Book tickets for shows to see in the West End this summer

See uplifting, feel-good West End shows in London all summer long, including Grease, Crazy For You, and the dazzling revamp of The Wizard of Oz.

The sun is out, and that means the West End summer theatre season will soon be upon us! If you’re looking to catch some of London’s great shows during your holiday — or staycation — then you’re in luck: this is a particularly good year for hot, hot, hot summer productions.

Of course, there are the annual outdoor theatre experiences at Shakespeare’s Globe and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which allow you to combine soaking up the sun with fantastic plays, musicals and family entertainment.

But the British weather isn’t always reliable, so it’s definitely worth having some indoor options too. And there’s a real wealth of those in summer 2023, including several major musical revivals and enticing new shows, plus a family favourite and the stage adaptation of an Oscar-winning movie. So, if you’re looking for theatrical inspiration, here are some of the hottest summer shows in London that you can book for today.

Grease

We have to begin with some summer lovin’! Yes, the hit production of Grease is back in the West End, bringing its teen romance and super-cool gangs to the Dominion Theatre. Dan Partridge, Olivia Moore, and Jocasta Almgill reprise their acclaimed roles as Danny, Sandy and Rizzo, respectively, in Nikolai Foster’s production, choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Louise Redknapp, Jason Donovan and Peter Andre join them, bringing star quality to the roles of Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel. Plus, what summer show has more infectious tunes than Grease? Think “Greased Lightnin’,” “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and of course, “Summer Nights.” Tell me more, tell me more…

Book Grease tickets on London Theatre.

The Wizard of Oz

We’re not in Kansas anymore: We’re at the London Palladium. Dorothy will return to the West End in style, bringing Golden Age MGM magic to London in this lavish production mixing the movie’s iconic songs, like “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” with new material from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Georgina Onuorah will don Dorothy’s ruby slippers, she is joining the list of other intriguing names in the cast – including comedian and actor Jason Manford playing the Cowardly Lion, dancer Ashley Banjo (from Britain's Got Talent-winning crew Diversity) as the Tin Man, and Palladium legend Gary Wilmot as the Wizard. Follow this yellow brick road for summer fun.

Book The Wizard of Oz tickets on London Theatre.

2:22 A Ghost Story

This suspense-filled thriller is perfect if you’d like something a bit more spooky. Directed by award-winning writer Danny Robins, this supernatural play is now in its record-breaking fifth West End transfer.

When a couple, Jenny and Sam, disagree about the potential of the paranormal in their new home, they invite their old friend Laura and her new partner Ben to settle their debate. Suspicion and skepticism clash when the group begins to argue. They decide to stay up until 2:22 to find if there really is anything lurking in the shadows. Do they see anything? What secrets emerge in the dead of night?

Book 2:22 A Ghost Story tickets on London Theatre.

Aspects of Love

Love changes everything – but how has Aspects of Love changed since it made Michael Ball a household name, thanks to that breakout hit song? Ball returns for this much-hyped West End revival, this time playing Uncle George in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s controversial musical, but has teased that he might possibly reprise his chart-topper.

Taking on Ball’s former role of young soldier Alex is Moulin Rouge! The Musical’s Jamie Bogyo, while opera star Danielle De Niese plays artist Giulietta and West End leading lady Laura Pitt-Pulford is actress Rose. All get caught up in a complex, multi-generational romantic tangle. How will the show fare in 2023? Make sure this is on your summer shows list to find out.

Book Aspects of Love tickets on London Theatre.

Guys & Dolls

This reimagined Broadway classic is a perfect way to transport yourself to the streets of Manhattan. The all-new, immersive production of Frank Loesser’s glossiest love story features classics like “Luck be a Lady,” and "Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat." Playing at the Bridge Theatre, Guys and Dolls will take place all across the auditorium, meaning you are enveloped into the action. What a treat!

Immersive tickets’ allow you to stand right in the action and move around the stage area. There is a choice of regularly seated tickets too. You can sit around the auditorium and never be more than four rows away from the New York hustle and bustle!

Book Guys and Dolls tickets on London Theatre.

Heathers

Get ready to dust off your croquet mallets, enrol at Westenberg High, and see the smash-hit high school musical Heathers this summer! This savvy production, based on the hit '80s film, became the best-selling show of all time at The Other Palace when it premiered in 2018.

This coming-of-age story begins on 1 September 1989, Veronica Sawyer's first day of senior year of high school. As she desperately tries to gain popularity among her peers, she catches the attention of a trio of girls that rule the school, known as the Heathers. Watch how shocking relationships, difficult friendships, and maybe something a bit more sinister, aid Veronica in becoming the high school sweetheart. Or does she?

Book Heathers tickets on London Theatre.

