All good things must come to an end. And West End shows are no exception. Each year we see hundreds of incredible shows come and go. And very often, we kick ourselves for missing them. That’s why we’re here to help make sure that doesn’t happen. Here are all the shows you have to catch this summer before they bow out of the West End.
A Monster Calls at The Old Vic
Closing on: 25 August
Based on the best-selling and award-winning novel, A Monster Calls tells the story of 13-year-old Conor and his very sick mum. When Conor is at his lowest, a monster comes walking to share his tales in return for Conor’s. The magical and touching tale will be directed by Sally Cookson and will run for six weeks only.
A Monster Calls is part of Kids Week where you can take your child to a theatre show for free. Find out more, here.
Book tickets, here.
Young Frankenstein at the Garrick Theatre
Closing on: 25 August
From comedy legend Mel Brooks comes the stage-adaptation everyone was waiting for… Young Frankenstein. The hilarious and saucy musical tells the story of the infamous Victor Frankenstein’s grandson, Dr Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’). When the brilliant professor inherits a castle in Transylvania, he discovers he has a familial reputation to uphold, leading him to fulfil his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. Set to a score of catchy, funny and sometimes cheeky songs, and with a cast of superb West End performers, be sure not to miss it before it leaves London and goes on tour.
Young Frankenstein is part of Kids Week where you can take your child to a theatre show for free. Find out more, here.
Book tickets, here.
Gangsta Granny at the Harold Pinter Theatre
Closing on: 26 August
This summer, the award-winning stage adaptation of David Walliams’ best-selling book, Gangsta Granny, is in London for just two weeks. The much-loved children’s story is about a boy who discovers his boring gran’s alternative – and more exciting – lifestyle on one fateful Friday night. It’s the ideal show to entertain your kids during the summer holiday.
Book tickets, here.
Knights Of The Rose at the Arts Theatre
Closing on: 26 August
They rocked the crowd at this year’s West End LIVE, and now they’re storming the West End. The brand-new musical features songs from Bon Jovi, Bonnie Tyler, No Doubt and more, along with an epic plot involving honour, valour and pride. Knights Of The Rose is a glorious fusion of popular culture, evocative of Game Of Thrones and Bat Out Of Hell.
Knights Of The Rose is part of Kids Week where you can take your child to a theatre show for free. Find out more, here.
Book tickets, here.
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four at the Apollo Theatre
It’s been seven years since the first Horrible Histories hit the West End. Following its previously sold-out shows – Part One, Part Two and Part Three – Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four is set to be an absolute knock out. Get ready to laugh, recoil and learn while people from history tell you their stories. This is the world premiere and it’ll only be playing for four weeks.
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four is part of Kids Week where you can take your child to a theatre show for free. Find out more, here.
Closing on: 1 September
Book tickets, here.
Pressure at the Ambassadors Theatre
Closing on: 1 September
It wowed audiences and critics alike while on at the Park Theatre, and its West End run has been no different. David Haig’s tense thriller about the D-Day landings shines a light on the world behind the scenes of war and the difficult decisions that were made on behalf of hundreds of thousands of men.
Book tickets, here.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at the Lyric Theatre
Closing on: 2 September
Looking to introduce your little one to the theatre for the first time? Then We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is perfect for you. Using puppetry, music, rhymes, water and much more, it’s a mischievous family show that will keep your under 5 engaged and entertained. Inviting families to join an intrepid team of explorers – and their musical dog – in their exciting fun-filled adventure, this bonkers show is absolute magic for everyone.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is part of Kids Week where you can take your child to a theatre show for free. Find out more, here.
Book tickets, here.
Little Shop Of Horrors at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Closing on: 22 September
The classic musical has been given a new lease of life with this stunning production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Set in the dilapidated Skid Row, Little Shop Of Horrors tells the story of Seymour, a worker at a failing flower shop who stumbles upon a strange and interesting new plant which changes his world forever. The killer new plant offers Seymour fame and fortune, plus it might even make the girl of his dreams, Audrey, notice him. But, is the cost of Seymour’s success too higher price to pay?
Book tickets, here.
There are loads more brilliant shows on in London. To see what’s on, click here. For more information about Kids Week, click here.
First published July 2018; updated 20 August 2018