Top 10 best plays in London right now

Posted on 17 Jul 2024 (Updated on 1 Jul 2026)

Not to brag, but the West End doesn’t just have the best plays in London; it has the best plays in the world. The original theatreland offers everything from classic comedies and tragedies to innovative immersive productions and groundbreaking contemporary theatre. With so much quality and choice, how do you know what to see? We’ve put together our top 10 best West End plays to help guide you through choosing what to see. ### **My Neighbour Totoro** This award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s 1988 film has been charming audiences and critics since soot sprites invaded the Barbican back in 2022. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s My Neighbour Totoro earned its status as one of the best theatre plays in London after it won six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards during its initial run. Since, it’s played at the Barbican for a second limited season, before finding a home at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where it still plays today. My Neighbour Totoro is the beautiful tale of two young girls trying to navigate their new home and emotions after being forced to move to a quiet village. Full of charm and magic, it’s fast becoming a favourite among theatre fans. Though it is a very human story, My Neighbour Totoro features mythical creatures including the titular Totoro, soot sprites, a cat bus and more - all brought to life by incredible puppets. Though it’s based on an animated film and features a story about children and cute creatures, please be aware that it may not be suitable for younger audience members with a suggested age of 6+. You can get tickets here, and we’ll even help you find the best seats at the Gillian Lynne Theatre ### **Stranger Things: The First Shadow** Another magnificent stage adaptation comes in [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/stranger-things-the-first-shadow-tickets). A prequel to the TV series, the Stranger Things play is a new story that expands upon the discoveries made in season four. Not for the faint-hearted, the award-winning play is tense, spooky and nerve-wracking. It follows the story of a young Henry Creel as he tries to settle in a new school while experiencing strange, paranormal events which are turning his world upside down. Featuring Stranger Things characters you know and love - like Hopper, Joyce and Bob - it’s the perfect way to relive the Stranger Things experience now the TV show is over. The Stranger Things play is currently on at the [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/phoenix-theatre-london). It has a 12+ recommendation, so please check the content warnings before booking your tickets to Stranger Things. ### **The Play That Goes Wrong** Head to [*The Play That Goes Wrong*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets) at the [Duchess Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/duchess-theatre-london) for some tomfoolery and disastrously good entertainment. The slapstick comedy has been described as a cross between [*Fawlty Towers*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/john-cleeses-fawlty-towers-the-play-tickets) and *Noises Off*. Between collapsing floors, sticky doors, actors forgetting lines, injuries, and more, it’s a non-stop laugh-a-thon. When it opened in 2014, the show’s creators - Mischief Comedy - were little-known. Now, they have some of the biggest and best comedy shows in London. Recommended for audiences aged 8+, the fabulous farce is a great way to cultivate new theatre lovers. So what are you waiting for? Get The Play That Goes Wrong tickets now! ### **The Mousetrap** Now for some theatre history: Agatha Christie’s [*The Mousetrap*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-mousetrap-tickets). The longest-running play in the world, The Mousetrap, has been staged at [St Martin's Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/st-martins-theatre-london) since 1958. The record-breaking whodunnit has had audiences sitting at the edge of their seats while the suspenseful thriller unfolds for over 70 years. As it's written by arguably the best crime writer of all time, it’s full of twists and turns that can still surprise audiences today. There’s a reason it’s the longest-running play in the world and one of the best theatre plays in London. So be part of history and book your tickets today. ### **Witness for the Prosecution** Coming in hot from Agatha Christie once more, [*Witness for the Prosecution*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/witness-for-the-prosecution-tickets) is a thriller like none other in the West End. Staged in a bonafide Council Chamber in [London County Hall](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/london-county-hall-london), watch and feel like you’re part of the jury in this gripping play. The tense plot follows the case of Leonard Vole who’s trying to convince the court and you of his innocence. But when a surprise witness takes the stand, anything can happen. The low-stakes immersive production is a great way to feel involved in the show without feeling out of your comfort zone. It’s the perfect way to dip your toe into alternative theatre telling and settings, all while watching a gripping story unfold. Get your tickets to see Witness for the Prosecution today.

