April marks one of the most important months for British theatre, with the Olivier Awards soon to be presented at the Royal Albert Hall. Everyone is watching, holding their breath — but it would be a mistake to think the theatre world is on pause, waiting for the red carpet. Not even close! Here’s a list of seven major productions lighting up the London stages in April — and you simply can’t miss them. Drama, tragedy, a radically reimagined Ibsen — and yet another delightfully anarchic spectacle at the National Theatre!
Manhunt
The Royal Court Theatre 50-51 Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
London Theatre
It’s never pleasant to explore how a man turns into a terrifying demon — a cold-blooded killer. But director Robert Icke sees this tragedy as an opportunity to reflect on the very nature of evil. This chilling story is based on real events from 2010, when Raoul Moat, imprisoned for assaulting his nine-year-old daughter, was released after 18 weeks — and began to kill. For several days, the whole of Britain watched in horror. A TV series about this manhunt was made thirteen years later, and now Icke has written and directed his own play about these events. The lead is played by Samuel Edward-Cook, known to many from a role in Peaky Blinders.
To dissect evil is terrifying indeed — but only by facing it directly can we understand and protect ourselves. It’s worth noting that Moat’s daughter, now an adult, later spoke publicly about the trauma of his return. “There wasn’t a monster under my bed — he was sleeping in the next room,” she said, firmly rejecting any attempts to see him as a martyr or a hero.
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s Globe 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT
Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy is now set in the Wild West — daggers replaced by pistols, grand costumes and codpieces swapped for Stetsons, boots, and belts. Balls become saloon brawls, and knife fights turn to shootouts. This gives the story a certain flair, but the heart remains unchanged: passion, love, hatred, and all that is so deeply “Shakespearean.” Director Sean Holmes, who previously staged Much Ado About Nothing and The Comedy of Errors at the Globe, returns with this bold new vision.
The young lovers are played by Abdul Sessay and Lola Shalam — both graduates of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, class of 2023 — reunited here as Romeo and Juliet.
My Master Builder
Wyndham’s Theatre Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0DA
Wyndham’s Theatre
This is Ibsen’s The Master Builder — but not quite. American playwright Lila Raicek has written a new play inspired by the classic. And for this role, Ewan McGregor returns to the London stage after 17 years, passionately embracing this new-old story as Solness. He’s joined by the radiant Elizabeth Debicki and Kate Fleetwood as his wife Aline.
Set in modern-day Hamptons, the play opens with a luxurious party thrown by publishing powerhouse Elena Solness to celebrate her husband, a star architect. Directed by Michael Grandage — a master of both drama and opera — this updated Master Builder keeps its tragic soul while gaining a sharp contemporary edge.
Dealer’s Choice
Donmar Warehouse 41 Earlham St, WC2H 9LX
West End Theatre.com
Patrick Marber’s hit play, first staged in 1995 at the National Theatre, returns for its 30th anniversary in a new production directed by Matthew Dunster. Dealer’s Choice won the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy and the Writers’ Guild Award for Best West End Play.
At first glance, it’s a comedy — a group of men gathers weekly for poker in a London restaurant. But as stakes rise, so do personal tensions. Masks come off, emotional wounds surface, and themes like addiction, father-son conflict, and male vulnerability unfold. The cast features Theo Barklem-Biggs, Brendan Coyle, and fan-favorite Alfie Allen — best known as Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
The Brightening Air
The Old Vic 103 The Cut, SE1 8NB
London Theatre
A double premiere: both the play and production are new. The Brightening Air is written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Conor McPherson, acclaimed for The Weir and Girl from the North Country. Set in early 1980s Ireland — just enough time to look back with perspective — the story follows siblings Stephen and Billie, living quietly in a decaying family home. Their solitude is shattered by the arrival of relatives, led by a former priest uncle with a troubling plan.
This is a clash of nature and man, Celtic myth and Catholic tradition, rage and hope — all exploding within a dysfunctional family. Expect folklore, mysticism, and fate. If you can, brush up on Celtic mythology before seeing it — it’ll help!
The Comedy About Spies
Noël Coward Theatre 85-88 St Martin’s Ln, WC2N 4AU
Noёl Coward Theatre
Time to set tragedy aside — here comes the chaos! The Comedy About Spies is the newest show from Mischief Theatre, the minds behind The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery. If you’re tempted to scoff — don’t. Comedy is hard. Tragedy? Anyone can stage that. But true, hilarious chaos? That’s art.
Set in 1960s London, a rogue British agent steals secret blueprints, leading to a hotel standoff between the CIA and KGB. Cue disguises, failed missions, romantic entanglements, and every possible misunderstanding. It’s a farcical spoof of Cold War thrillers, with slapstick, physical gags, and theatrical mayhem. Mischief Theatre proves once again that laughter is a potent antidote to fear.
Here We Are
Lyttelton Theatre Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
National Theatre
Is it a drama? A comedy? A fever dream? Yes. Here We Are, the final musical by Stephen Sondheim, is a surreal, high-energy explosion of satire and absurdity. Inspired by two films by Luis Buñuel — The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisieand The Exterminating Angel — this show blends dreams, terror, and champagne brunch.
The story centers on wealthy couple Leo and Marianne Brink, who invite friends to a fashionable restaurant, only to find themselves trapped in a bizarre and shifting reality. The book is by David Ives, who worked with Sondheim from 2012 until the composer’s death in 2021.
Directed by Joe Mantello, the cast includes Jane Krakowski, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Martha Plimpton. Genre-defying and gleefully chaotic, Here We Are is a final, brilliant shout from a true theatrical genius.
