London Theatre TicketsPlays in London

Plays in London

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child product image
PLAYS
4.6
(857)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

from
£36
The Play That Goes Wrong product image
PLAYS
4.6
(2K)

The Play That Goes Wrong

from
£24
My Neighbour Totoro product image
PLAYS

My Neighbour Totoro

Opening on Mar 08, 2025
from
£30
Stranger Things: The First Shadow product image
PLAYS
4.5
(326)

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

from
£36
The Mousetrap product image
PLAYS
4.5
(852)

The Mousetrap

from
£27
Witness for the Prosecution product image
PLAYS
4.7
(349)

Witness for the Prosecution

from
£18
Fawlty Towers product image
PLAYS
4.4
(124)

Fawlty Towers

from £24
£15
Dr. Strangelove product image
PLAYS

Dr. Strangelove

from
£65.70
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe product image
PLAYS

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Opening on Aug 20, 2025
from
£33.60
Oliver! product image
MUSICALS

Oliver!

from
£36
The Score product image
PLAYS

The Score

Opening on Feb 20, 2025
from £27
£22.50
My Master Builder product image
PLAYS

My Master Builder

Opening on Apr 17, 2025
from
£30
Richard II product image
PLAYS

Richard II

Opening on Feb 10, 2025
from
£23.40
Oedipus product image
PLAYS

Oedipus

Opening on Jan 27, 2025
from
£36
Unicorn product image
PLAYS

Unicorn

Opening on Feb 04, 2025
from
£24
The Merchant of Venice 1936 product image
PLAYS

The Merchant of Venice 1936

from
£72
Cymbeline product image
PLAYS

Cymbeline

from
£6
The Last Laugh product image
PLAYS

The Last Laugh

Opening on Feb 25, 2025
from
£30
The Years product image
PLAYS

The Years

Opening on Jan 24, 2025
from
£21
The Comedy About Spies product image
PLAYS

The Comedy About Spies

Opening on Apr 14, 2025
from
£24
What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank product image
PLAYS

What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank

from
£24
Retrograde product image
PLAYS

Retrograde

Opening on Mar 08, 2025
from
£24
Mrs President product image
PLAYS

Mrs President

Opening on Jan 31, 2025
from £24
£20
Kyoto product image
PLAYS

Kyoto

from
£30
The Deep Blue Sea product image
PLAYS

The Deep Blue Sea

Opening on May 07, 2025
from
£27
Second Best product image
PLAYS

Second Best

Opening on Jan 24, 2025
from
£60
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain - Part Five! product image
PLAYS

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain - Part Five!

Opening on Jul 31, 2025
from
£23.40
The Smeds and The Smoos product image
PLAYS
4.6
(107)

The Smeds and The Smoos

Opening on Jul 18, 2025
from
£12
The Brightening Air product image
PLAYS

The Brightening Air

Opening on Apr 10, 2025
from
£26.40
How to Fight Loneliness product image
PLAYS

How to Fight Loneliness

Opening on Apr 16, 2025
from
£18
Co Focus & Chaliwaté, Dimanche product image
PANTOMIMES

Co Focus & Chaliwaté, Dimanche

Opening on Jan 29, 2025
from
£28.80
Farewell Mister Haffmann product image
PLAYS

Farewell Mister Haffmann

Opening on Mar 05, 2025
from
£18

New arrivals

Kids & family

Critics' choice

Classics

Award winners

Best West End Plays in London

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most famous playwrights in the world. It is no surprise that it is also home to one of the most popular and critically acclaimed theatre districts, the West End. 

The Play That Goes Wrong

West End Plays vs Musicals

For the average theatre-goer, every act on a stage is a play. However, this classification is not entirely accurate. Plays are usually performances that involve a narration of the story through monologues and dialogues. Musicals, on the other hand, tell the story through songs. They also utilize the set and production to a great degree, immersing the viewer in the world they are trying to emulate on stage. Plays employ written script and dialogues while musicals use choreography to convey the message.

