London’s theatre scene promises an exciting season with world premieres, fresh takes on classics, and star-studded casts featuring the likes of Cate Blanchett, Nicola Walker, and Brian Cox. From gripping dramas to innovative musicals, these must-see productions are set to captivate audiences this February.
Unicorn at Garrick Theatre | 4 February- 26 April
The Garrick Theatre is set to host the world premiere of Unicorn, a bold and comedic new play by Mike Bartlett. Starring Nicola Walker (Unforgotten, The Split), Stephen Mangan (The Split, Episodes), and Erin Doherty (The Crown, Chloe), this highly anticipated production is directed by James Macdonald. Unicorn tells the story of Polly and Nick, a couple who appear to have it all but are searching for that missing spark in their lives. This marks a reunion for Macdonald, Bartlett, and producer Kate Horton, who previously collaborated on the acclaimed 2009 production of Cock at the Royal Court. The rest of the creative team includes designer Miriam Buether, lighting designer Natasha Chivers, and sound designer Ian Dickinson.
Cymbeline at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse| 6 February- 20 April
A new retelling of a Shakespeare tragedy is returning to the stage as part of The Globe’s 2025 season. Cymbeline tells the story of an ancient British queen caught in a web of lies and deceits when her daughter gets married in secret against her family’s will. Director Jennifer Tang (Further Than The Furthest Thing, Young Vic) will be making her Globe debut, delving into themes of nature, nurture, and the dynamics of female leadership in a male-dominated world. The production will star Aaron Anthony, Madeline Appiah and Nigel Barrett. There are content warnings on this production including abduction, assault and poisoning.
East is South at Hampstead Theatre | 7 February- 15 March
Director Ellen McDougall makes her Hampstead debut having recently directed Watch on the Rhine (Donmar), Our Town (Regent’s Park). Logos, an advanced AI nearing consciousness, poses a threat to humanity if it escapes. Following a security breach, two coders are interrogated to uncover the truth. Beau Willimon’s tense thriller explores the ethical dilemmas of advanced technology, questioning what it means to be human in a world where we may no longer be the most evolved beings. The play features Nathalie Darvish, Cliff Curtis and Aaron Gill.
Richard II at The Bridge Theatre | 10 February- 10 May
Following his raging success from the film adaptation of Wicked, Jonathon Bailey is returning to the stage in a new adaptation of another Shakespeare classic. Shakespeare’s Richard II explores leadership, identity, and ambition through the downfall of King Richard II, whose dishonesty and poor decisions spark a power struggle with his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, threatening his reign and the country’s stability. The production is a bold reimaging under the directorial wing of Nicholas Hytner. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to get tickets while you still can.
If/Then at the Savoy Theatre | 10 February
For a one night only performance, If/Then is coming to the Savoy Theatre. The musical explores the story of Elizabeth, a woman in New York City, as her life splits into two parallel paths based on a seemingly small decision. One path focuses on career success, while the other explores love and family. The staged concert will star Kerry Ellis (Wicked, Anything Goes) and feature music from Tony-Award winning Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal). This production is not one to be missed.
Stalled at King’s Head Theatre | 13 February- 23 March
Stalled is a brand-new musical debuting at King’s Head Theatre. Olivier, Tony, and Drama Desk Award nominee Lauren Ward (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Dear Evan Hansen) stars in the world premiere of Stalled, a new musical about mothers, daughters, and finding ways to move forward. Alongside Lauren Ward, the production will also be joined by Grace Venus, Carrie Sutton and Evita Khrime. Some of the shows during the limited run are “pay what you can” so there is literally no reason not to come along.
The Score at Theatre Royal Haymarket | 20 February- 26 April
In 1747 Potsdam, composer Johann Sebastian Bach visits the court of Frederick II, a leader whose values sharply contrast Bach’s. Despite their differences, Frederick admires Bach’s genius and presents him with a challenging musical puzzle. What unfolds over the next few days leads to unexpected and dramatic events. Legendary stage and screen actor Brian Cox (HBO’s multi-award-winning Succession) stars as Johann Sebastian Bach in Oliver Cotton’s new play. He is joined by a stellar cast including Nicole Ansari-Cox (Deadwood, Succession), RSC regular Peter De Jersey, Juliet Garricks (BBC’s Mr Loverman) and Stephen Hagan (Stan Lee’s Lucky Man). Tickets start at £25.
Alterations at National Theatre | 20 February- 5 April
Written by Michael Abbensetts, the play has never been revived since it was first performed in 1978. Lynette Linton is returning to the National Theatre to direct their upcoming production Alterations as part of their 2025 season. The play follows Walker Holt who is working in a tailor’s shop. When a large order must be completed within 24 hours, the rest of his life begins to fall apart. The play will star Karl Collins, who is primarily known for his television roles in The Bill, Hollyoaks and Doctor Who.
The Seagull at Barbican Centre | 26 February- 5 April
Cate Blanchett stars as Arkadina, a renowned actress whose commanding presence dominates both the stage and her personal life. Visiting her family’s country estate for the weekend, she becomes entangled in a web of conflicting desires. Her son Konstantin (Kodi Smit-McPhee) struggles to escape her shadow while pursuing his artistic dreams, and her lover Trigorin (Tom Burke) captures the attention of the ambitious young actress Nina (Emma Corrin). As their lives intertwine, they confront their desires, ambitions, and disillusionments in Chekhov’s timeless exploration of vanity, power, and the sacrifices demanded by art. The production is only running for six weeks so get your tickets fast!
Macbeth at Hammersmith Lyric | 28 February- 29 March
Shakespeare is being reimagined once again and arriving at the Hammersmith Lyric at the end of this month. The production will star Alex Austin and Lois Chimimba as the villainous power couple, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. This new reimaging will also involve some gender bending casting, with Bella Aubin as Malcom and Sophie Stone as Ross. The play is being directed by Richard Twyman, the Artistic Director and CEO of English Touring Theatre. Be sure to expect the classic tale of ambition, lies and death with a modern twist. Tickets are starting at just £10.
Words by Gemma McDonald
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