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Best theatre to see in London in May

From ABBA Voyage and Dracula, to High Society and Beetlejuice, here’s the top theatre picks in London in May 2026.

Stephen Crocker
Written byStephen Crocker

Summer is on the horizon, and many of London’s open-air theatres will welcome audiences once more. Look forward to shows under the stars at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe. But, if you’re sticking to the West End theatres, then you’re in for a treat with Beetlejuice, Dracula and Titanique to name a few.

May 2026 in London marks the beginning of limited summer shows and plenty of buzzy productions to whet your appetite. We’re seriously spoiled for theatre in London this month. Here are our top picks for what to see in London this May.

ABBA Voyage at ABBA Arena

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Titanique at the Criterion Theatre

The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre

Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre

Equus at the Menier Chocolate Factory

War Horse at the National Theatre

High Society at the Barbican

End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre

ABBA Voyage at ABBA Arena

The world exclusive virtual concert experience celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, and is still London’s best night out. Blending glorious pre-AI technology with the timeless tunes of the Swedish pop supremos, it is unbeatable entertainment, to be enjoyed as either a prosecco-fuelled night out with friends or as an emotional evening of pure musical nostalgia. All of the great hits are there (from “SOS” to “Dancing Queen” and back again), with staggering visuals, mind-blowing lighting, and a sound system you won’t believe. Remember — the only thing better than seeing ABBA Voyage for the first time is seeing it the second time!

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ABBA Voyage at ABBA Arena

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Must see
Musical theatre

How do those casting geniuses at Cabaret do it? The hit show’s ability to fill key roles with actors who are both wildly talented but also intriguing deserves an award of its own. Later this month, the golden-voiced Jamie Muscato (The Great Gatsby) assumes the role of The Emcee, while Tony nominee for Gypsy Joy Woods is Sally. A perfectly marvellous pair for London’s endlessly fascinating and always brilliant musical revival, from 25 May. Another great reason to visit The Kit Kat Club this summer.

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Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Titanique at the Criterion Theatre

Musical comedy
Must see

The Titanic certainly proved to be sinkable, but not so Titanique. With an Olivier under its belt for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play (as well as Tony nominations galore on the other side of the pond), this bonkers musical carries on full steam ahead. Described as “a big queer cabaret with renegade energy”, Titanique takes the music of Celine Dion and slathers it over a camp skewering of James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film.

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Titanique at the Criterion Theatre

The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre

Thirteen fresh faces step into the beautifully collapsing world of The Play That Goes Wrong, celebrating the start of its 13th year and two million audience members. Mischief’s miracle endures: a masterclass in things going spectacularly awry. The new cast — including Ruby Ablett as Annie, Matthew Spencer as Chris, Raphael Bushay as Robert, Luke Wilson as Jonathan, Lucinda Turner as Sandra, Alex Bird as Dennis, Joshua Lendon as Max, and Kieron Michael as Trevor — inherit a finely tuned disaster, while the ever- hopeful Cornley Drama Society presses on in pursuit of a flawless performance. They won’t find it. Thank goodness. Because in the West End, failure has rarely been this expertly, deliriously successful.

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The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre

Unlock your 24-hour London itinerary

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09:00

The Breakfast Club

Head to one of The Breakfast Club’s central London branches for a slap-up English cafe classic.

10:30

Buckingham Palace

Is there anything more British than the changing of the guards? Arrive early for a good spot to watch this historic event, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10.45am.

Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre

Don’t miss your last chance to see Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo in this boldly cinematic and gloriously theatrical staging of Bram Stoker’s classic tale. Director Kip Williams is on similar terrain to his recent The Picture of Dorian Gray, but this time he uses the video elements to take us deeper into the psychological horror of the story, with Erivo playing every single character.

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Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre

Equus at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Toby Stephens and Amanda Abbington star in Peter Shaffer's complex and intriguing psychological drama about a teenager whose obsession with horses leads him to the care of psychiatrist Dr Martin Dysart. Lindsay Posner directs the production at the small but mighty Menier Chocolate Factory.

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Equus at the Menier Chocolate Factory

War Horse at the National Theatre

War Horse makes it triumphant return to the National Theatre, 20 years after its debut at the landmark London venue. This emotional story about love and resilience during the outbreak of the First World War focuses on the relationship between a young man (Albert) and his horse Joey. When Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France, Albert goes on an extraordinary journey to find him — and bring him home. Bring tissues for this puppetry marvel.

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War Horse at the National Theatre

High Society at the Barbican

Get ready for the most swellegant party of the year, as Cole Porter's classic musical High Society opens at the Barbican. Helen George leads an all-star cast as the glamorous Tracy Lord, who cannot decide who she wants to end up with on the eve of the society wedding of the year! She is joined by Felicity Kendal, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Julian Ovenden, and Freddie Fox, in his musical theatre debut.

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High Society at the Barbican

End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Broadway star and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon returns to London as musical icon Judy Garland, in this searing portrait of her final days in 1969. Peter Quilter's shows the dark side of celebrity and fame, while celebrating the voice that defined an era.

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End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle— wait! The ghost with the most has finally arrived in London, after premiering on Broadway in 2019. David Fynn plays the mischievous demon determined to cause trouble when a pair of newlydeads ask for his help eradicating a new family from their home. A host of musical theatre faces join Fynn in the cast including David Hunter, Aimie Atkinson, and Chelsea Halfpenny.

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Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre