Top 10 West End Plays

Alex Kingston – Monday 17th June 2024

London’s West End has produced some of the greatest plays known to man. In fact, there is an argument to be made that the West End is the world’s chief architect when it comes to theatrical excellence. Including award-winning dramas such as Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem and side-splitting comedies like Richard Bean’s One Man, Two Guvnors, there are countless examples to draw upon.

London’s pre-eminence in playwriting shows no signs of slowing down, with several spectacular productions playing now. Choosing which play to see can be a complicated decision, so we have narrowed it down for you with a comprehensive top 10 list. Take a look, and you’ll be ready to start booking those tickets!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Dedicated Harry Potter fans know that, by the end of The Deathly Hallows, Harry and his friends overcome the forces of evil within the Wizarding World. But what happens after that consequential moment? Set nineteen years after the end of the final book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child finally gives us our answer.

Haunted by the ghosts of his past but trying to move on with life, Harry is now an official at the Ministry of Magic, as well as a father to three children. But it is not just Harry who is struggling with events of the past. His son Albus endures similar types of turmoil, failing to live up to his father’s reputation. Exploring ideas surrounding legacy and the burden of the past, this play is a stirring adventure that simultaneously tackles important and relatable themes.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child first premiered in 2016 and immediately made theatre history. The production sold out within hours, setting a record for advance ticket sales. The play received rave reviews upon opening, with praise directed at the innovative stagecraft, visual effects, and strong performances. Its accolades continued at the 2017 Laurence Olivier Awards, where it made history by winning the most awards ever received by a single production. Eight years on, the show is still thriving, continuing to play to sold-out audiences.

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Stranger Things: The First Shadow

In the latest season of the popular TV series Stranger Things, viewers were introduced to Henry Creel, a mysterious serial killer endowed with psychic abilities. But how did Henry Creel come to be? Stranger Things: The First Shadow answers that exact question, shedding light on the origins of his darkness.

Taking place in the iconic town of Hawkins, Indiana, The First Shadow transports its audience back to 1959. Fan-favourite Jim Hopper is still in high school, alongside other beloved characters like Joyce Maldonado and Bob Newby. Their lives are all fairly mundane until the fateful day when new student Henry Creel arrives. Unable to escape his past, Henry brings with him a multitude of lingering burdens, with irreversible consequences for the people of Hawkins.

Stranger Things is among the most-watched television shows of the past decade. The series has attracted record viewership, with season four having received over a billion views. As a result, there was considerable anticipation following the announcement of a brand-new Stranger Things story premiering in London’s West End.

Despite already sky-high expectations, the production was able to exceed them. The First Shadow earned significant praise for capturing the essence of the original series while simultaneously providing new insights into familiar characters. Its excellence was recognized at the 2024 Laurence Olivier Awards, where it received the highly coveted prize of Best Entertainment.

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People, Places, and Things

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People, Places, and Things follows Emma, a working actor battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. After a string of incidents, she finally checks herself into a rehabilitation centre. While she is at first hostile to the program, she slowly learns to give herself over to it, directly confronting her problems once and for all.

The play first premiered in the West End in 2015, starring Denise Gough in the main role. The production was widely praised, and Gough ultimately earned herself an Olivier Award for her masterful performance. Nine years later, original director Jeremy Herrin has once again teamed up with Gough to bring the production back to the stage.

Denise Gough’s portrayal of Emma is quite possibly one of the greatest performances currently seen on a West End stage. Balancing comedy and drama to depict the character’s full complexities, she authentically captures the essence of a person struggling with addiction. Throwing her all into the role, it is a performance that many would consider unmissable.

The play was also lauded for its raw and realistic portrayal of addiction. Playwright Duncan Macmillan offers theatregoers an insightful exploration of what might cause substance abuse, as well as the lived experience of having an addiction. It is an extremely compelling drama, and one which will leave audience members on the edge of their seats.

