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The West End is preparing for a season of significant goodbyes as a number of London’s most high-profile productions enter their final weeks.

From Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller-skating spectacle to star-led dramas, theatregoers have only a limited time left to catch these departing hits.

Final call for Starlight Express

After a triumphant return to London, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is entering its final weeks at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.

The immersive, high-speed musical – which has thrilled a new generation of fans with its in-the-round racing – is scheduled to take its final bow on 3 May 2026. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now before the show rolls out of London.

Starlight Express in London - featuring the new London cast (June 2025). Photo by Pamela Raith
Starlight Express in London. Photo by Pamela Raith

Starry departures

A number of the season’s most talked-about star turns are also coming to an end:

  • Dracula (Noel Coward Theatre): Starring the incomparable Cynthia Erivo, this bold reimagining of the Bram Stoker classic has been a wild ride. Erivo’s extraordinary, powerhouse performance as the legendary count – and 22 other characters – must end on 31 May.
  • Shadowlands (Aldwych Theatre): At the Aldwych, Hugh Bonneville is set to conclude his moving portrayal of C.S. Lewis. This poignant revival of William Nicholson’s play, which explores the relationship between the Narnia author and poet Joy Gresham (Maggie Siff), must end its strictly limited run on 9 May.
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (The Old Vic): Starring a powerhouse cast including Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge), Giles Terera (Hamilton) and Olivia Williams (The Crown), this acclaimed production closes on 23 May.
  • Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Lyttelton Theatre): The National’s starry revival of Christopher Hampton’s award-winner, directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse), stars Lesley Manville, Aidan Turner, and Monica Barbaro. Until 6 June.
  • Inter Alia (Wyndham’s Theatre): Rosamund Pike gives a 2026 Olivier Award-winning performance in Prima Facie writer Suzie Miller’s new play. Ends 20 June.
  • Romeo & Juliet (Harold Pinter Theatre): Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe are the star-crossed lovers in Robert Icke’s radical new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, which plays in the West End until 20 June.
Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo - West End. Photo by Daniel Boud
Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo – West End. Photo by Daniel Boud

More big closures to watch

The closing shows don’t stop there. Several other major productions and award-winning plays are nearing their final performances:

  • Summerfolk (Olivier Theatre): The National Theatre’s large-scale production, rarely seen in London, closes on 29 April.
  • Copenhagen (Hampstead Theatre): The acclaimed revival of Michael Frayn’s atomic drama starring Alex Kingston ends its run in London on 2 May.
  • I’m Sorry, Prime Minister (Apollo Theatre): The political satire based on the much-loved TV comedy and starring Griff Rhys Jones concludes on 9 May.
  • Into the Woods (Bridge Theatre): The Bridge’s enchanting, Olivier Award-winning production of the Sondheim classic enters its final weeks, closing on 30 May.

View all West End shows closing soon and book tickets here.

Inter Alia - Wyndham's Theatre London. Rosamund Pike & Cormac McAlinden. Photo Manuel Harlan
Inter Alia. Rosamund Pike & Cormac McAlinden. Photo Manuel Harlan

Quick Guide: Major closing dates

    ShowTheatreFinal Performance
    SummerfolkNational Theatre29 April
    CopenhagenHampstead Theatre2 May
    Starlight ExpressTroubadour Wembley Park3 May
    ShadowlandsAldwych Theatre9 May
    I’m Sorry, Prime MinisterApollo Theatre9 May
    One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestThe Old Vic23 May
    Into the WoodsBridge Theatre30 May
    DraculaNoel Coward Theatre31 May
    Les Liaisons DangereusesNational Theatre6 June
    Inter AliaWyndham’s Theatre20 June
    Romeo & JulietHarold Pinter Theatre20 June
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    Main photo: West End shows closing soon - West End shows closing soon - Dracula (Daniel Boud), Starlight Express (Photo Pamela Raith), Shadowlands (Photo Johan Persson)

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