40 Theatre Shows To Book in 2025

Are you ready for an unforgettable year of theatre as 2025 brings a spectacular lineup of must-see productions across the UK in the next 12 months? From beloved classics embarking on tours to exciting new adaptations, there’s something for every theatre fan to enjoy. Highlights include the nationwide tour of the smash-hit Kinky Boots, the much-anticipated West End transfer of Just For One Day, the heartfelt and energetic Tick, Tick... Boom!, and the ever-enchanting Matilda the Musical tours later in the year.

Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a tear, or a show-stopping tune, we’ve highlighted just 40 of the incredible productions you need to see in 2025. Don’t miss your chance to experience some fantastic shows —start planning your theatre calendar now!

1. The Great Gatsby, London Coliseum

From April

Making its grand debut across the pond, the spectacular production of The Great Gatsby opens in London with performances beginning on 11 April. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless masterpiece will bring the glamour and decadence of the roaring twenties to life. The countdown has begun—have you secured your ticket to the party of the year?

2. Coraline, UK Tour

Begins at Leeds Playhouse from 11 April 2025

If you loved the stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane then you’ll love the latest of his stories which will launch its tour during the summer The delightfully eerie theatrical treat will transport audiences into Coraline’s world, where curiosity leads her to uncover a mysterious parallel universe behind a hidden door—a world that seems perfect at first but harbours sinister secrets. Coraline will tour to Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.

3. Hercules, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

From 6 June

A new Disney classic tale is making its way to the stage as this musical adaptation of Hercules has its premiere at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2025. With Luke Brady confirmed to be starring as Hercules, this could possibly be the show of the summer

4. Evita, London Palladium

From 14 June

Of course, there are other contenders for show of the summer. Namely, acclaimed director Jamie Lloyd’s latest venture - a rival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Evita. Very little is known about this production as of yet, but it’s safe to assume there’ll be spectacle aplenty.

5. My Neighbour Totoro, Gillian Lynne Theatre

From 8 March

Returning to the London stage in 2025 is the smash hit adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro. Following on from the success of its initial runs, as well as fellow Ghibli adaptation Spirited Away, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of this Olivier award-winning show.

6. Here and Now, UK Tour

Begins at Aylesbury Waterside from 29 August

The Steps jukebox musical is fresh off of its acclaimed premiere in Birmingham, but the party won’t be stopping there. This joyous discotheque is heading out on a mammoth UK tour starting Summer 2025 - it would be a Tragedy to miss it!

7. Clueless The Musical, Trafalgar Theatre

From 15 February

Following on from a preview run in Bromley this year, Clueless is confirmed to be hitting the West End from February. With music by KT Tunstall, the show is adapted from the iconic 90’s film of the same name, which is totally based off Jane Austen’s Emma. As if!

8. Kinky Boots

Begins at Curve, Leicester from17 January

This Tony and Grammy award-winning show is back, with a brand new production starring none other than Strictly sweetheart Johannes Radebe as the beloved Lola. Featuring a stellar cast, you can catch this one at multiple tour stops up and down the country in 2025 - guaranteed to slay the house down.

9. Miss Saigon

Begins at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 4 October

It seems 2025 is the year for adaptations and comebacks, and they don’t come much better than Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary classic, Miss Saigon. This latest iteration begins a new tour in 2025 and is produced by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh. Go for the chopper, stay for the most gorgeous score.

10. Richard II

From 10 February

The latest in a string of Shakespeare adaptions with big leading names, and this one may take some beating. Richard II lands at the Bridge Theatre in February, starring none other than leading man of the moment Jonathan Bailey (Wicked and Bridgerton heartthrob, for those who’ve been living under a rock). Its limited run must end in May and already has a whiff of an Olivier about it, so don’t miss out.

11. The Comedy About Spies, Noel Coward Theatre

From 14 April

If you love The Play That Goes Wrong then you are in for a treat with this new production from Mischief Comedy in 2025. This new farcical play is set in 1960s London and follows a rogue British agent who steals plans for a top-secret weapon. Chaos will ensue when CIA and KGB spies arrive at the Piccadilly Theatre in pursuit of the elusive file.

12. My Master Builder, Wyndham’s Theatre

From 17 April

Also in April we will see the arrival of My Master Builder, a new play by Lila Raicek which is inspired by Henrik Ibsen. The production which will star Ewan McGregor is set on the eve of July 4th in the Hamptons and follows the vulnerable marriage of publishing magnate Elena and her architect husband, Henry Solness. A former student who shared an intimate connection with Henry will share revelations that will challenge their lives.

