The Best New Plays to See in London’s West End in 2025
London’s West End is set for an extraordinary year of theatre in 2025, with a lineup of high-profile productions, A-list stars, and innovative new works. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespearean classics, modern drama, or compelling psychological thrillers, here are some of the best new plays to see in 2025.
Here are the must-see plays gracing the West End this year.
Richard II – Jonathan Bailey Takes on Shakespeare’s Tragic King
Almeida Theatre
10 February – 10 May 2025
Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) takes on the role of King Richard II in a stripped-back, modern take on Shakespeare’s historical tragedy. Directed by Rupert Goold, this new production examines power, betrayal, and the fragility of monarchy, bringing contemporary resonance to one of Shakespeare’s most poetic plays.
Bailey’s return to the stage promises a career-defining performance, making Richard II one of the most anticipated Shakespearean revivals of the year.
Oedipus – Rami Malek Stars in a Bold Reimagining of the Greek Classic
Wyndham’s Theatre
1 February – 29 March 2025
Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time to Die) makes his West End debut in a thrilling adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus, directed by Robert Icke (The Doctor, Hamlet).
Set in a near-future dystopia, this production brings a modern political twist to the legendary Greek tragedy, where fate and free will collide in devastating fashion. Expect cinematic staging, intense drama, and a gripping lead performance from Malek in what is sure to be one of 2025’s must-see theatrical events.
Elektra – Brie Larson Stars in a Modern Greek Tragedy
Duke of York’s Theatre
24 January – 12 April 2025
Oscar-winner Brie Larson (Room, Captain Marvel) makes her UK stage debut in Anne Carson’s adaptation of Elektra, directed by Daniel Fish (Oklahoma!) in a visually stunning, avant-garde production.
With an all-star cast, including Stockard Channing as Clytemnestra and Patrick Vaill as Orestes, this psychological thriller delves into revenge, fate, and family trauma.
Larson’s intense and commanding presence is set to make Elektra one of the most talked-about plays of the season.
Kyoto – A Riveting Political Drama Set in the Climate Crisis
National Theatre
9 January – 3 May 2025
One of the most anticipated new works of 2025, Kyoto is a hard-hitting political drama by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, exploring the tensions, compromises, and behind-the-scenes negotiations of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Blending real-life events with fictional narratives, Kyoto is set to be a thought-provoking and urgent piece of theatre, especially in today’s climate-conscious world.
Much Ado About Nothing – Tom Hiddleston & Hayley Atwell Reunite for Shakespeare’s Classic
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
10 February – 5 April 2025
Tom Hiddleston (Loki, Coriolanus) and Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Rosmersholm) lead this highly anticipated revival of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, directed by Jamie Lloyd (Cyrano de Bergerac, Sunset Boulevard).
Set in a modern world of celebrity and power, this fresh take on Much Ado About Nothing explores love, deception, and gender politics, all within a sharp, witty, and visually striking production.
With Lloyd’s signature minimalist style and two powerhouse leads, this unmissable West End event is expected to be one of the hottest tickets of 2025.
The Fifth Step – A Gripping New Drama Starring Jack Lowden & Martin Freeman
@sohoplace
10 May – 26 July 2025
David Ireland’s new play The Fifth Step arrives in London after its acclaimed debut at the Edinburgh International Festival. Starring Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Mary Queen of Scots) and Martin Freeman (Sherlock, The Responder), this gritty psychological drama examines themes of addiction, masculinity, and faith.
Directed by Finn den Hertog, The Fifth Step follows two men whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined. With its razor-sharp writing and intense performances, this play is a must-see for fans of powerful contemporary theatre.
With an exclusive 11-week run, early booking is highly recommended.
My Master Builder – Ewan McGregor Leads a Bold New Take on Ibsen
Wyndham’s Theatre
17 April – 12 July 2025
Oscar-nominated Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge!) returns to the West End in My Master Builder, a new play by Lila Raicek, inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder.
Directed by Michael Grandage (Red, The Lieutenant of Inishmore), the play takes place on the eve of Independence Day in the Hamptons, following Elena Solness, a powerful publishing magnate, and her husband, Henry, a renowned architect. Their marriage is upended by the arrival of Mathilde, a former student of Henry’s, reigniting long-buried tensions.
With a star-studded cast, including Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown) and Kate Fleetwood (Macbeth), this psychological drama is set to be one of the most talked-about productions of the year.
With world-class actors, visionary directors, and compelling new stories, 2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for West End theatre. Whether you love Shakespearean classics, hard-hitting contemporary drama, or reinvented masterpieces, these productions offer something for every theatre fan.
