May Shows in London

London's West End is set to dazzle audiences in May with a vibrant array of theatrical productions. Whether you're a fan of classic dramas, innovative new plays, or family-friendly spectacles, there's something for everyone. Here's your guide to the must-see shows lighting up London's stages this May.

Musicals lighting up London in May

The city is all set to come alive with a wide range of musical productions hitting the stage, from brand-new shows and tribute concerts to long-running and award-winning classics.

• Bat Out Of Hell – Meat Loaf's iconic best-selling 1977 album, Bat Out of Hell, gets the stage treatment in this wild and outrageous jukebox musical hitting the West End in May.
• Just For One Day – Commemorating the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, this exhilarating new musical is coming to the Shaftesbury Theatre in May and is bringing with it hit songs from David Bowie, Madonna, U2, and more.
• Les Misérables – Victor Hugo's epic tale of love, justice, and redemption continues its acclaimed run at the Sondheim Theatre.
• Hamilton – The show that put Lin-Manuel Miranda on the map continues its revolutionary run on the West End.
• The Phantom of the Opera – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s genre-defining masterpiece remains a haunting specter, keeping Londoners entertained through brilliant storytelling, unparalleled music, and jaw-dropping stagecraft.
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical – The dazzling and award-winning production continues to bring a touch of Parisian romance to the West End.
• The Devil Wears Prada – With an award-winning creative featuring Elton John and Shaina Taub at its helm, this show continues to own the stage.
• Mean Girls The Musical – A cult classic in every form of media, this brilliant production brought the iconic teen film to the stage to much acclaim.
• The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – Rick Riordan’s beloved fantasy action-adventure was made for the stage, a space it has now made a comfortable home.

Gripping dramas to captivate your senses

London is home to some of the greatest stage actors who consistently deliver intense, gripping performances. Here are some of the best ones to watch out for in London in May.

• Fiddler on the Roof – The West End classic makes a triumphant return to London in May, bringing the tale of the humble village of Anatevka back to the stage.
• Stereophonic – David Adjmi's award-winning play, featuring music from former Arcade Fire member and Grammy-winning Will Butler, takes us through the highs and lows of 70s rock and roll.
• The Fifth Step – Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman tackle heavy themes in this show about addiction, masculinity, and faith.
• The Deep Blue Sea – Starring Tamsin Greig and Finbar Lynch, this production delves into obsession and the destructive power of love in a poignant exploration of human emotions.
• Witness For The Prosecution – Agatha Christie’s gripping thriller gets up-close-and-personal in this immersive experience.
• The Mousetrap – A chase like no other, the world’s longest-running play is still going strong over 60 years later.

Hilarious comedies to ring in the spring

If you're after something more light-hearted, try one of these shows on for size.

• Much Ado About Nothing – Shakespeare’s romantic comedy riffs on mistaken identities to deliver one of his best works.
• Fawlty Towers – John Cleese's brilliant 70s sitcom set in a rundown hotel trying to stay afloat has charmed audiences on the stage since its premiere and continues to deliver laughs on the regular.
• The Play That Goes Wrong – A play within a play, a gag within a gag. This brilliant production is a comedy of errors that never stops giving.
• Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors – Bram Stoker’s classic vampire novel gets a fresh look in this stage comedy.

Family-friendly productions for all ages

For patrons with a few tiny tots in tow, here are some shows suitable for all audiences.

• Matilda the Musical – Roald Dahl’s classic story, originally adapted into a cult classic film, now gets its big moment in the spotlight as a stage musical.
• Back to the Future – The beloved 80s movie franchise revives Marty and Doc for all new time-traveling shenanigans.
• My Neighbour Totoro – A Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki classic, this story follows two little girls and their fantastical attempts to cope with big life changes.
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Everyone's favorite wizarding franchise gets an emotional stage adaptation that follows the next generation of Hogwarts students and all new threats and challenges.
• Wicked – The witches of Oz continue to soar over the city, winning hearts and belting their instantly recognizable high notes.