The London stage is currently home to an extraordinary influx of screen talent. Whether you’re a fan of gritty Netflix dramas, beloved British sitcoms, or American series, there has never been a better time to see your favourite TV stars perform live on stage.
From award-winning actors returning to the stage to highly anticipated debuts, here are the 10 major TV stars you can catch in the West End this January 2026.
At a Glance: TV Stars on Stage
- Sheridan Smith (Woman in Mind) – Book Tickets
- Bryan Cranston (All My Sons) – Book Tickets
- Nicola Coughlan (The Playboy of the Western World) – Book Tickets
- Vanessa Williams (The Devil Wears Prada) – Book Tickets
1. Sheridan Smith – Woman in Mind
Venue: Duke of York’s Theatre (Until 28 February 2026)
Two-time Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith makes a triumphant return to the stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s darkly comic psychological drama Woman in Mind. Playing Susan, a woman whose life splits in two following a bump on the head, the show opened to rave reviews this week.
Sheridan Smith is one of Britain’s most beloved TV stars, known for her BAFTA-winning performances in Cilla and Mrs Biggs, as well as iconic roles in Gavin and Stacey and The Royle Family.
Smith’s co-stars in Woman in Mind include award-winning comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan.
Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan in Woman in Mind, Duke of York’s Theatre, London. Photo by Marc Brenner
- View Profile: See Sheridan Smith’s full stage and TV credits
2. Bryan Cranston – All My Sons
Venue: Wyndham’s Theatre (Until 7 March 2026)
Bryan Cranston returns to the London stage in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, a devastating portrait of ambition and responsibility. Directed by Ivo van Hove, this production has been hailed by critics as “theatrical alchemy.”
Internationally recognised for his groundbreaking performance as Walter White in Breaking Bad, Cranston also remains a fan favourite for his roles in Malcolm in the Middle and Your Honor. He currently stars in Apple TV series The Studio.
Paapa Essiedu & Bryan Cranston in All My Sons at the Wyndham’s Theatre, London. Photo by Jan Versweyveld
- View Profile: Learn more about Bryan Cranston’s theatre history
3. Nicola Coughlan – The Playboy of the Western World
Venue: National Theatre (Until 28 February 2026)
Nicola Coughlan stars as the fiery Pegeen Mike in J.M. Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World. Her journey of passion and disillusionment brings a fresh, witty energy to this enduring Irish classic.
Coughlan is a global breakout star, best known for her role as Penelope Featherington in Netflix’s Bridgerton and Clare Devlin in the cult comedy Derry Girls.
Nicola Coughlan in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre. Photo Marc Brenner
- View Profile: Explore Nicola Coughlan’s stage and screen career
4. Vanessa Williams – The Devil Wears Prada
Venue: Dominion Theatre (Williams is scheduled to appear until 18 April)
The legendary Vanessa Williams stars as the formidable Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. Bringing her trademark elegance and vocal power to the stage, Williams is the definitive “Boss” of the West End this season.
On screen, Williams is best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty and her star turn in Desperate Housewives.
Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. Photo supplied by the production
- View Profile: View Vanessa Williams’ full biography
5. Toby Jones – Othello
Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket (Until 17 January 2026)
Toby Jones delivers a chilling performance as Iago in a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s Othello. This production is a thrilling spiral of passion and revenge, proving why Jones is considered one of the finest actors of his generation.
Jones recently led the historic drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office and is known for his roles in Detectorists, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and the Harry Potter series.
The top-notch cast also features David Harewood in the title role of Othello, and Caitlin Fitzgerald as Desdemona.
Toby Jones & David Harewood in Othello. Photo by Brinkhoff Moegenburg
- View Profile: See more Toby Jones stage roles
6. Billy Crudup – High Noon
Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre (Until 7 March 2026)
American screen and stage star Billy Crudup leads the world premiere of High Noon, a new stage adaptation of the legendary movie Western. Crudup’s return to the London stage is one of the most anticipated events of the 2026 season.
Crudup is currently starring in the hit Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, for which he has won both an Emmy and a Critics’ Choice Award.
Billy Crudup in High Noon, Harold Pinter Theatre, London. Photo by Johan Persson
- View Profile: Read more about Billy Crudup
7. Denise Gough – High Noon
Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre (Until 7 March 2026)
Joining Crudup is two-time Olivier Award winner Denise Gough. An Irish actress known for her raw and visceral performances, Gough returns to the West End following her recent success in major television dramas.
Gough’s screen credits include the Disney+ Star Wars spin-off Andor, serving pitch-perfect Disney-villain menace, and the Netflix thriller Who Is Erin Carter?.
Denise Gough in High Noon, London. Photo by Johan Persson
- View Profile: Discover Denise Gough’s award-winning career
8. Bonnie Langford – Paddington The Musical
Venue: Savoy Theatre (Ongoing)
Legendary British actor Bonnie Langford stars as Mrs Bird in the world premiere of Paddington The Musical. This heart-warming family show is one of the biggest musicals to open in London for years.
Bonnie Langford is a staple of British television, best known for her roles in EastEnders and her iconic turn as Melanie Bush in Doctor Who.
Tarrinn Callender & Bonnie Langford in Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre, London. Photo by Johan Persson
- View Profile: View Bonnie Langford’s theatre and TV credits
9. Samuel West – Twelfth Night
Venue: Barbican Theatre (Until 17 January 2026)
Samuel West stars as Malvolio in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed production of Twelfth Night. West’s comedic timing and stage presence have made this a must-watch, and the production is now in its final weeks at the Barbican Theatre.
West is a constant presence on screen, currently starring in the Channel 5 drama All Creatures Great and Small and the Apple TV series Slow Horses.
Samuel West in Twelfth Night, Barbican, London. Photo by Helen Murray
- View Profile: Read Samuel West’s full bio
10. Kate Fleetwood – Into the Woods
Venue: Bridge Theatre (Until 30 May 2026)
Kate Fleetwood stars as the Witch in Stephen Sondheim’s beloved fairytale musical Into the Woods. This dark and enchanting production at the Bridge Theatre sees Fleetwood deliver a stand-out, powerhouse performance. The show has enjoyed five-star reviews from London’s theatre critics.
Recent TV fans will recognise Fleetwood as Liandrin Guirale in Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time and for her roles in Victoria and Fate: The Winx Club Saga.
Kate Fleetwood in rehearsal for Into the Woods. Photo via PR
- View Profile: See more about Kate Fleetwood
Also see: All Stars on stage in London | West End stars performing in 2026
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