The 10 BEST Plays In The Theaters Of London
What Are The Best Plays In The Theaters Of London?
Watching a play in London is truly a special cultural event. In my opinion, the most original and entertaining theater performances can be found in London:
Classics revisited, works to think about and participate in witty comedies, and epic dramas … there’s something for everyone! In this article, we will tell you which plays are celebrated in the English capital and how to get the right theater tickets at the best price.
The TOP 10 of the best plays in London
London and especially the West End have historically been the cradle of the world’s finest theatrical performances. Therefore, it is always a good idea to combine a London trip with a theater performance at a renowned London theater. At the moment there are great works being performed there and only here you can see the play that has been performed for the longest time in the world.
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | The Play That Goes Wrong | The Crucible | 2:22 A Ghost Story | Accidental Death of an Anarchist | The Mousetrap | Witness for the Prosecution | Patriots | The Pillowman | |
The current Theater program in London
The drama program of theaters in London is one of the most dynamic in the world because Londoners are a very demanding audience and if a play does not convince, it usually disappears after a few weeks. So if you want to play it safe, go for a tried and true play from the London theater program.
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01
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London
Play
Since July 2016, Harry Potter fans have had yet another reason to visit London. Since then, the play about the latest adventure of Harry, Hermione, and Ron has been staged at the magnificent Palace Theatre in Soho!
The story takes place around 19 years after “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” tells the story of Harry son Albus Severus, whose first school year at Hogwarts is coming up. With breathtaking magic and one of the best practical effects of the whole theatreworld is the play maybe even the best in London!
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02
2:22 A Ghost Story
Play in Piccadilly CircusThe award-winning drama “2:22 – A Ghost Story” opens its fifth season at London’s Apollo Theatre on May 14, 2023, starring Sophia Bush, Jaime Winstone, Clifford Samuel and Ricky Champ.This gripping work by acclaimed author Danny Robins promises an adrenaline-pumping evening of mystery and possible ghostly apparitions. Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam remains skeptical. When spooky things keep happening, they decide to stay awake until 2:22 a.m.The play runs until September 17, 2023 and features both humor and creepiness.
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03
The Mousetrap
Play in Piccadilly Circus
The play The Mousetrap, based on Agatha Christie’s book of the same name, is one of London’s most traditional plays. The play premiered in 1952 and has been performed continuously for 67 years and has already seen more than 27,000 performances.
Since then, in order for The Mousetrap to be performed for many more years and not lose its appeal, the actors have asked that the audience not retell the dénouement of the story.
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04
The Effect in London
Play in South BankWhen it comes to which play in London has the best storyline, The Effect plays right up there: Connie (Taylor Russel(Bones and All)) and Tistan( Paapa Essiedu(I May Destroy You)) find themselves falling head over heels in love. But they can’t quite trust it all, because the new antidepressant that they’re both taking might have something to do with it. Now it is up to the two to find out to what extent their love for each other is real or a consequence of the drug.In can 100 minutes you experience in this piece a whole love story that takes up ethical issues of society. The chemistry between the two truly outstanding main characters will keep you riveted deep in the plush seats of the Lyttelton Theatre.
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05
The Play That Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre)
Play in Covent GardenThe Play That Goes Wrong tells us the story of the theater department of the (fictional) University of Cornley and its first performance in a theater. Then just about everything that can go wrong at a premiere goes wrong.
If you are looking for a hilarious play in London – the Duchess Theatre is the place to be!
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06
Witness for the Prosecution in London
Play in South Bank
If the writer of any play is none other than the Queen of Crime herself – Agatha Christie – then you know it’s going to be a sensation. And as the production is based “in the round” inside London’s County Hall, it really is a spectacle not to be missed.
Upon taking their seat in the unique courtroom setting, audiences are instantly immersed in a world of passion, crime and justice. Christie’s play then takes us on a gripping journey as we follow Leonard Cole, an accused murderer, as he faces his Machiavellian witness and seeks to evade the hangman’s noose.
Witness for the Prosecution is a gripping enough play but this brilliant ensemble cast makes the stakes seem even higher. But with the unrivalled setting, you really feel like you’ve been summoned for jury service.
This production has received critical acclaim so you can rest assured it’s already been judged a towering success.
