Top theatre to see in London in February

Find out the best shows to see in London in February 2023.

Congratulations, you made it through January. The first 31 days of the year can feel like a lifetime — a combination of dark nights, low temperatures, and little sunlight can be difficult to get through day after day. Put the first month of the year behind you, and get ready for an action-packed February that's complete with West End theatre.

Plus, Valentine’s Day is right in the middle of February, so there’s no better time to find the West End show for you. Book theatre tickets to the latest West End musicals and newest plays, and keep up to date with the hottest shows opening across the capital.

West End shows to see in February

February is the month of love, and there’s plenty of hot action taking place. Shakespeare's tale of two star-crossed lovers moves to Wales in Romeo and Julie at the National Theatre. Or discover what happens in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s love triangle in a modernised Oklahoma! at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Plus, there’s sweet treats with The Great British Bake Off Musical, and the London premiere of the Sheffield-based Standing at the Sky’s Edge. Here’s our top picks for West End theatre in February 2023.

Phaedra

Ozark actress Janet McTeer plays the title character in Seneca’s ancient Roman play, newly adapted by Simon Stone. After a lifetime of political gains, Phaedra wants to improve her personal life. But when her step-son reappears, she struggles to exist. As buried lust and loneliness surge to the surface, Phaedra’s actions threaten to destroy everything she has built.

Lyttelton Theatre, from 1 February.

Book Phaedra tickets on London Theatre.

Oklahoma!

We cain’t say no to Daniel Fish’s revolutionary adaptation of Oklahoma!, changing the entire Rodgers and Hammerstein musical all without altering a single line. Set at the turn of the state formation, join farmers and cowmen in a tricky love triangle; will cowboy Curly McClain or farmhand Jud Fry win Laurey’s heart? Territory folks should stick together in this mature musical, complete with all the hit songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re In Love.” Arthur Darvill and Anoushka Lucas play Curly and Laurey.

Wyndham’s Theatre, from 16 February.

Book Oklahoma! tickets on London Theatre.

Shirley Valentine

Two-time Olivier winner Sheridan Smith is set to make an exciting West End return this month, playing the title role in Willy Russell’s one-woman play, Shirley Valentine. On the surface, Shirley lives “the dream,” but is always chasing for something more. When her close friend offers a two-week holiday to Greece, Shirley snaps up the foreign opportunity. Foreign quickly becomes normal. Will she return? Own your own happiness in this joyful play.

Duke of York’s Theatre, from 17 February.

Book Shirley Valentine tickets on London Theatre.

Bat Out of Hell

“It almost tears up the musical rulebook, adding a set and a storyline to a concert,” said London Theatre in 2018. Get your air guitars at the ready as the rockin’ Meat Loaf musical returns to the capital in February 2023. Join Raven and Strat, two social outcasts who fall in love, only for Raven’s parents to banish Strat. Can they find paradise by the dashboard light? Will they do anything for love? Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton reprise the roles of Falco and Sloane from the West End production.

Peacock Theatre, from 17 February.

Book Bat Out of Hell tickets on London Theatre.

The Great British Bake Off Musical

Turn up the oven to 200, because it’s getting hot in the Bake Off tent. Yes, the Bake Off world comes to life in the West End musical, complete with technical bakes, showstoppers, and plenty of star bakers. John Owen-Jones and Haydn Gwynne play judges Phil and Pam (based on Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith) as they scout the country for the nation’s best amateur baker. Hang up the bunting and put the teacakes out for the sweetest musical in town.

Noel Coward Theatre, from 25 February.

Book The Great British Bake Off Musical tickets on London Theatre.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge

Chris Bush’s Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a love letter to Sheffielders in musical form. Told over six decades, follow one family as they dream of exploring the wider world. Robert Hastie directs the award-winning musical, set to original songs by Sheffield singer-songwriter Richard Hawley.

Olivier Theatre, from 9 February.

Romeo and Julie

Forget all you know about Shakespeare’s fated lovers. Gary Owen’s adaptation sees the teenage sweethearts now in Wales. Romeo is a single father. Julie dreams of studying at Cambridge. When these Welsh teens lock eyes on each other, they can’t stop thinking of a life together. But, when faced at a crossroads, will the course of true love run smooth? Callum Scott Howells and Rosie Sheehy star.

Dorfman Theatre, from 14 February.

Off West End shows to see in February

Want a romantic show to get you in the mood this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Love Songs by Candlelight at The Actors' Church. Plus there’s plenty of new plays to look forward to: Smoke, Windfall, Trouble in Butetown, and a political satire all about the ex-Home Secretary Dominic Cummings. And over at Shakespeare’s Globe, The Winter’s Tale will see the play told over two theatres; a first for the wooden O. Here’s our top picks for Off West End theatre in February 2023.

