Theatre
Preview
Everything new in the West End this December
All the shows arriving in the West End this December, plus the most exciting new tickets now on sale
Somehow we’re already at the end of 2025, but the year is going out strong – December is shaping to be a very exciting month in the West End. From a beloved horror franchise getting a stage makeover to some famous faces preparing to treat the boards, there’s a lot of new heading our way this month. For musical theatre fans, a classic 1930s musical returns to the stage, as does a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece, whilst those who enjoy an expertly staged drama will truly be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re searching for a perfect Christmas gift or a pre-holiday treat, there’s lots to pick from. Here’s everything new in London theatre this December.
Into The Woods
Opening 2 Dec, Bridge Theatre
Prepare to see some famous characters as you’ve never seen them before… Fairytales collide in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s classic musical, coming to the Bridge Theatre at the start of the month. The Bridge Theatre has a great track record when it comes to staging musical revivals in fresh and exciting ways, and Into The Woods is a fan favourite for a reason. Don’t miss this one.
Oh, Mary!
Opening 3 Dec, Trafalgar Theatre
The Tony-winning production arrives in London this month, with Mason Alexander Park in the leading role. A new dark comedy from Cole Escola, Oh, Mary! imagines Mary Todd Lincoln’s life in the weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination – without too much concern for historical accuracy.
Kenrex
Opening 3 Dec, The Other Palace
From the Olivier-nominated creators of Cruise comes an electric piece of new writing. In 1980s Missouri, smalltown bully Ken Rex McElroy rules Skidmore with an iron fist. But when he shoots beloved greengrocer Bo Bavenkamp and leaves him for dead, the town decide his decade-long reign of terror has to come to end. If the law won’t persecute him, they’ll take justice into their own hands…
Paranormal Activity
Opening 5 Dec, Ambassadors Theatre
Based on the terrifying film series, a chilling stage adaptation arrives in London this December. Writer Levi Holloway and visionary Punchdrunk director Felix Barrett present the story of James and Lou, a couple who move from Chicago to London to escape their past. They’re soon to discover however, that perhaps it isn’t places that get haunted, but people… You’ll need nerves of steel for this one.
The Lost Mirror
ONLY 6 Dec, indigo at the O2
This brand-new musical will have one performance only in London this month, so make sure you’re in the room. Created by the band SBPCH, the endlessly imaginative new showtells the story of a hand mirror with a fragment of a star embedded in its handle. Along the way, both it and the audience will be introduced to a whole host of wonders, including a chocolate zoo, a sausage handbag, gardener kittens and many, many more.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Opening 6 Dec, Apollo Theatre
From the award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong comes a big old festive mishap. The Cornley crew must battle miscommunications, delays, missing actors and feuding stars as they attempt to stage their version of the Charles Dickens classic. Can they pull it together in time for Christmas?
Woman In Mind
Opening 9 Dec, Duke of Yorks Theatre
Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith returns to the stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s dark psychological comedy, starring alongside comedian Romesh Ranganathan. When Susan suffers a blow to the head, her world splits in two – one real, one imagined. But what happens when the lines between the two start to blur?
Top Hat
Opening 12 Dec, Queen Elizabeth Hall
When model Dale’s beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by someone tap dancing above her, and unorthodox romance begins – one that proves the old adage that the path of true love never did run smooth. Based on the musical 1935 film starring Fred Aistaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation has all the glitz and charm of the original, featuring classic songs like ‘Cheek To Cheek’, ‘Putting On The Ritz’ and of course, ‘Top Hat’.
High Noon
Opening 17 Dec, Harold Pinter Theatre
In the American West of 1800s, a true love is tested by an impossible choice… From Oscar-winning writer Eric Roth and Olivier-winning director Thea Sharock comes the stage adaptation of the 1952 film considered to be one of the best Westerns ever made. With Billy Crudup and Denise Gough starring, this promises to be an unmissable adventure.
Teeth ‘N’ Smiles
Opening 13 Mar, Duke of Yorks Theatre
There are also some exciting productions new on sale this month that you’ll want to secure your tickets for fast. From March, the Duke of Yorks Theatre will welcome Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, David Hare’s rebel play, returning for a 50th anniversary revival. Maggie Frisby was once the soundtrack to the 60s – now, with her band broken up and her ideals frustrated, she’s tearing through the night and proving that she still has a voice… Rebecca Lucy Taylor, also known as Self Esteem, stars.
Inter Alia
Opening 19 Mar, Wyndham’s Theatre
Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, Oscar-nominee Rosamund Pike stars in this acclaimed legal drama as it heads to Wyndham’s Theatre. Top Crown Court judge Jessica Parks is already performing the impossible act of juggling her career, motherhood and friendship. When an unthinkable event rocks her world, can she hold it all together?
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Opening 1 Apr, The Old Vic
Chief Bromden has been silent for years. But when provocateur Randle P. McMurphy enters the psychiatric facility he’s being held in, it sparks something long dormant in Bromden. Randle’s arrival might help him and his fellow patients reclaim the humanity that Nurse Ratchet has been trying to quash – or the disruption might lead to disaster. This new production, helmed by director Clint Dyer, reignites the spirit of the original novel, with Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera starring.
Beetlejuice
Opening 20 May, Prince Edward Theatre
The celebrated Broadway production is finally coming to the West End, and trust us – you’ll want to secure your tickets now. Based on the cult classic Tim Burton film, this irreverent musical follows a grieving teenage girl who strikes up some ghostly friendships – but one in particular is about to bring a lot of trouble to her door…
