January Theatre Guide: New Openings and Last Chances
- lisahylton2
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
From fresh West End openings to final curtain calls, January offers a timely mix of new discoveries and last-chance favourites.
NEW ARRIVALS
From sharp political satire to uplifting musicals and classic revivals, London’s January stages welcome thoughtful, witty and heartwarming new plays.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
A new musical adaptation of Rachel Joyce’s beloved novel opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 29 January. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a story of hope and redemption. With music by Passenger, it arrives off the back of critical acclaim and sold-out regional runs, offering audiences something thoughtful and uplifting to start 2026 with. Dates: 29 January to 18 April.
To book: www.HaroldFryMusical.com.
I’m Sorry, Prime Minister
A political satire based on the beloved Yes, Minister world, I'm Sorry, Prime Minister opens at the Apollo Theatre on 30 January. Starring Griff Rhys Jones as Jim Hacker and Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby, this is perfect for fans of sharp British wit and clever comedy.
Dates: 30 January to 9 May.
Gerry and Sewell
Two lads. Zero cash. One mission: get season tickets for the Premier League. How hard can it be? This joyful stage debut of Gerry and Sewell at the Aldwych Theatre blends football fandom with friendship in a new West End debut, playing through much of January.
Dates: 13 to 24 January.
To book: www.ticketing.nederlander.co.uk.
Arcadia
A limited season revival of Tom Stoppard’s classic at The Old Vic begins on 24 January, bridging timelines with wit and heart. In a country house, two centuries apart, genius unfolds. A teenage prodigy discovers the mathematics of the universe, as the adults around her fail to hide their passions under reason. In the present day, scholars chase the ghosts of that same household — seeking truth, proof and perhaps each other.
Dates: 24 January to 21 March.
To book: www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/arcadia.
The Rat Trap
Noel Coward’s incisive comedy gets a fresh staging at the Park Theatre from 28 January, offering audiences something sharp and intimate. Set in fashionable 1920s Belgravia, Sheila, a gifted novelist, and Keld, an aspiring playwright, begin married life fuelled by ambition. When Keld’s success eclipses Sheila’s, jealousy and an affair threaten everything. Startlingly moving yet laced with wit and dark humour, Noël Coward’s debut play receives a stylish centenary revival, revised by Bill Rosenfield and presented by Troupe.
Dates: 28 January to 14 March.
FINAL BOWS
Whether you’re revisiting favourites or ticking off must-see titles, January is one of the last chances to catch several limited runs.
Disney’s Hercules
This heroic family musical wraps up at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 10 January.
To book: lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/hercules.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy bows out of the Noël Coward Theatre on 10 January.
A Christmas Carol
Now playing at the Old Vic Theatre, Dickens’ festive classic closes on 10 January, perfect for holding onto the seasonal spirit.
Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s witty winter comedy closes at the Barbican Theatre mid-month on 17 January.
To book: www.barbican.org.uk.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
The laugh-out-loud holiday mash-up ends its run at the Apollo Theatre on 25 January.
AND FINALLY..
A New Star Joins Hadestown
Dutch actor and singer Joy Wielkens will join the critically acclaimed West End production of Hadestown as Persephone from 20 January until 8 March 2026. She joins the London production at the Lyric Theatre, having performed the role at the Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam earlier this year.
Wielkens takes over the role in London from BRIT Award-winning Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, whose last performance in the production will be on Sunday 18 January.
Dates: Hadestown is currently booking until 27 September 2026.
To book: uk.hadestown.com.
