May 2025 sees a thrilling mix of West End premieres, big-name revivals, and international hits arriving on the London stage. From Sondheim’s swansong to Live Aid’s musical retelling, here are the 10 hottest new shows to book this month.
1. The Fifth Step – @sohoplace Theatre
Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman star in the West End premiere of The Fifth Step, a new drama about morality, guilt and redemption. Set in real time, the play explores a confrontation between a recovering alcoholic and a mysterious stranger with a dark confession.
@sohoplace Theatre, London
2. Just For One Day – Shaftesbury Theatre
Feel the power of music and activism in Just For One Day, the exhilarating new British musical based on the legendary 1985 Live Aid concerts. Following a sold-our run at The Old Vic, and featuring anthems by Queen, David Bowie, U2 and more, this is a must-see for anyone who believes music can change the world.
3. Mrs Warren’s Profession – Garrick Theatre
Real-life mother and daughter Imelda Staunton (Hello, Dolly!) and Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) star in George Bernard Shaw’s provocative classic Mrs Warren’s Profession. This sharp-witted drama, exploring hypocrisy and female empowerment, plays for a strictly limited season at the Garrick Theatre.
Garrick Theatre, London
4. Fiddler on the Roof – Barbican Theatre
Following a critically acclaimed run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof transfers indoors to the Barbican Theatre for a limited summer season. Jordan Fein’s heartfelt production of this much-loved musical boasts stirring songs and powerful performances.
5. The Deep Blue Sea – Theatre Royal Haymarket
Tamsin Greig (Episodes) leads The Deep Blue Sea in a new revival of Terence Rattigan’s searing portrait of love, loneliness and longing. This timeless tale of a woman’s emotional struggle unfolds in elegant post-war London.
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
6. Stereophonic – Duke of York’s Theatre
Fresh from its triumphant Broadway run, Stereophonic lands in London. The most Tony-nominated play of all time dives into the tension, passion and genius behind a rock band recording their next hit album. A pitch-perfect mix of music and drama.
The Tom Stoppard Theatre (formerly the Duke of York's Theatre), London
7. An Oak Tree – Young Vic Theatre
Tim Crouch’s acclaimed meta-theatrical masterpiece An Oak Tree comes to the Young Vic in a bold new production. A different guest actor each night performs live, without having seen the script beforehand. Unpredictable, moving and unlike anything else on stage.
The Other Palace, London
8. Shucked – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Sophie McShera (Downton Abbey) stars in Shucked, the hit Broadway musical comedy now making its UK premiere under the stars at Regent’s Park. With nine Tony nominations and a corn-fed sense of humour, this is country-pop hilarity at its best.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London
9. A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Bridge Theatre
Nicholas Hytner’s immersive and critically acclaimed A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to the Bridge Theatre. Expect acrobatics, audience participation and a riotous take on Shakespeare’s magical comedy in one of London’s most dynamic venues.
Bridge Theatre, London
10. Here We Are – National Theatre (Lyttelton)
Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are arrives at the National Theatre in a landmark UK premiere. With a glittering cast including Jane Krakowski, Martha Plimpton and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, this surreal, satirical journey through modern life and death is a fitting tribute to a Broadway legend.
National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre, London
More new shows in May
Other great shows to see this may include a gripping adaptation of David Mamet’s noir thriller House of Games at Hampstead Theatre; Beverley Knight stars in Marie & Rosetta, a thrilling new play with music celebrating Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the ‘godmother of rock ‘n’ roll’; Side-splittingly funny and deeply moving play Insane Asylum Seekers at the Bush Theatre; Shakespeare’s Globe presents Arthur Miller’s classic drama The Crucible; Pop Off, Michelangelo!, Dylan MarcAurele’s high-camp musical at London’s Underbelly Boulevard; immersive nightclub musical Oscar at The Crown at a secret venue on Tottenham Court Road; After the Act at the Royal Court Theatre, the electrifying new musical exploring British LGBTQ+ history; Jim Steinman’s smash-hit musical Bat Out of Hell: The Musical at the Peacock Theatre; powerful new play Marriage Material based on Sathnam Sanghera’s acclaimed novel; Award-winner Anoushka Lucas writes and stars in Elephant at the Menier Chocolate Factory; Tim Firth’s award-winning Musical This Is My Family is playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant starring Gemma Whelan; and new play Miss Myrtle’s Garden premieres at the Bush Theatre.
You can check out here All new shows this May 2025, and also All Shows playing in London in May 2025
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