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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.

The Globe Ensemble will star in [*The Tempest*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23079-the-tempest-globe-2021) this summer. The Tempest runs at [Shakespeare’s Globe](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/shakespeares-globe-theatre) from 22 July to 22 October. [Book *The Tempest* tickets on London Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23079-the-tempest-globe-2021)

*The Tempest* cast includes Ferdy Roberts as Prospero, Nadi Kemp-Sayfi as Miranda, Rachel Hannah Clarke as Ariel, Ciarán O’Brien as Caliban, Peter Bourke as Gonzalo, Ralph Davis as Trinculo, George Fouracres as Stefano, Joanne Howarth as Franciso, Olivier Huband as Ferdinand, Patrick Osborne as Antonio, Lucy Phelps as Sebastian, and Katy Stephen as Alonso.

Set on a remote island, *The Tempest* follows a banished father who must release his daughter into the wider world. *The Tempest* play is staged as part of [Shakespeare’s Globe 25th anniversary season.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare) 

Sean Holmes and Diane Page co-direct *The Tempest.* The show features design  by Paul Wills, and costume supervision by Jackie Orton.

*The Tempest* is at Shakespeare’s Globe.

[Book *The Tempest* tickets on London Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23079-the-tempest-globe-2021)

*Photo credit: Ferdy Roberts (Photo courtesy of production)*

Shakespeare's Globe announces ‘The Tempest’ cast

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We do not have age limits on our production. Some of Shakespeare’s Plays explore scenes which some children may find upsetting.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

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Genre: Play

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[Media #1] The Tempest | Globe 2021 23079

The Tempest 2022

Shakespeare’s comedy play, *The Tempest*, opens at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2022. Book *The Tempest* tickets in London on TodayTix. 

*The Tempest* play usually sees Prospero incite a terrifying storm and torment the survivors including his brother, Antonio. In this *The Tempest*, the action is transported to an exotic desert island and follows a father try to release his daughter into a new world. There’s still plenty of witchcraft at work in The Tempest, and themes of betrayal and compassion remain. However *The Tempest* in 2022 will feature new ideas — you’ll have to see the show to find out more.

*The Tempest* in London transports audeinces to the sea. Make sure you stay ashore and dry at at Shakespeare’s Globe this summer.

Book *The Tempest* tickets in London on TodayTix.

## What to Watch For:

- Sean Holmes directs *The Tempest* London play. His previous directorial tenure was at Lyric Hammersmith. While at Lyric Hammersmith, Holmes helmed *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* which eventually toured nationwide.
- Where did ideas for *The Tempest* come from? We can’t speak to Shakespeare directly, but previous records indicate Shakespeare’s thoughts. It’s believed *The Tempest* came from records of sea voyages that were hit by hurricanes. 
- Shakespeare’s Globe celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022. The theatre is built in honour of the original Elizabethan style. 
- The Globe ensemble star in *The Tempest*. The Globe Ensemble are in a number of Shakespeare’s Globe productions, including *Much Ado About Nothing*. 

The Tempest | Globe 2021 [23079] - TodayTix

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Shakespeare’s Globe comes alive in 2022 with a new take on *The Tempest*. *The Tempest* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

At the start of *The Tempest* play, Prospero ignites a fierce storm which ravages a vast area. So much so, the storm leaves a crew of men shipwrecked, including his brother, Antonio. Now, the men must live on a remote island away from civilisation. There’s a few inhabitants but can their lives change forever. Or will Prospero use his magic to change everyone’s lives? 

Nowadays, people may travel often. But centuries ago, embarking to a new destination was a months-long process. Inspiration for *The Tempest* came from such early 16th-century voyages which were destroyed by “tempests” — likely to be hurricanes. Shakespeare combined these real events with reports of magic and superstitious people across the globe to create an intoxicating, exciting play. The Tempest is one of William Shakespeare’s well-known plays. [Find out more about Shakespeare plays in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/visit-shakespeare-globe)

Shakespeare’s associate artistic director Sean Holmes directs *The Tempest* in London. He previously served as the Lyric Hammersmith’s artistic director, notably working on *Bugsy Malone* and *The Seagull*. He also directed a national tour of *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*. Now he turns his hand to another Shakespeare classic — *The Tempest*. 

