Spookiest theatre shows to catch at the West End this Halloween

As someone who’s been captivated by the magic of the West End for years, I can confidently say that the current lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. From the timeless mystery of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap to the haunting melodies of Phantom of the Opera, there’s a little something for everyone.

At the West End, you might find spooky spirits wailing, mysterious aliens creeping about, and people dramatically sweeping around in cloaks – all typical elements of Halloween celebrations!

This coming October, London’s theater landscape brims with chilling performances, encompassing a range of spine-tingling experiences. For families seeking a less intense fright, there’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, while those craving a full-blown petrifying experience can enjoy Stranger Things The First Shadow.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that this season promises an exciting blend of chills and thrills, especially with some timeless West End productions that are sure to send shivers down your spine. You’ll find yourself enthralled by the captivating mystery of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, and the nail-biting suspense in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap – both are guaranteed to put you squarely in the mood for a good scare!

This month, I’ve gathered some top-notch spooky West End performances that might tickle your fancy – from plays and musicals to concerts. And here’s an added bonus: there are a couple more shows currently on tour as well!

Best scary theatre shows at a glance

The Rocky Horror show tour, from £15
George Orwell’s 1984, from £19
West End Musical Halloween, from £24
The Mousetrap, from £28
The Phantom of the Opera, from £30
Stranger Things The First Shadow, from £33
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, from £36
Macbeth with David Tennant, from £118

Best scary theatre shows to catch this Halloween

West End Musical Halloween

Spookiest theatre shows to catch at the West End this Halloween

28th Oct 2024 – Lyric Theatre

Forget Monster Mash, this is a Musical Mash!

On a single October evening, you have the exclusive chance to witness some of the West End’s most prominent performers put on an exciting Halloween-themed concert filled with fun frights. Prepare to be thrilled by the eeriest tunes from the spookiest musicals, including Sweeney Todd, Little Shop Of Horrors, Beetlejuice, and many others.

Stranger Things The First Shadow

Spookiest theatre shows to catch at the West End this Halloween

Now – 6th Apr 2025 – Phoenix Theatre

Stranger Things The First Shadow is the perfect treat for fans of the Netflix series.

The play serves as a precursor to the series, focusing on Joyce Buyers, Hopper, Bob Newby, and the enigmatic Henry Creel before they became the familiar characters we either admire or detest currently. Our review awarded it four stars, acknowledging its spot-on acting and spine-tingling set design. In essence, it’s perfect for Halloween entertainment.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Now – 29th Jun 2025 – Palace Theatre

You should know by now that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a simply spellbinding experience. Running since 2016 at the Palace Theatre, this show follows the wayward son of Harry Potter as he struggles to cope with his father’s legacy at Hogwarts.

The play is divided into more than two sections, running for over five hours in length. However, with intense acting and astonishing visual effects that leave you spellbound, it’s definitely a captivating experience worth your time.

Love the boy who lived, here’s how to get cheap Harry Potter Studios tickets.

George Orwell’s 1984

1st Oct – 22nd Dec 2024 – Hackney Town Hall

In a chilling twist, this October, London’s Hackney Town Hall will transform into the Ministry of Truth, offering a hauntingly immersive experience that feels eerily reminiscent of George Orwell’s novel “1984,” where constant surveillance is a way of life.

The Mousetrap

Now – 27th Sep 2025 – St Martin’s Theatre

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but feel thrilled about delving into the longest-running West End play ever – Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Despite its longstanding history, the climactic twist remains shrouded in mystery, a sacred secret known only to those who have witnessed it firsthand. If you’re up for the challenge of becoming part of this exclusive club, this might be the ideal opportunity – and what better way to celebrate Halloween than by immersing yourself in an intriguing murder mystery?

The Phantom of the Opera

Now – 29th Mar 2025 – His Majesty’s Theatre

We’d love if you could take some time to watch Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s timeless musical “The Phantom of the Opera.” This production has been gracing His Majesty’s Theatre since 1986, placing it as the second longest-running musical in West End history. It’s renowned for its heart-wrenching plot, powerful vocals, and undeniably, the enigmatic Phantom.

Here’s the full list of longest-running West End shows.

Macbeth with David Tennant

1st Oct – 14th Dec 2024 – Harold Pinter Theatre

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you this: Nothing chills me more than hearing three witches foretell your troubled future; that’s how I feel about the hefty price of remaining Macbeth tickets. But fear not! David Tennant is stepping into the role of Macbeth, and along with Cush Jumbo, they’re ready to captivate the stage. If you don’t mind parting ways with over £100, rush over to LOVE Theatre before it’s too late.

Here’s what David Tennant’s director said about working with him.

The Rocky Horror show tour

Various locations

You can’t have Halloween without The Rocky Horror Show. Luckily, this cult classic is jumping and stepping all over the UK from now until July 2025. Starring Jason Donovan as the Transylvanian icon himself, Frank-N-Furter, you can find this science fiction/double feature this October at the Grand Opera House in York.

To keep you updated on the latest from the West End, check out our review of Hadestown, discover who’s joining the cast of The Tempest, and learn how to catch Bridgerton live in concert!

2024-10-01 17:34