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The Mousetrap

In this classic play by Agatha Christie, London is shaken by news of murder! As the news spreads, a group of seven strangers congregate in the countryside at a remote guesthouse. Located outside of London, the guests assume they are fine. All is not as it seems, however… A police sergeant appears at the door, announcing that the killer is in their midst. Everyone is a suspect, and no one is safe. Will they find the murderer? And can they do so before he or she strikes again? Only time will tell!

The Mousetrap first opened in 1952 and has since become a staple of the British theatre scene. It is not only the longest-running West End show of all time, but it has had the longest run of any play in the world by far. It has played over 29,000 performances and has been watched by over 10 million people. It is such an iconic part of the West End, and it is difficult to imagine London without it. Visiting The Mousetrap is something that everyone must do at least once in their lifetime!

The production is often commended for its intriguing plot, which skilfully builds suspense throughout. The narrative involves numerous twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the final moment. The uncertainty regarding the killer’s identity is a real puzzle, ensuring that the audience remains fully invested from beginning to end.

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Witness for the Prosecution

Continuing with the theme of Agatha Christie classics, Witness for the Prosecution stands as another timeless mystery play that continues to resonate with audiences. Set in a courtroom, the play focuses on the trial of Leonard Vole; an affable gentleman being tried for the murder of a wealthy woman. His only alibi comes from his callous wife, who takes it upon herself to appear against him in court. After a series of mystifying revelations, both the characters and the audience are left questioning the true meaning of justice.

This production is truly like no other. It is staged in London’s County Hall’s historic former council chamber, recreating an actual courtroom setting. The experience begins as soon as you step into the building, taking in the glorious scenery and encountering ghosts of history. As you sit in the courtroom, you really do feel as if you are witnessing a real-life trial, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story. It’s an unparalleled experience, making it an absolute must-see.

Not only is the setting extraordinary, but the play itself is exquisite. Like all good mystery plays, Witness for the Prosecution keeps its audience in suspense throughout. Encompassing plot twists and red herrings, the story will keep the audience on their toes from start to finish. With every new revelation, you are drawn deeper into the story, making for an unforgettable experience.

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The 39 Steps

A man with a mundane life finds his world turned upside-down one day when he meets a foreign woman claiming to be a spy. When they return to his house together, she is murdered. The man soon finds himself pursued by an organization called ‘The 39 Steps’, spawning a nationwide manhunt. In a desperate bid to clear his name, he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with danger, deception, and a lot of jokes!

The 39 Steps first opened in the West End in 2006, where it became a major hit. The play was very well received by London audiences, allowing it to continue its run for a grand total of nine years. The production subsequently transferred to Broadway and toured 39 countries. After leaving the West End, it continued to tour around the UK, delighting audiences up and down the country. Flash-forward to 2024, The 39 Steps is now returning to the West End for a limited run from August until September!

This play is undoubtedly one of London’s greatest comedies. Combining elements of physical comedy, satire, and wordplay, the show leaves its audience laughing their socks off. The script is packed with non-stop humour and wit, guaranteeing a laugh per minute. If you’re looking to forget your troubles and experience some light-hearted fun, then this is the show for you!

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The Play That Goes Wrong

The Play That Goes Wrong follows the misfortunes of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society in their attempts to stage a mystery play. As the show begins, the cast is already at their wits’ end – people keep on forgetting their lines, the props keep on breaking, and the set is falling apart. Just when they think things can’t get worse, they always do. Numerous misunderstandings occur, fires break out, and the set continues to disintegrate before their very eyes. It will be a miracle if the actors can make it to the end of the play!

The production opened at the Duchess Theatre in 2014, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. The show’s achievements were subsequently recognized by the Laurence Olivier Awards, who bestowed upon them the prestigious Best New Comedy award. Now in its tenth year, The Play That Goes Wrong has played over 3,000 performances.

Admired by audiences for a multitude of reasons, The Play That Goes Wrong is perhaps most celebrated for its exceptional use of physical comedy. Encompassing expertly executed pratfalls, slapstick humour, and meticulously timed physical gags, the actors quite literally throw themselves across the stage in a successful effort to draw laughter from the audience. It is a true testament to the performers’ skill that they can maintain such high energy levels show after show.

