London Theatre Previews, January July 2026 Off West End

"Last Updated on December 14, 2025 There's plenty to look forward to on London's Off West End' scene in the first half of 2026, from new work by well-known writers to reprised classics by Ibsen, Stoppard and Miller. We've curated a selection of standout Off West End' productions not to be missed in the new year. Are there exciting plays we've left out? Share your recommendations in the comments below! One of London's best-loved Off West End' theatres, The Royal Court turns 70 in 2026. Artistic Director David Byrne calls the upcoming season a year-long party."

"Celebrations begin with the world premiere of Luke Norris's Guess How Much I Love You?, a family drama about pregnancy and loss led by Robert Aramayo, star of 2025's hit film, I Swear. That runs from 16 January to 21 February. The Jerwood Theatre Upstairs hosts the stage debut of Netflix's One Day writer Jack Nicholls. The Shitheads examines love and violence in prehistoric times (6 February 14 March)."

"John Proctor is the Villain, a female-led adaptation of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, which also lands at the Jerwood. Transferred from Broadway, Kimberly Belflower's play brings vibrant girlhood into confrontation with stifling small-town conventions (20 March 25 April). The spring welcomes Between The River and The Sea. Co-written by Palestinian-Israeli artist Yousef Sweid and Isabella Sedlak (who also directs), it follows a Christian-Arab-Palestinian-Israeli father as he battles for custody of his children. It's a meditation on layered identities and longed-for futures (15 April 9 May)."

London's Off West End will present a packed first half of 2026 featuring new premieres, adaptations and revivals. The Royal Court marks its 70th year with a season including Luke Norris's Guess How Much I Love You?, a family drama about pregnancy and loss starring Robert Aramayo (16 January–21 February). The Jerwood Theatre Upstairs will stage Jack Nicholls's stage debut, The Shitheads, and a female-led adaptation John Proctor is the Villain (20 March–25 April). Between The River and The Sea by Yousef Sweid and Isabella Sedlak examines custody and layered identities (15 April–9 May). Gary Oldman will direct and star in Krapp's Last Tape (8–30 May), paired with Leo Simple-Asante's Godot's To-Do List.

Read at www.london-unattached.com