If you’re looking for something fun to do this May, you’re in luck—there’s loads happening on stage right now! From epic Bond tunes and kids’ adventures to dark comedies and some seriously powerful new plays, there’s honestly something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a night out or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone.
Here We Are | National Theatre | 3 May- 28 June
From the work of Stephen Sondheim, this new musical is making its London debut at the Royal National Theatre. Here We Are features music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim and it is the last musical he is known to have worked on before his passing in 2021. Here We Are is inspired by Buñuel’s surreal films. It follows wealthy friends as they fail to find a meal and become trapped in a room they can’t leave. The show satirizes social rituals, privilege, and existential inertia, blending absurdism with sharp commentary on the bourgeoisie. This particular production will star the likes of Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jane Krakowski and Chumisa Dornford-May.
The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Size Show | Brighton Fringe | 3-26 May
After 18 unforgettable years at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the multi-award-winning Bite-Size Plays is finally coming home to Brighton Fringe—and it’s been worth the wait! Each week serves up a fresh “menu” of short, sharp, and wildly entertaining plays, packed with unforgettable characters, laughs, and heart. Plus, every ticket comes with a complimentary breakfast! The show has been twice shortlisted for the prestigious Carol Tambor “Best of Edinburgh” Award.
The Mad Ones| The Other Palace | 7 May- 1 June
Bree Lowdermilk and Kait Kerrigan’s The Mad Ones is coming to The Other Palace for its London debut after a successful run last year in Birmingham. The Mad Ones is an all-original “coming of age” musical that tackles the trials and tribulations of mother-daughter relationships during the more pressing times of life. This production will star Samantha Brown and Gabriel Hinchcliffe, alongside Thea-Jo-Wolfe and Eliza Bowden. It is full of West-End talent and with a limited four-week run make sure to get your tickets as soon as you can.
Dear Annie, I Hate you | Riverside Studio| 7 May- 1 June
This award-winning Edinburgh Fringe show is based on the life story of the writer of the show, Sam Ipema. The dark comedy follows Sam, who finds out that they may die of a brain aneurism when they are only 20 years old. In this heartfelt show, Sam’s brain aneurysm manifests as “Annie”, the straight-talking stream of consciousness she hides from the world. Featuring immersive sound design by Olivier-nominated Dan Balfour, the staging will mirror the liminal space of the mind. Performing a four week limited run, this is a show like no other and tickets are only £15!
Parlour Song | Greenwich Theatre | 2 May- 24 May
Starring Keelie Shirley, Naveed Kahn and Jeremey Edwards, this hilarious comedy is finally getting a well-deserved revival on a London stage. Parlour was first performed back in 2008 and premiered in London in 2009. This will be its first revival since its debut. The play takes on many complex themes and narratives, following stories of deceit, paranoia and desire. The show focuses on Ned and his own mental turmoil when he begins to fear his wife and become suspicious of everyone around him.
BIRTH | The Storyhouse | 13 May – 14 May
TW: Pregnancy Loss. Internationally acclaimed Theatre Re brings BIRTH to Chester this May. This moving performance explores the often-overlooked theme of pregnancy loss, following a family’s shared grief and enduring love. Blending movement, visual theatre, and original live music, BIRTH delivers a powerful, thought-provoking experience that promises to captivate and deeply move audiences.
The Last Incel| Pleasance London | 14-31 May
After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, writer and director Jamie Sykes is bringing his dark comedy to the Pleasance Theatre in London. The Last Incel explores the universal issue of male isolation alongside the ever-growing presence of the internet and social media. Set in an online meeting, the show painfully emphasises the loneliness epidemic among men that has grown over the last decade.
In Other Words | Arcola Theatre | 19 – 24 May
Matthew Seager’s award-winning play is returning to London for a limited one-week run. The show contains some sensitive subject matter, focusing on the effects of Alzheimer’s. The condition is embodied by a couple who both share a love of Frank Sinatra as the play explores how music can affect memory and examines the nature of enduring relationship in difficult times. Tickets start at £25.
Elephant | Menier Chocolate Factory | 22 May – 28 June
Elephant by award-winning writer and actor Anoushka Lucas is getting a reimagined new production at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. The show follows Lylah and how her life changed forever when a piano magically came from the sky and landed in her council flat. The production takes you through the most important times in Lylah’s life and explores her struggles from childhood until now, where she is trying to navigate a new romance, a music career and still being left with so many unanswered questions. Where did the piano come from? Why is it here? Why did it chose to come to her?
Cul-de-Sac | Clapham Omnibus Theatre | 27th May – 14th June
Cul-de-sac is a brand-new play that is making its debut at the Clapham Omnibus. It is a comedy highlighting the difficulties of life, particularly people who were born during the “Millennial” generation. It is set in London and follows four characters on what starts as a quiet eveining, but unfolds into a chaotic evening.
With so many great shows to choose from, now is a great time to plan a trip to the theatre. Whether you want music, laughter, or a moving story, there’s a show waiting for you. Don’t miss out!
Words by Gemma McDonald
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