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07
Accidental Death of an Anarchist
Play in HaymarketAttention to all crimefans: An anarchist has fallen from the window of a police station! But did he really just fall, or was he murdered…?This question hangs in the air when a cranky showman known only as “Maniac” enters the station. He begins to unravel the conflicting stories of the police, exposing cover-ups and corruption.”Accidental Death of an Anarchist” is excellent theater that keeps the audience laughing and thinking.
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08
The Crucible
Play in Covent GardenArthur Miller’s world-famous play gets a West End outing in this acclaimed new production. Running for a limited period, The Crucible is a must-see for visitors to London’s theatre-land. And with Olivier Award Winning director Lyndsey Turner at the helm, it’s no wonder this adaptation has been dubbed a “gripping revival” and “a five-star scorcher”.
The Crucible is the tale of the original “witch hunts” of Puritan times but was heavily influenced by the political persecutions of Miller’s cold-war era America. The story may be set in Salem, Massachusetts but its themes of power and injustice resonate with any audience.
If you’ve visited London West End before, you’ll know that the National Theatre productions take theatrical performance to the next level. And this production is no different.
Not only is The Crucible being performed at the sumptuous Gielgud Theatre, but it has been nominated for two Olivier Awards in 2023 including “Best Revival” – so it’s a production that shouldn’t be missed.
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09
Patriots
Play in BanksidePatriots seems to be a play written for current times as it follows the rise of the Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky in his fight for power. It was written by the author of the hit series The Crown, Peter Morgan, and with 2023 Critics Circle award winner Tom Hollander taking the lead role, it’s easy to see why this play is such a hit.
Set during the fall of the Soviet Union, in 1991, Patriots draws on the main question of who holds the reins in the new Russia – the politicians or the businessmen? The current situation in Russia makes this play hit even harder and audiences have been drawn by its shrewd interpretation of how patriots of “today” can easily become the “traitors” of tomorrow.
The play’s popularity has meant a move from the smaller Almeida Theatre to the roomier Noel Coward Theatre this year. And that’s good news for the audiences who are clamoring for tickets. Get yours, and you’ll also experience a play that has been described as “gripping”, “magnificent”, and “crackling with brio”.
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10
The Crown Jewels
Play in WestminsterImmerse yourself in royal hilarity with “The Crown Jewels,” a historical comedy that brings proper laughter to the Garrick Theatre stage as its world premiere. Al Murray takes the stage as the witty King Charles II and navigates the audience through the turbulent tales of regency.The comedy transports you to 1671 and reveals Colonel Blood’s bold plan to steal the Crown Jewels of England. Amidst the chaos, King Charles II must confront the potential scandal, paving the way for a royal showdown.With royal humor, “The Crown Jewels” promises an evening of laughs that packs a punch.
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11
The Pillowman
Play in WestminsterDirected by Matthew Dunster, “The Pillowman” comes back to life. With an all-star cast, including Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton, the play at the Duke of York’s Theatre is drawing some crowds!The play deals with a short story writer whose crime stories have suddenly been imitated with frightening similarity in a murder mystery. Justifiably, it has already been awarded an Olivier Award! Amidst psychodrama and endless suspense, you really have no choice but to have a fantastic evening at the theater!Walking the fine line between creativity and chaos, “The Pillowman” challenges you to question the price of expression and the power of storytelling.
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12
As You Like It
Play in WestminsterThis summer, experience Shakespeare’s comedy “As You Like It” at the Globe Theatre, where love stories intertwine in the open air.All constellations of love from love at first sight, love of enemies or forbidden love await you, completely captivating. This play is for hopeless romantics and classic lovers who are looking for poignant, and funny plays in the London theater world.
How to get cheap theater tickets in London?
To buy tickets to London events, your best bet is to use the website Headout, one of the best online ticketing platforms we’ve found. It is much more convenient to buy them online than to buy theater tickets on the spot in London, especially since they are usually sold out by then.
Booking here is simple, fast, secure, and in most cases free of charge. You will find there the individual prices and also reviews from other visitors. I recommend you to look in here before ordering and to inform yourself well in order to make a well-considered decision.
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Which are the best Musicals in London?
Besides the great theaters, London also has spectacular musicals to offer. If you want to know everything about the best musicals in London, don’t miss these articles:
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