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Top 10 best plays in London right now
Not to brag, but the West End doesn’t just have the best plays in London; it has the best plays in the world. The original theatreland offers everything from classic comedies and tragedies to innovative immersive productions and groundbreaking contemporary theatre. With so much quality and choice, how do you know what to see? We’ve put together our top 10 best West End plays to help guide you through choosing what to see. My Neighbour Totoro This award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s 1988 film has been charming audiences and critics since soot sprites invaded the Barbican back in 2022. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s My Neighbour Totoro earned its status as one of the best theatre plays in London after it won six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards during its initial run. Since, it’s played at the Barbican for a second limited season, before finding a home at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where it still plays today. My Neighbour Totoro is the beautiful tale of two young girls trying to navigate their new home and emotions after being forced to move to a quiet village. Full of charm and magic, it’s fast becoming a favourite among theatre fans. Though it is a very human story, My Neighbour Totoro features mythical creatures including the titular Totoro, soot sprites, a cat bus and more - all brought to life by incredible puppets. Though it’s based on an animated film and features a story about children and cute creatures, please be aware that it may not be suitable for younger audience members with a suggested age of 6+. You can get tickets here, and we’ll even help you find the best seats at the Gillian Lynne Theatre Stranger Things: The First Shadow Another magnificent stage adaptation comes in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. A prequel to the TV series, the Stranger Things play is a new story that expands upon the discoveries made in season four. Not for the faint-hearted, the award-winning play is tense, spooky and nerve-wracking. It follows the story of a young Henry Creel as he tries to settle in a new school while experiencing strange, paranormal events which are turning his world upside down. Featuring Stranger Things characters you know and love - like Hopper, Joyce and Bob - it’s the perfect way to relive the Stranger Things experience now the TV show is over. The Stranger Things play is currently on at the Phoenix Theatre. It has a 12+ recommendation, so please check the content warnings before booking your tickets to Stranger Things. The Play That Goes Wrong Head to The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre for some tomfoolery and disastrously good entertainment. The slapstick comedy has been described as a cross between Fawlty Towers and Noises Off. Between collapsing floors, sticky doors, actors forgetting lines, injuries, and more, it’s a non-stop laugh-a-thon. When it opened in 2014, the show’s creators - Mischief Comedy - were little-known. Now, they have some of the biggest and best comedy shows in London. Recommended for audiences aged 8+, the fabulous farce is a great way to cultivate new theatre lovers. So what are you waiting for? Get The Play That Goes Wrong tickets now! The Mousetrap Now for some theatre history: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. The longest-running play in the world, The Mousetrap, has been staged at St Martin's Theatre since 1958. The record-breaking whodunnit has had audiences sitting at the edge of their seats while the suspenseful thriller unfolds for over 70 years. As it's written by arguably the best crime writer of all time, it’s full of twists and turns that can still surprise audiences today. There’s a reason it’s the longest-running play in the world and one of the best theatre plays in London. So be part of history and book your tickets today. Witness for the Prosecution Coming in hot from Agatha Christie once more, Witness for the Prosecution is a thriller like none other in the West End. Staged in a bonafide Council Chamber in London County Hall, watch and feel like you’re part of the jury in this gripping play. The tense plot follows the case of Leonard Vole who’s trying to convince the court and you of his innocence. But when a surprise witness takes the stand, anything can happen. The low-stakes immersive production is a great way to feel involved in the show without feeling out of your comfort zone. It’s the perfect way to dip your toe into alternative theatre telling and settings, all while watching a gripping story unfold. Get your tickets to see Witness for the Prosecution today.
17 Jul, 2024 | By Sian McBride