The West End theatre scene is gearing up for an exciting 2025, with both new productions and returning favorites set to grace the iconic stages of London. The previous year saw significant hits emerge, burnt brightly against the post-COVID theatrical environment, and 2025 promises even more variety and vivacity for theatre enthusiasts.
Among the most anticipated shows is Disney's Hercules, which will take over the Theatre Royal Drury Lane starting June 25, following preview performances beginning June 6. This adaptation, inspired by the beloved 1997 animated film, features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and it is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. According to the production team, it "delivers a thrilling night out…Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure and self-discovery."
Tickets for Hercules are available from £25, making it accessible to many audiences eager to witness this fresh take on the classic tale. The show is part of Disney's continued effort to bring their animated hits to stage adaptations, following the successful run of Frozen.
Another highlight of the 2025 season is the revival of the Greek tragedy Elektra, starring Academy Award winner Brie Larson. Set to run at the Duke of York Theatre from January 24 to April 12, this rendition marks the first performance of Sophokles' play in over ten years. Larson’s portrayal of the vengeful Mycenaean princess promises to draw crowds, with ticket prices starting at £25.
For those interested in political thrillers, Kyoto moves to Soho Place Theatre from January 9 after its successful run at Stratford-upon-Avon. This gripping drama centers on the 1997 UN Climate Change Conference, grappling with themes of global negotiations and corporate influence, performed by seasoned actors and directed by acclaimed directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.
Comedy meets horror with Inside Number 9 - Stage/Fright, based on the popular BBC series, which will run at Wyndham's Theatre from January 16 to April 5. This show is described as weaving tales of the eerie and absurd, providing audiences with suspenseful and hilarious moments. Ticket demand is high, but standing tickets are available from £22.75.
Shakespeare also boasts its share of luminaries, with Jonathan Bailey starring in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre from February 10 to May 10, and Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell featured in Much Ado About Nothing both offering compelling interpretations of classic texts.
Also on the bill is The Score, featuring Brian Cox as Johann Sebastian Bach, opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on February 20. This play explores the composer’s intriguing interactions with the warlike Frederick II, reflecting on artistic and ideological clashes.
Returning productions dominate the lineup as well, such as Wicked and Hamilton, which have become cultural cornerstones drawing audiences worldwide. These shows continue their successful runs due to their established fan bases, contributing to the West End’s economic recovery.
The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s cherished novel, is also highly anticipated after its Broadway success. Running from April 11 to September 7 at the London Coliseum, it tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his unfathomable love for Daisy Buchanan through lavish performances and beautiful music.
Tracy-Ann Oberman alone is generating excitement with her adaptation of The Merchant of Venice 1936, where she takes on the role of Shylock. Relocately set to the pivotal moments of 1930s London, this adaptation confronts issues of fascism and antisemitism, encouraging reflections on historical and contemporary challenges. A limited run from December 28, 2024, at Trafalgar Studios makes attending this engaging performance even more urgent.
Throughout the year, the West End offers something for everyone, from adaptations of classic literature to whimsical modern tales like Clueless: A New Musical, stemming from the iconic 1995 film, which runs from February 15 to June 14 at The Trafalgar Theatre.
West End producers are betting big on audience engagement through nostalgic tales and contemporary issues interwoven with innovative performances. With returning staples complemented by fresh, daring productions, 2025 promises to be another landmark year for theatre lovers visiting London.
