Best London shows in August 2025

Navigation guide

1. Top West End shows in August
2. Top musicals
3. Top plays
4. August premieres
5. Shows closing in August
6. Carnival & festival-season picks
7. Timeless shows in London
8. Events in London
9. Visitor tips
10. FAQs

London’s West End blooms in August — warm evenings, summer crowds, and long daylight hours create an ideal backdrop. With school holidays winding down, theatres host a mix of fresh premieres, family musicals, and star-driven revivals. The beautiful summer weather means alfresco dinners before shows and relaxed pre-theatre strolls. Here's your go-to guide for London shows in August 2025.

August premieres in London

August pulses with new energy as London events in August showcase fresh stories, star power, and creative innovation—perfect timing for those hunting new theatre experiences amid summer’s buzz.

• Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby (August 5 at Sadler’s Wells): A striking dance‑theatre experience that fuses brutal choreography with a live band, exploring Tommy Shelby’s post‑war redemption through strobe lighting, gunshots, and gangster grit
• A Man for All Seasons (August 6 at Harold Pinter Theatre): Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More in this award‑winning courtroom drama about conscience versus power, tightly directed by Jonathan Church
• Twelfth Night (August 8 at Shakespeare's Globe): Shakespeare’s festive comedy returns this month, promising joyful confusion, comedic cross‑dressing, and summer sunshine on stage.
• Born With Teeth (Aug 13 at Wyndham’s Theatre): RSC brings a razor‑sharp clash between Shakespeare and Marlowe, starring Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in a witty face‑off of poetic minds
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (August 20 at Sadler's Wells): C.S. Lewis’s classic adapts into a magical family show with immersive staging, appealing to kids and nostalgic adults.
• The Producers (August 30 at Garrick Theatre): This first major West End revival of Mel Brooks’s Tony‑winning comedy brings its riotous satire and record‑breaking laugh‑out‑loud numbers back to London, featuring Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin

London shows closing in August

Final weeks—book before it’s gone! London events in August see plenty of theatre favourites wrapping up, so don’t miss your chance to catch these closing productions:

• Giant (August 2 at Harold Pinter Theatre): John Lithgow headlines this intimate character piece inspired by Roald Dahl’s life. Expect nuanced emotional depth and rich storytelling before it ends.
• Romeo & Juliet (August 2 at Shakespeare’s Globe): This Wild West–inspired staging reimagines Shakespeare with grit, horses, and frontier flair—an unconventional take on the classic romance.
• Mrs Warren’s Profession (August 16 at Garrick Theatre): Imelda Staunton and daughter Bessie Carter star in Shaw’s probing drama. The revival tackles themes of hypocrisy with refined performances.
• Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby (August 16 at Sadler’s Wells): Rambert’s dance‑theatre adaptation brings the Shelby saga to life with gunshots, strobe lights, live band and intense choreography.
• Clueless: The Musical (August 23 at Trafalgar Theatre): Based on the cult film, this nostalgia-soaked musical pairs '90s fashion and sass with upbeat pop covers and tongue-in-cheek fun.
• Rough Magic (August 23 at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse): A candlelit supernatural adventure set in Jacobean woodlands, blending wit and family-friendly charm before its final night.
• Sing Street (August 23 at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre): A musical stage adaptation of the hit film, packed with live band energy and nostalgic 1980s coming-of-age storytelling.
• Girl From The North Country (August 23 at Old Vic): Ensemble drama underscored by Bob Dylan’s songs depicts rural Depression-era America with poetic resonance.
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (August 23 at Bridge Theatre): Nicholas Hytner’s forest-set production brims with summer magic, mischief, music—and is ending soon.
• 101 Dalmatians (August 30 at Eventim Apollo): A playful family musical featuring crowd-pleasing songs and nostalgic puppetry—don’t miss it before the end of summer.
• A Role to Die For (August 30 at Marylebone Theatre): This comic whodunnit blends sharp humor and murder-mystery tropes in its closing run.
• Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits (August 31 at Apollo Theatre): A sketch-based interactive historical comedy packed with outrageous facts—final performances ahead.
• Alice in Wonderland (August 31 at Marylebone Theatre): A surreal, colourful family favourite full of whimsy and wonder—catch the finale before it's gone.

Carnival & festival-season picks

August in London is all about celebration—on the streets and on stage. As Notting Hill Carnival takes over the city with its rhythm, colour and community, West End musicals and immersive concerts mirror that festive energy. Whether it's Caribbean beats, pop icons or summer sing-alongs, these shows embody the vibrant spirit of London’s festival season.

• Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs: Step into a 360° CGI world filled with lifelike, four‑storey-tall dinosaurs and immersive storytelling, scored by Hans Zimmer. This sensory journey blends education and spectacle, perfect for families and immersive theatre fans.
• Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits: History meets hilarity in this sketch‑based show packed with audience participation and outrageous facts. A fun, lively pick that matches Carnival’s playful educational spirit.
• ABBA Voyage: This digital concert blends cutting-edge visuals with a live band as ABBA’s avatars perform hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia.” It's an electrifying, immersive spectacle perfect for festival lovers seeking a high-tech music experience.
• TINA – The Tina Turner Musical: Telling the story of Tina Turner's rise from humble beginnings to global stardom, this high-octane jukebox musical enters its final weeks in September. Expect powerhouse vocals and dancefloor-worthy anthems like “Proud Mary” and “What's Love Got to Do With It.”

Pro tips for visiting London in August

• Weather & clothing: London averages 18–25°C with sporadic showers. Carry a compact umbrella and light layers for evening humidity.
• Transport changes: Piccadilly and other lines see engineering works—check TfL in advance and leave an extra 20 minutes for the journey.
• Booking strategy: Popular shows like Hercules or Evita often sell fast. Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead, especially for weekend matinees.
• Matinee timings: Sunday and Tuesday matinees may offer better availability and quieter streets before the crowd arrives.
• Pre-theatre dining: Try al fresco eateries around Covent Garden—they fill up early on warm evenings, so reserve by 6pm.
• Crowd patterns: The first two weeks are busiest due to school holidays. Late August sees slightly fewer tourists—good time for better seat choices.
• Theatre district vibe: Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue hum with street performers in summer—arrive 30 minutes early to soak it in.
• Cashless venues: Many theatres go contactless only—have a card or mobile wallet ready.
• Day trips nearby: Regent’s Park and Soho’s pedestrianised streets are perfect for pre-show walks.
• Accessibility services: Captioned or signed performances are available for many shows, including Les Misérables and Evita—book with the theatre at least two weeks ahead.