New Musicals this Month

Posted on 3 Jul 2026

The West End may be home to some of the longest-running musicals in the world, but it’s also renowned for its new and groundbreaking shows. As a global leader in theatre and performance, the West End has to stay fresh. That’s why there are always so many new shows opening in London each month. Many shows have strictly limited runs, so if you don’t know what’s on when, you’re probably going to miss it. From star-studded casts to revivals, brand-new works to eagerly anticipated transfers, London theatre is chock-full of [must-see musicals](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musicals). With new shows constantly opening in the West End, it’s easy to accidentally miss the hottest ticket in town because you didn’t have easy access to all the news and updates about new musicals this month. But that’s about to change. Find out about all the new musicals starting this month so you don’t let them slip past you. ### **New musicals starting this month** With more theatre spaces than ever before, plus a surge in innovation, London theatre is constantly getting an injection of creativity and must-see shows. Whether you’re looking for kids’ shows, stage adaptations, classic musicals or tributes, there’s something for everyone when it comes to new musicals in the West End. Here’s all of the new musicals opening this July. What are you going to see? ### **Black Is The Color Of My Voice** Playing at the [Garrick Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/garrick-theatre-london), this show, inspired by **Nina Simone**’s life, is a must-see for anyone who loves her music. **Apphia Campbell**’s critically acclaimed show tells the story of one of history’s most beloved singers and music creators. Not only does *[Black Is The Color Of My Voice](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/black-is-the-color-of-my-voice-tickets)* explore Nina Simone as a pioneer in the jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music space, it also explores her work as a civil rights activist. The show received standing ovations at its sell-out tours in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh, and London's West End, as well as receiving the Best Theatre Award at Adelaide Fringe 2024. It’s a must-see show and it opens on 12 July 2026. ### **Cats** What musical theatre fan hasn’t dreamt of seeing *[Cats](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/cats-tickets)*? The **Andrew Lloyd Webber** musical that changed musical theatre forever is returning to London, and it’s one of the hottest new musicals opening this month. Playing at the [Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/open-air-theatre-regents-park-london), this production lets you step into a mysterious world where the cast of Cats are trying to determine which of them will be chosen to ascend into a new, better life. Taking place under the stars, it’s a truly magical, immersive setting. Cats will have a strictly limited run from 30 July to 19 September 2026. ### **Death Note - The Musical** From page to screen to stage. This brand-new stage adaptation of the legendary manga is making its world debut at the [Barbican Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/barbican-london). *[Death Note - The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/death-note-the-musical-tickets)* is about a gifted student who discovers a notebook that grants the power of life over death. However, his attempt to create a better world takes a dangerous turn, and his actions attract the attention of a relentless detective. Death Note - The Musical is one of the hottest new shows opening this month in London. The run starts on 30 July 2026. And, as part of our Big Summer Theatre Event, you can watch the show and ask the cast anything you want at our [exclusive Q&A](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/death-note-post-show-q-and-a-tickets) (1 September only). ### **Dog Man: The Musical** Just in time to entertain your kids this summer holiday, *[Dog Man: The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/dog-man-the-musical-tickets)* is playing at the [South Bank Centre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/queen-elizabeth-hall-southbank-centre-london) from 29 July 2026. Based on **Dav Pilkey**’s beloved graphic novels, Dog Man: The Musical will tell the story of a cop who’s part dog, part man, and all hero! ### **Grayson The Musical: A First Look** There’s a brand-new musical comedy inspired by the extraordinary life of [Sir Grayson Perry](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/grayson-the-musical-a-first-look-tickets) playing for just five performances this month. Written by **Grayson Perry** himself, this inspiring show navigates his journey to self-acceptance despite his hardships. Playing at [Soho Theatre, Walthamstow](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/soho-theatre-walthamstow) from 16-19 July 2026. ### **Heathers The Musical** *[Heathers the Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/heathers-the-musical-tickets)* is set to blow up [The Arts at Marble Arch](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/the-arts-at-marble-arch) when it returns to London for 52 performances only. The stage adaptation of the cult classic film tells the story of Veronica, an outsider who is close to breaking into the inner circle of the popular girls, the Heathers, until a mysterious and rebellious boy joins the school and things get deadly serious… in a dark comedy kind of way. Opening on 9 July, it’s one of the hottest new musicals starting this month.

### **Here Comes J Edgar! A Comedy Musical** After *[Hamilton](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hamilton-west-end-tickets)*, there has been a trend towards musicals about historical characters with a twist. This satirical musical about J Edgar Hoover is one of them. From the *Saturday Night Live* cast alum, co-writer and star of *This Is Spinal Tap*, and voice actor of *The Simpsons*, **Harry Shearer** has all the credentials to create a hilarious and biting show about the former president. Throw in comedy writer **Tom Leopold** (famed for his work on Cheers and Seinfeld), and you’re on for an absolute winner. This bold comedy dives into the secrets and scandals surrounding one of America’s most influential figures, and it’s one of the must-see new musicals opening this month. *[Here Comes J Edgar!](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/here-comes-j-edgar-a-comedy-musical-tickets) *opens on 10 July 2026. ### **I’m Every Woman - The Chaka Khan Musical** **Alexandra Burke** is starring as legendary singer Chaka Khan in this [brand new musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/im-every-woman-the-chaka-khan-musical-tickets) opening this month. Flock to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre to see the powerful new musical, which follows the story of the ten-time Grammy-winning superstar from her life in Chicago to the world stage. Filled with some of the biggest songs in music history, plus the chance to see Alexandra Burke perform live, it’s a must-see. Plus, as part of our Big Summer Theatre Event, you can go onstage and have your photo taken with one of the *I'm Every Woman - The Chaka Khan Musical* cast members post-show! Book your ticket with the photo op [here](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/im-every-woman-onstage-photo-op). Opens on 22 July 2026 for a strictly limited run. ### **Tao of Glass** Part concert, part performance, this is a puppet show with live music that explores meditations on life, death and Taoist wisdom. It’s the latest collaboration from the talented duo - composer **Philip Glass** and performer-director **Phelim McDermott**. [Tao of Glass](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/tao-of-glass-tickets) opens on 25 July 2026 at [@sohoplace](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/sohoplace-london). ### **The Enormous Crocodile** For the little ones, *[The Enormous Crocodile](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-enormous-crocodile-tickets)* is one of the best new musicals opening this month. Following its critically acclaimed runs at the [Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/open-air-theatre-regents-park-london), The Enormous Crocodile and his foes are making their way to the [Lyric Hammersmith](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/lyric-hammersmith-london). Telling the classic tale of a greedy crocodile while he hunts down children to gobble up as a snack, this puppet-filled musical is fun, engaging and great for all the family. Opens on 29 July 2026 for a strictly limited run. ### **Trainspotting The Musical** Unsatisfied with changing film forever, **Irvine Welsh** has decided to venture into the world of musical theatre with a stage adaptation of his groundbreaking book, *[Trainspotting](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/trainspotting-the-musical-tickets)*. This brand new musical will tell the familiar stories of Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy, and Kelly with original songs, plus some beloved songs from the film. It’s going to be huge and one of the hottest new shows in London this month. Trainspotting opens on 16 July 2026 at [Theatre Royal Haymarket](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/theatre-royal-haymarket-london). ### **Other new theatre shows opening this month** If you’re looking for new plays opening this month, we can find them right [here](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/new-shows).