Welcome to your complete guide to West End theatre! Whether you're at the beginning of planning your trip or you just want some more information on a booked show, our series of guides will help you to navigate your way through this exciting and vibrant city.

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So what are you waiting for? Dive in and learn more about what London's theatre scene...

Complete West End theatre guide: Shows, venues, and more

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Your hub for all things London theatre. Find recommendations, advice, and in-depth information about shows, restaurants, bars, and more in the West End.

Further casting has been announced for Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier’s new version of Chekhov’s *The Seagull*, which opens at the Barbican Theatre in London from February 2025 for a six-week run.

Joining the previously announced Cate Blanchett as Arkadina and Tom Burke as Trigorin are Priyanga Burford (Polina), Emma Corrin (Nina), Zachary Hart (Medvedenko), Paul Higgins (Shamrayev), Tanya Reynolds (Masha), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Konstantin), and Jason Watkins (Sorin).

Directed by...

Emma Corrin, Tanya Reynolds, and more to join Cate Blanchett in 'The Seagull'

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Priyanga Burford (*An Enemy of the People*), Emma Corrin (*The Crown, Orlando*), and Olivier Award winner Tanya Reynolds (*A Mirror*) join the cast of Chekhov’s masterpiece.

Seeing a West End show during the Christmas period will add a festive flair to any trip to London. Throughout the Christmas season, many West End shows will add more performances, giving you even more opportunity to catch the shows you've missed out on all year. Or if you're looking to find an extra-special present for somebody this Christmas, why not take that special someone to a show on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. 

We've listed all the West End performances...

All the West End shows you can see at Christmas

West End

From *Guys & Dolls* to *Wicked* and *The Lion King*, this is your ultimate list of shows that will be playing in the West End during the Christmas period.

New lead casting has been announced for *[Hadestown](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets)* in the West End, as the production extends its booking period through 28 September 2025.

Trevor Dion Nicholas, who recently starred in *Next to Normal* in the West End, will play Hades, while Rachel Tucker (*Sunset Boulevard, [Wicked](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked-tickets), Come From Away*) will play Persephone. They will appear in the production until 9 February...

Rachel Tucker and Trevor Dion Nicholas join the cast of 'Hadestown' in London

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Trevor Dion Nicholas recently starred in *Next to Normal* in the West End, while Rachel Tucker is known for her performances in *Sunset Boulevard*, *Wicked*, and *Come From Away.* 

One for the road! [*The Choir of Man*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23760-the-choir-of-man-tickets) has announced that its final performances at the Arts Theatre in the West End will be on 31 December, as the venue closes for planned redevelopment.

The show, which follows nine performers as they bring chart classics to life in a pub environment, opened in the West End in October 2021 and has welcomed over 280,000 audience members through its doors.

Future plans for the show in London...

'The Choir of Man' to close in West End as venue undergoes redevelopment

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*The Choir of Man* first opened at the Arts Theatre in the West End in October 2021 and has welcomed over 280,000 audience members through its doors.

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance's production of *Kyoto* will transfer to @sohoplace in the West End for a limited 16-week run next year. The show will open on 9 January, running until 3 May.

The political thriller, which was part of Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey’s inaugural programme as RSC Co-Artistic Directors, charts the negotiations leading up to the historic 1997 Kyoto climate summit, which brought about the world’s first legally binding emissions targets. [*Stranger Things:...

'Kyoto' to transfer to the West End's @sohoplace in 2025

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The political thriller charts the negotiations leading up to the historic 1997 Kyoto climate summit, which brought about the world’s first legally binding emissions targets. 

The full cast has been revealed for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s *The Producers*, which opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London on 9 December.

Directed by Tony Award winner Patrick Marber (*Leopoldstadt*), *The Producers* tells the story of two underperforming producers who scheme to get rich quick with a Broadway flop.

Joining the previously announced Andy Nyman (*Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Ghost Stories*) as Max Bialystock, Marc Antolin (*I Wish You Well*) as Leo Bloom,...

Full casting announced for 'The Producers' revival at the Menier Chocolate Factory

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Trevor Ashley and Raj Ghatak join Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Harry Morrison, and Joanna Woodward in the musical comedy about two down on their luck producers.

The music of the night will continue to play. One of the longest-running musicals to be produced on the West End and on Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber's [*The Phantom of the Opera*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets) extends its booking period to 27 September 2025 at [His Majesty's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/his-majestys-theatre). 

From the chandelier to the iconic music, with songs like "Masquerade" and "All I Ask of You", one of the...

'The Phantom of the Opera' extends booking period

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The immortal Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, an acclaimed West End staple since 1986, now has tickets available for purchase through September 2025. 

If you have been waiting for tickets for *Godot*, you're in luck. The critically acclaimed production of Samuel Beckett's essential absurdist masterpiece [*Waiting for Godot*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/42509-waiting-for-godot) at [Theatre Royal Haymarket](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/theatre-royal-haymarket) will extend its run an additional week until 21 December. 

The production stars Lucian Msamati as Estragon and Ben Whishaw as Vladimir, two men who wait endlessly for a...

'Waiting for Godot' announces another week of performances

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Due to popular demand and critical acclaim, Samuel Beckett's dark comedy, starring Ben Whishaw and directed by James Macdonald, extends its booking period.

