Halloween theatre 2026: scary shows to see in London and around the UK

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and theatres around the country are ready for it. Our guide to Halloween theatre in 2026 runs from a truly frightening West End play to a gentle sing-along for children in their pyjamas, with dates for London and beyond.

What are the scariest shows to see this Halloween?

If you want a proper fright, Paranormal Activity in the West End is the show to pick. The other big London choices trade jumps for atmosphere: The Phantom of the Opera brings gothic romance, while Beetlejuice turns the afterlife into a riotous romp. Away from the West End, Paranormal Activity is touring, Halloween in Concert brings spooky hits to Stoke-on-Trent and Folkestone, and The Witch Who Couldn't Sleep is a soft landing for younger audiences.

At a glance, from most to least scary

• Paranormal Activity: Ambassadors Theatre, London, until 27 February 2027
• Paranormal Activity on tour: The Alexandra, Birmingham, 27 to 31 October, then Brighton, Aylesbury and Liverpool
• The Phantom of the Opera: His Majesty's Theatre, London
• Beetlejuice: Prince Edward Theatre, London, until 2 January 2027
• Halloween in Concert: Stoke-on-Trent on 26 October and Folkestone on 31 October
• The Witch Who Couldn't Sleep: Aylesbury on 30 October

West End frights

Ambassadors Theatre: the scariest pick

James and Lou move from Chicago to London to put their past behind them, only to discover that whatever haunts them has made the move too. Levi Holloway wrote this new story inspired by the horror films, and Felix Barrett, the founder of Punchdrunk, directs. It runs for 2 hours 20 minutes including an interval, and the theatre advises caution for anyone under 15 because of high tension and strong language. In London, it runs until 27 February 2027, and you can read about the extension. Paranormal Activity tickets

Gothic romance at His Majesty's Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical has haunted Haymarket since October 1986 and marks 40 years at His Majesty's Theatre this autumn. Jordan Donica plays the Phantom, with Beatrice Penny-Touré as Christine Daaé and Rhys Whitfield as Raoul. Expect candlelight, the chandelier, Masquerade and The Music of the Night. The show lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, and is recommended for ages 8 and over. The Phantom of the Opera tickets

Afterlife comedy at the Prince Edward Theatre

For laughs with your chills, the musical version of Tim Burton's film follows Lydia Deetz into a house already occupied by a recently deceased couple, and the demon who promises to help. David Fynn plays Beetlejuice, with Hannah Nordberg as Lydia. Summer Strallen plays Delia until 2 November, and Aimie Atkinson returns to the role from 3 November. Alex Timbers directs, with a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King and songs by Eddie Perfect. It is recommended for ages 12 and over, and plays in the West End only until 2 January 2027. Beetlejuice tickets

Halloween night: 31 October

On Saturday 31 October, all three West End picks have matinee and evening shows. Paranormal Activity plays at 2.30pm and 7pm, while The Phantom of the Opera and Beetlejuice both have performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

In Birmingham, the Paranormal Activity tour is at The Alexandra from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October, with evening shows at 7.30pm and matinees at 2.30pm on 28, 30 and 31 October. The Halloween matinee is audio described. James Bye plays James and Hannah Sinclair Robinson plays Lou, with Jo Castleton as Etheline Cotgrave and Caroline Faber as Carolanne. After Birmingham, the tour visits Theatre Royal Brighton from 24 to 28 November, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 12 to 16 January 2027 and Liverpool Empire from 27 April to 1 May 2027. Paranormal Activity UK tour tickets

On the coast, Halloween in Concert heads to Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone on Halloween itself. More on that below.

Halloween concerts

Halloween in Concert is a night of spooky hits sung by a live cast with a band, including Monster Mash, The Time Warp, Running Up That Hill, Highway to Hell and, of course, Thriller. It plays Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on Monday 26 October and Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, on Saturday 31 October, both at 7.30pm. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there is a prize for the best costume. Halloween in Concert tickets

Not too scary for families

The Witch Who Couldn't Sleep is a sing-along musical at the Norman Bragg Studio, Aylesbury Waterside, on Friday 30 October at 2.30pm. Natascha the Witch has so much happening that she simply cannot drift off, and children are invited to join in, shout out and help steer the story. Based on a tale from Steven Lee's collection How the Koala Learnt to Hug and Other Australian Fairytales, it mixes live action, music and animation, and families are welcome to come in their favourite pyjamas. The Witch Who Couldn't Sleep tickets

For older children, The Phantom of the Opera is recommended for ages 8 and over, with under 16s seated next to an adult, while Beetlejuice suits ages 12 and over.

Also playing this autumn

One more spooky play is worth knowing about this autumn.

• Dracula played New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, from 13 to 17 October 2026 and visits Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, from 10 to 14 November 2026. Blackeyed Theatre and Reading Rep revive Nick Lane's version of Bram Stoker's novel, directed by Hal Chambers, with jump scares and a recommended age of 12 and over.

Whether you want a fright, a sing-along or a chance to dress up, there is something for every nerve this Halloween. See Paranormal Activity dates and tickets.

Header image: official artwork.