Here’s our guide to some of the biggest shows heading to the stage in 2026….
Dracula, Noel Coward Theatre: in what is set to be one of the biggest shows of the year, Cynthia Erivo is set to return to the stage in a new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, running in the West End from February. Directed and adapted by Kip Williams (The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Maids), the production is set to star the Tony Award winning, a Grammy Award winning , and a Daytime Emmy Award winning Cynthia Erivo with further casting yet to be announced.
Inter Alia, Wyndham’s Theatre: following a successful run at the National Theatre, Suzie Miller’s latest play transfers to the West End from the 19th March until the 20th June. Directed by Justin Martin, the West End run will see Rosamund Pike and Jamie Glover reprising their roles from the National Theatre run with further casting to be announced.
Kinky Boots The Musical, London Coliseum: hoorah! Kinky Boots is heading back to London next spring, playing at the London Coliseum from the 17th March until the 11th July. This new production directed by Nikolai Foster, has recentlly been on a UK & Ireland tour and is now ready to take the West End by storm! The West End run will see trictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe will make his West End debut in the production, reprising his role as Lola in the show.
Avenue Q, Shaftesbury Theatre: returning to London to celebrate its 20th anniversary, this revival of the musical will feature the original Broadway puppets as well as reuniting the original creative team. It will run in the West End from the 20th March until the 29th August.
I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical, Peacock Theatre: this world premiere production focusing on the life and career of the legendary singer, will see Alexandra Burke performing as Chaka Khan herself (on certain dates she won’t be performing) in a show directed by Racky Plews. It will run in London from the 5th to the 28th March.
Mrs. President, Charing Cross Theatre: Broadway and West End star Keala Settle is set to star in this reimagined production of the play, directed by Bronagh Lagan (Olivier-nominated play Cruise and What’s On Stage’s 2024 Best West End Production Flowers for Mrs Harris). The show follows the story of Mary Lincoln in aftermath of her husband’s assassination.
The Greatest Showman, Bristol Hippodrome: another one of the biggest shows to be announced for 2026 is the world premiere stage adaptation of the 2017 film that starred Hugh Jackman. Running in Bristol from the 15th March until the 10th May, the cast is set to be led by Oliver Tompsett (P.T. Barnum) and Samantha Barks (Charity Barnum). It will of course feature all the biggest songs from the film including: “Rewrite the Stars” and “The Greatest Show”.
Marie & Rosetta, @Sohoplace: having toured the UK earlier this year it has been confirmed that the show will make its London debut from the 28th February until the 11th April. Directed Monique Touko, the West End premiere will see Beverley Knight as Rosetta Tharpe and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu making her West End debut as Marie Knight – both reprising their roles from the runs in Kingston, Wolverhampton and Chichester earlier this year.
Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, Duke of York’s Theatre: Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem is set to star in this 50th anniversary production of David Hare’s play from the 13th March until the 6th June. Directed by Daniel Raggett, further casting for the production has yet to be confirmed.
Our Town, Rose Theatre: Michael Sheen heads to the Rose Theatre in Kingston-Upon-Thames, with this co-production between Rose Theatre and Welsh National Theatre heading to the stage from the 26th February until the 28th March.