See Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zelger, Paul Mescal in theatre in London.
From Hollywood heavyweights to award-winning Brits, theatre in London is set to sparkle in 2026. The West End and beyond will welcome an extraordinary line-up of stars, as some of the biggest names in film, television and theatre step into iconic roles. Expect revivals of literary classics and world premieres by renowned directors – Stanley Tucci, anyone? The theatre season ranges from Arthur Miller to Anton Chekhov, and from William Shakespeare to Samuel Beckett. Here is where to catch celebrities in theatre in London.
All My Sons
A star-studded revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons has lit up the West End in London. The acclaimed director Ivo van Hove is at the helm. The production features powerhouse actors Bryan Cranston, Paapa Essiedu and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Running until 7 February 2026 at Wyndham’s Theatre, it is a post-war drama that delves into the American Dream and the meaning of family and loyalty. Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, the story follows the Keller family and sees buried secrets resurface.
GO: Visit www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk for more information.
A Whistle in the Dark
Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham has announced her first season at the National Theatre. Paul Mescal makes his National Theatre debut in A Whistle in the Dark and Death of a Salesman. A Whistle in the Dark focuses on dysfunctional family relationships and the struggle for identity.
GO: Visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for more information.
Death of a Salesman
Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham has announced her first season at the National Theatre. Paul Mescal makes his National Theatre debut in A Whistle in the Dark and Death of a Salesman. Death of a Salesman is an American classic that tells a tale of the American Dream and the struggle for success.
GO: Visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for more information.
Dracula
British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo is going from screen to stage. The Wicked star has announced that she will be returning to London’s West End. Running from 4 February to 31 May 2026, she will play the vampire in Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre. Dracula is adapted and directed by Kip Williams, who was previously behind the award-winning version of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Williams is bringing his team of producers from Dorian Gray to Dracula, including Adam Kenwright.
GO: Visit www.noelcowardtheatre.co.uk for more information.
Ivanov
Chris Pine, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, will make his London theatre debut next summer at the Bridge Theatre. Running from 4 July to 19 September 2026, the Hollywood actor will take on the title role in a fresh adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov. Directed and written by Australian Simon Stone, the production will be staged by the London Theatre Company. First performed in 1887, Ivanov follows a troubled landowner whose crumbling marriage drives him to despair.
GO: Visit https://bridgetheatre.co.uk for more information.
Krapp’s Last Tape
For the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season, the theatre will welcome Gary Oldman and Tilda Swinton. The programme includes 12 productions across its two stages, as well as projects and partnerships for the next decade. Krapp’s Last Tape sees Gary Oldman offer his take on the Samuel Beckett classic, first performed at the Royal Court in 1958. The show runs from 8 to 30 May.
GO: Visit https://royalcourttheatre.com for more information.
Man to Man
For the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season, the theatre will welcome Gary Oldman and Tilda Swinton. The programme includes 12 productions across its two stages, as well as projects and partnerships for the next decade. The revivals include Tilda Swinton’s return to the stage after more than three decades, reprising her 1988 performance in Manfred Karge’s Man to Man. She is reunited with director Stephen Unwin and designer Bunny Christie from the original production. The show runs from 5 September to 24 October.
GO: Visit https://royalcourttheatre.com for more information.
Mary Page Marlowe
American actress Susan Sarandon will star on stage in Tracy Letts’ play Mary Page Marlowe. She will perform alongside Oscar nominee Andrea Riseborough, with both portraying the same woman at different ages. The play will be staged at the Old Vic by Matthew Warchus in his final season as artistic director before stepping down in September 2026. The plot spans 70 years of the life of an accountant and mother of two in Ohio, exploring themes of both dull and riveting choices.
GO: Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for more information.
The Playboy of the Western World
The Playboy of the Western World sees Pegeen Flaherty’s life turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming he has killed his father. The production stars Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, alongside Caitríona McLaughlin and Éanna Hardwicke.
GO: Visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for more information.
Romeo and Juliet
Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink is set to make her West End debut. She will star in a production of Romeo and Juliet alongside British actor Noah Jupe. Running from 16 March to 6 June, the show will take place at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The production is directed by award-winning writer and director Robert Icke, renowned for his adaptations of George Orwell’s 1984 and Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.
GO: Visit www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk for more information.
The Story
Tracey Scott Wilson’s The Story debuts in the United Kingdom. The show stars Letitia Wright, who will be performing at the National Theatre for the first time. Inspired by real-life events, the play follows an ambitious Black reporter who defies her editor to pursue a lead and goes to great lengths to get the story.
GO: Visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for more information.
Springwood
While this is more a star behind the scenes than on stage, it should still be on your radar. American actor Stanley Tucci will direct the world premiere of Springwood, running from 15 June to 25 July 2026 at Hampstead Theatre. Based on Richard Nelson’s script for the film Hyde Park on Hudson, the play explores a major cultural clash. The story follows the meeting between the US President and King George VI, as the monarch embarks on his first royal visit to America on the eve of the Second World War.
GO: Visit https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com for more information.
The Last Five Years
American actress Rachel Zegler has made a name for herself on both stage and screen. Following a hit run in the title role of the musical Evita, she has announced her return to the stage. She will now star in The Last Five Years, running from 24 to 29 March 2026 at the London Palladium. The story follows the relationship between Cathy and Jamie, from their first meeting to their breakup. Zegler will be joined by Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt. The production will be staged by Lambert Jackson.
GO: Visit https://lwtheatres.co.uk for more information.
