Theatre tickets and productions

THERE are a load of shows leaving the theatres soon that you will want to catch before they go – and with Sun Club you can get cheaper tickets.

If you sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or just £9.99 for one year in our summer sale, you can get an extra 10 per cent off show tickets with London Theatre Direct.

Once you’ve signed up, head to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the London Theatre Direct offer, or simply click here.

Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to our award-winning articles, exclusive showbiz scoops, and a huge range of other offers and discounts too – from early access to book Hols From £9.50, free racing tickets to top UK racecourses and 2-4-1 tickets to theme parks.

With just days left of the school summer holidays and the days drawing in as we enter autumn, there couldn’t be a better activity than heading to the theatre.

Here are all the shows ending (and some exciting ones launching) in the coming months:

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Shows ending soon

Hercules

Disney‘s Hercules is due to end on September 5.

The high-energy musical is based on Disney’s 1997 animated film, where Hercules sets off on a quest to prove himself as a hero.

It is a great option for Disney fans as well as families, and those who love a good singalong.

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical

The popular immersive experience from Secret Cinema is set to end on September 13.

The interactive show allows people to fully immerse themselves in Rydell High, with actors roaming around and giant screens showing the film.

It is adult-only, but a load of fun with people getting dressed up and dancing around with actors as well as having fun on carnival attractions.

Brainiac Live!

The fun, family-friendly and interactive show Brainiac Live! is due to end on August 30.

Ideal for a last minute activity to head to with the kids before they go back to school, you can expect explosive experiments and messy stunts.

The Gruffalo

Another great family option is ending for the season soon – The Gruffalo, on September 6.

The show follows Julia Donaldson’s classic picture book.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Similarly, The Tiger Who Came to Tea will end on September 5 for the season.

The stage adaptation follows the story of Judith Kerr’s beloved tiger who loves a cuppa.

Now You See Me Live

Set to close on September 6, Now You See Me Live will have only run for five weeks.

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital) recently visited and said: “This is as close to a Vegas-style magic show as you’re going to get in the UK, which is why it makes sense that the next stop on its world tour will in fact be the Nevada city.

“Without spoiling too much of the magic, the moment the escapologist is locked, handcuffed, upside down in a tank of water in a recreation of Houdini’s water torture stunt, is undoubtedly a highlight of the show.”

Death Note The Musical

Death Note The Musical will end on September 12 at the Barbican Theatre.

The show is based on the famous Japanese manga series.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (two parts)

The two parts of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will soon become one continuous and shortened show.

The two-part show will end on September 20 before being replaced by the reimagined one part show on October 9.

The show follows Harry’s son Albus Severus Potter who struggles with the weight of his family’s legacy.

The Comedy About Spies

The Comedy About Spies stage show is set to end on September 26.

The show is set in a 1961 London hotel where a rogue British agent steals plans for a top-secret weapon.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to end on December 27.

The show acts as a prequel to the famous Netflix series.

Shows coming soon

10 Things I Hate About You

Dates are yet to be set but a 10 Things I Hate About You stage adaption has been announced.

The show will follow the story of the 1999 rom-com but will now feature music by Carly Rae Jepson and a book by Lena Dunham.

It will premiere on Broadway before moving to the West End.

The Greatest Showman

Set to launch in the spring and replace Hercules is Disney’s The Greatest Showman.

Based on the 2017 film by the same name, the stage adaptation will feature the film’s original songs.

High School Musical

Opening on October 12 in time for the film’s 20th anniversary is High School Musical.

The story follows Troy and Gabriella as they disrupt social cliques at East High.

The production is set to feature McFly’s Harry Judd as Coach Bolton and original film cast member Kaycee Stroh as Ms Darbus.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Opening on February 26, 2027, Secret Cinema will have their first permanent theatre in London on the Greenwich Peninsula.

And the show will be Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure.

Visitors can expect a walkthrough stage as well as an interactive experience.

Billy Elliot The Musical

Set to open on February 12, 2027, Billy Elliot is returning to the West End.

