The 30 Shows To See In September (2024)

With the return of Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, it’s clear that Autumn is just around the corner. While Summer treated us to spectacular productions like Hello, Dolly! and Kiss Me, Kate, the arrival of Autumn promises even more thrilling theatre experiences across the country—not just in London!

From captivating new dramas to the revival of classic favourites, our guide to 30 shows you need to check out is your ticket to an unforgettable season of performances. Whether you're a seasoned theatregoer or just looking to dip your toes into the world of live productions, these are the must-see shows that will make the start of your Autumn truly extraordinary.

1. Dear Evan Hansen

UK & Ireland Tour from 9 Sept

Kicking off in Nottingham this September, the brand new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical embarks on its highly anticipated UK & Ireland tour. Dear Evan Hansen is a poignant musical that explores the complexities of mental health, identity, and the connection in the digital age, through the story of a young man’s journey to find belonging and truth amisdt a web of lies. 

2. 80s Live!

27 September, De Montfort Hall

If you are in Leicester in September, grab your pals, your dancing shoes and head to the biggest 80s party show at the De Montfort Hall! Direct from London’s West End, the show includes all of your favourite songs from the era including “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, “Don’t You Want Me?” and “It’s Raining Men!”. It’s only on for one night only in Leicester so don’t miss out!

3. 23.5 Hours

3 Sept - 5 Oct, Park Theatre

Heading to the Park Theatre in September is 23.5 Hours. The production offers audiences a thrilling examination of the collateral damage of past actions, the fragility of trust, and the complexities of justice. Follow Leigh Hodges, played by Lisa Dwan, as she is thrust into the chaotic aftermath of her husband’s imprisonment.

4. Kim’s Convenience

5 Sept - 26 Oct, Riverside Studios

Following its sell-out run at the Park Theatre earlier this year (read our review), Ins Choi’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama is back on the stage this Autumn. The original Toronto-based stage show from 2011 inspired the Netflix show, plays as a homage to immigrants who have made Canada their home and also the country that it is today.

5. Never Let Me Go

20 Sept - 12 Oct, Rose Theatre Kingston

Kazuo Ishiguro’s international best-selling novel heads to the stage in a gripping new adaptation by Suzanne Heathcote this September. The dystopian story explores the lives of three friends who gradually uncover the dark truth about their existence and the purpose they were created for, raising profound questions about humanity, ethics, and the nature of love. Following its premiere at Rose Theatre Kingston it will head to Northampton, Bristol and the Malvern Theatres. 

6. A Doll’s House

21 Sept - 12 Oct, Crucible Theatre Sheffield

Directed by Elin Schofield and adapted by the Olivier Award winner Chris Bush, Henrik Ibsen’s powerful drama heads to Sheffield. The show explores the struggles of Nora Helmer, a woman who gradually realises the constraints of her traditional marriage and the oppressive societal norms that dictate her life.

7. War Horse

UK & Ireland Tour from 5 September

Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, the acclaimed National Theatre production of War Horse embarks on an all-new UK and Ireland tour, kicking off at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 5 September. Experience the unforgettable bond between a young boy named Albert and his horse Joey as they are torn apart by the outbreak of World War I. This production will take audiences on an epic journey of courage, loyalty, and survival on the battlefields of Europe.

8. Pins and Needles

19 Sept - 26 Oct, Kiln Theatre

Exploring the politics around vaccines, and the human stories behind them is Rob Drummond’s new play, Pins and Needles, which opens at the Kiln Theatre in September. The inaugural production in Amit Sharma’s season as Artistic Director, the play features a great cast including Richard Cant, Gavi Singh Chera, Brian Vernel and Sharlene Whyte.

9. 1984

20-28 Sept, Theatre Royal Bath

Brought to the stage in a thrilling new multi-media version by Ryan Craig, George Orwell’s masterpiece 1984 heads to the Theatre Royal Bath. The story explores the oppressive world of a totalitarian regime where individual freedom is crushed under constant surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth by the Party and its leader, Big Brother.

10. Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare North Playhouse

13 Sept - 5 Oct, Shakespeare North Playhouse

Shakespeare’s timeless love story will be brought to life in a groundbreaking new production that seamlessly integrates British Sign Language (BSL), Captions, and Audio Description. This innovative adaptation is a collaboration between Graeae, Shakespeare North Playhouse, and Theatre by the Lake. By embracing inclusivity in every aspect of the performance, this production reimagines the classic story, will make a it resonate powerfully with contemporary viewers.

11. Our Country’s Good

05 Sept - 05 Oct, Lyric Hammersmith

Timberlake Wertenbaker revisits her seminal play that exams power in the British justice system this Autumn. The compelling play follows a group of convicts and officers in an 18th-century Australian penal colony who come together to stage a play.

12. The Real Ones

6 Sept - 19 Oct, Bush Theatre

Brought to the stage by the team behind the Olivier Award-winning sensation, The P Word, The Real Ones is a funny and honest love letter to platonic soulmates. Follow best friends Zaid and Neelam (played by Nathaniel Curtis and Mariam Haque) as their friendship is put to the ultimate test.

13. Now That’s What I Call A Musical

UK & Ireland Tour from 6 September

Celebrating 40 years of the iconic compilation series, Now That’s What I Call A Musical is a new production which kicks off its UK tour in September. Join two best friends Gemma and April and an unbeatable 80s soundtrack as they confront the school reunion!

14. A Face in the Crowd

10 Sept - 9 Nov, Young Vic

A Face in the Crowd is a new musical from the legendary singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and award-winning Broadway playwright Sarah Rhul. Starring an incredible cast including Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas, the show reignites the Hollywood classic that explores celebrity, power and politics. 