Jersey Boys

Oh, what a night! Witness the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award-winning Jersey Boys. This musical phenomenon gives you a sneak peek on how the pop sensations rose to fame, along with the in-band conflicts that came with it.

Told from four of the band members differing accounts, this true to life production features dozens of the legendary hits such as "Big Girls Don’t Cry," "Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You," and “Working My Way Back to You.” This wonderful score will have you toe-tapping to the familiar sounds as you learn about these pop icons in a way that provides sheer entertainment.

Book Jersey Boys tickets on London Theatre.

The Play That Goes Wrong

With the cast not knowing their lines, an extremely hazardous set, and a missing cat, surely this production isn’t ready to take the stage? Of course it is! Mischief Theatre’s Play That Goes Wrong is a breathtakingly funny show about a play that - you guessed it- goes wrong!

You’ll be laughing-out-loud at West End’s longest running comedy play, as it combines classic British characters like Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python, with absolute, mind-boggling chaos. Based on a local theatre group rehearsing for their production of "Murder at Haversham Manor", The Play That Goes Wrong is a comedic masterpiece that has premiered in Australia and Broadway, so it must be doing something right!

Book The Play That Goes Wrong tickets on London Theatre.

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical

Based on the hit 1980's television show Spitting Image, Idiots Assemble takes satire to the stage in this eccentric musical written by Al Murray, Matt Forde, and Sean Foley. See your favourite celebrities like you have never seen them before.

Idris Elba, Greta Thunberg, Tom Cruise, Elon Musk, RuPaul and Meghan Markle are just some of the names that feature in puppet form in this wacky production. Over 100 all-star puppets take to the stage in this all-singing, all-dancing, version of current affairs.

Book Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

We Will Rock You

This beloved Queen jukebox musical first premiered on the West End in 2002 and is now back for a limited time featuring dozens of the legendary rock band's classics such as “We Are The Champions,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Killer Queen,” and, of course, “We Will Rock You."

Set in a dystopian society where rock music and musical instruments are illegal, this dazzling production follows outcast Galileo who can't seem to get some songs out of his head and can't help but sing them out loud. We Will Rock You uses Queen's infamous songs to soundtrack Galileo's revolt against the the evil corporation, Globalsoft, and his determination to bring the power of rock back to the people.

Book We Will Rock You tickets on London Theatre.

The Book of Mormon

Hello! My name is… Book of Mormon, of course! This hilarious hit musical comedy has been selling out West End shows for years. Written by double EGOT winner Robert Lopez and the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this is one of the longest-running shows today.

This brilliant comedy follows Elder Price, a perfect Mormon who dreams of going to Orlando to spread his faith. However, when he ends up in Uganda with the polar opposite, klutzy Elder Cunningham, he begins to question his mission. The Book of Mormon is a well-loved production that will have you falling off your seat with laughter and loving the entire catchy score.

Book The Book of Mormons tickets on London Theatre.

Bleak Expectations

The award-winning BBC Radio 4 show by Mark Evans has been adapted for the stage in a Dickensian comedy playing at the Criterion Theatre. This playfully turbulent hit breaks the norms to offer you 19th-century England like you’ve never seen it before.

This whimsical play follows Pip Bin on his quest to find real love and save his family. Although his journey is heroic, it is packed with mishaps, plot twists and laugh-out-loud comedy. Pip’s misadventures are narrated by a different guest star each week, including Stephen Fry, Dermot O’Leary, Jo Brand, and Lee Mack.

Book Bleak Expectations tickets on London Theatre.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Have you ever heard of a show that has won an Olivier Award but it hasn’t been written yet? Well, now you have! Showstopper! is an improvised musical where every night is a premiere. This electrifying concept sees audience members shouting out suggestions for new musical ideas, including a plot, name, and characters - and then they’re off!

The cast then creates a full production on the spot, equipped with striking dance routines, quirky characters, and all the magic of any stage show. Showstopper! has been staggering crowds for almost eight years and is now on its second West End run. This is your chance to play your part in a never-seen-before, never-seen-again musical.

Book Showstopper! The Improvised Musical tickets on London Theatre.

Punchdrunk: The Burnt City

This deeply immersive play throws you into the world of Greek tragedies and a dystopian labyrinth. The Burnt City is a genre-defying experience that brings to life a colossal metropolitan filled with shadows, curiosities, and dark encounters.

Leading immersive theatre company Punchdrunk created a never-seen-before atmosphere by blending classic texts, physical performance, dance, and award-winning design installation. This mesmerising experience allows you to freely explore the gigantic playground where mythical gods and mortals rise from the ashes.

Book Punchdrunk: The Burnt City tickets on London Theatre.

Oklahoma!

