Discover what’s hot for May and beyond in London’s Theatreland and how Official London Theatre makes it easy and affordable
There is no better experience than a theatre trip and anyone planning a summer theatre visit is spoiled for choice. Live performances also bring people together—friends catching up, families making memories, or solo theatregoers revelling in the buzz of a shared experience.
That spirit is at the heart of Official London Theatre’s campaign, Great Theatre Is Best Shared, celebrating the joy of recommending a must-see to someone you love, discovering something new for yourself, and being part of a room full of people swept up in the same story. And thanks to the work of the Official London Theatre to make theatre more accessible, there are opportunities for children to go free to the theatre all summer long!
What’s new for summer 2026 Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane Hercules is the latest Disney musical, based on the 1997 film. Director Casey Nicholaw's new production is based on an ancient myth and tells the story of the demigod, caught between being a god and a mortal, struggling to find his place in the world and save it from Hades. Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure and self-discovery. In tunics.
Missing it would be a Greek tragedy! With music and lyrics by Alan Menken and David Zippel, a brand new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, and co-choreographed by Tanisha Scott, Disney’s Hercules delivers a thrilling night out that leaves you ready to climb Mount Olympus. Oliver!
At the Gielgud Theatre Arguably the most famous British musical in the world, Oliver! follows the story of a poor boy who is driven out of his orphanage and sets on an unpredictable adventure. The show is bursting with familiar hits you’ll know even if you’ve never seen it before, Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, Pick-a-Pocket or Two and many more, and the Olivier, Tony and Oscar-winning masterpiece vividly brings to life Dickens’ ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.
The musical will transport you back to Victorian London with sumptuous costuming and set designs, plus superstar choreographer Matthew Bourne directs a 20 strong cast of performers for a show that will leave you begging for more. Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre Come and see the musical that everyone’s been talking about for the past two years where it began: live and in person on stage.
You probably know The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, but that’s only one side of the story, find out the true story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with Glinda The Good Witch. You’ll be singing these recognisable hits, including the iconic Defying Gravity, for days after. Paddington at The Savoy This unmissable major new production at the is jam-packed with irresistible songs, dazzling choreography and of course, marmalade sandwiches.
It’s Paddington as you’ve never seen him before. When a lost, small bear from Peru arrives in London in search of a new home, a chance encounter with the Brown family leads him to the wonderful world of Windsor Gardens. But London isn’t all cream teas and friendly faces. So when Paddington’s life is suddenly in peril, the Browns must decide just how far they’re willing to go to give this special bear a home.
You might not get to see it until the autumn, but book now to get fantastic seats at a great price. Kids can go free to the theatre this summer! With Kids Week, children aged 17 and under can go free to top London shows from 20 July to 31 August 2026, when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Booking opens at 10am on 9 June, so make sure you save the date!
Sign up for updates on participating shows here. The perfect time to book May is one of the smartest moments in the calendar to secure great-priced tickets before peak summer kicks in. The West End is brimming with new openings, award-winners and long-run favourites, so whether you’re after a big-hearted musical, a gripping drama, a comedy, or dance that dazzles, there’s a seat with your name on it.
This summer, London's West End features a mix of intoxicating drama, blockbuster musicals, and new spectacles including The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion and a new circus-spectacular of The Greatest Showman. And there's much choice, with at least 20 new productions. London's West End features major new productions like Beetlejuice The Musical and star-led plays including The Misanthrope with Sandra Oh.
Long-running hits like Hamilton, Les Misérables, The Play That Goes Wrong remain essential while War Horse returns to the National Theatre. Enjoy a day trip or short break in the capital Turn your theatre plan into a London adventure. Arrive early to wander a neighbourhood, grab a pre-show bite, then settle in for an unforgettable performance. Prefer to linger?
Make a weekend of it: catch a matinee and an evening show, explore museums, markets and riverside walks, and toast your curtain call with a late supper. If you’re travelling, consider a Sunday afternoon or weekday matinee for easier journeys and a relaxed pace. Many theatres now offer Sunday shows, making a day trip delightfully doable. Your official guide, not-for-profit at heart Official London Theatre is run by the Society of London Theatre, founded in 1908.
The organisation's mission is simple: make theatre more accessible for everyone, and make your trip as easy and enjoyable as possible. Why book with Official London Theatre: Book your next show at Official London Theatre today and get your date in the diary by visiting the website.
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