13. Moulin Rouge! The Musical, World Tour

Begins at Edinburgh Playhouse on 22 April

The smash-hit West End production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical embarks on a world tour in 2025 and it kicks off in the Spring up at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Based on the beloved movie by Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge takes audiences through the disastrous love story of American writer Christian and the dazzling star of the nightclub, Satine.

14. Here We Are, National Theatre

From 23 April

Stephen Sondheim’s final musical will head to the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre in the Spring. The musical is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and inspired by the films of Luis Buñuel. Here We Arepresents a surreal comedy exploring human behavior in constrained circumstances.

15. Just For One Day, Shaftesbury Theatre

From 15 May

2025 is a momentous year for Live Aid and what better way to mark the occasion than with the arrival of Just For One Day. This jukebox musical wowed audiences last year at The Old Vic as it tells the story of one of the biggest music events in history from the people who were there on the day.

16. The Frogs, Southwark Playhouse Borough

From 23 May

Kevin McHale will make his UK stage debut in the Spring. The Frogs is an ancient tale retold as a laugh-a-minute musical comedy. It’s the lesser known Stephen Sondheim show but no doubt will be a hit with audiences.

17. Tick Tick Boom!, Theatr Clwyd

From 2 June

If you’re looking at the potential of checking out a new theatre in 2025, then join me at the Theatr Clwyd for their upcoming production of Tick, Tick Boom! this summer. The hit musical by the visionary creator of the cult-classic RENT tells a story of ambition, perseverance and the sacrifice needed to reach the edge of greatness.

18, Sing Street, Lyric Hammersmith

From 8 July

This summer head to the Lyric Hammersmith for the arrival of Sing Street. Set in Dublin 1982, the musical is an ode to the thrill of young love and a celebration of the power of music to lift us up. Tony Award winners Edna Walsh and Rebecca Taichman bring John Carney’s beloved coming-of-age film to life.

19. 13 Going On 30, Manchester Opera House

From 21 September

This Autumn make plans to see the world premiere of 13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester. The production heads to the stage following successful workshops back in 2023 and will star Lucie Jones as Jenna Rick. Based on the beloved film, 13 Going on 30 follows a 13 year old girl who wishes she could skip high school and be thirty, flirty and thriving only to wake up to find her wish has come true.

20. A Knight’s Tale The Musical, Manchester Opera House

From 11 April

Manchester have more premiere’s planned for 2025 with the world premiere of A Knight’s Tale The Musical opening for a limited run in the Spring. Based on the 2001 film starring Heath Ledger and Paul Bettany, the new comedy musical will contain chart-topping hits and there’s plans for a West End run in the future too!

21. Matilda The Musical, UK Tour

Begins at Curve, Leicester on 6 October

A beloved production for families in the West End for over 10 years, Matilda The Musical will once again embark on a tour in 2025. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, this acclaimed production follows Matilda, an extraordinary young girl who uses her unique powers to overcome her neglectful parents and the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

22. Freaky Friday, HOME Manchester

From 27 November

Andy Fickman will direct the world premiere of Freaky Friday The Musical towards the later part of 2025. Based on the beloved 1972 novel and hit Disney films (the most memorable is the one that stars Lindsay Lohan), the musical follows an overworked mother and her teenage daughter who magically swap bodies.

23. Muriel’s Wedding, Curve Leicester

From 10 April

Based on the iconic Australian film, Muriel’s Wedding will premiere in Leicester in the Spring. The original writer/director PJ Hogan is part of the production, having updated his screenplay for the premiere. Follow Muriel who dreams of the perfect wedding but there’s one thing missing; the groom. When she follows her dreams to Sydney, Muriel ends up with everything she ever wanted and that’s when things go wrong.

24. Manhunt, Royal Court Theatre

From 28 March

The award-winning writer and director Robert Icke will ring Manhunt to the Royal Court Theatre in March. It follows the story of Raoul Moat who sparked the biggest manhunt in UK history. We think this will be a must-see for those who enjoy a play.

25. Midnight Cowboy, Southwark Playhouse Elephant

From 4 April

Directed by Nick Winston, Midnight Cowboy The Musical will make its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse in 2025. Based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy and the triple Academy Award-winning 1969 film, the story captures the gripping tension of dreaming big whilst trying to survive the grind of New York City.

26. Retrograde, Apollo Theatre

From 8 March

After selling out at the Kiln Theatre, Ryan Calais Cameron’s Retrograde transfers to the West End in 2024. The gripping story follows Sidney Poitier as she signs a career-defining Hollywood contract that could potentially make him a star.

27. Punch, Young Vic

From 1 March

Known for his award-winning production of Dear England, James Graham’s Punch will transfer to London following its critically acclaimed run in Nottingham in 2024 (read our review here). Inspired by Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right From Wrong, Punch is an unshakeable true-life account of the fatal consequences that occurred when the Nottingham teenager threw a single punch on a night out.