Based on the famous American musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein, director Daniel Fish reimagined Oklahoma! for the 21st-century audience without changing a single piece of dialogue. The plot follows a farmhand, a cowboy, and their competition to win over alluring farm girl Laurey Williams. As feuds continue and more romantic connections form, who will win her heart?

Fish won a Tony Award for Best Musical Revival when the story of the timeless love triangle hit Broadway. This revitalised version is a funny yet gritty and sultry adaptation of the show that changed the history of musical theatre.

Book Oklahoma! tickets on London Theatre.

Crazy For You

Following a sold-out season at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Crazy For You takes to the West End to offer you a tale of romance, community, and the love of the theatre. Directed and choreographed by multi-Tony and Olivier Award winner Susan Stroman, this extravagant musical follows Bobby Child, as he finds himself putting on a marvelous, miraculous show to impress the theatre owner's daughter, Polly.

Brimming with impeccable George Gershwin melodies, Crazy For You is a toe-tapping, heartwarming, spectacular show you will not want to miss.

Book Crazy for You tickets on London Theatre.

The Mousetrap

This long-running who-dunnit is an infamous masterpiece that will leave you guessing right up until the very end. The Mousetrap, written by 'The Queen of Crime' Agatha Christie, is the worlds longest running play, performing since 1952.

The production follows a group of people in the rural countryside, who find that there is a murderer amongst them. As secrets are revealed and alliances form, suspicious suspects begin to emerge one by one. Who can you truly trust? This intense, gripping story will have you guessing and sleuthing in your seat, until the truth is finally revealed.

Book The Mousetrap tickets on London Theatre.

Frozen

Take a break from the sunshine and build a snowman this summer at one of the biggest Disney films remade for the stage. Frozen retells the well-loved wintery story of Elsa and Ana as they battle to stop the blistering frozen weather in Arendelle. Packed full of all the film's classic songs such as "Let it Go" and "For The First Time in Forever," this icy show also contains new music including "Monster" and "Colder by the Minute."

Combining spellbinding magic, a breathtaking set, and plenty of snowflakes, this globally renowned story is the perfect experience for the whole family this summer. Where else do you find a talking snowman?

Book Frozen tickets on London Theatre.

The Choir of Man

This feel-good musical brings your beloved, eventful nights at your local pub, to the stage. Featuring hit songs from artists such as Adele, Guns'N'Roses, and Sia, The Choir of Man delivers chart-topping hits like you've never seen them before.

The set features a fully functioning bar, meaning audience members are freely encouraged to grab a pint on the stage before the show begins. Some may even be lucky enough to experience a number up close, as you might be pulled up to the pub mid-show! This is a production filled with toe-tapping tunes, phenomenal harmonies, and exuberant choreography, and certainly is pub entertainment like you have never seen before.

Book The Choir of Man tickets on London Theatre.

Laurel & Chaplin - The Feud

This heartbreaking and comedic production tells the 100 year old story of a feud between two of the most funny and famous people in history. Teenage best friends, Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel shared a room for three years as they started their acting careers. When Chaplin gets a break in Hollywood, he vows that he’ll help Laurel when he makes it. But, never speak to him again. For twenty five years!

Performed through a mixture of slapstick, burlesque and cirque, this unique show tells an untold but true story that is suitable for a family audience.

Book Laurel & Chaplin - The Feud tickets on London Theatre.

The Crown Jewels

With all eyes on the royal family in this Coronation year, it’s the perfect time for the debut of Sean Foley’s riotous new comedy — inspired by the most extraordinary real caper in British history, when Colonel Blood tried to steal the crown jewels from Charles II in 1671. Hopefully Charles III won’t have such problems…

Director Simon Nye has assembled a royally famous cast for this giddy farce, including the Pub Landlord himself, stand-up comic Al Murray, West End icon Carrie Hope Fletcher, comedian and former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, The Inbetweeners and Fresh Meat star Joe Thomas, and Men Behaving Badly and Line of Duty actor Neil Morrissey. The Crown Jewels promises to be the most audacious show in town this summer.

Book The Crown Jewels tickets on London Theatre.

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

This witty adaptation of the classic farce by Dario Fo stars BAFTA Award winner Daniel Rigby as a mystery imposter called the Maniac. This absurd, satirical play, reimagined by Tom Basden, hits the Theatre Royal Haymarket following sold out runs at Sheffield Theatres and the Lyric Hammersmith.

After the death of a falsely accused anarchist in police custody, there is a public outcry. As the force prepares for an inquiry, the Maniac is arrested and bought in for questioning. Utilising the chance to create mayhem, the fraudster puts on a show revealing a ridiculous reconstruction of events. As his antics continue and he begins to unearth constabulary corruptions, he soon becomes a nightmare in custody but a hero to the public.

Book Accidental Death of an Anarchist tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: We Will Rock You (Photo courtesy of production)