Top 10 London Plays
Whatever time of year you decide to visit London’s West End, why not watch a West End play. There’s been world premieres in London, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Play That Goes Wrong. But, there’s plenty of star-studded revivals taking place too, often running for a short time. As well as West End musicals, London’s theatre scene really does provide world-class entertainment with its range of plays.
Check out the top 10 London plays currently running in the capital and book your tickets now.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre
The Mousetrap - St. Martin's Theatre
The Woman in Black - Fortune Theatre
The Play That Goes Wrong - Duchess Theatre
Witness for the Prosecution - London County Hall
Good - Harold Pinter Theatre
The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Duke of York’s Theatre
Magic Goes Wrong - Vaudeville Theatre
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child received its world premiere at the Palace Theatre in London in July 2016, and went on to become to one of the most-coveted productions in West End history, winning a record nine Olivier Awards from a record-breaking 11 nominations. Theatregoers are urged to #KeepTheSecret; to not spoil the magical experience for others.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one play presented in two Parts, which are intended to be seen in order on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings. Cast a spell to see the wizarding world before your very eyes.
Palace Theatre, performances on sale.
The Mousetrap
A masterclass in murder mystery and suspense, The Mousetrap really is British theatre at its finest. The Agatha Christie play sees a group of hotel guests shocked to discover a killer is in their midst. Suddenly investigated by police, will you be able to work out who committed the crime?
Since The Mousetrap first opened at the Ambassadors Theatre in 1952, its open-ended run has continually broke records, so much so it’s now the longest-running play of all time. With The Mousetrap actors, creatives and audiences locking their mouths shut, the only way to learn the culprit’s identity is to see the show live.
St. Martin's Theatre, performances on sale.
The Woman in Black
Haunting theatregoers for over 30 years, The Woman In Black has become the stuff of legends. The two-man ghost story sees a solicitor, Arthur Kipps, hire an actor to overcome his fears of what he witnessed at Eel Marsh House. As the pair share anecdotes, an unsuspecting apparition seems out to haunt them repeatedly. Will Kipps conquer his fears, or will the ghost haunt his life forever. Daniel Radcliffe may have stunned audiences in the film adaptation, but there’s nothing quite like the original. Just make sure you don’t cower in your seats, the omniscient “woman in black” could be lingering behind you…
Fortune Theatre, performances on sale.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Forget all misconceptions of what this title suggests. The debut Mischief Theatre play really is a hoot, capturing the trials and tribulations of getting a show to curtain up. As a company of actors prepare for their annual murder mystery, the real mystery is where their set has gone. What about the props? And the actors? One thing’s for sure, the show will go on, whatever it takes. This play put Mischief Theatre on the map, winning an Olivier Award for Best Comedy Play. Since then, they’ve performed The Comedy About a Bank Robbery and Groan Ups. But, there’s nothing quite like their original.
Duchess Theatre, performances on sale.
Witness for the Prosecution
Staged in the grand setting of London County Hall, experience a night on jury duty as this Agatha Christie story unfolds. One of Christie’s favourites, the play starts with Leonard Vole called to the stand after a murder has taken place. As testimonies unfurl and witnesses are called, the case takes a turn when his wife, Romaine, testifies against him. But, the case is out for the jury; it’s up to audiences to decide.
Choose to sit in the jury seats, and Leonard Vole’s fate really is in your hands. What will you choose. Don’t let us sway your decisions, see the show for yourself.
London County Hall, performances on sale.
Good
David Tennant plays a German professor swept away by the Nazi Party in pre-war Germany in Good. C. P. Taylor’s poignant drama is said to be a leading Holocaust work, detailing the changes in morality and rationally of so-called “good” citizens. Back in London for the first time since the 1980s, it’ll definitely be interesting to see how audiences view this historic play in the context of current political clashes.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Duke of York’s Theatre
With an Olivier Award-winning lighting design, get ready to be transported into a make-believe world, where fictional creatures scare humans. First seen at the National Theatre in 2019, Joel Horwood’s stage adaptation sees a man named Alex thrown back in time. Reliving his 12th birthday with his friend Lettie, the pair fight for their lives in order to avoid fatal consequences.
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the creator behind “American Gods” and “Coraline”, this sci-fi play will have you wanting to escape real life too.
Duke of York’s Theatre, from 23 Oct. 2021.
Magic Goes Wrong - Vaudeville Theatre
Penn & Teller worked with Mischief Theatre brainchilds Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields on the stunts in Magic Goes Wrong. Sadly, Penn & Teller aren’t conjured up to perform live each night, but this comedy play sees a bunch of extroverted performers setting out to impress with their latest tricks. Doing all they can to wow audiences, they're trying to raise enough money for charity?
The latest “Goes Wrong” instalment to open in the West End, this play rolls humour and heart into one and pulls it out of a top hat.
Vaudeville Theatre, performances on sale.
Photo credit: The Play That Goes Wrong and The Woman in Black (Photos by Helen Murray and Tristram Kenton respectively)
