Category

Plays in London

Drama, contemporary writing and classic plays in London theatres.

65 shows listed.

About plays in London

Drama, contemporary writing and classic plays in London theatres. The list below is drawn from a mix of curated editorial picks and live data from the Ticketmaster Discovery API. Updates roll in automatically each time the site is rebuilt.

Click any show for venue details, age guidance and the official booking link.

Frequently asked questions

How are plays different from musicals in London?

Plays are driven by spoken drama rather than song and dance, and they tend to run for shorter, fixed seasons rather than open-ended runs. Many are star-led limited engagements at houses around the West End, the National Theatre and the Old Vic, which means the best dates can sell out quickly once a casting is announced.

How long do plays usually run?

Most plays run between two hours and two hours forty minutes, and an increasing number are performed straight through with no interval. The running time, where published, appears on each show page so you can plan trains and dinner around it.

Are plays suitable for children?

It depends entirely on the production. Some classics and adaptations are pitched at family audiences, while contemporary drama can carry strong language or adult themes and an age guidance of fourteen or older. Check the age guide on the individual listing before booking for younger viewers.

How do I get cheaper tickets to a popular play?

Star-led plays often release day seats and run official lotteries, and the National Theatre and several West End houses keep a band of lower-priced seats. Midweek matinees are the cheapest performances. See our cheap tickets guide for the full range of options.