Top theatre to see in London in July

Discover the best shows to see in London in July 2024, including new musicals coming to the West End and new casts in classic shows such as Tina — The Tina Turner Musical.

The sun is shining, the days are long, and school’s nearly out for the summer holidays! We’re halfway through the year, and summer is definitely in full swing. There’s also plenty of action happening in London, with new shows opening every week. Don’t miss out on the West End’s golden hour and spend time at the theatre in July.

Catch the latest openings set to take London by storm in July 2024. If you’re looking for a glorious summer musical, then snap up tickets to Kiss Me, Kate at the Barbican, which stars Line of Duty's Adrian Dunbar and Broadway star Stephanie J. Block. Or catch the stunning cast of the Donmar Warehouse production of mental health musical Next to Normal as it transfers to the West End's Wyndham's Theatre.

Here are our top picks for London theatre in July.

Book tickets to London shows in July on London Theatre.

Kiss Me, Kate, Barbican

Cole Porter’s legendary musical comedy comes to the Barbican Centre, starring Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and Broadway actress Stephanie J. Block. The story centres on a self-absorbed actor/director and his ex-wife as they argue their way through the staging of a musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Expect laughs, romance and a full orchestra belting out the classics “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”, “Too Darn Hot” and “Always True To You (In My Fashion)”. If you like the big, brassy musicals from Broadway’s golden age then this is the London show for you.

Book Kiss Me, Kate tickets on London Theatre until 14 September.

2:22 A Ghost Story, Gielgud Theatre

It’s little wonder that the play getting spines a’shiverin’ across the UK was written by supernatural fanboy, Danny Robins, creator of the creepy Uncanny documentary series. After a nationwide tour, the award-winning 2:22 A Ghost Story plays its sixth London residency, having returned to the Gielgud Theatre and this time starring Stacey Dooley and Jay himself from The Inbetweeners, James Buckley. The show straddles the line between belief and scepticism, leading to a hair-raising finale.

Book 2:22 A Ghost Story tickets on London Theatre until 4 August.

Death of England: The Plays, @sohoplace

Death of England comprises three interconnected plays: Michael, Delroy and Closing Time, which navigate the joys and challenges of what it means to be British in 2024. All had acclaimed seasons at the National Theatre, and now for the first time will be performed together. Audiences can book one of the experiences or get a package rate to see all three over their limited run at @sohoplace.

Book Death of England: Michael tickets on London Theatre until 28 September.

Book Death of England: Delroy tickets on London Theatre until 28 September.

Book Death of England: Closing Time tickets on London Theatre until 28 September.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, The Other Palace

Standing at the Sky’s Edge dramatist Chris Bush drops another potential hit on London with her adaptation of Kate Pankhurst’s book, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World. The story follows Jade as she sneaks a peek behind the scenes at the “Gallery of Greatness” in a local museum. There she gets a pop-fuelled introduction to the likes of Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, and Emmeline Pankhurst, to name just a few.

Book Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, tickets on London Theatre until 8 September.

I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, Southwark Playhouse

This debut play by writer Samantha Hurley had a sold-out run Off-Broadway last year and now makes its UK debut at the Southwark Playhouse. Set in 2004, it follows 14-year-old Shelby Hinkley, whose dreary life causes her to develop an obsession with Spider-Man star, Tobey Maguire. Her plan? To kidnap him and and marry him in her basement. But, as they say... never meet your heroes.

Book I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, on London Theatre until 10 August.

Next to Normal, Wyndham's Theatre

The Donmar Warehouse’s critically acclaimed production of this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical continues its run at Wyndham’s Theatre. Next to Normal explores themes of family, illness, loss and grief, as centred on Diana Goodman, a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder and haunted by her past. It stars returning Olivier nominees Caissie Levy, Eleanor Worthington-Cox, and Jack Wolfe.

Book Next to Normal, tickets on London Theatre until 21 September.

Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre

The Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll may no longer be with us, but her story continues to inspire audiences night after night. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical still packs them in at the Aldwych Theatre, where it had its Olivier Award-winning debut in 2018. Pop Idol sensation Zoe Birkett joins the cast, sharing the title role with resident Tina, Karis Anderson. Featuring hit after hit, Tina is “Simply the Best”.

Book Tina — The Tina Turner Musical tickets on London Theatre.