Book tickets for shows to see in the West End this summer

See uplifting, feel-good West End shows in London all summer long, including Kiss Me, Kate, Hello, Dolly! and The Wizard of Oz.

The sun is finally out (some of the time!), and that means the summer theatre season is in full swing, in the West End and beyond. If you’re looking to catch some of London’s great shows during your holiday — or staycation — then you’re in luck: this is a particularly good year for hot, hot, hot summer productions.

Of course, there are the annual outdoor theatre experiences at Shakespeare’s Globe and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which allow you to combine soaking up the sun with fantastic al fresco productions.

But the British weather isn’t always reliable, so it’s definitely worth having some indoor options too. And there’s a real wealth of those in summer 2024, from major musical revivals like Hello, Dolly! and Kiss Me, Kate to family fun at Shrek and The Wizard of Oz. So, if you’re looking for theatrical inspiration, here are some of the hottest summer shows in London that you can book for today.

Kiss Me, Kate

Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar and Tony-winning Broadway leading lady Stephanie J Block lead the lavish revival of Cole Porter classic Kiss Me, Kate at the Barbican this summer – and it’s too darn hot!

Go behind the scenes as warring exes Fred and Lilli attempt to collaborate on an all-singing, all-dancing version of The Taming of the Shrew, while also dealing with a pair of theatre-loving gangsters and some unresolved feelings. Brush up your Shakespeare at this joyful musical romcom.

Book Kiss Me, Kate tickets on London Theatre.

Hello, Dolly!

Wow wow wow, fellas! Cheer the return of the glorious leading lady Imelda Staunton to the stage: she’s back where she belongs, starring as the matchmaker Dolly Levi in Dominic Cooke’s spectacular production of Jerry Herman’s musical.

Not only does this London Palladium epic have jaw-dropping ensemble numbers, from a huge parade to a flock of pirouetting waiters, it’s also a moving tale of a widow rediscovering the world, and her place in it – all while happily meddling in the lives of others.

Book Hello, Dolly! tickets on London Theatre.

Fiddler on the Roof

There is nothing quite so magical as experiencing a production at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, watching the light fall during the course of an evening show, or witnessing stage invasions by the park's residence birds.

The venue is also renowned for its bold staging of classic musicals, so expect something special from this year's offering: Fiddler on the Roof. Yes, there will be “Tradition”, but plenty of innovation too from director Jordan Fein (Oklahoma!).

Book Fiddler on the Roof tickets on London Theatre.

The Wizard of Oz

We’re not in Kansas anymore: we’re in the West End! This wonderful musical brings Golden Age MGM magic to London, mixing the movie’s iconic songs, like “Over the Rainbow”, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard”, with new material from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

The cast features JLS singer Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner, The Vivienne, as The Wicked Witch of the West. Follow this yellow brick road for summer fun.

Book The Wizard of Oz tickets on London Theatre.

Guys & Dolls

This reimagined Broadway classic is a perfect way to transport yourself to the streets of Manhattan. The Olivier-winning Bridge Theatre production of Frank Loesser’s musical is excitingly immersive: you can buy a standing ticket, putting you inches from the cast, or a seated one that still brings you close to the action.

It’s a thrilling way to experience this joyous show afresh, all while enjoying classic songs such as “Luck be a Lady” and "Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”. This is one gamble that always pays off.

Book Guys and Dolls tickets on London Theatre.

Shrek The Musical

Go green this summer as everyone’s favourite ogre returns to the stage, bringing his fairy tale adventures to the Eventim Apollo. Yes, Shrek is back, along with Donkey, Princess Fiona, and all the fantastic characters from the hit animated movie.

Antony Lawrence stars as the grouchy yet loveable Shrek, alongside Strictly Come Dancing champion Joanne Clifton as the feisty Fiona, James Gillian as the villainous Lord Farquaad, and Todrick Hall as the wise-cracking Donkey. It’s summer fun for all the family.

Book Shrek The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

Sister Act

Hallelujah! Put your faith in this heavenly musical based on the beloved film comedy – it’s perfect summer fun, with its disco-tastic score and heart-warming story of a singer on the run who finds a new family when she hides out in a convent.

Alexandra Burke stars as Deloris Van Cartier in this roof-raising Dominion Theatre production, alongside Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones as the Mother Superior, plus Lee Mead, Lesley Joseph, Lemar, and Lizzie Bea. It’s second to nun!

Book Sister Act tickets on London Theatre.

A Chorus Line

God I hope I get it! Join a group of hopefuls at their Broadway audition in Michael Bennett’s iconic backstage musical. This summer’s brand-new staging by Nikolai Foster is transferring from Leicester Curve to London’s premier dance house, Sadler’s Wells.

Powered by an exciting cast including Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer, and featuring legendary songs such as “Nothing”, “Dance Ten Looks Three”, “What I Did for Love” and “One”, A Chorus Line is an unmissable singular sensation.

Book A Chorus Line tickets on London Theatre.

The Book of Mormon

This hilarious hit musical is still the most outrageously funny show in the West End. Written by double EGOT winner Robert Lopez and the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, you really have to see it to believe it.

This gleeful satire follows Elder Price, a perfect Mormon who is paired with his polar opposite, klutzy Elder Cunningham, and sent on a doomed mission to Uganda. Add in a catchy score and spectacular production numbers, and The Book of Mormon will renew your faith in comedy.

Book The Book of Mormons tickets on London Theatre.

The Choir of Man

This feel-good musical brings those beloved nights at your local pub to the stage. Featuring hit songs from artists such as Adele, Guns'N'Roses and Sia, The Choir of Man delivers chart-topping hits like you've never heard them before.

The set features a fully functioning bar, and audience members are encouraged to grab a pint before the show begins. That sets the fun tone for a production filled with toe-tapping tunes, phenomenal harmonies and exuberant dance numbers. It's the ultimate lock-in.

Book The Choir of Man tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credits: Johan Persson, Manuel Harlan, Helen Maybanks, Marc Brenner