Culture

What to see in London this spring: 10 theatrical productions

04.02.2025Julia Karpova

Spring in London promises to be full of theater events. We tell you about the most anticipated ones so you can buy tickets in advance (some productions are already sold out, but that just means they're definitely worth hunting for!).

“Oedipus” (Oedipus).

Where and When: The Old Vic, January 21 – March 29, 2025
Tickets here.

A fresh interpretation of the Greek tragedy has already been released at The Old Vic theater. Oscar-winning Rami Malek, known for his role as the villain in the James Bond films, plays the role of Oedipus, while Olivier Award-winning star Indira Varma plays Jocasta in Ella Hickson’s version. The play is described as “a relentless search for truth through a harrowing labyrinth of fear and love,” and this production promises to be a truly memorable theatrical event in the British capital’s cultural calendar.

“The Lonely Londoners.

Where and when: Kiln Theatre, February 3 – February 22, 2025
Tickets here.

Roy Williams presents his adaptation of Sam Selvon’s iconic novel, which tells the story of the fate and hopes of the first wave of immigrants from the Caribbean to the UK. The critically acclaimed production will bring its story to the Kiln Theatre in 2025, following a successful and completely sold out season at the Jermyn Street Theatre. Set in 1950s London, where a group of new residents of the city – including Henry “Sir Galahad” Oliver, Big City, Lewis, Moses, Tanty and Agnes – struggle to find their place in a challenging and alien world. Through dialog and song, the characters movingly convey their struggle for identity and place in British society, revealing an important and often forgotten part of black British and Caribbean history.

“A Streetcar NamedDesire.

Where and When: Noel Coward Theatre, February 3-22, 2025
Tickets here.

The production of A Streetcar Named Desire was one of the fastest selling productions in the theater’s history, selling out in just two hours. After successful seasons at the Almeida and Phoenix theaters, Rebecca Frecknall’s multiple Olivier Award-winning version of Tennessee Williams’ play returns to the West End for just three weeks. The lead roles in the play will be played by the stars of the original production, including Paul Mescal, who recently conquered screens in Gladiator II, Patsy Ferran (Summer & Smoke), Dwaine Walcott (A Town Called Malice, Our Girl) and Anjana Vasan (We Are Lady Parts). Incidentally, after London, Frecknall’s production will leave to conquer New York.

“The Last Laugh.

Where and When: Noël Coward Theatre, February 25 – March 22, 2025
Tickets here.

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival, The Last Laugh moves to the West End. The production recreates the lives of three legendary British comedians: Tommy Cooper, Eric Morkham and Bob Monkhouse. Written and directed by Paul Hendy, it invites audiences to immerse themselves in a world of humor and tragedy, exploring what lies behind the scenes of the comedy genre. Bob Golding (Morecambe), Simon Cartwright (Monkhouse) and Damian Williams (Cooper) appear in the lead roles. The production promises to be witty and moving, reflecting the complex fates of these outstanding artists.

“The Seagull.

Where and When: Barbican Theatre, February 26-April 5, 2025
Tickets here.

Oscar winner Cate Blanchett will play the role of Arkadina in a new reading of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. The production by renowned German director Thomas Osterschmeyer, whose recent work with Matt Smith in “An Enemy of the People” on the West End attracted much attention from critics and audiences, will be presented at the Barbican this spring. Incidentally, for Blanchett, this will be her first return to the London stage after her performance in When We Tortured Each Other Enough at the National Theatre in 2019. In The Seagull, the actress will reunite with Tomi Burke, with whom she worked in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag.

“Retrograde.”

Where and When: Apollo Theatre, March 8 – June 14, 2025
Tickets here.

Ryan Kale Cameron’s play transports audiences to 1950s Hollywood, telling the story of a young Sidney Poitier facing a choice between advancing his career and keeping his principles. Amit Sharma directs, and the lead roles are played by Ivanno Jeremiah (Sidney Poitier), Stanley Townsend (Mr. Parks) and Oliver Johnston (Bobby). The production explores themes of race, identity and moral choices in the McCarthyist era.

“My MasterBuilder.

Where and When: Wyndham’s Theatre, April 17 – July 12, 2025
Tickets here.

One of the most talked about West End events in 2025 is Ewan McGregor’s return to the London stage after 17 years. He will star in a production of My Master Builder, a new theater project that is a must-see. The play is set on the eve of the Fourth of July in the Hamptons, where publishing magnate Helena Solness is throwing a lavish party to celebrate her husband, architect Henry (McGregor), and the unveiling of his latest masterpiece. However, amidst the celebration (and an already undermined marriage), Matilda, a former student of Henry’s with whom he had a close and intimate relationship, unexpectedly returns to their lives. As events begin to unfold, each of the characters finds themselves facing an inevitable fateful choice that will dramatically change their lives.

“The Deep Blue Sea.

Where and When: Theatre Royal Haymarket, from May 7, 2025
Tickets here.

Tamsin Greig takes on the role of Hester Collier in this new interpretation of Terence Rattigan’s classic play. Her character faces the devastating consequences of a passionate affair with former pilot Freddie Page, played by Finbar Lynch. Director Lindsay Posner focuses on the subtle play of emotions, emphasizing the characters’ inner conflicts and the social constraints of post-war Britain.

“The Fifth Step.

Where and when: @sohoplace, May 10 – July 26, 2025
Tickets here.

Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman unite on stage in a psychological drama exploring the path to redemption and self-discovery. The production promises audiences a deep narrative and a minimalistic staging that emphasizes vivid acting. The details of the plot are kept secret, which fuels the audience’s interest in the premiere.

“Just for One Day.”

Where and When: West End, from May 15, 2025
Tickets here.

The musical takes the audience back to 1985, to the atmosphere of the legendary Live Aid concert, and combines documentary facts with personal stories of organizers, musicians and audience members to create an emotional picture of the era. The musical is expected to include well-known hits of the time. Details about the cast and director have not yet been disclosed, but the project is already generating a lot of interest.

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