What Are The Best Plays In London Right Now

Are you thinking about going to the theatre in London any time soon? If so, we are very jealous.

That being said, the first thing you need to do is decide what you're going to watch. With so many excellent shows on the stage right now, knowing which to choose is tough. You'd have to go to the theatre once a week today to see everything on the list.

But as we are aware, that's not really feasible for thought we could help. 

Musicals are great if you love tapping your toes, but if you're looking for a little drama and adventure that will have you gripped from the start, a play is a show for you. 

Below, we've pulled together a list of some of the best plays in London right now to inspire you. Check them out below. 

The Mousetrap 

Let's kick off with the longest-running play in the world, Agatha Christie's Mousetrap. This show has graced the stage continually since its debut in 1952, so to put that into context, it has been performed through 14 different prime ministers' terms! 

That's pretty impressive, and there is a reason why this is such as popular play. What started life as a radio play has become a timeless murder mystery loved through the ages. The story tells the tale of a young couple who own a guest house until their opening night is upstaged by a gruesome murder. 

Trapped in the house by a storm, the cast must puzzle it out to determine who they believe the murderer is. But as a member of the audience, you can join in with the mystery and make up your own mind before the big reveal. 

Now in its 70th year, the show will be playing at St Martin's Theatre between December 2022 and November 2023. The run time is approximately two hours and 15 minutes, and the show is recommended for viewers 12 and over. 

To Kill a Mockingbird

Based on the famous novel by Harper Lee, Aaron Sorkin's critically acclaimed adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird has opened at the West End. The play will be running at the Gielgud Theatre between December 2022 and April 2023, with Matthew Modine portraying Atticus Finch. 

Set in the mid-century deep south of America, this classic tale of struggle and injustice is told from the point of view of Scout Finch as she watches her father risk his career as a lawyer to defend a black man accused of rape. 

The play has some adult themes, so it is advised that all audience members be 12 or over, and the running time is two hours 50 minutes with an interval. 

Life of Pi 

If you're looking for a play that appeals to all the senses, the next play on our list is for you. This extraordinary award-winning stage adaptation of Life of Pi has it all, including stunning puppetry. 

Showing at the Wyndham's Theatre, this is a tale of adventure, friendship and survival as teenage Pi battles to stay alive adrift on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. With only a selection of animals to keep him company, the cast will take you on a beautiful and breathtaking journey that will grab your attention from the get-go. 

The play will be running between December 2022 and January 2023, so be sure to get your tickets soon! The run time is just over two hours with an interval, and this is suitable for a younger viewing audience of eight and over, so it can be a magical day out for families with older children. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 

Are you ready to step back into the enchanting wizarding world of Harry Potter? 

Set 19 years after the Deathly Hallows, fans will follow Harry, Ron and Hermione as they reunite for another epic adventure. This time, Harry, his friends and his son Albus, are forced to take on new threats and once again battle against the darkness. 

And in true Harry Potter style, the director and illusionist have worked hard to create a mesmerising array of special effects that will take you on a magical adventure. 

As a result, the play has won multiple awards since its debut, including a record-breaking nine Olivier Awards and will be running at the Palace Theatre between December 2022 and July 2023. 

With so much to take in, the play has a longer running time of two hours and 45 minutes for part one and two hours and 35 minutes for part two. The age recommendation for this show is ten or over. 

The Unfriend 

If you love dark satire, Steven Moffat's new play The Unfriend should be at the top of your viewing list. Playing at the Criterion Theatre, this hilarious and dark comedy shows that being an overly polite Brit can have its consequences. 

The story follows the lives of Peter and Debbie, who, while on holiday, make friends with the widow Elsa. After politely suggesting they should stay in touch, their Trump-loving new friend takes it a step too far and takes them up on their offer, inviting herself to stay... for a few months! 

But after checking her out online, the couple discovers Elsa's deadly truth and must find a way to get rid of her, without being rude, of course. 

The BAFTA award-winning play has a run time of almost two hours and will be showing between January 2022 and April 2023. So if you need a good laugh, book your tickets today. 

Orlando

Last but certainly not least, now showing at the Garrick Theatre, this adaptation of Virginia Woolf's very popular novel Orlando will be on the stage between December 2022 and February 2023. 

The protagonist, Orlando, is a near-immortal individual, and the play follows their journey as they cross the boundaries between time, space and gender, meeting several historical figures and having many adventures along the way. 

As an audience member, you will be transported through time and taken on multiple exciting escapades during the 90 minutes running time.