London’s theatre calendar gained several exciting new markers this week, from a major West End musical premiere to fresh casting at the Donmar Warehouse and a newly announced Royal Shakespeare Company season. Here are four of the most notable official announcements for audiences planning ahead.
Little Dancer sets a six-week West End season
Theatre Royal Haymarket has confirmed the London premiere of Little Dancer, the new musical from Tony and Olivier Award-winning writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, with direction and choreography by Susan Stroman. The production stars New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck as Marie, alongside Julian Ovenden, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Josefina Gabrielle.
The musical explores the relationship between the young dancer Marie van Goethem and artist Edgar Degas, set against Belle Époque Paris. Performances are scheduled from 15 February to 27 March 2027, with Peck currently scheduled through 20 March. The official venue page describes the engagement as a strictly limited six-week season before a world tour.
Riverside Studios unveils more of its new-writing programme
Riverside Studios’ Mainstage Season 26/27 brings five new plays to the West London venue, all directed by Andy Sandberg. The season’s first three announced world premieres are Affluenza (26 September–21 November 2026), Sacrilegious by Academy Award winner Tom Schulman (5 December 2026–23 January 2027), and Expecting by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola (30 January–27 March 2027).
The season is designed around limited engagements and combines comedy and drama, with stories largely set in contemporary America while exploring themes intended to resonate internationally. Riverside says the final two productions, along with further casting and creative details, will be announced later.
Charlie Cox leads The King’s Ransom at the Donmar
The Donmar Warehouse’s official production page confirms Charlie Cox as Vince in The King’s Ransom, a new play by Stuart Slade directed by Matthew Dunster. The ensemble includes Tom Fletcher, Matthew Flynn, Blake Harrison, Leo Patrick, Jenny Rainsford, Christopher Short, Cherrelle Skeete and Ronnie Yorke, with Ruby Barker, Eira Kay and Trixie Willis sharing the role of Martha.
Set in Memphis in 1977, the dark comedy follows a group attempting to kidnap Elvis Presley’s corpse and demand a ransom. Performances begin at the Donmar on 5 December 2026, making this an intriguing addition to the venue’s winter programme.
RSC announces its 2027 plays — and a London Hamlet
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced seven new 2027 productions, including Coriolanus, Richard II, Romeo & Juliet, Born With Teeth, Mrs Dalloway, Piranesi and First Encounters: The Comedy of Errors. Highlights include Damien Molony in Coriolanus, Elizabeth Debicki as Richard II, and a Stratford revival of Born With Teeth following its West End run.
For London audiences, the announcement also confirms that Hamlet Hail to the Thief will open at the Barbican from 31 October 2026 to 23 January 2027. The production brings Shakespeare’s tragedy together with Radiohead’s 2003 album and was co-created by Thom Yorke, Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones.
Together, these announcements point to an especially varied season ahead: new musicals, original plays, Shakespearean revivals and ambitious adaptations across the West End and London’s leading theatres.
Frequently asked questions
When is Little Dancer playing in London?
When is Little Dancer playing in London?
Little Dancer is scheduled at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 15 February to 27 March 2027. Tiler Peck is currently scheduled to appear through 20 March 2027.
What is The King’s Ransom about?
What is The King’s Ransom about?
Stuart Slade’s new dark comedy is set in Memphis in 1977 and follows a group attempting to kidnap Elvis Presley’s corpse and collect a ransom. It begins at the Donmar Warehouse on 5 December 2026.
Which RSC production is coming to London this autumn?
Which RSC production is coming to London this autumn?
Hamlet Hail to the Thief opens at the Barbican on 31 October 2026 and is scheduled to run until 23 January 2027.