As the festive decorations come down, the West End is staying cheery with a sensational slate of new productions for the new year.
From high-flying circus acts at the Royal Albert Hall and classic Shakespeare by candlelight, to star-studded world premieres, new musicals and intimate revivals, January 2026 offers a diverse range of theatre to suit every taste.
Check out our Top 10 Show Picks for January, or see a full list of New West End Shows in January, or All Shows playing in January 2026.
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
The bugs are back in town as Cirque du Soleil returns with its high-energy, insect-inspired spectacular OVO. Featuring gravity-defying acrobatics, vibrant costumes, and a brand-new score, this show is a breathtaking exploration of nature’s hidden world.
Royal Albert Hall | Starts: 9 Jan 2026
Royal Albert Hall, London
Gerry & Sewell
Based on the cult film Purely Belter, heartfelt hit Gerry & Sewell follows two Gateshead lads on a desperate, hilarious mission to secure Newcastle United season tickets. The West End transfer features the original cast, live music and puppet dogs in a strictly limited two-week run.
Aldwych Theatre | Starts: 13 Jan 2026
Aldwych Theatre, London
Guess How Much I Love You?
Opening the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season, this world premiere by Luke Norris is a moving drama about a couple facing an uncertain future in a hospital waiting room, starring Rosie Sheehy and Robert Aramayo.
Royal Court Theatre | Starts: 16 Jan 2026
Royal Court Theatre, London
The Tempest
Award-winning theatre maker Tim Crouch directs and stars as Prospero in this atmospheric revival of Shakespeare’s final play. Set within the intimate, candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, the production also features Slow Horses star Naomi Wirthner as Ariel.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse | Starts: 17 Jan 2026
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, London
American Psycho
Artistic Director Rupert Goold revisits his critically acclaimed musical thriller as his final production at the Almeida. Starring Arty Froushan as the status-obsessed Patrick Bateman, this darkly satirical revival features a synth-pop score by Duncan Sheik and set design by Es Devlin.
Almeida Theatre | Starts: 22 Jan 2026
Almeida Theatre, London
Arcadia
The late Tom Stoppard’s intellectual masterpiece returns to the West End in a new production directed by Carrie Cracknell. Staged in-the-round, the play stars Isis Hainsworth and Seamus Dillane in a witty exploration of time, truth, and chaos.
Old Vic | Starts: 24 Jan 2026
The Tom Stoppard Theatre (formerly the Duke of York's Theatre), London
Jo - The Little Women Musical
Experience the world premiere of this bold new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic in a special star-studded concert starring Christine Allado, Kerry Ellis, Tobias Turley, Julian Ovenden, Tracie Bennett and more. Theatre Royal Drury Lane | Starts: 25 Jan 2026
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry The Musical
Following a sell-out run at Chichester, this “pitch-perfect” musical adaptation of Rachel Joyce’s bestseller transfers to London starring Mark Addy and Jenna Russell. With music by indie singer-songwriter Passenger, it is a joyous celebration of redemption and the kindness of strangers.
Theatre Royal Haymarket | Starts: 29 Jan 2026
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
Man and Boy
Ben Daniels & Laurie Kynaston star in a chilling revival of Terence Rattigan’s drama exploring the toxic relationship between a corrupt father and his estranged son. National Theatre – Dorfman Theatre | Starts: 30 Jan 2026
National Theatre - Dorfman Theatre, London
I’m Sorry, Prime Minister
Griff Rhys Jones and Clive Francis star in this new final chapter of the iconic Yes, Minister series, as Jim Hacker faces a modern “cancel culture” crisis at Oxford, with the devious Sir Humphrey Appleby ready to navigate the red tape.
Apollo Theatre | Starts: 30 Jan 2026
Apollo Theatre, London
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