Shows in London — October 2026
Shows on in London during October 2026. This page narrows our full shows programme down to what's running in October 2026, so you can plan ahead — dates, venues and booking, all in one place.
There is nowhere quite like London for theatre. The West End sits alongside world-leading subsidised houses — the National Theatre, the Royal Court, the Old Vic and the Almeida — plus a thriving fringe where tomorrow's hits get their first outing. On any given week you can choose between long-running musicals, new writing, revived classics and one-off performances.
This page brings together the shows playing across London now, from Shakespeare on the South Bank to musicals in the heart of the West End and experimental work east and south of the river. We list where each show is on, its dates and how to book, and highlight productions that are about to end their run.
Shows · October 2026
A Month in the Country
22/08/2026 - 03/10/2026
Mon-Sat 19:30 (+ Thu & Sat 14:30, from 29 Aug)
Donmar Warehouse
End of the World and Hard-Boiled Wonderland
08/10/2026 - 11/10/2026
19:00; Sun 14:00
Barbican Centre (Theatre)Who Are We?
14/10/2026 - 16/10/2026
Wed-Thu 19:30; Fri 18:30
Queen Elizabeth Hall (at Southbank Centre)The Mousetrap
15/05/2025 - 17/10/2026
Mon-Sat 19:30 (+ 15:00 Tue & Thu; 15:00 & 16:00 Sat)
St Martin's TheatreJane Eyre
24/08/2026 - 24/10/2026
Mon-Sat 19:30 (+ Thu & Sat 14:30, from 27 Jun)
Southwark Playhouse Elephant
As You Like It
14/08/2026 - 25/10/2026
Mostly 19:30; some matinees 14:00; Sun 13:00 & 18:30 (see booking page)
Shakespeare's Globe
The Playboy of the Western World
28/02/2026 - 04/12/2026
Mon-Sat 19:30 (+ 14:30 Thu & Sat)
National Theatre (Lyttleton)Matilda The Musical
20/05/2025 - 17/01/2027
Tue-Fri 19:00; Wed & Sat 14:00; Sun 15:00
Cambridge TheatreHarry Potter and the Cursed Child - One Part
09/10/2026 - 27/06/2027
Tue 19:00; Wed & Sat 13:00, 19:00; Thu-Fri 19:00; Sun 14:30 (doors ~30m before)
Palace TheatreYeh Dosti : Celebrating 5 Decades Of Sholay & The Legacy Of Dharmendra
09/08/2026
19:00
Leicester Square Theatre
Frequently asked questions
What shows are on in London in October 2026?
The list above shows shows running in London during October 2026, updated day by day with our picks first. Each entry links to dates, venue and booking.
How can I find cheap theatre tickets in London?
Many venues offer day seats, previews and standing tickets, and some fringe productions are very affordable. Click through to a show's booking link for the latest prices and any discounted options.
Are there theatre shows suitable for children?
Yes — see our for-kids page for family-friendly shows and activities, and look out for productions marked as suitable for younger audiences.
How often is this list updated?
Continuously — as runs are confirmed and extended, the shows on this page stay current for what's playing in London this week.