Revived by Elton John, the show follows a young boy in the 1980s in a Northern English mining community, who discovers he has a talent for ballet.

Dirty Dancing

Opening on October 16, Dirty Dancing will be London’s first show at the Capital Theatre.

The show will be an intimate production set at Kellerman’s 1963 resort with live music and lots of dancing.

Rent

Opening on September 26, 2026 is Rent.

The production is a 30th-anniversary West End revival of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical, which will star Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo as Mark.

The show follows a year in the life of a group of young artists and musicians in Manhattan’s East Village coping with HIV/AIDS, love, loss and community.

The Jungle Book

Launching on November 13, the National Theatre will be running a stage adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.

The show will be set in the mangroves of the Sundarbans.

It is not a Disney musical, but instead a more serious show with original music and live puppetry.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (one part)

Launching on October 9, will be the new stage format of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, which will be one part not two.

It follows the same story as the two-part show, just reimagined and condensed into one performance.

Offer is open to UK residents aged 18+ only. Save an additional 10 per cent off tickets. Offer ends at 23:59pm on Thursday, December 31, 2026. Full T&Cs apply, see here.

LOTS of family shows claim to be for everyone aged 5 to 95, but in practice, very few are. 

Now You See Me Live is one of those rare West End unicorns that will have all ages on the edge of their seats (or standing on top of it in my son’s case).

And Sun Club members can get half price tickets. 

The big-budget magic shows are based on the Hollywood films starring Isla Fisher and Sir Michael Caine and Mark Ruffalo, but fear not, you don’t have to have seen the movies to understand the theatre production.

They have almost nothing in common, aside from the fact that there are four main magicians known as ‘The Horsemen’ –  Enzo Weyne, Andrew Basso, Gabriella Lester and Matthew Pomeroy – alongside three supporting magicians who all appeared on Britain’s Got Talent –  Eden Choi, Fraser Penman and Rafferty Coope. 

This is, however, as close to a Vegas-style magic show as you’re going to get in the UK, which is why it makes sense that the next stop on its world tour will in fact be the Nevada city.  

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Club members can grab half-price tickets to Now You See Me Live at the London Coliseum. 

To get your tickets, sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or just £9.99 for one year in our sizzling summer sale, then head to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Now You See Me Live page or click here. 

Running  in London until September 6, it had my son and I engrossed from start to finish. 

His jaw practically hit the floor, I squealed, the middle-aged man sitting next to me shouted aloud in wonder… the acts the magicians played out for the audience were truly mesmerising. 

Without spoiling too much of the magic, the moment the escapologist is locked, handcuffed, upside down in a tank of water in a recreation of Houdini’s water torture stunt, is undoubtedly a highlight of the show.  

As was the moment the cast appeared to travel through time, carrying possessions from the audience.

And I’ll never work out how they tasked the entire theatre of 2000-plus people to rip up a bunch of playing cards and the result that ended up in my hand.

Meanwhile, my seven year old son’s favourite act by far was Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Eden Choi, who appeared to shoot hundreds of playing cards out of his hands across the stage.

But for the most part, this is a full-on audience participation event, from start to finish.

We threw bouncy balls around the venue, we ripped up packs of cards, we collectively took part in mind-reading – there were very few parts of the show where we were required to stay silent.

In fact, we were actively encouraged the holler at the stage on several occasions. 

When the time came for the curtain to close, my seven year old actually stood on his seat (sorry London Coliseum staff) to give his final round of applause. 

Which surely shows you quite how impressive it was.

Click below to sign up to Sun Club and bag your half-price tickets.

18+ England and Wales residents only. Sun Club subscription required. Online access required. Offer ends at 23:59 on 31/08/26. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Offer valid on performances until Friday, September 4, 2026 for Monday – Thursday matinee and evening, Friday matinee, and Sunday matinee and evening shows, plus Friday, August 21 and Friday, August 28, 2026 evening performances only. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases and is subject to availability. Full T&Cs apply, see below. 