Life of Pi

West End Plays & Off West End Plays

Just like Broadway, West End, too, has theatres that are part of the ‘Fringe’. They are known as Off-West End theatres. While Off-West End does include some theatres that are commercial and mainstream, they are not located in the theatre district in London. Off-West End theatres have a seating capacity of around 40 to 400. If a play is categorized as Off-West End, it means that the play is running exclusively on Off-West End theatres and was produced right there. These plays are generally far more nuanced than big West End productions. They prioritize acting and run scripts that are often wild and off-beat. 

The Mousetrap

Best West End Plays in London

When it comes to the best plays in West End, the verdict is quite subjective. Everyone has their own preference in terms of plot, presentation, individual performance, and various other factors. However, there are some plays that have awed the critics and audiences alike with their near-perfect productions and are considered to be unmissable.

The Mousetrap

Longest Running West End Plays in London

Whenever a show debuts on any stage they are expected to run for a couple of weeks and then move elsewhere. However, there are some cult hits that have run for years, decades even. These shows are driven by critical reviews and fan following. For example, The Mousetrap has been running for more than 66 years!

Finding the Right West End Play in London

There is an art to choosing the right seat for a West End play. You cannot sit too close or too far away from the stage if you want to enjoy your theatre experience to the fullest. The sections closest to the stage are called stalls and are by far the most expensive and most coveted seats in the house. For the best views of the stage, the dress circle or the royal circle is the place to be as it looks down upon the stage. 

Genre
Reviews
Budget
The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

There are many genres under which a West End play can fall. Theatre-goers can now pick from a wide range of plays based on their personal preference. From comedy to crime, parody to period, West End plays in London have it all!

Life of Pi

The most popular factor to consider while choosing a London play is the review of the production. There are several critics and media agencies that are devoted to bringing a detailed review of every London play. You can use these sources to gain more information regarding various productions and have complete information before booking your London play tickets.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Choosing the Best Seats for West End Plays in London

Where you choose to sit for a London play at West End can play a big role in determining the kind of experience you have. Let's take a look at some factors based on which you can select the best seat for watching a play in London.

london plays
Best Views

The best seats in the house for almost all of West End’s theatres are near the middle of the stall area. These provide the best view of the stage and lie in the acoustic sweet spot of the theatres. As a result, these seats come at a higher rate than the rest of the seats in the area.

Budget-Friendly

If you are looking for budget options, head over to the Dress Circle, which is the first elevated section at any West End theatre. The middle section of the Dress Circle offers a good view of the stage without being too expensive.

Handy Tips for Watching West End Plays in London

london play
  • Watch out for early-bird discounts on London play tickets online.
  • Book London play tickets around the best seats in the house for a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
  • Grab a bite at one of the restaurants close to a West End theatre before a show to avoid spending a fortune on theatre food.
  • Avoid driving to the theatre as free parking could be very limited or even unavailable at the theatre. Reach the theatre well ahead of time as you may not be allowed entry after the show commences.
  • Do not carry or use videography/audiography/photography devices during a London play or any West End show as this is an unlawful act.
  • Do not leave during the curtain call as it is regarded as a rude gesture.
  • Visit the TKTS booth to score cheap London play tickets.
  • Attend all shows in smart casual or semi-formal attire. Baggy tees and sweatpants could make you stand out in the crowd in a bad way.

Frequently Asked Questions About West End Plays in London

Q. What are the best West End plays in London?

A. London is home to a large number of theatres where you will find productions ranging from comedy to tragedy. Find out more about the best West End plays playing in London.

Q. How do I buy tickets for London plays?

A. Purchase tickets to best West End plays in London online for a hassle-free experience.

Q. Where can I buy cheap tickets for London plays?

A. Buy tickets for West End plays in London online for the best deals and discounts.

Q. Are there any discounts available on tickets for London plays?

A. Yes, you can buy discounted tickets for many of the best West End plays in London online.

Q. How is a London play different from a musical?

A. A musical tells a story through song and dance whereas a play may or not have these elements. A play relies on dialogue over songs and dance.

Q. What are the best seats to watch a London play?

A. The best seats in the house for almost all of West End’s theatres are near the middle of the stall area.