West End Plays
West End plays can be a strong choice for anyone who wants drama, comedy, mystery, thrillers, classic theatre or a different experience from a musical.
Some plays run for many years, while others are limited-run productions with changing casts and short booking periods. Because theatre listings change regularly, this page focuses on well-known long-running plays and general types of West End play rather than trying to list every current production.
Before booking, always check the official ticket provider or theatre website for current dates, cast, age guidance, running time, accessibility and performance times.
Long-Running and Well-Known West End Plays
The Mousetrap
St Martin’s Theatre, London
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is one of the most famous plays in London and is known as the world’s longest-running play. It is a classic murder mystery and a strong choice for visitors who enjoy whodunnits, traditional theatre and suspense. Current London theatre listings continue to show it at St Martin’s Theatre.
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The Play That Goes Wrong
Duchess Theatre, London
The Play That Goes Wrong is a long-running comedy about a disastrous amateur theatre production where everything that can go wrong does. It is a good choice for visitors looking for slapstick humour, farce and an easy-going evening out. Mischief Comedy describes the London production as a landmark comedy.
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Palace Theatre, London
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of London’s major theatre events and is especially popular with fans of the Harry Potter stories. It combines drama, stage effects and a continuation of the Wizarding World story. The official site says it is playing at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End.
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Witness for the Prosecution
London County Hall
Witness for the Prosecution is an Agatha Christie courtroom drama performed in the atmospheric setting of London County Hall. It is a useful choice for visitors who enjoy crime stories, courtroom drama and immersive theatre settings. Current London theatre listings include it among popular London plays.
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Thrillers and Mystery Plays
Thrillers and mystery plays can be ideal if you enjoy suspense, crime stories, courtroom drama and plot twists.
Good examples may include:
The Mousetrap
Witness for the Prosecution
Limited-run crime dramas
Classic thrillers
New mystery productions
Comedy Plays
Comedy plays are a good option if you want a lighter evening out. They may include farce, satire, physical comedy, improvised comedy, celebrity-led comedy or long-running comic productions.
Good examples may include:
The Play That Goes Wrong
Austentatious
Limited-run comedy plays
Touring comedy productions
Classic and Modern Drama
London also has classic plays, Shakespeare productions, modern drama, literary adaptations and limited-run theatre events.
These may include:
Shakespeare productions
Classic drama
Modern plays
Book adaptations
Celebrity-led productions
Limited-run seasons
Limited-Run Productions
Many West End plays run for limited seasons. These can be very popular, especially when they feature well-known actors, major directors or award-winning writers.
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Planning a West End Play Trip
When planning a play, visitors should check:
Current performance dates
Running time
Age guidance
Content warnings
Theatre location
Seat view
Accessibility
Matinee or evening performance
Nearby transport
Nearby accommodation
For theatre trips, you may also want:
Somewhere to Stay
Things to do in London
More Theatre & Show Ideas
You may also be interested in:
West End Musicals
Family Shows
Comedy Shows
Music Venues
Theatre Breaks
Regional Theatres