The 10 Best New London Theatre Openings in August 2026

From the return of 'Cats' to the spectacular free Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, it's a thrilling month for London theatre.

August is traditionally a quiet month for London theatre, with creatives distracted by summer holidays or the Edinburgh Fringe. But this is London — there's still an incredible array of shows opening across the capital. Family and outdoor productions dominate this month, perfectly timed for the school holidays and peak outdoor theatre season. The first-ever UK revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is undoubtedly the headline act, but there's plenty more to discover.

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1. Cats at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

The second-ever UK production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's feline classic, directed by Open Air Theatre artistic director Drew McOnie, breathes fresh life into this beloved adaptation of TS Eliot's poetry. Until Sep 12.

2. Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF)

A magnificent three-week celebration of spectacular — and completely free — outdoor international theatre. The unmissable highlight is Efectos Especiales from Argentina (Aug 29-30), a breathtaking action-movie experience complete with weather effects and vehicles. Multiple venues, Aug 21-Sep 6.

3. Death Note the Musical at the Barbican

A bold musical adaptation of the cult manga and anime series about a teenager who discovers a supernatural notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. Barbican Centre, Jul 30-Sep 12.

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4. How the Other Half Loves at the Old Vic

Roger Allam and Dorothy Atkinson star in a major revival of Alan Ayckbourn's dazzling early comedy about marital infidelity and misunderstanding. Old Vic, Jul 29-Sep 19.

5. Dog Man: The Musical at Queen Elizabeth Hall

The riotous stage debut of Dav Pilkey's beloved kids' graphic novels about a policeman with a dog's head and a heart of gold. Queen Elizabeth Hall, Jul 29-Aug 16.

6. Now You See Me Live at the London Coliseum

A massive-scale international touring magic spectacular based on the hit film franchise, with performers cast as members of the legendary 'Horsemen'. London Coliseum, Jul 31-Sep 6.

7. As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's beloved forest-set comedy of mistaken identity gets a fresh outdoor staging at the iconic venue. Shakespeare's Globe, Aug 14-Oct 25.

8. A Slow Fire at Jermyn Street Theatre

A brand-new original play from acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time). Jermyn Street Theatre, Aug 20-Sep 26.

9. I'm Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Alexandra Burke stars as the legendary queen of funk in this celebratory new musical. Now playing.

10. More August Highlights

With a mix of star-studded revivals, family-friendly musicals and cutting-edge new writing, August 2026 is a surprisingly vibrant month for London theatregoers. Whether you're visiting the capital or a local looking for entertainment, the West End and beyond have something for everyone this summer.