May is shaping up to be a spectacular month on the London stage, with the West End heating up as major 2026 productions launch their runs ahead of summer. The biggest arrival is Beetlejuice the Musical, a lavish Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton's film, finally finding a West End home at the Prince Edward Theatre. Meanwhile, Gary Oldman returns to the Royal Court in Krapp's Last Tape, a sold-out sensation. From Ava Pickett's acclaimed 1536 to Jinkx Monsoon's Judy Garland tribute, here are the 10 best new London theatre openings in May 2026.
1. Krapp's Last Tape
Gary Oldman stars in, directs, and designs Samuel Beckett's experimental masterpiece about an old man confronting his youthful recordings. This Royal Court production, part of the theatre's 70th birthday celebrations, is sold out, but Monday tickets go on sale day-of, and standing tickets are released 90 minutes before curtain for in-person callers. A new short play, Godot's To-Do List by Leo Simpe-Asante, opens the night. Royal Court Theatre, May 8-30.
2. Beetlejuice the Musical
This full-tilt Broadway import, directed by Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!), adapts Tim Burton's black comedy about a deceased couple hiring a bio-exorcist to scare off new tenants. David Fynn (School of Rock) plays the manic Beetlejuice. Prince Edward Theatre, May 20-Apr 17 2027.
3. 1536
Ava Pickett's sweary drama about three young women in rural Essex during Henry VIII's reign transfers to the West End after acclaimed runs and Olivier nominations. Liv Hill, Siena Kelly, and Tanya Reynolds reprise their roles. Ambassadors Theatre, May 2-Aug 1.
4. Sherlock Holmes
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre opens its season with Joel Horwood's new adventure for the young detective, played by Joshua James. A mysterious woman arrives with a tale of a stolen jewel. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, May 2-Jun 6.
5. Mother Courage and Her Children
Globe artistic director Michelle Terry stars in and directs Bertolt Brecht's anti-war masterpiece, adapted by Anna Jordan, set in a dystopian future warzone. Shakespeare's Globe, May 7-Jun 27.
6. High Society
This fizzy Cole Porter wedding comedy stars Helen George (Call the Midwife) and Felicity Kendall at the Barbican. A follow-up to the smash Anything Goes. Barbican Centre, May 19-Jul 11.
7. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Based on the true story of a Malawian boy who saved his village with ingenuity, this RSC musical adaptation transfers from Stratford-upon-Avon. @sohoplace, until Jul 18.
8. CARE
Alexander Zeldin's drama about a grandmother (Linda Bassett) entering a British care home promises a positive yet poignant look at the care system. Young Vic, May 11-Jul 11.
9. Equus
Peter Shaffer's psychological thriller about a psychiatrist treating a boy who blinded horses stars Toby Stephens. This Menier revival is an intimate staging. Menier Chocolate Factory, May 8-Jul 4.
10. End of the Rainbow
Jinkx Monsoon stars as Judy Garland in this bio-drama about her final London concerts, at the new Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Soho Theatre Walthamstow, May 15-Jun 20.
