What’s happening this month in theatre

Everything happening on the West End this month that you need to know about

September was a huge changeover month for London theatre, with an overwhelming number of new productions landing in theatres, and a lot of goodbyes to be said. Most of those new arrivals are still running through October, so be sure to check out our September round-up for West End inspiration. With just a few exciting new productions popping up in October, there’s never been a better time to see that long-running show you’ve heard so much about. Keep reading to learn how you can get huge discounts to some of the West End’s biggest hits this October.

New West End openings

Shakespeare’s masterful tragedy Othello is coming to the Theatre Royal Haymarket this month, beginning performances on 23 October. With a dazzling cast that includes David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald and direction from Tom Morris (War Horse), this looks set to be an unmissable staging of one of the Bard’s greatest works. Wendy & Peter Pan at the Barbican Theatre marks the return of another classic to the London stage, albeit in a slightly different way. Ella Hickson’s witty retelling of JM Barrie’s novel centres Wendy in the story more than ever before, and explores what it really means to run away to Neverland. The new play opens 21 October.

The Southbank Centre will stage a brand new musical for just two performances on 11 October, so if you’re interested in learning anything about the life and legacy of Lloyd Price, be sure to keep that date free. Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical tells the extraordinary story of how Price became the first teenager to sell over a million records, how he founded his own record label, and how he paved the way for generations of Black artists to come. Following a critically acclaimed run in Chicago, the show will touch down in London for two shows only.

Tickets on sale now

There are some enormous savings to be had on West End theatre this October, with discounts, exclusive prices and pay-no-fees offers on many of London’s most exciting, most talked-about shows. From universal favourites like Wicked and Matilda, to acclaimed new dramas like Stereophonic, there’s never been a better time to secure the seats you’ve had your eye on. Explore all offers here. Offers end 19 October. Individual terms and conditions apply.

Also newly on sale this month are a couple of exciting musicals on their way to London. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, based on Rachel Joyce’s bestselling novel, had a sold-out, highly acclaimed run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and arrives at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 29 Jan 2026. With a score by indie chart-topper Passenger, the new musical follows an ordinary man as he sets out on an unorthodox journey that might turn his world upside down. Arriving in London just a little sooner is Top Hat, the Olivier-winning musical based on the 1935 film with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It’ll play the Southbank Centre for just six weeks beginning 12 December, making it a perfect night out for the festive season.

Last chance shows

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button wraps up at the Ambassador’s Theatre on 11 Oct, leaving you just enough time to get in and see F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magical tale reimagined with a cast of actor-musicians and a gorgeous score. Also leaving London on 11 Oct is Dracula, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic, which spotlights his wife’s voice for the first time. Finally, if you haven’t seen Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in Born With Teeth at Wyndham’s Theatre yet, you’ve got a month left – the bold new play exploring a collaboration between Shakespeare and Marlowe leaves London on 1 November. (You can read our review here.)

Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in Born With Teeth at Wyndham's Theatre — Born With Teeth at Wyndham’s Theatre in 2025: writer – Liz Duffy Adams, director – Daniel Evans, set & costume design – Joanna Scotcher, lighting design – Neil Austin, casting director – Charlotte Sutton,, Credit Johan Persson

Other West End theatre news

Here’s how to get massive savings on all your favourite West End shows this autumn

From exclusive prices on major London musicals to discounts on new drama, here are all the best offers on West End theatre this autumn. Read our full guide.

Beetlejuice The Musical is officially coming to London

After years of waiting, Beetlejuice The Musical will finally make its London debut next May. The show, based on the hit Tim Burton film, arrives in London’s Prince Edward Theatre from May 2026. It will be directed by two-time Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with casting yet to be announced. More info here.

Matilda celebrates 15 years in the West End

Matilda Wormwood has reached another milestone. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End production of Matilda The Musical has entered its 15th year in London, securing its place as the 10th longest-running musical in West End history. Tickets are now on sale until January 2027 – a run that will take the revolting children and their evil headmistress closer to two decades. More info here.