnest, try to win over two women who claim to fall in love only with men called Earnest. Expect Regency-style decor paired with bold satire, and flirtation clashing with Victorian social rules. The play is showing until 10 January 2026.

See Stereophonic, one of the most nominated shows with 13 Tony Award nominations, now playing in London and delighting theatregoers in the West End. Immerse yourself in the world of rock 'n' roll as a band on the brink of stardom record their album in a Californian recording studio. With their first album climbing the charts, the pressure is on to produce another successful record — one that could make or break them. Challenges abound, from the bandmates' power dynamics to the creative collaboration amidst depression and friendship. Dive into the 1970s and the joy of music with a band that is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, with songs created by Arcade Fire's Will Butler. At the Duke of York's Theatre until 22 November.

Don't miss the highly anticipated West End premiere of Born with Teeth, starring the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, and Killing Eve actor, Edward Bluemel. This RSC production will be in London for a limited 11-week run. This thrilling play explores the relationship between literary icons Marlowe and Shakespeare at a dangerous time for the two artists, and features an explosive duel combining danger and seduction. From 13 August until 1 November

Mischief Theatre is back with a bang with A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, delivering plenty of festive chaos. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society attempts to perform the ultimate Christmas classic, as usual with missing cues and props flying across the stage! The crew have decided to give their best performance yet and definitely deliver a memorable show, although not quite the one they had hoped for. Packed with twists and turns, not to mention plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this new production is guaranteed to provide a night of pure comedic gold. Until 25 January 2026.