British Theatre
Open navigation

Select your preferred language

English

en

العربية

ar

čeština

cs

dansk

da

Deutsch

de

español

es

français

fr

עברית

he

हिन्दी

hi

italiano

it

日本語

ja

한국어

ko

Nederlands

nl

norsk

no

polski

pl

português

pt

svenska

sv

Türkçe

tr

українська

ua

Tiếng Việt

vi

中文

zh

May 2026

London Theatre May 2026 — Shows & Tickets

24 shows available

Official tickets via tickadoo

Book tickets for May

May is peak West End season. Bank holidays, half-term, and longer evenings make it ideal for theatre trips. The Olivier Award winners have been announced and audiences flock to see the best of British theatre. Outdoor theatre seasons begin at venues like Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Explore next

London Theatre April 2027 — Shows & Tickets

Explore next

London Theatre August 2026 — Shows & Tickets

Explore next

What's on for Christmas 2026

Explore next

London Theatre December 2026 — Shows & Tickets

Musicals

Top musicals include The Lion King, The Phantom Of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and 14 more. Browse the full list above to compare prices and check availability.

Plays

Plays currently booking include The Play That Goes Wrong, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two, The Mousetrap and 1 more. London's plays range from intimate studio productions to major West End transfers.

Family Shows

Family-friendly options include The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Les Miserables. Most family shows run matinee performances on weekends and during school holidays — check individual show pages for age guidance and performance times.

Booking Tips

May has two bank holidays plus half-term, making it one of the most in-demand months of the year. Book as early as possible for weekend and holiday performances. The Olivier Award winners will have been announced by now, so look for winner buzz to guide your choices. Outdoor theatre seasons begin — Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is worth checking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shows are on in London in May 2026?

London's West End has dozens of shows running in May 2026, including long-running musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, and Les Misérables alongside newer productions and limited runs. This page lists all currently bookable shows for May 2026, sorted by popularity and availability.

How far in advance should I book London theatre tickets for May 2026?

May is one of the busiest months for London theatre due to holidays and tourism. For popular shows, book at least three to four weeks in advance — especially for weekend and holiday performances.

What are the cheapest West End tickets in May 2026?

West End ticket prices in May 2026 typically start from around £15–£25 for upper circle or restricted view seats. Day seats, lottery tickets, and last-minute deals can bring prices lower. Midweek performances (Tuesday to Thursday) are generally cheaper than weekends. This page shows live pricing so you can compare.

Are there family-friendly shows in London in May 2026?

Yes — London always has several family-friendly productions running. Popular choices include The Lion King, Matilda The Musical, and Wicked, all of which are suitable for children. During school holidays, many shows add extra matinee performances. Check individual show listings for age recommendations.

What time do West End shows start in May 2026?

Most West End evening performances start at 7:00pm or 7:30pm. Matinees are typically at 2:00pm or 2:30pm, with Saturday matinees sometimes at 3:00pm. Some shows run Wednesday and Saturday matinees, while others add Thursday or Sunday performances. Check individual show pages for exact times.

Type to search...