Smoke

Meaghan Martin and Oli Higginson star in the London premiere of Kim Davies’s Smoke. It’s a “pre-Me Too” adaptation of Miss Julie, following Julie, a college dropout who is introduced to the world of S&M. As Julie grows close to John, they challenge each other’s idea of boundaries and consent. But what happens when the blurred lines are crossed? Real life husband and wife Oli Higginson and Meaghan Martin star.

Southwark Playhouse Borough, from 1 February.

Book Smoke tickets on London Theatre.

Windfall

What would you do if you won the lottery? For these workmates, the mere thought of striking it lucky is enough to change their lives. See how money impacts friendships, romantic interests, and camaraderie in Scooter Pietsch’s Windfall, helmed by The Play That Goes Wrong director Mark Bell. Strictly Come Dancing winner Joanne Clifton stars.

Southwark Playhouse Borough, from 9 February.

Book Windfall tickets on London Theatre.

Cirque Berserk!

Head to the big top at the 10th anniversary of Cirque Berserk! Zippos brings world-class stunt artists, acrobats, aerialists, and circus acts to the capital. Don’t miss the hair-raising Globe of Death. Discover more about circus shows in London.

Riverside Studios, from 9 February.

Book Cirque Berserk! tickets on London Theatre.

The Winter’s Tale

Sean Holmes’s visionary adaptation sees the Shakespeare play told across two spaces. As audiences walk through Sicilia (in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse) and Bohemia (in Shakespeare’s Globe), experience the collision of two worlds like never before. When King Leontes falsely accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity, he decides to banish his daughter, Perdita. Once Perdita is grown, Leontes must bear the brunt of poor decision making.

Shakespeare’s Globe, from 9 February.

Book The Winter’s Tale tickets on London Theatre.

Trouble in Butetown

Tinuke Craig directs the world premiere of Diana Nneka Atuona’s Trouble in Butetown at the Donmar Warehouse. Set in a Welsh port town in World War Two, follow the lives of boarding house owner Gwyneth Mbanefo and an African American GI called Nate as they interact. Who will they trust?

Donmar Warehouse, from 10 February.

Book Trouble in Butetown tickets on London Theatre.

Medea

Dominic Cooke directs Sophie Okonedo in a fiery adaptation of Euripides's Medea. The Greek myths come alive in this play: Medea follows the title character as she seeks revenge on the men who once abandoned and betrayed her.

@sohoplace, from 10 February.

Book Medea tickets on London Theatre.

Love Songs by Candlelight

Celebrate the ones you love in style at a serene candlelit musical theatre Hear classical renditions of soulful love songs, heartfelt pop ballads, and romantic musical theatre anthems performed by an award-winning string quartet. Whether you’re in the mood for love, or you’re sharing a tender moment, make your Valentine’s one to remember.

The Actors’ Church, from 10 February.

Book Love Songs by Candlelight tickets on London Theatre.

The Walworth Farce

Enda Walsh's play, set on a road in South London, opens the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, minutes away from the story's setting. Join Sean, Blake and Dinny as they receive an unexpected visitor at their Walworth Road flat.

Southwark Playhouse Elephant, from 17 February.

Book The Walworth Farce tickets on London Theatre.

DOM - The Play

How did Dominic Cummings win Brexit? What really happened at Barnard Castle? Who are the real Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, David Cameron, and more? Chris Porter plays Dominic Cummings in the hysterical Westminster play.

The Other Palace Studio, from 21 February.

Book DOM - The Play tickets on London Theatre.

Sleepova

Join Rey, Elle, Shan and Funmi. They're four lifelong friends who dream of a big future. But for now, they're armed with sugary snacks, school gossip, and secret questions. Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini's Sleepova is an ode to Black women and their relationships.

Bush Theatre, from 24 February.

Book Sleepova tickets on London Theatre.

Graceland

Ava Wong Davies's Graceland premieres at the Royal Court in spring 2023. The one-person play follows a woman who falls for someone with wildly different stories. According to press materiaL: "Everything is perfect, until it isn’t. Or maybe it never was."

Royal Court, from 9 February.

Women, Beware the Devil

See Conversations with Friends star Alison Oliver make her London stage debut in Lulu Raczka’s play. Set in 1640s England, Lady Elizabeth tries to protect her family’s legacy when it’s under threat. She calls upon Agnes, a servant suspected of witchcraft, who tries to elicit her dark dreams on the house.

Almeida Theatre, from 11 February.

Photo credit: Oklahoma! (Photo courtesy of production)