London Theatre - What's New for November?
- lisahylton2
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7
As London sparkles for the festive season, theatres shine with new openings – from glittering pantomimes to West End favourites. Here are some of this month's highlights.
Paddington The Musical, the Savoy Theatre
From one epic journey to another, Paddington the Musical has opened at the Savoy Theatre, bringing us marmalade-flavoured mischief. With original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher of McFly, it follows the small bear from Peru who turns up on a London family’s doorstep. His awkward charm sparks comic adventures, and when a villain threatens his new home, the family must unite to save the day.
When: Now booking to October 2026.
Bookings: paddingtonthemusical.com.
Elf The Musical, the Aldwych Theatre
Following a record-breaking Broadway run, Elf The Musical has arrived at the Aldwych Theatre for a joyful 10-week run. Based on the beloved film, it follows Buddy – a human raised as an elf – on his journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father. Along the way, he causes mayhem, discovers the true meaning of family, and fights to save Christmas when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park. Packed with catchy songs, inventive staging, and festive spirit, this heart-warming show leaves audiences smiling long after the curtain falls.
When: Ends 3rd January.
Bookings: elflondon.com.
Pinocchio The Musical, the Globe Theatre
Another beloved character returns to the stage - Pinocchio the Musical, a spellbinding new production that brings wooden wonders to the world-famous Globe Theatre. In a traditional town yearning for change, carver Geppetto creates a wooden puppet who dreams of more. Together, they embark on a wild adventure filled with strange creatures, big questions, and the search for belonging. Staged in a historic open-air theatre constructed from a thousand oak trees, it’s the perfect setting for a story about carving out your place in the world.
When: 29th November to 4th January.
Bookings: shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/pinocchio.
All My Sons, Wyndham's Theatre
November brings star power and intense storytelling to the West End, starting with the return of All My Sons. This striking new production from Ivo van Hove stars Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Paapa Essiedu. Arthur Miller’s searing take on the American Dream – a self-made man, a wartime cover-up, and a reckoning that won’t stay buried – feels as urgent as ever.
When: 13th November to 7th March.
Bookings: wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/all-my-sons.
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Soho Place Theatre
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold brings John le Carré’s Cold War thriller to the stage. Adapted by Ronan Bennett and directed by Lyndsey Turner, it follows British agent Alec Leamas on a final, dangerous mission in East Germany. As deception deepens and loyalties blur, he discovers that the enemy may lie closer than expected. Atmospheric staging and razor-sharp dialogue promise a taut, stylish portrayal of betrayal and the chilling realities of spycraft.
When: 14th November to 7th March.
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to life in the flickering glow of candlelight at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
In this enchanting winter production, snow falls in summer and illusion blurs with reality.
Directed by Holly Race Roughan and Naeem Hayat, it explores the play’s darker undertones. Four young lovers flee a repressive city into a forest ruled by feuding fairies, where love, power, and madness collide. Watch Puck sow chaos, Oberon and Titania clash, and the dream threaten to spiral into nightmare.
When: 15th November to 31st January.
Ballet Shoes, Olivier Theatre, the National Theatre
Ballet Shoes returns to the National Theatre later this month, adapting Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel. Following three adopted sisters pursuing acting, flying, and ballet, it celebrates family bonds, courage, and the pursuit of passion in a world that doesn’t always make space for women’s dreams. Directed by Katy Rudd, it’s a touching story of ambition and resilience.
When: 17th November to 21st February.
Roam A New Musical, the Shaftesbury Theatre
This star-studded new musical will take to the Shaftesbury Theatre stage for one night only. Directed by Rupert Hands with choreography by Olivier Award winner James Cousins, the production promises an electrifying evening of music and storytelling.
With a rock-pop-Romani fusion score by Alexander Sage Oyen and a book by Michael Dovid, ROAM explores identity and belonging through soaring melodies and powerful emotion.
The cast features an exceptional lineup, including Tony and Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo (Funny Girl), Diego Rodriguez (Evita), Jordan Luke Gage (&Juliet), Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie & Clyde), Melanie La Barrie (Hadestown), Hope Lavelle (The Phantom of the Opera) and Olivier Award winner David Thaxton (Come From Away).
When: Sunday 23rd November.
Bookings: RoamMusical.com.
Wendy & Peter Pan, Barbican Theatre
Ella Hickson’s bold reimagining of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan puts Wendy centre stage in a magical, emotionally-charged adventure. Leaving behind her nursery, Wendy journeys into a world of pirates, mermaids, fairies, and the Lost Boys – all while seeking the key to her family’s forgotten happiness. Alongside Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and Tiger Lily, she faces the fearsome Captain Hook in a tale filled with dazzling sword fights, high-flying spectacle, and plenty of fairy dust.
Directed by Jonathan Munby, this Royal Shakespeare Company production features triking set and costume design by Colin Richmond, music by Shuhei Kamimura, and lighting by Oliver Fenwick
A visual and emotional feast, Wendy & Peter Pan captures the wonder and heartache of growing up while breathing new life into a beloved classic.
When: Ends 22nd November. Bookings: barbican.wendy-peter-pan
