Must-See Autumn Theatre 🎭
Hiya!
I thought it would be fun to do a list of upcoming shows to see.
I was wrong, it wasn’t fun at all.
Alas, Autumn is shaping up to be a thrilling season for theatre lovers, with everything from epic revivals, new writing, to daring new musicals hitting stages across the UK.
Anyway, here’s my pick of the shows you should have on your radar.
[You’re welcome]
Carl W x
Bridge Theatre, London | 2 December 2025–18 April 2026
Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical returns in a revival directed by Jordan Fein. Join the Baker and his Wife as they navigate a web of Grimms’ fairytales in a visually striking production designed by Tom Scutt.
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow | 9 September–4 October
A moving musical drama about the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, Small Acts of Lovecelebrates the friendships forged between Scottish locals and the American families of Pan Am flight 103 victims. Featuring 14 actor-singers and a five-piece roots band, this co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland marks the reopening of the redeveloped Citizens Theatre. Could this be the new Come From Away?
National Theatre, London | 13 September–1 November
“This ain’t no classic play b*tches.” Nima Taleghani’s debut is a spoken-word reimagining of Euripides’ ancient drama, following a group of women who destroy a king in a frenzy of violence. Directed by the National Theatre’s new artistic director, Indhu Rubasingham, it promises a bold and contemporary take on a classic tale. Ooh.
Old Vic, London | 23 September–1 November
Hollywood star Susan Sarandon returns to the stage alongside Andrea Riseborough in Tracy Letts’s intimate family drama. Spanning decades, the play explores a mother-daughter relationship with Sarandon bringing her signature gravitas to the London boards.
Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon | 27 September–15 November
Adrian Lester, lauded for his Shakespearean brilliance, takes on the iconic poet and soldier in Edmond Rostand’s classic. This Royal Shakespeare Company production, co-adapted by grime poet Debris Stevenson, promises to bring a fresh, contemporary edge to Cyrano’s timeless tale.
Barbican, London | 2–5 October
From the mind of Polish auteur Łukasz Twarkowski comes a high-octane drama about the scandal surrounding forged Mark Rothko paintings. With pounding techno beats and striking visual effects, this is theatre as a sensory experience.
Royal Exchange, Manchester 29 November 2025 – 18 January 2026
Do-do-do-do do-do-do-do-do do: Who doesn’t love a musical in-the-round? Next year marks 50 years of the Royal Exchange, now led by new Artistic Director Selina Cartmell. This production looks poised to restore the fortunes of the iconic Northern theatre after the Midsummer Night’s Dream cancellation fiasco.
Theatre Royal Bath | 3–18 October
Ralph Fiennes and Francesca Annis star in Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s new drama about a troubled TV star and his domineering mother. Directed by Holly Race Roughan, this show rounds off Fiennes’ season at the venue with star power and family tension in abundance.
Donmar Warehouse, London | 13 October–29 November
Kip Williams, the experimental Australian director behind a multi-screen Dorian Gray, returns with this adaptation of Jean Genet’s 1947 play. Featuring two sadomasochistic sisters, Williams’ bold vision is set to make a big splash.
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff | 16–22 October
A story of resilience and injustice, The Fight follows Merthyr-born Olympic boxer Cuthbert Taylor, who faced racial barriers in 1920s Britain. Theatr na nÓg’s production promises a gripping exploration of identity and perseverance.
Savoy Theatre, London | 1 November 2025–25 May 2026
For fans of the beloved Peruvian bear, this family-friendly musical adapts the Michael Bond books and films with music by McFly’s Tom Fletcher. Producers are yet to reveal how he will appear on stage; will it be a puppet, animation, avatar, a man in a bear costume? This could go either way.
Wyndham’s Theatre, London | 13 November 2025–7 March 2026
Arthur Miller’s classic returns with a powerhouse cast including Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Paapa Essiedu. Belgian director Ivo van Hove brings his celebrated touch, promising an emotionally charged revival.
Trafalgar Theatre, London | 17 September–22 November
West End debut for Joe Locke in Samuel D. Hunter’s play, exploring love and self-discovery in a small American town. A heartfelt journey of two young men imagining a new future together.
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London | 23 October 2025–17 January 2026
David Harewood reprises his role as Othello, with Toby Jones as Iago and Caitlin FitzGerald as Desdemona. PJ Harvey contributes a haunting score to this powerful Shakespearean revival.
Kiln Theatre, London | 31 October–13 December
A new musical inspired by the Pendle witch trials, opening on Halloween. Daisy Chute and Rebecca Brewer’s darkly magical story features Lauryn Redding, Diana Vickers, and Gabrielle Brooks. Terrific cast.
Soho Theatre, Walthamstow | 5 – 26 October
The brilliant live artist behind a succession of powerful and unsettling stage showstakes us on the journey of uprooting her and her son’s life to live in the wilderness… to plug back into nature as a last-ditch attempt to be happy and sane. Kimmings is always compelling, and this show marks her return to the stage after five years.
I should probably have included The Hunger Games: On Stage. Oh well.
