Best theatre to see in London in September

Find out the best shows to see in London in September 2025, from Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in Born With Teeth to Joe Locke in Clarkston.

Stephen Crocker
Written byStephen Crocker

Summer is ending, and it’ll soon be colder and darker… but who cares? That just makes it the perfect time to head to the theatre! And of course, autumn means an exciting influx of big show openings, in the West End and in London’s subsidised and fringe scenes. In fact, there are so many September shows that you could easily spend every night at the theatre.

So, what are the real must-see events? How about seeing Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel face off in Liz Duffy Adams's speculative take on the relationship between literary icons Shakespeare and Marlowe. Or perhaps you might be interested in the UK premiere of Clarkston, starring Heartstopper actor Joe Locke as Jake, who is on a journey out West in the US to rediscover himself. You've also got a second chance to see James Graham's Punch, which transfers from the Young Vic to the West End. In an incredible bit of timing, you can see the same show with a different cast on Broadway right now too!

Here are our top picks for London theatre in September 2025. Book tickets to shows in September 2025 on London Theatre.

Born With Teeth

Hamlet

Clarkston

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Mary Page Marlowe

Punch

Born With Teeth

Must see
Shakespeare
Star casting

Shakespeare and Marlowe walk into a pub... and sparks fly. In Liz Duffy Adams’s electrifying two-hander, Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel ignite the stage as the literary legends locked in a high-stakes, 1591 tête-à-tête. Think sharp wit, simmering chemistry, and a dash of espionage. Directed by Daniel Evans, this West End debut is a must-see for lovers of literary drama with a twist.

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Born With Teeth

Hamlet

Shakespeare
National Theatre
Popular

Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is set to play Shakespeare’s most haunted prince in a fresh production directed by Robert Hastie. The story of a son caught between revenge and conscience takes on new urgency in this reimagining for today. At the National, Hamlet has long been a landmark role, previously taken on by Peter O’Toole, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Rory Kinnear. Now Abeysekera prepares to step into that remarkable tradition with a bold new interpretation.

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Hamlet

Clarkston

Star casting
Play
Premiere

See Heartstopper’s breakout star, Joe Locke, like you’ve never seen him before in Clarkston, his highly anticipated West End debut. The UK premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s emotional drama promises to be one of the season’s most talked-about events. Locke brings his charm to the role of Jake, a man seeking redemption in the rural American wilderness. It promises to be an unforgettable journey of friendship, healing, and unexpected connections. Clarkston is set to capture hearts and stir up some serious buzz.

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Clarkston

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Screen to stage
Prequel
Special effects

Killer high school weirdos make excellent villains and there’s perhaps no creepier surly young psychopath than Henry Creel of Stranger Things. Known as the limb-cracking dream master Vecna in the Netflix series, in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Henry’s backstory (and adolescent crush, aww...) are explored with terrifying results. With the fifth and final season of the TV show just around the corner, now’s the time to check out this important prequel.

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Stranger Things: The First Shadow

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09:00

The Breakfast Club

Head to one of The Breakfast Club’s central London branches for a slap-up English cafe classic.

10:30

Buckingham Palace

Is there anything more British than the changing of the guards? Arrive early for a good spot to watch this historic event, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10.45am.

Mary Page Marlowe

Star casting
Must see
Popular

Susan Sarandon makes her highly anticipated UK stage debut in Mary Page Marlowe, and trust us, this is one you won’t want to miss. The legendary actress joins Andrea Riseborough in Tracy Letts’s time-bending drama at The Old Vic. Spanning 70 years and five different portrayals, this raw, emotional play peels back the layers of one woman’s extraordinary life. Directed by Matthew Warchus, it’s a star-studded must-see.

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Mary Page Marlowe

Punch

West End transfer
Broadway
True story
James Graham

The unbelievable true story of Jacob Dunne comes to the West End in a powerful retelling by state-of-the-nation playwright James Graham. Dunne was convicted for the unintentional killing of trainee paramedic James Hodgkinson with a single punch. Through a process of restorative justice, he was able to build a relationship with Hodgkinson's parents, sending them all on a journey none could have anticipated. Graham's shattering play provides an in-depth look at the results of toxic masculinity on young men today.

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Punch