With discounts available across a wide range of shows for the Summer of LOVEtheatre (20 July–2 August 2026), there’s never been a better time to book tickets to the theatre. If you prefer straight plays over musicals, there’s plenty on offer.
From classics like Shakespeare or Chekhov to more modern plays from Tom Stoppard and Mike Leigh, this selection of shows offers a little something for everyone. Book now for a great deal that will see you enjoying incredible theatre into the New Year. Keep reading to find out our top picks for what’s on offer:
Top plays to book during Summer of LOVEtheatre
Abigail's Party
Harold Pinter Theatre
Mike Leigh’s legendary black comedy Abigail’s Party returns to the West End from August, starring Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders, New Tricks) as the unforgettable Beverley and Kevin Bishop (The Kevin Bishop Show) as Laurence.
This modern classic, brings the 1970s to life with a disastrous cocktail party where awkward small talk, social ambition and simmering marital tensions spiral spectacularly out of control.
Abigail’s Party arrives in the West End following an acclaimed UK tour, and a run at Stratford East run.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 42%
Harold Pinter Theatre, London
Arcadia
Duke of York’s Theatre
Following a sell-out run at The Old Vic, the critically acclaimed Arcadia is a must see this summer. Playing a strictly limited season at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 12 September 2026, this revival brings audiences closer than ever to Tom Stoppard’s seminal work.
Blending science, romance and intellectual intrigue, Arcadia is widely regarded as one of the greatest modern plays, and a tremendous cast bring his words to life, including Isis Hainsworth, who was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as Thomasina Coverly, with Nikki Amuka-Bird as Hannah Jarvis, and Oliver Chris as Bernard Nightingale.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 48%
The Tom Stoppard Theatre (formerly the Duke of York's Theatre), London
Cyrano De Bergerac
Noël Coward Theatre
Adrian Lester’s turn in Cyrano de Bergerac is one you won’t want to miss this season. Arriving in the West End following a critically acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon, this fiercely funny and romantic play has been creating buzz since the transfer was announced.
Critics have called the production ‘exquisite’ and ‘pitch perfect’ in and a stellar cast breathes new life into this reimagining of a timeless classic. Lester stars as the titular Cyrano alongside Susannah Fielding (This Time with Alan Partridge) as Roxane and Levi Brown (This Town) as Christian.
A thrilling tale of longing, pride and disguise, Cyrano de Bergerac follows the poet and soldier, who inadvertently becomes the voice behind another man’s romance, one that may ultimately destroy him.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 63%
Noël Coward Theatre, London
How the Other Half Loves
Old Vic
Alan Ayckbourn’s hit comedy How the Other Half Loves makes a highly anticipated return this summer, playing a limited run at the Old Vic from 29 July –19 September 2026. Phillip Breen (Party, Sex with A Stranger) directs.
From prolific playwright Alan Ayckbourn, How the Other Half Loves is a raucous take on sex, class and marital misunderstanding. Roger Allam and Dorothy Atkinson star as Frank and Fiona Foster alongside Rowan Polonski, Ayesha Antoine, Adam Gillen and Laura Elsworthy.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 61%
Old Vic, London
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Phoenix Theatre
Relive the mystery and magic of Hawkins, Indiana with Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Inspired by the hit Netflix series and based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, this production takes audiences back to the very beginning of the story.
Familiar characters like Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Joyce Maldonado (before she was Joyce Byers) all make an appearance in this hit stage production. Now in its final months, Stranger Things: The First Shadow will only be in the West End through December 2026.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 38%
Phoenix Theatre, London
The Cherry Orchard
Harold Pinter Theatre
Coming to the West End this October is the hotly anticipated revival The Cherry Orchard starring Kristin Scott Thomas (Slow Horses, The English Patient) as Lyubov Ranevskaya. It’s recently been announced that Stephen Mangan and Ruby Bentall are also joining the cast.
Playing a strictly limited season at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 3 October 2026 – 9 January 2027, this will be the hot ticket in the West End in the autumn. Ian Rickson directs Anton Chekhov’s final masterpiece, a poignant tragicomedy of a family’s ancestral estate and beloved orchard under threat of sale.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: No booking fees
Harold Pinter Theatre, London
The Play That Goes Wrong
Duchess Theatre
Smash-hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong is a classic whodunnit that has been entertaining audiences for over a decade. The West End’s longest running play follows the accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a classic murder mystery – with disastrously hilarious results.
Blending classic crime story like The 39 Steps or The Mousetrap with collapsing sets and missed cues to flying props and forgotten lines, this show delivers nonstop chaos, perfectly timed physical comedy and huge laughs from start to finish.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 47%
As You Like It
Shakespeare’s Globe
Classic Shakespearean comedy As You Like It makes a return to London at the Globe this summer. Co-directed by Sean Holmes and Charlie Josephine, this bold new version sees Rosalind, Celia and their companions escape into the Forest of Arden, where social rules dissolve, identities shift and love takes on thrilling new forms.
One of Shakespeare’s most joyful and romantic comedies, this exciting and very summery production transforms the Globe into a forest festival, complete with revelry and live music and the freedom to become who you truly are.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 46%
Shakespeare's Globe, London
The Oresteia
Bridge Theatre
Mary-Louise Parker and David Morrissey head an all-star cast in Aeschylus’ The Oresteia at the Bridge Theatre. Joining Parker and Morrissey in the cast are Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon) and Rosie Sheehy (Machinal).
This major new production, written and directed by Simon Stone (Yerma, Phaedra), brings the Greek tragedy firmly into the 21st century with gripping family conflict, betrayal and violence that spans generations. If you’re searching for Greek tragedy plays in London or classic theatre in London 2026, The Oresteia at the Bridge Theatre is essential viewing.
Summer of LOVEtheatre offer: Save up to 44%
Bridge Theatre, London
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