From star-crossed lovers to scheming monarchs, discover the Bard's finest productions lighting up London...
To bard or not to bard, that is the question buzzing through the streets of London's theatre district! As the curtains rise and the stage lights illuminate, the city is ablaze with Shakespearean brilliance, offering a plethora of productions to delight both thespians and casual theatregoers alike. Whether you're plotting a pilgrimage to the esteemed Shakespeare's Globe or seeking solace in the hallowed halls of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the stage is set for an enchanting journey into the heart of the Bard's realm. So read on to discover more about where to find the best Shakespeare productions in London.
King Lear
Almeida Theatre, Almeida St, Islington, London, N1 1TA
London's theatrical landscape is set ablaze by the tempestuous tale of King Lear, brought to life in Yaël Farber's exquisitely atmospheric production. Danny Sapani commands the stage as the toxic ruler, washed clean by an unnatural storm, in a performance that's nothing short of royal. Buckle up for a three-and-a-half-hour journey through Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece. From the haunting melodies of ominous violin drones to the modern-day political intrigue reminiscent of 'The West Wing,' this production at the Almeida Theatre promises an unforgettable experience. Tickets start from £25, with showtimes varying—so don't miss your chance to witness Sapani's transformative portrayal and Farber's visionary direction.
Thu 8 Feb - Sat 30 Mar 2024
Much Ado About Nothing
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom
Join young lovers Claudio and Hero, along with the quick-witted duo Beatrice and Benedick, as they navigate the twists and turns of romance in an idyllic Italian town. With tickets ranging from £75 to £5, there's no excuse to miss out on this enchanting experience. So, whether you're seated in the galleries or standing in the midst of the action, prepare for an evening filled with laughter, love, and plenty of ado about something! Showtimes vary, but with hundreds of £5 tickets available for every performance, there's no reason not to join the festivities. Discover more here.
The Duchess of Malfi
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT, UK
Not a Shakespeare Production per say but someone whose career and life overlapped with Shakespeare's and whose work was also on par. John Webster's 'The Duchess of Malfi' can be watched at the Shakespeare's Globe. The Duchess of Malfi, as it returns to the candlelit confines of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for its 10th-anniversary season. Directed by the acclaimed Rachel Bagshaw, this production weaves a tale of forbidden love, familial betrayal, and the lengths one woman will go to defy the constraints of a male-dominated society. With ticket prices ranging from £62 to £5, there's no excuse to miss out on this 'thrilling, funny, and moving' (The Times) experience. Critics rave about the 'richly atmospheric' (Financial Times) setting and the gripping performances that unfold over the course of 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an interval. So, mark your calendars from February 17th to April 14th, 2024.
Romeo & Juliet
St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4BG
Get ready to swoon, London, because Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland, is swinging back into the West End in a captivating new production of Romeo and Juliet! Directed by the renowned Jamie Lloyd, this pulsating adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy is set to steal hearts at the Duke of York's Theatre this summer. Join Romeo and Juliet as they navigate the treacherous waters of love and rivalry in a world torn apart by feuding families. With ticket prices ranging from £25 to £100, this is your chance to witness Holland's theatrical prowess up close. Critics are already buzzing about the dynamic staging and Holland's magnetic performance, so don't miss your chance to catch this star-studded production.
May 11th to August 3rd, 2024
Macbeth
Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 2XU
Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma take the stage in an explosive new staging of Shakespeare's Macbeth! Directed by Simon Godwin, this searing journey into ambition, greed, and dark magic is not your typical Scottish play. Set in the custome-built Dock X theatre in Canada Water, Fiennes shines as the titular Lord, delivering a performance that's both pin-sharp and enigmatic. Critics may debate the clarity of interpretation, but there's no denying the broodingly impressive set and the captivating presence of Varma as Lady Macbeth. With ticket prices ranging from £15 to £125, this epic production promises a thrilling 2-hour and 30-minute experience that'll leave you on the edge of your seat.
February 10th to March 30th, 2024
The Player Kings
Noël Coward Theatre, 85-88, St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
Get ready for a theatrical event fit for a king as Ian McKellen graces the stage in Robert Icke's adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' plays, aptly titled 'The Player Kings.' McKellen's portrayal of the dissolute knight John Falstaff promises to be a highlight of the season, marking his sixth play since turning 80. Set in a divided England with corruption looming, the production merges the action-packed Part 1 with the rambling Part 2, offering a fresh perspective on these classic texts. With McKellen's unparalleled talent and Icke's innovative direction, 'The Player Kings' reigns supreme over London's West End for a limited 12-week run at the Noël Coward Theatre from April 2024.
Twelfth Night
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NR
Soak up some serious Mediterranean vibes at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park with Shakespeare's beloved comedy, Twelfth Night. Directed by RSC veteran Owen Horsley, this sun-drenched production promises to transport audiences to the ancient isle of Illyria, where shipwrecked orphan Viola navigates a tangled web of mistaken identities and love triangles with wit and charm. With its blend of mischief, gender-bending antics, and Shakespeare's signature humor, Twelfth Night is a timeless rom-com that will leave you laughing under the stars. Don't miss your chance to join the festivities and experience the magic of Shakespeare in the great outdoors. Tickets range from £25 to £65, with performances running throughout the summer.
03 MAY - 08 JUNE 2024
The Taming Of The Shrew
Shakespeare's Globe, 21, New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT
The Taming Of The Shrew- directed by the daring Jude Christian in her Globe debut, this production promises to be a riotous ride through the tempestuous battle of wills between the fiery Katherina and the determined Petruchio. With passions running high and manipulation reaching shocking levels, it's a wild romp that challenges notions of love, power, and gender roles. Don't miss your chance to join the uproarious fun and witness Shakespeare's classic comedy in a bold new light. Tickets range from £20 to £60, with performances running from June to September.