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Boys From The Blackstuff

Based on the 1980s television series, Boys from the Blackstuff is a tale of economic hardship in ‘80s Liverpool. Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie, and Yosser are hard workers, toiling to provide for themselves and their families. But what happens when there is no work and no money? You’re told simply to work harder, work longer, or simply buy cheaper. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, the system fails us, leaving us to grapple with the harsh realities of unemployment.

This powerful portrayal of life in working-class Britain is written by James Graham, who was also responsible for the award-winning play Dear England. Considering the sheer success of Dear England, there was a lot of anticipation to see what Graham’s next project would be. Fortunately, Boys from the Blackstuff has proven itself to be yet another triumph, opening in Liverpool to a very positive response. It is now transferring to London’s Garrick Theatre, where it will play until August.

This high-stakes drama has been applauded for its accurate depiction of the incapacitating effects of unemployment. With a tumultuous economic and political climate in the present day, this story is as relevant as ever. In spite of the narrative taking place in the 1980s, it is probable that audience members will still find parallels with our current situation. The play serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggles faced by the working class, encouraging audiences to contemplate these pressing issues.

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A View from the Bridge

Often considered one of the greatest dramas of all time, A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller is a fascinating exploration of justice and law. The story focuses on Eddie Carbone, a Brooklyn longshoreman and adoptive father to his niece Catherine. When Catherine grows older and finds herself falling in love with the charismatic Rodolpho, the results are cataclysmic. Inspiring a fiery jealousy from within Eddie, this new development has the consequence of tearing apart New York’s close-knit Italian American community.

The iconic play by Arthur Miller was first staged in 1955 and has continued to astonish audiences ever since. There have been numerous revivals in both the West End and Broadway, highlighting the play’s timeless appeal across different generations. This particular production is noteworthy for the involvement of high-profile screen actor Dominic West. West will be familiar to audiences for starring in several prominent television shows, including (but certainly not limited to) The Affair, The Wire, and The Crown. For fans of the esteemed actor, this is a must-see!

It should come as no surprise that West has received acclaim for his unique portrayal of Eddie Carbone. Distancing himself from previous characterizations, West brings a fresh perspective to the role, invigorating the piece in the process. This helps guarantee its relevance for a contemporary audience, allowing the play to enthral audiences 69 years after its original debut.

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Fawlty Towers: The Play

As fans from the beloved sitcom will remember, Fawlty Towers follows stressed and accident-prone hotel owner Basil Fawlty in his desperate attempts to keep his hotel afloat. Alongside his brusque wife Sybil, chambermaid Polly, and Spanish waiter Manuel, they find themselves battling with peculiar guests and unconventional tradespeople. Often descending into farce, it’s never a dull day in the Fawlty Towers!

This adaptation of the classic TV show is written by John Cleese, thus ensuring that it stays true to the original. In putting together this play, Cleese combined three classic episodes from the show, intertwining their narratives to create a hilarious theatrical experience. The first of these episodes is ‘The Hotel Inspectors,’ during which a paranoid Basil begins to distrust all his guests, suspecting each one to be a hotel inspector! The second is ‘The Germans,’ during which a concussed Basil has an unfortunate run-in with some German guests. Finally, the show incorporates the cherished ‘Communication Problems’ episode, during which Basil attempts to conceal his gambling habits from his wife. Even on their own, these three episodes are comedic gems; combined, their farcical power grows even stronger, promising an evening filled with laughter and nostalgia!

Reviewers have commended the play for its faithfulness to the original television show. For example, Adam Jackson-Smith has drawn a very positive reaction for his remarkable portrayal of Basil Fawlty, with many commenting on his uncanny likeness to John Cleese. If you’re looking to bask in the memories of your favourite sitcom, then the Apollo Theatre is the place to be!

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Top 10 West End Plays

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

People, Places, and Things

The Mousetrap

Witness for the Prosecution

The 39 Steps

The Play That Goes Wrong

Boys From The Blackstuff

A View from the Bridge

Fawlty Towers: The Play

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