THERE’S just a few weeks left where you can get FREE kids tickets for some of the UK’s top shows.

London Theatre’s Kids Week is running until August 31 where kids can go for free – ideal for school summer holiday fun.

Any child aged 17 or under will go free to the theatre when accompanied by an adult who pays for a full- price ticket and two additional children can then also attend for half price.

In total, there are 54 shows participating in Kids Week and here are some of the top offers remaining before the promotion ends:

Wicked

Wicked has been around in the West End for a while, but thanks to the recent Hollywood blockbuster adaptations, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage than now.

You can expect amazing visuals, memorable and heartfelt songs and a storyline that is great for both kids and adults.

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Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “Wicked was the very first West End show I ever watched, and it did not disappoint.

“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away.

“It has breathtaking sets, detailed costumes, emotional and inspiring songs and dramatic effects that will leave your mind blown.

“To date, it is still one of the best West End shows I’ve seen.”

Adult + child ticket costs from £46

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Little kids will love The Tiger Who Came to Tea, adapted from the popular book of the same name.

You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout the show.

Adult + child ticket costs from £17.46

Six

Based on the six wives of Henry VIII but with a modern twist, Six The Musical is ideal if you love catchy songs.

The musical transforms the 500-year-old rhyme ‘divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived’ into a competition about which of the wives deserves to be the group’s lead singer.

Adult + child ticket costs from £54.50

Matilda

Matilda is a great family option that will be loved by both kids and adults alike, with a powerful storyline about imagination andcourageg, and remains one of the capital’s most popular family shows for a reason.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding, who recently saw the show, said: “I have to admit – while I loved Roald Dahl growing up, Matilda was not my favourite story of his.

“But any excuse to see one of his stories on stage, and I’ll be there.

“And now I take everything back – the stage show is better than the film and does the book justice, with an amazing stage set and catchy songs that will get your hips moving in your seat.

“The fact that most of the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.

“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”

Adult + child ticket costs from £52.50

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games: On Stage is one of the newer theatrical productions on this list.

The immersive show brings Suzanne Collins’ dystopian world to life, and you can expect special effects as well as aerial stunts.

Adult + child ticket costs from £36.88

Disney’s Hercules

You’ve not got long left to watch Hercules, as the West End production will end at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on September 5.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said: “Zero to Hero, Go the Distance, I Won’t Say I’m in Love – I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when I went to see Hercules at Royal Drury Lane.

“The production of the Disney film has everything you want from a musical, fabulous dance routines, comedy, tragedy and a bit of cheese too.

“The highlight has to be The Muses, a group of five goddesses, and they have the voices of them too.

“Their incredible outfits dazzled with every number – and each time they took to the stage, they were met with rapturous applause.

“I’d go back purely to see them sing A Star is Born.”

Adult + child ticket costs from £41.66

Beetlejuice The Musical

Debuting earlier this year, Beetlejuice The Musical combines comedy with the storyline of Tim Burton‘s 1988 film.

You can expect a load of dark humour, neon sets and vibrant costumes.

Adult + child ticket costs from £40

Dog Man is one of those cultural phenomena restricted to certain ages – if you’ve had a primary school kid in the past 10 years you’ll know the graphic novels, if you haven’t you won’t. 

But trust me, it’s massive – the funny series by Dav Pilkey, about an American cop with a dog’s head and human body has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide, and even had its own box office hit movie last year. 

And now… it has its own theatre show.

Dog Man: The Musical is touring the UK for the next year, kicking off at London’s Southbank Centre, where it had its opening night this week. 

The show features best friends George and Harold – who also feature as fictional writers and illustrators in Pilkey’s other famous comic book series, ‘Captain Underpants.’

Together, they create their Dog Man character and dream up his adventures with Petey the evil cat and loveable offspring Lil Petey, alongside the police chief and Flippy the cyborg fish. 

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It has to be said that you need to have read the books to make sense of the stage show – it’s chaotic and relies on the audience knowing the plotline and the characters. 