### **Oh, Mary!** Following its Tony Award–winning Broadway run, [*Oh, Mary!*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/oh-mary-tickets) is currently playing at the [Trafalgar Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/trafalgar-theatre-london), with **Catherine Tate** leading the cast until 18 July 2026 and **Cole Escola** (the original Mary, and writer of the show) is taking over from 20 July - 15 August 2026. This wildly inventive dark comedy reimagines the hidden life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the turbulent weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, blending sharp wit with outrageous, heartfelt moments. There’s a reason audiences on both sides of the Atlantic can’t stop talking about it: it’s fearless, hilarious, and surprisingly moving in all the best ways. If you’re in the mood for something delightfully different from the rest of London’s theatre offerings, Oh, Mary! delivers laughs, invention, and a fresh theatrical voice. ### **The Hunger Games On Stage** You loved the books. You adored the movies. Now it’s time to volunteer as tribute at the live experience with [*Hunger Games On Stage*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-hunger-games-on-stage-tickets)* *at the [Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/troubadour-canary-wharf-theatre). Watch as Katniss battles to the death in this adrenaline-pumping stage-adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ internationally acclaimed book series. With unbelievable stunts, pyrotechnics, a moving stage and more, it’s a truly unique theatrical experience. ### **Glengarry Glen Ross** Whenever **David Mamet**’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, [*Glengarry Glen Ross*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/glengarry-glen-ross-tickets), comes to London, it automatically becomes a must-see West End play. And this production is truly special. Tony Award-winning director **Patrick Marber** has reimagined one of the most influential plays of the 20th century with an all-female cast. Starring **Rosa Salazar** and **Indira Varma**, this sizzling show is set in a cut-throat Chicago real estate office where the sales agents will do anything to be on top. Though it’s set in the 1980s, *Glengarry Glen Ross* at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/old-vic-theatre-london) is a biting and relevant commentary on capitalism, competition and the cost of success. Closing in July, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the best plays in London. ### **The Truth** If you’re looking for a star-studded performance, have we got a treat for you. From Oscar winning writer Florian Zeller comes this wickedly entertaining comedy starring **Stephen Mangan**, **Ardal O’Hanlon**, **Sarah Hadland**, and **Janie Dee**. When trust is fragile, loyalty is negotiable, and everyone has something to hide, relationships can fall apart quickly. It’s just helpful when you can laugh along while they do so. See *[The Truth](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-truth-tickets)* at the [Apollo Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/apollo-theatre-london). ### **To Kill A Mockingbird** Returning to the West End, **Aaron Sorkin**’s Tony Award-winning stage adaptation of [*To Kill A Mockingbird*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/to-kill-a-mockingbird-tickets) is set to be one of the best plays in London. Based on **Harper Lee**’s classic novel, *To Kill A Mockingbird* was the most talked-about West End play during its run in 2022. Now, **Richard Coyle** is reprising his critically acclaimed role for a strictly limited run at [Wyndham's Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/wyndhams-theatre-london). Do not miss this opportunity to see one of the best plays to see in London, nay, the world ### **What’s the most popular show in London?** There is so much to see in the West End, and things change so quickly that picking just one popular show is nearly impossible. Current critically acclaimed, limited-run shows include: *[Arcadia](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/arcadia-tickets)* at [Duke of York’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/duke-of-yorks-theatre-london), [*Equus*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/equus-tickets) at [Menier Chocolate Factory](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/menier-chocolate-factory-london). Current staples such as [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/stranger-things-the-first-shadow-tickets) and [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/my-neighbour-totoro-tickets) also rank highly. Upcoming shows that will be popular include [*A Midsummer Night’s Dream*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/my-neighbour-totoro-tickets) at the [Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/open-air-theatre-regents-park-london), [*Abigail’s Party*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/abigails-party-tickets) at [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/harold-pinter-theatre-london), *[Ivanov](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/ivanov-tickets)* starring **Chris Pine** at the [Bridge Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/bridge-theatre-london), [*My Son’s A Queer, But What Can You Do*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/my-sons-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do-tickets) at [Apollo Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/apollo-theatre-london), [*The Cherry Orchard*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-cherry-orchard-tickets) starring **Kristin Scott Thomas** at [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/harold-pinter-theatre-london), and [*The Comedy About Spies*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-comedy-about-spies-tickets) at [Adelphi Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/adelphi-theatre-london). ### **What show not to miss in London?** You can’t go wrong with London theatre, but if we had to pick three shows you'd regret missing, it would probably be [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/my-neighbour-totoro-tickets), [The Mousetrap](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-mousetrap-tickets), and [*To Kill A Mockingbird*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/to-kill-a-mockingbird-tickets). Whether you’re after a bestseller, a family favourite or a star-studded show, London has the West End play for you