*The Tempest* plays as part of Shakespeare’s Globe 25th anniversary season. [Discover the full list of Shakespeare shows right now in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare)

*The Tempest* tickets are available now. Book your *The Tempest* tickets on London Theatre today.

The Tempest - Globe 2021 (LT)

Buy The Tempest - Globe 2021 tickets showing at The Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London. Choose your own seats with the best availability at LondonTheatre.co.uk.

The Tempest - Globe 2021 Tickets | Shakespeare's Globe Theatre | LondonTheatre.co.uk

A shipwreck provides an opportunity for revenge… or redemption. Shakespeare’s moving final play comes to London’s most iconic venue.
Sorcerer Prospero is ready to set in motion a decades-long scheme of revenge against those who wronged him, but the magic of his own island may get in the way. 
Take the voyage to *The Tempest* at Shakespeare’s Globe today.

Shakespeare’s valedictory, to comply with the received scholarship on this climactic play of his, lands with muted force in Sean Holmes’s curate’s egg of a production – engaging and vital at some moments, flat and curiously lacking in impact at others. 

The news value is surely that Ferdy Roberts, as Prospero, spends most of the performance wearing nothing but snugly-fitting yellow swimming trunks, which may be fine during these hot summer days but might be less comfortable for the actor as the play’s run continues till October. (So much for the “rich garments” referenced in the text.) The beachside feel is amplified by rubber ducks as props, even as Rachel Hannah Clarke’s earthy Ariel for her part comes on attired at one point as if en route to an ABBA tribute concert. 

Quite what it all is meant to add up to is anyone’s guess in an unusually fast reading of the text (2 and 1/2 hours including the interval) that dispenses with the Epilogue. Prospero here finishes instead with the “revels now are ended” speech from the fourth act, following which he makes his (now-suited) way through the audience in the yard. 

Prospero’s erstwhile authority has presumably been to some degree silenced by the surrender of his daughter Miranda which, on one level, is what this gorgeously complex play is about.

Not that its various thematics get much of an airing in a staging rife with sight gags (*Harry Potter* is an inevitable marker) that reunites the cast of Lucy Bailey’s concurrent Globe staging of [*Much Ado About Nothing*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/much-ado-about-nothing-review-shakespeares-globe-lucy-bailey) — the leads in that play (Lucy Phelps and Ralph Davis) here given supporting roles, so as to balance the workload. 

The heavy lifting falls, as it must, to Roberts, a longtime collaborator with Holmes who is second-to-none when it comes to speaking the verse and who grabs the opening scenes by the scruff of their figurative neck, taking the language at often breakneck speed.

“Let the games begin,” this Prospero says near the midway point in an exhortation I don’t recall from the text. (We also gets nods towards football and the Globe’s neighbouring Tate Modern.) There’s no denying the control this deposed duke exerts over a scenario that finds himself facing off against Miranda, Ariel, and the freedom-fighting Caliban. All of that comes before he encounters the shipwrecked community that includes his usurping brother, Alonso: the invaluable Katy Stephens, smartly turned out, makes much of her smallish role here as she also does in *Much Ado*. 

The shipwreck itself is signalled at the outset by an onstage hose and a boatswain dressed in orange hi-vis apparel who confronts the voyagers first seen crammed into a glass box: the image recalls the claustrophobic visuals at the start of Marianne Elliott’s revival of *Company*. 

Bearded and sonorously spoken, Roberts’ Prospero cuts against his comical appearance to remind us of the take-no-prisoners aspect to this most prismatic of Shakespeare characters. I’d never before clocked the ease with which Prospero is quick to dismiss more or less everyone in view as a “thing”, his much spoken of library here an overstuffed scrapbook that he anxiously combs through as if to retrieve a vanished past.