15. The Cabinet Minister

21 Sept - 16 Nov, Menier Chocolate Factory

A brand-new adaptation of Arthur Wing Pinero’s farce will head to the Menier Chocolate Factory as part of their Autumn season. Delve into the world of political corruption and ambition with The Cabinet Minister which follows a cabinet minister who becomes entangled in scandal and personal conflict.

16. Birdsong

UK Tour from 6 September

Sebastian Faulk’s epic story of love and loss returns to the stage this autumn, marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel. Follow one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.

17. Cable Street

6 Sept - 10 Oct, Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Winning the hearts of audiences and critics earlier this year, Cable Street is back on the stage for a limited run and this time its at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant. The events from London’s East End in 1936 works brilliantly in this new musical that has a powerful story that is sadly particularly resonant for a modern British audience. If you need more convincing to snap up a ticket, read our review! 

18. Princess Essex

13 Sept - 26 Oct, Shakespeare’s Globe

Bursting onto the Globe Theatre’s iconic open-air theatre is Princess Essex, a new play by Anne Odeke. This is a fast-paced, music-filled, empowering comedy that is based on the incredible true story of the first woman of colour to enter a beauty pageant in the UK.

19. The Lightest Element

5 Sept - 12 Oct, Hampstead Theatre

The Lightest Element is Stella Feehily’s taut drama that explores how challenging social norms can be almost as difficult as overturning scientific orthodoxy. Experience an insight into the story of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, one of the most eminent astronomers of the 20th century.

20. Ostan

18 Sept - 12 Oct, Park Theatre

Written by Arzhang Pezhman, Ostan is an unflinching new drama that follows Rebin, a man who has been stuck in the UK immigration system for almost a decade. This will offer audiences a stark look at relevant conversations.

21. Murder on the Orient Express

UK & Ireland Tour from 6 September

Following a sell-out tour of the best-selling crime novel of all time, And Then There Were None, Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of another Agatha Christie classic embarks on its UK Tour. Fiery Angel and Lucy Bailey’s production will take audiences through a thrilling ride and ingenious murder mystery that will keep you on your toes!

22. Roots

10 Sept - 23 Nov, Almeida Theatre

Roots is a lyrical, impassioned play about a woman’s journey to self-discovery which together with Look Back in Anger, changed British theatre forever. The productions which where set in 1950 now angle themselves towards society in 2024. Directed by Diyan Zora, follow Beatie Bryant as she returns to her rural home in Norfolk, inflamed with political zeal from her time spent living in London with her activist boyfriend.

23. Giant

20 Sept - 16 Nov, Royal Court Theatre

Inspired by real events, this debut play from Mark Rosenblatt explores with dark humour the difference between considered opinion and dangerous rhetoric. Delve into the complexities of Roald Dahl’s life in response to a antisemitic article he wrote in 1983. 

24. Play On!

23 Sept - 5 Oct, Belgrade Theatre

Embarking on a UK tour which kicks off in Coventry in September is Play On! This musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is set in the jazz scene of New York’s Cotton Club. Play On! has an exciting fusion of thrilling music from Duke Ellington alongside street dance choreography which will thrill audiences this autumn.

25. Juno & the Paycock

21 Sept - 23 Nov, Gielgud Theatre

Heading to the West End this Autumn is a new production of Seán O’Casey's timeless masterpiece, Juno and the Paycock. Set during the Irish Civil Wear in 1922 and starring J. Smith-Cameron alongside Mark Rylance, this production promises to be poetic, poignant and hilarious for audiences to enjoy.

26. Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

From 23 Sept, The Empress Museum

Inspired by the 20th Century Fox Motion Picture, a brand-new circus spectacular is coming to London’s Earls Court this Autumn. Set in a 700-seat Big Top, Come Alive! will fuse the magic of circus and music in a captivating new story inspired by the film, featuring beloved songs like “Rewrite the Stars” and “This Is Me” that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

27. Abigail’s Party

06 Sept - 12 Oct, Stratford East Theatre

Set in Essex 1977, Abigail’s Party revolves around a painfully awkward suburban dinner party hosted by the socially aspiring Beverley, where tensions, class issues, and personal conflicts come to the surface. Starring Tamzin Outhwaite and Kevin Bishop, the play exposes the shallowness and self-importance of the middle class in 1970s Britain.

28. Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist

13 Sept - 10 Nov, The Other Palace

Following electrifying try-out performances at the Lyric Theatre and a small tour, now Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist heads to The Other Palace for a full reign. The brand-new musical, come ballet, come gig takes on the story of one of the most prolific monarchs in history.. Marie Antoinette. This production was so exciting during its earlier staging so we can’t wait to see what is next!

29. Two of Us

13-28 September, Watford Palace Theatre and HOME Manchester

Written by Mark Stanfield, Richard Short and Barry Sloane, Two of Us is a new play about Paul McCartney and John Lennon's who reunite six years after the bitter break up of The Beatles in the early 1970s. Two of Us ruminates on what may have happened. Truths that may have been spoken and traumas that may have been shared. Their apologies and eulogies, what was said and what was left unsaid. It is the story of two working class boys who loved each other.

30. Buyer and Cellar

18 Sept - 19 Oct, King’s Head Theatre

Returning to the stage a decade after the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production closed, Buyer & Cellar heads to the King’s Head Theatre with Rob Madge leading the hilarious one-person show. The outrageous comedy explores the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs.

What will you be watching in September? Join us again next month for another round up. If you’d like your show feature for the theatre shows to watch in October (2024) drop me an email on theatreandtonic@gmail.com with information and an image!