28. Wild Rose, Royal Lyceum Edinburgh

From 6 March

Featuring songs from country music legends like Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood and Chris Stapleton; Wild Rose will premiere at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh in March. Based on the film by Nicole Taylor, this uplifting and heart-warming new musical is about motherhood, dreams, and finding your three chords and the truth.

29. Second Best, Riverside Studios

From 24 January

Starring Asa Butterfield in his stage debut, Second Best is a playful yet poignant new comedy about fate, near misses and the winding paths life takes. Based on David Foenkino’s best-selling novel, Second Best follows Martin Hill who at ten years old came down to the final two for the role of Harry Potter.

30. Scissorhandz: A New Musical, Southwark Playhouse Elephant

From 23 January

Direct from a successful run in LA, Scissorhandz: A New Musical heads to London in January. This is a radical, raucous, joyful yet touching musical parody tribute to the ultimate outsider. Celebrate Tim Burton’s beloved hero/weirdo with a phenomenal selection of your favourite 90s and 00s hits - bound to beat off any January blues!

31. Elektra, Duke of York’s Theatre

From 24 January

Following a premiere at the Theatre Royal Brighton from 13 January, Sophokles’s Greek tragedy is being revived for the first time in over a decade! Directed by Daniel Fish, Elektra will star Brie Larson who makes her debut in the West End.

32. Calamity Jane, UK Tour

Begins at Aylesbury Waterside on 14 January

Starring Carrie Hope Fletcher, the whip crackin’ musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is embarking on a UK tour in 2025. Based on the historical figure Calamity Jane, the show follows the spirited and rough-talking Jane as she tries to bring a famous actress to perform at the Golden Garter Saloon in Deadwood. The musical features memorable songs like "The Black Hills of Dakota" and "Secret Love."

33. The Shark is Broken, UK Tour

Begins at Oxford Playhouse from 23 January

A darkly comedic play, The Shark is Broken dives into the behind-the-scenes tensions between the actors on the set of Jaws. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the strained relationships and unpredictable shark animatronic threaten to sink the iconic production.

34. Inside No 9 Stage/Fright, Wyndham’s Theatre

From 18 January

Based on the award-winning BBC 2 series, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith will star in the world premiere stage adaptation of Inside No 9. This production will contain recognisable characters and stories with brand new material.

35. Marriage Material, Lyric Hammersmith

From 22 May

Adapted from the critically acclaimed novel by Sathnam Sanghera, Marriage Material is a multi-generational drama that follows one Sikh family and their corner shop in Wolverhampton from the 1960s to the present day. The production will be adapted by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (A Kind of People) and directed by Iqbal Khan (East is East).

36. Bat Out Of Hell, UK Tour

Begins at Edinburgh Playhouse from 6 January

Bat Out of Hell: The Musical is a high-energy rock musical heads out on a UK tour from January. The story follows Strat, a 19-year-old who has remained frozen in time, and his forbidden love affair with Raven, the daughter of the oppressive ruler, as they fight for freedom and survival amid a backdrop of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s iconic music.

37. The Years, Harold Pinter Theatre

From 24 January

Following its critically acclaimed sell-out run at the Almeida Theatre, The Years will head to the West End in January for a limited run. The play follows five women through a personal and political story, set against the backdrop of our rapidly changing world.

38. Unicorn, Garrick Theatre

From 4 February

For 12 weeks Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan and Erin Doherty will star in Mike Bartlett’s explicit, funny and provocative new play in the West End. Unicorn follows a couple who seemingly have it all but something rare and unforeseen is waiting to add a much-needed sparkle.

39. The Parent Agency, Storyhouse Chester

15 February - 2 March 2025

A vibrant family musical adaptation of David Baddiel’s bestselling book is heading to the stage with music by Dan Gillespie Sells early in 2025. Combining humour and heart with the exploration of a child’s ultimate fantasy, The Parent Agency will take audiences through the story of Barry, a young boy who wishes for better parents and is transported to a world where he can choose his perfect family.

40. Cry Baby, Arcola Theatre

3 March - 12 April 2025

Based on the 1990 cult classic film by John Waters, Cry Baby: The Musical heads to the Arcola Theatre in 2025. Set in 1950s Baltimore, it tells the story of a rebellious teen, Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, who falls in love with a sheltered "square" girl, Allison, challenging social norms and rival gang tensions.

With a wealth of exciting productions heading to the city, 2025 will be a fantastic year for theatregoers across the country. We hope you have a fantastic year of trips to the theatre ahead for you.