I wish Roberts had more to play off of, but neither Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Miranda) nor Oliver Huband (Ferdinand) make much of the burgeoning relationship in the play that of course exists to feed Prospero’s deeply primal separation anxiety. Time and again, the rapture and urgency of the language are given a dampened-down edge, in an attempt perhaps to cut against rhetorical bravura – which seems a shame in a play offering such opportunity for precisely that.

The comic supporting turns are well handled by the double-act of George Fouracres (Stefano) and Ralph Davis (Trinculo), who are joined (one might say conjoined) by an inflatable lobster – now there’s a beach toy for you! – alongside Ciarán O’Brien as a swaggering Caliban who at one point leads the house in a call-and-response. The depths of subjugation to which this character is subject – Caliban deposed every bit as severely, if not more so, than Prospero has been  – aren’t as fully evidenced as are the kinks of a character who offers at one point to lick a capturer’s shoe if that might help. 

Miranda later addresses “O brave new world” to the audience, seemingly surprised to see us all. But Prospero’s pointed and poignant rejoinder, “’Tis new to thee”, gets lost in a *Tempest* suffused with visual japery but only intermittently in touch with the lasting and immutable magic that exists within the play itself.

*The Tempest is at Shakespeare's Globe to 22 October. Book The Tempest tickets on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=23079&content_product_id=23079&product_type=show&performance_type=E&venue_id=198)

*Photo credit: The Globe Ensemble in The Tempest (Photo by Marc Brenner)*

'The Tempest' review — a cut down Shakespeare loses its magic

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The stage is set for a tumultuous new production of The Tempest, Shakespeare’s tale of reckoning and redemption, this summer in the Globe Theatre.  

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Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hansel and Gretel, as a new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage transforms the Globe Theatre with poetry, songs and hope. Returning with a new recipe of music, mayhem and festive magic, this is a delicious treat for everyone aged 5+ directed by Nick Bagnall.

The Globe Theatre, located in London, is an iconic piece of British heritage steeped in rich artistic history. It is a modern reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, where some of William Shakespeare's most celebrated plays were first performed. Featuring an open-air setting, similar to how it would have been in the 16th century, it truly transports spectators back in time. Visitors can immerse themselves in renowned Shakespearean works or participate in educational and cultural programs curated by the team at The Globe. Regardless of your knowledge or interest in Shakespeare, the theatre promises an intrigue-filled experience. The Globe Theatre's circular architectural design provides a unique theatrical experience, with unobstructed views from every angle. 

## How to Get to the Venue

Located at 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT, England, reaching the Globe Theatre is simple. The venue is accessible via public transportation with London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines) and Southwark (Jubilee Line) being the nearest Tube stations. If you prefer to arrive by bus, the routes 45, 63, 100 to Blackfriars Bridge; 15, 17 to Cannon Street; and 11, 15, 17, 23, 26, 76 to Mansion House station drop off near the theatre. For those driving, there are parking facilities nearby at Park Street.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre opened in 1997. The Globe is a reconstruction of an open-air theatre designed in 1599. 

The 'wooden O' honours the 16th-century theatre: audience members can purchase a standing ticket and be a "groundling." [Find out more about Shakespeare's Globe in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/visit-shakespeare-globe)

Shakespeare's Globe is also home to a second indoor theatre, the [Sam Wanamaker Playhouse](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/sam-wanamaker-playhouse). It is named after the organisation's founder, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, father of [Zoe Wanamaker](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/zoe-wanamaker). 


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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, opened in 1997, is a reconstruction of a 1599 open-air theatre. It also includes the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

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The Globe Theatre is an iconic London venue featuring historical, open-air performances. Accessible by public transportation, located at 21 New Globe Walk.

Shakespeare's Globe announces ‘The Tempest’ cast

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