Neither Alexander Hamilton nor Aaron Burr, the protagonists of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical phenomenon, ever came to London. Thomas Jefferson, the Act II antagonist, visited for six weeks in spring 1786. He described the architecture as “in the most wretched stile I ever saw” and "both town and country fell short of my expectations." Ouch. However, Jefferson certainly made the most of the entertainments and shopping the city had to offer. 

On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin, who first visited...

Make a day out of 'Hamilton' in London

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Explore some fascinating Anglo-American ties, including the Benjamin Franklin House, Kew Palace, and two historical churches.

Abracadabra! A new family-friendly musical, *Magical Merlin*, will open in the West End later this year. *Magical Merlin* will play during the October half term, 24 to 30 October, at the [Fortune Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/fortune-theatre).

Set in ancient Britain, *Magical Merlin* follows Merlin who must ensure his powers remain supreme. When King Arthur is born, Arthur’s older sister Morgan le Fay turns people into animals, so Merlin must save the day. *Magical Merlin* will also feature characters such as Sir Lancelot and Princess Guinevere.

*Magical Merlin* is written and composed by Will Barnett. The full cast and creative team will be announced at a later date.

*The Woman in Black* will also play at the Fortune Theatre at the same time as *Magical Merlin*. [Book *The Woman in Black* tickets on London Theatre. ](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/335-woman-in-black)

*Magical Merlin* is at the Fortune Theatre.

*Photo credit: Magical Merlin (Photo courtesy of production)*

‘Magical Merlin’ to play in the West End 

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Suitable for children 3+. Recommended for 4-10 year olds.

Pre Visit Requirements (ATG)

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Family & Kids (London)

Magical Merlin

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Promising a memorable half-term family day out, *Magical Merlin* is a spectacular mini-musical from the producers of the sell-out *Jungle Rumble*.

With a spellbinding mix of magic, songs and dancing, and uplifting themes of friendship and self-belief, *Magical Merlin* is packed with fun and laughter. It also makes a great introduction to West End theatre for younger children.

In Ancient Britain, *Magical Merlin* is the most miraculous wizard ever. So when the baby King Arthur is born and jealous older sister, Morgan Le Fay, starts turning people into animals, it’s down to Merlin to save the day. 

Teaming up with brave Sir Lancelot and beautiful Princess Guinevere, the adventurers ride a fire-breathing dragon to The Lady Of The Lake to discover where true power lies. But can they get back to Tintagel Castle before Morgan turns the baby Arthur into a hamster?

Don’t miss out on a half-term treat which is sure to enchant the whole family.

Magical Merlin - LON - London Theatre

Magical Merlin is the greatest wizard of all time. Can he rescue Morgan Le Fay before King Arthur turns her into a hamster? 
Enjoy a bewitching family-friendly musical at the Fortune Theatre in the October half term.
See *Magical Merlin* in the West End today.

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Operation Mincemeat

The Fortune Theatre, a famous landmark in the heart of London's West End, has been presenting unforgettable performances for almost a century. From its inauguration in 1924, Fortune Theatre has been home to a wealth of lauded performances and offers the quintessence of British theatre culture in its delivery of world-class plays, shows, and events. Built by Laurence Irving, the son of the famous actor Henry Irving, it offers a uniquely intimate setting that adds a personal touch to any performance. The theatre's sophisticated architecture, renovated in the late 1990s, adds a classic aura that amplifies the viewer's experience. Its long-lasting show, 'The Woman in Black', which has been performed since 1989, ensures a perpetual flow of visitors. 

## How to get to the Fortune Theatre 

Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, the Fortune Theatre is easily accessible by public transport. The closest underground stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), Holborn (Central & Piccadilly Lines), and Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo Lines, and National Rail). If arriving by bus, routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 68, 76, 171, 176, and 188 all stop nearby. Additionally, there are taxi ranks at Charing Cross and Waterloo stations.

## Additional Information

Venue opens 1hr 45min before showtime.

Please arrive with plenty of time, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point, which may be the interval.

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Fortune Theatre

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The Fortune Theatre opened on 8 Nov. 1924, and was the first theatre to be built in London after World War I. 

During the 1930s, the Fortune Theatre hosted a plethora of works including several from amateur societies. The theatre was used during World War II by the Entertainments National Service Association, who provided entertainment for the British armed forces. 

Following the war, the entertainment elite performed at the Fortune Theatre, including [Judi Dench](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/judi-dench), Maureen Lipman and Alan Bennett. 

The Fortune Theatre is most famous for hosting its current production, *The Woman in Black* which has played at the theatre since June 1989. The theatre is currently owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group.

## Fortune Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle. The Fortune Theatre is the second smallest West End house and offers a very inclusive theatrical experience.

The Stalls offers good legroom throughout. The seating rake affects the last few rows of seats.

The Dress Circle seats still allow good views.

The Upper Circle is set relatively high in the theatre for such a small space, set back from the Dress Circle.

## Additional Information

Venue opens 1hr 45min before showtime.

Please arrive with plenty of time, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable point, which may be the interval.

Fortune Theatre - London Theatre

The Fortune Theatre, opened in 1924, hosted numerous works and prominent performances, is famous for 'The Woman in Black', and has three-tiered seating.

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Fortune Theatre is a historic venue in London's West End, known for hosting 'The Woman in Black' since 1989 and easily accessible by public transport.

‘Magical Merlin’ to play in the West End

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