But that’s ok as we had – it’s precisely why we were there. And if you don’t know the plotline, there are plenty of other shows out there for you and your child. 

While aimed at kids, they’ve designed a decent chunk of the gags to be funny for adults too, so I laughed along with my seven year old son throughout the 1hr15min-long production.

The musical numbers are impressive and funny – I chuckled along with the opening number, which just went into detail about what an opening number should be.

A number of the cast have excellent, West End-calibre voices too – especially the actors who play Petey the evil cat and Flippy the cyborg fish.

Yes, the show is chaotic and quite disjointed, and at times nonsensical… but so are the books and that is exactly why kids love them. If your child loves Dog Man books, they’ll love this too. 

I’d add that after kids hit 6 years of age, there are distinctly less stage shows targeted at them. 

Unlike the preschoolers and reception kids, who have scores of Julia Donaldson adaptations to pick from. 

This is a really nice, quite low-budget, piece of theatre that is a great way to get your child interested in theatre – especially if, like mine, Dog Man was already responsible for getting them interested in books. 

Dog Man: The Musical is aimed at ages 5+ and showing at London’s Southbank, with a UK tour afterwards. Find out more at www.dogman.live

THE SCHOOL summer holidays have finally started and if you have kids, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do.

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained – and in gloriously cool air-con – is a theatre show, and many cost less than the cost of a cinema ticket.

According to research conducted by SeatPlan, families can still see some of London’s biggest productions from as little as £12 this summer – less than the price of a medium Domino’s pizza.

So here are the best they’ve found for all ages, ranging from two to 13.

Age two and older

Be Like Blippi – from £24 per ticket

Blippi is a well-known children’s TV character and this summer, in London, you can catch them on stage with a new interactive show.

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The show boasts music, learning and audience participation.

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – from £12 per ticket

What kid doesn’t love Peppa Pig?

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show features the TV show’s most-loved characters including Peppa themself.

The show is also interactive.

Ages three to four

The Tiger Who Came to Tea – from £12 per ticket

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a much-loved children’s book, so what better way to enjoy it more than seeing the theatre adaptation?

You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout.

The Gruffalo – from £12 per ticket

Another show based on a children’s book is The Gruffalo.

Bring Julia Donaldson’s character to life, the 55-minute show features three characters that the audience interacts with including singing songs.

SeatPlan recommends for the smaller shows, including plays and dramas, it is better to sit closer to the stage so you can see all the performers.

Ages five to six

Matilda The Musical – from £24 per ticket

For kids a little older, Matilda is a great option – with a powerful story about imagination and courage, it remains one of the capital’s most popular family shows for a reason.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding, who recently saw the show, said: “I have to admit – while I loved Rah Dahl growing up, Matilda was not my favourite story of his.

“But, any excuse to see one of his stories on stage, and I’ll be there.

“And now I take everything back – the stage show is better than the film and does the book justice, with an amazing stage set and catchy songs that will get your hips moving in your seat.

“The fact that most the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.

“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”

For bigger productions, SeatPlan advises sitting further back so you can fully take in the stage and sets.

The Lion King – from £40 per ticket

The Lion King is consistently dubbed one of the best stage shows in London and follows the classic story you know and love from the Disney movie.

And it isn’t one just for the kids, adults who grew up with the films will love it just as much.

Cyann also recently saw the show and said: “Mindblowing is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of The Lion King stage show.

“The costumes, the songs, the dancing, the sets – are all simply breathtaking.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired and you’ll leave wanting to immediately watch it again.”

Despite being the most expensive show on this list, the team at SeatPlan states: “The cheapest seats aren’t always the worst seats.

“In many West End theatres, moving back just a few rows can save £30-£60 per ticket with very little difference in the overall view.”

Ages seven to eight

Wicked – from £25 per ticket

Thanks to the recent films, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage.

The show has amazing visuals, memorable songs and a story which both kids and adults can enjoy.

Cyann said: “Wicked was the very first West End I ever watched and it did not disappoint.

