Off West End shows

Plays

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Witness for the Prosecution

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My Neighbour Totoro

Opening on 08 Mar, 2025

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Off West End Shows in London

If you thought all the best shows are staged only in London Theatre District, think again. The term "off-West End" refers to theatres in London that are not recognized as part of the West End Theatre District in London. The phrase is a recent one, derived from the similar American term "off-Broadway". It's most often used interchangeably with the more widespread term Fringe (or, particularly, "the London Fringe"), although it is also used to refer to mainstream or commercial theatre located outside of London's city centre, or to especially small and non-commercial theatres located within the centre.

Watch this space to discover current and upcoming Off-West End musicals, plays, operas, pantomimes, comedies, exciting special offers, and more.

What Are Off West End Shows?

Heathers the Musical at The Other Palace Theatre

Off West End shows are the shows that are staged in theatres outside of London's West End. Off West End is home to over 100 independent, alternative, and fringe theatre spaces in Greater London. You will find great new arrivals, classic musicals, operas, plays, and shows for kids being staged here. Off West End theatres in London provide a colorful and ever-changing program of shows for audiences of all ages. New writing, revivals, dramas, musicals, comedy, and children’s programming are all represented. Off West End theatres, whether they are located in a pub or a more dedicated setting, are an excellent form to witness brilliant small-scale theatre driven by pure talent.

What Are the Different Types of Off West End Shows in London?

Musicals

London musicals are famous all over the globe. There are a plethora of musicals that are running in off-West End theatres. Your options for a stellar off-West End musical are more diverse than ever these days - comedies like Heathers: The Musical or dance musicals like Magic Mike Live, there’s plenty for every genre-lover.

London Musicals

Plays

If a play is categorized as Off-West End, it means that the play is running exclusively on Off-West End theatres and was produced right there. These plays are generally far more nuanced than big West End productions like The Great Gatsby. They prioritize acting and run scripts that are often wild and off-beat. Check out plays like The Tempest, Henry VIII, and King Lear at the Shakespeare's Globe (summer 2022).

London Plays

Comedies

There is more to off-West End shows in London than just musicals and plays. Head over for an off-West End comedy show if you are in the mood for some belly laughs. Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and the famous Heathers: The Musical which is based on the hit film are some of the comedy shows running at off-West End theatres.

London Comedy Shows

Kid-Friendly Shows

Kids' theatre shows are not just popular in the West End theatre district, they are aplenty all over London. Take your children to watch London shows for kids to inspire a lifelong love for theatre in them. Shows like My Neighbour Totoro and Oi Frog & Friends! are some off-West End shows.

London Shows for Kids

New Arrivals

Each theatre season brings with it some incredible new shows not just at West End but also off-West End that will stay on with us long after they have left the stage. Watch this space to stay updated on the off-West End shows that are in play this season. Shows like The Glass Menagerie and The Still Room are some of the new productions playing at off-West End theatres this season.

New Shows in London

Frequently Asked Questions About Off West End Shows in London

Q. Which are some of the off-West End shows playing in London?

A. The lineup for off West End shows in London this year is full of classics and exciting new shows. Find the best off West End shows right here.

Q. How do I book tickets for off-West End shows in London?

A. You can book your tickets for off-West End shows in London online for a hassle-free experience.

Q. Which are some of the best off West End plays coming to London this year?

A. A lot of exciting off West End shows are included in the lineup this year. Find out more about the off West End shows playing this year.

Q. Which are the best off West End musicals in London?

A. London musicals are famous worldwide and there are numerous off West End shows and musicals for you to choose from this year.

Q. Which are the best off West End plays in London?

A. The off West End is home to a large number of theatres staging some of the best off West End plays. You'll find a lot of exciting plays in London ranging from comedy to tragedy in the off West End shows lineup.

Q. Which are the best off West End comedies in London?

A. You'll find a lot of riotous London comedies in the off West End shows lineup to ensure that you have a laugh-out-loud evening.

Q. Which are the best off West End shows for kids in London?

A. There are numerous off West End shows for kids in London that are sure to make your child's day.

Q. How many theatres are there in the off West End district?

A. There are dozens of off-West End or fringe theatres in London that showcase off-West End shows.

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