The Best Plays in London | reviews, news & interviews
The Best Plays in London
The Best Plays in London
What to see where and until when: theartsdesk's stage tips

London is the theatre capital of the world, with more than 50 playhouses offering theatrical entertainment. From the mighty National Theatre to the West End, the small powerhouses of the Donmar Warehouse and the Almeida and out to the fringe theatres, it's hard to know which to turn. Our guide is here to help you sort the wheat from the chaff. Below is our selection of the best plays on in London right now, with links to our reviews for further elucidation.
Albion, Almeida Theatre ★★★★ Mike Bartlett's play has deepened in accordance with our divisive times. Until 29 Feb
Collapsible, Bush Theatre ★★★★ Breffni Holahan’s bravura performance controls a monologue of mental malaise. Until 14 Mar
Death of England, National Theatre ★★★★ New monologue about rage, racism and national identity is simply magnificent. Until 7 Mar
Kunene and the King, Ambassadors Theatre ★★★★ A strange meeting across the boundary of race: John Kani co-stars in his two-hander with Antony Sher. Until 28 Mar
Leopoldstadt, Wyndham's Theatre ★★★★ Director Patrick Marber knits Tom Stoppard's putative swan song into a compelling whole. Until 13 Jun
Nora: A Doll's House, Young Vic ★★★★ Ibsen diced, sliced and reinvented with poetic precision. Until 21 Mar
The High Table, Bush Theatre ★★★★ New debut play is a heartfelt account of the black lesbian experience. Until 21 Mar
The Upstart Crow, Gielgud Theatre ★★★★ Terrific Shakespeare spoof Ben Elton's new comedy is a gagfest. Until 25 Apr
Uncle Vanya, Harold Pinter Theatre ★★★★★ Ian Rickson’s exemplary production relishes the nuances of Conor McPherson's adaptation. Until 2 May
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 Wendy & Peter Pan, Barbican Theatre review - mixed bag of panto and comic play, turned up to 11
  
  
    
      The RSC adaptation is aimed at children, though all will thrill to its spectacle
  
  
    
      Wendy & Peter Pan, Barbican Theatre review - mixed bag of panto and comic play, turned up to 11
  
  
    
      The RSC adaptation is aimed at children, though all will thrill to its spectacle
  
     Hedda, Orange Tree Theatre review - a monument reimagined, perhaps even improved
  
  
    
      Scandinavian masterpiece transplanted into a London reeling from the ravages of war
  
  
    
      Hedda, Orange Tree Theatre review - a monument reimagined, perhaps even improved
  
  
    
      Scandinavian masterpiece transplanted into a London reeling from the ravages of war
  
     The Assembled Parties, Hampstead review - a rarity, a well-made play delivered straight
  
  
    
      Witty but poignant tribute to the strength of family ties as all around disintegrates
  
  
    
      The Assembled Parties, Hampstead review - a rarity, a well-made play delivered straight
  
  
    
      Witty but poignant tribute to the strength of family ties as all around disintegrates
  
     Mary Page Marlowe, Old Vic review - a starry portrait of a splintered life 
  
  
    
      Tracy Letts's Off Broadway play makes a shimmeringly powerful London debut
  
  
    
      Mary Page Marlowe, Old Vic review - a starry portrait of a splintered life 
  
  
    
      Tracy Letts's Off Broadway play makes a shimmeringly powerful London debut 
  
     Little Brother, Soho Theatre review - light, bright but emotionally true 
  
  
    
      This Verity Bargate Award-winning dramedy is entertaining as well as thought provoking
  
  
    
      Little Brother, Soho Theatre review - light, bright but emotionally true 
  
  
    
      This Verity Bargate Award-winning dramedy is entertaining as well as thought provoking 
  
     The Unbelievers, Royal Court Theatre - grimly compelling, powerfully performed 
  
  
    
      Nick Payne's new play is amongst his best
  
  
    
      The Unbelievers, Royal Court Theatre - grimly compelling, powerfully performed 
  
  
    
      Nick Payne's new play is amongst his best 
  
     The Maids, Donmar Warehouse review - vibrant cast lost in a spectacular-looking fever dream 
  
  
    
      Kip Williams revises Genet, with little gained in the update except eye-popping visuals
  
  
    
      The Maids, Donmar Warehouse review - vibrant cast lost in a spectacular-looking fever dream 
  
  
    
      Kip Williams revises Genet, with little gained in the update except eye-popping visuals
  
     Ragdoll, Jermyn Street Theatre review - compelling and emotionally truthful 
  
  
    
      Katherine Moar returns with a Patty Hearst-inspired follow up to her debut hit 'Farm Hall'
  
  
    
      Ragdoll, Jermyn Street Theatre review - compelling and emotionally truthful 
  
  
    
      Katherine Moar returns with a Patty Hearst-inspired follow up to her debut hit 'Farm Hall' 
  
     Troilus and Cressida, Globe Theatre review - a 'problem play' with added problems
  
  
    
      Raucous and carnivalesque, but also ugly and incomprehensible
  
  
    
      Troilus and Cressida, Globe Theatre review - a 'problem play' with added problems
  
  
    
      Raucous and carnivalesque, but also ugly and incomprehensible
  
     Clarkston, Trafalgar Theatre review - two lads on a road to nowhere
  
  
    
      Netflix star, Joe Locke, is the selling point of a production that needs one
  
  
    
      Clarkston, Trafalgar Theatre review - two lads on a road to nowhere
  
  
    
      Netflix star, Joe Locke, is the selling point of a production that needs one 
  
     Ghost Stories, Peacock Theatre review - spirited staging but short on scares
  
  
    
      Impressive spectacle saves an ageing show in an unsuitable venue
  
  
    
      Ghost Stories, Peacock Theatre review - spirited staging but short on scares
  
  
    
      Impressive spectacle saves an ageing show in an unsuitable venue 
  
     Hamlet, National Theatre review - turning tragedy to comedy is no joke
  
  
    
      Hiran Abeyeskera’s childlike prince falls flat in a mixed production
  
  
    
      Hamlet, National Theatre review - turning tragedy to comedy is no joke
  
  
    
      Hiran Abeyeskera’s childlike prince falls flat in a mixed production
  
    
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