Hello! I'm Andrzej, the theatre editor of Time Out London, and me and my freelancers review a heck of a lot of theatre. This page is an attempt to distil the shows that are on right now into something like a best of the best based upon our actual reviews, as opposed to my predictions, which determine our longer range what to book for list.
It isn’t a scientific process, and you’ll definitely see shows that got four stars above ones that got five – this is generally because the five star show is probably going to be on for years to come (hello, Hamilton) and I'm trying to draw your attention to one that’s only running for a couple more weeks. Or sometimes, we just like to shake things up a bit. It’s also deliberately light on the longer-running West End hits simply because I don’t think you need to know what I think about Les Mis before you book it (it’s fine!).
So please enjoy the best shows in London, as recommended by us, having actually seen them.
What is it? Genius director Robert Icke adapts the Ancient Greek classic, with Mark Strong as doomed statesman Oedipus and Lesley Manville and his wife Jocasta.
Why go? Stunning performances from the leads and beautifully empathetic adaptation from Icke, who makes the bombastic events of the play feel fresh, thrilling and compassionate.
What is it? Nicholas Hytner’s genius immersive reworking of the all-time classic gangsters and dames musical Guys and Dolls is by far the Bridge Theatre’s biggest ever hit, having run there since early 2023.
Why go? Watching it standing has to be up there with the most fun you can possibly have in London, and the tickets are better value than the less fun seated option. It’s officially ending in early January – so it’s almost your last chance to see it.
What is it? Oh come on you know what Hamilton is.
Why go? Well if you don’t know what Hamilton is, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s virtuosic hip-hop inflected account of the life and times of relatively obscure US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is pretty much the biggest musical of our times. And it remains sensational an exhilarating celebration of multiculturalism that’s also a witty but broadlyt accurate romp through US history.
Not sure whether to shell out for that show? Find out what our theatre team made of London's new openings.
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