If you’re looking for the best theatre to see this Christmas in London’s West End, standout regional productions across the UK, or exceptional shows you can enjoy from home, Culturalee has curated the ultimate festive theatre guide. From joyful new musicals and classic comedies to powerful drama and digital releases, these productions will see you through Christmas and well into the New Year.
Paddington: The Musical – Savoy Theatre, London (booking until 25th October 2026)
One of the most anticipated new West End shows in years, Paddington: The Musical has already proven itself a runaway success. Written by Jessica Swale, with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, this brand-new stage adaptation captures the warmth, humour and gentle charm of Michael Bond’s beloved bear.
Perfect festive theatre for families and Paddington fans of all ages, the production combines heart, spectacle and feel-good storytelling. With demand high and performances booking well into the future, this is a Christmas theatre treat that’s well worth securing tickets for.
More information and tickets here.
When We Are Married – Donmar Warehouse, London (from 7th February 2026)
Artistic Director Tim Sheader revives J.B. Priestley’s classic comedy When We Are Married in a sharp, stylish new production at the Donmar Warehouse. The stellar ensemble cast includes Siobhan Finneran, Samantha Spiro, Sophie Thompson and Marc Wootton, promising comedy of the highest calibre.
Priestley’s witty examination of respectability, secrets and social convention remains as relevant as ever. Packed with laughs and superb performances, this revival is an ideal winter highlight for London theatre lovers looking beyond the traditional festive fare.
Find more information and tickets here.
David Copperfield – Jermyn Street Theatre, London (until 20th December, 2025)
Christmas and Dickens go hand in hand, and David Copperfield receives an intimate and imaginative new staging at Jermyn Street Theatre. Adapted and directed by Abigail Pickard Price and presented by Guildford Shakespeare Company, the production brings Dickens’ vast novel thrillingly to life.
Audiences can expect a richly detailed journey through Pip’s world, encountering unforgettable characters including Pegotty, Uriah Heep and Mr Micawber. This is classic storytelling at its finest, and a perfect festive theatre choice in the heart of London.
More information and tickets here.
The Rivals – Orange Tree Theatre, London (until 29th January, 2026)
Marking the 250th anniversary of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, this revival at the Orange Tree Theatre celebrates one of the great comedies of the English stage. Directed by Artistic Director Tom Littler, the production stars Robert Bathurst and Patricia Hodge.
Full of sharp wit, romantic misunderstandings and delicious language, The Rivals is a joyous reminder of the enduring appeal of classic comedy. A brilliant choice for audiences seeking intelligent, laugh-out-loud theatre during the winter months.
More information and tickets here.
EVITA TOO – Southbank Centre, London (until 31 December 2025)
From cult favourites Sh!t Theatre, EVITA TOO is a wildly inventive, fast-paced and hilarious reworking of musical theatre and political history. Rebecca Biscuit and Louise Mothersole bring their signature anarchic style to the extraordinary life of Isabel Perón.
Racing through power, politics and pop culture, this is festive theatre with a rebellious edge. Sharp, funny and fearless, EVITA TOO is ideal for audiences looking for something bold and unconventional this Christmas.
More information and tickets here.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Orange Tree Theatre, London (18th–22nd December 2025)
The Orange Tree Theatre’s Young Company presents Chinonyerem Odimba’s fresh and imaginative adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This short festive run offers a playful and contemporary take on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved classic.
Bursting with creativity and youthful energy, the production is perfectly suited to younger audiences and families. A magical, imaginative alternative to traditional Christmas theatre.
More information and tickets here.
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold – Soho Place, London (until 21st February 2026)
John le Carré’s iconic novel receives its first-ever stage adaptation in this gripping production from The Ink Factory and Second Half Productions. Adapted by David Eldridge and directed by Jeremy Herrin, the show stars Rory Keenan and Agnes O’Casey in critically acclaimed performances. Following its sold out premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre, the production opens at Soho Place in London.
Stylish, tense and meticulously crafted, the production features striking design and a powerhouse ensemble including John Ramm as George Smiley. Essential viewing for fans of intelligent drama, before the production embarks on a major UK tour.
Find more information and tickets here.
Sunny Afternoon – Theatre Royal Brighton (17th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026)
The multi Olivier Award-winning musical Sunny Afternoon brings the story and songs of The Kinks to Theatre Royal Brighton this Christmas. Charting the band’s meteoric rise, the show features a phenomenal live band and a hit-filled soundtrack including You Really Got Me and Lola.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Britain, this exhilarating musical celebrates music, youth and rebellion. A feel-good festive favourite and an unmissable highlight of regional theatre this winter.
Book tickets at ATGTickets.com/Brighton
Here There Are Blueberries – Stratford East, London (31st January – 28th February, 2026)
The UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries, a 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist, arrives at Stratford East from acclaimed New York company Tectonic Theater Project. Based on real events, the play explores the discovery of a mysterious album of Nazi-era photographs.
Written by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich and directed by Kaufman, this powerful and thought-provoking production examines history, morality and humanity. Essential new theatre for audiences seeking challenging and meaningful drama in the New Year.
More information and tickets here.
Great Expectations – Digital Release (Theatre Channel)
For those unable to attend theatre in person, Theatre Channel offers a compelling digital alternative with Great Expectations. Graham McLaren’s lavish and atmospheric production of Dickens’ classic is beautifully filmed and available to watch worldwide.
Jo Clifford’s acclaimed adaptation captures the emotional depth and Gothic intensity of the novel, bringing iconic characters such as Miss Havisham, Estella and Magwitch vividly to life. A perfect festive watch from the comfort of home.
Find more information here.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales – The Lucky Chance in Frome until 21st December, and then available via digital release (Emma Rice Company)
Emma Rice’s much-loved stage adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales will be released digitally this Christmas. Adapted and directed by Rice, with music by Ian Ross, the production is playing to sold-out houses at The Lucky Chance in Frome until 21st December.
Warm, musical and full of nostalgic magic, the filmed version will be available to rent or buy online from 22nd December. A gentle, joyful piece of Christmas theatre to enjoy wherever you are.
More information and tickets here.