“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away with its breathtaking sets, detailed costumes, emotional and inspiring songs and dramatic effects that will leave your mind blown.

“To date, it is still one of the best West End shows I’ve seen.”

Disney’s Hercules – from £29 per ticket

Full of humour, known songs and outgoing characters, Hercules is perfect for children ready for bigger productions.

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill said: “Zero to Hero, Go the Distance, I Won’t Say I’m in Love – I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when I went to see Hercules at Royal Drury Lane.

“The production of the Disney film has everything you want from a musical, fabulous dance routines, comedy, tragedy and a bit of cheese too.

“The highlight has to be The Muses, a group of five goddesses, and they have the voices of them too.

“Their incredible outfits dazzled with every number – and each time they took to the stage, they were met with rapturous applause.

“I’d go back purely to see them sing A Star is Born.”

Ages nine to 10

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – from £31 per ticket

For younger Harry Potter fans, this magical stage production has spectacular effects, surprises and adventure throughout.

Cyann said: “As a massive Harry Potter fan, I had been wanting to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for years.

“I eventually then won the lottery for cheap tickets and saw both parts – though it is soon being merged into one performance.

“It is a must for Potterheads and will leave you smiling, crying and feel inspired.

“The onstage tricks also help to make it feel as if you are one of the students at Hogwarts.”

Horrible Histories – from £19 per ticket

What kid didn’t watch Horrible Histories when growing up?

And now kid can re-live it through its stage performance, complete with jokes, song and educational moments.

When it comes to picking a show, the bigger names might be tempting but SeatPlan advises: “Look beyond the biggest show – everyone heads straight for the biggest blockbuster musicals, but many newer productions offer outstanding entertainment with much lower ticket prices.”

Ages 11 to 13

Hamilton – from £24 per ticket

One of the biggest theatre phenomena in the world. Older children and teenagers studying history or interested in music will be completely hooked by its unique blend of storytelling, rap and musical theatre.

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens said: “There’s a reason the Hamilton soundtrack is the most streamed musical theatre soundtrack of all time.

“Watching the show on the West End will have you uncontrollably moving to its 90’s R&B and Hip Hop-inspired songs, plus the harmonies of the Schuyler sisters really scratch that itch in your brain.

“It’s the history class you wish you had been taught: fast, funny, and heart-wrenching all at once.”

Mamma Mia! – from £18 per ticket

Perfect for families wanting a theatre trip that everyone can enjoy. Older children and teenagers will love the ABBA soundtrack, while parents get the nostalgia factor.

Cyann said: “Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good film and the show is the same.

“You can expect all the iconic songs to sing along too, as well as vibrant sets and costumes that transport you to Greece.”

IF YOU are looking for activities to do this summer holiday, look no further as you can get free theatre tickets for kids.

London Theatre‘s Kids Week will return between July 20 and August 31 where kids can go for free – ideal for school summer holiday fun.

Any child aged 17 or under will go free to the theatre when accompanied by an adult who pays for a full price ticket.

Two additional children can then also attend for half price.

Shows include the new Beetlejuice from £40 for an adult and a child or the new Hunger Games production from £36.88 for an adult and child.

If you are more of a Disney family, you can head to The Lion King from £45 for an adult and child or experience Hercules from £50.16 for an adult and child.

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There’s also the popular show Wicked, from £46 for an adult and child.

Cheaper shows include The Tiger Who Came To Tea, costing from £17.46 for an adult and child.

Or there’s The Gruffalo at The Lyric costing from £24.06 for an adult and child.

In total, there are 54 shows participating in Kids Week.

And it isn’t just the stage shows that will be fun to see, there will also be activities before and after some performances.

For example, there’s a dance workshop at the Paddington Bear Experience for three to eight-year-olds on August 18.

For slightly older kids aged between six and eight-year-olds, Hercules is hosting a singing and dancing workshop on July 23.

And nine to 17-year-olds can have a go at game creation at Monopoly Lifesized on August 25.