Best Theatre Shows to See in May 2026: Beetlejuice, Bank of Dave, and More

May 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months in British theatre this year. With a blockbuster musical making its long-anticipated West End debut, brand new original shows premiering across the country, and a theatrical knight returning to Stratford-upon-Avon, there is something for every kind of theatre lover. Here is our comprehensive guide to the stage shows you should not miss this month.

Beetlejuice Finally Arrives in the West End

The month's biggest headline belongs to Beetlejuice, which at last makes its West End bow. After becoming a sensation on Broadway and building a massive fan following online, the ghost with the most is ready to haunt London audiences. Based on Tim Burton's beloved 1988 film, the musical brings its irreverent humour, spectacular staging, and a killer Eddie Perfect score to one of the capital's most famous stages. If you have been waiting for this one, May is the month your patience finally pays off.

Bank of Dave: A Feel-Good New Musical Heads North

One of the most anticipated new British musicals of the year, Bank of Dave, receives its world premiere this May. The show is based on the remarkable true story of self-made Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick, who defied the odds to set up his own community bank, Burnley Savings and Loans. His story previously inspired a documentary, a bestselling book, and a hit Netflix film.

The musical boasts an impressive creative pedigree. Dream duo Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary have written both the book and the songs, while the production is directed by the acclaimed Nikolai Foster. Sam Lupton takes on the lead role of Dave Fishwick himself. The show opens at the Lowry in Salford from 2 to 16 May before transferring to Curve in Leicester from 20 to 30 May. With its heartwarming story and homegrown talent behind the scenes, this could be one of 2026's breakout hits.

Victoria Wood Celebrated in a New Musical

A brand new musical featuring the songs of the late, great Victoria Wood is arriving just in time for spring. With a book by Tom MacRae, the writer behind Everybody's Talking About Jamie, the show explores friendship, nostalgia, and second chances. The story follows Peggy (Sally Ann Triplett), who reconnects with her former best friend Lou (Ria Jones) at a local slimming club.

In a fitting tribute, the production will play at a theatre newly renamed in Victoria Wood's honour: the Victoria Wood Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere. It runs from 1 May to 6 June. For fans of Wood's uniquely warm, witty songwriting, this is unmissable.

Little Shop of Horrors Returns with a Fresh Twist

There are plenty of opportunities to head "Somewhere That's Green" in 2026, with multiple productions of Little Shop of Horrors confirmed across the UK. First out of the gate is a collaboration between Derby Theatre and Northern Stage, directed by Sarah Brigham. Kristian Cunningham stars as the loveable Seymour, with Amena El-Kindy as Audrey, in a company of talented actor-musicians. Notably, every performance will integrate creative captions, making this a wonderfully accessible take on the cult classic.

The production plays at Northern Stage from 8 to 23 May before transferring to Derby Theatre from 30 May to 20 June. If you love this offbeat sci-fi musical, this inventive regional staging is well worth the trip.

Mischief Goes Ancient Greek in a Brand New Musical

The team behind The Play That Goes Wrong are venturing into musical territory, and the results promise to be gloriously chaotic. Jonathan Sayer's latest creation is set in 534 BC on Greece's smallest island, where inhabitants are forced to compete in a nationwide prayer competition organised by a ruthless tyrant. The stakes? The losing team faces execution. Things take a brilliantly absurd turn when a man named Thespis accidentally invents acting, sparking the world's very first play and, in essence, the birth of theatre itself.

A wealth of comedic musical favourites are set to star in this touring production, which begins at Mercury Theatre Colchester on 9 May. If Mischief's track record is anything to go by, expect belly laughs, physical comedy, and ingenious staging.

Kenneth Branagh Returns to Stratford as Prospero

In what is sure to be one of the theatrical events of the year, Sir Kenneth Branagh returns to Stratford-upon-Avon for the first time in over 30 years to take on the role of Prospero in The Tempest. This marks Branagh's first time playing Shakespeare's great magician, and the anticipation around this production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is enormous.

With performances running from 13 May to 20 June, this is a rare chance to see one of Britain's finest classical actors in one of the Bard's most enchanting plays, on the very stage where his career began. Tickets are expected to be in very high demand, so early booking is strongly advised.

StarKid Makes Its Full-Length West End Debut

Cult internet sensation StarKid Productions finally brings a full-length show to the West End this May. The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals, which first appeared online in 2018 and has since amassed millions of views, plays at the Apollo Theatre from 14 to 30 May. The show follows Paul Matthews, a man whose ordinary life is turned upside down when a mysterious alien arrival causes his entire town to break into spontaneous, unstoppable song.

For the devoted StarKid fanbase, this West End run has been a long time coming. For newcomers, it offers a brilliantly funny sci-fi musical comedy that skewers the genre it lovingly inhabits. The limited run means tickets could sell fast.

Jinkx Monsoon Stars as Judy Garland

RuPaul's Drag Race legend Jinkx Monsoon takes on one of entertainment's most iconic figures, playing Judy Garland in Peter Quilter's play at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Set in London in 1968, the piece follows Garland as she prepares for a series of concerts at the Talk of the Town while grappling with the personal and professional challenges that defined the final chapter of her extraordinary life. The production features some of Garland's most beloved songs and runs from 15 May to 21 June.

Quilter is having a particularly busy May. His other new work, Allegra, also premieres this month. In it, Maureen Lipman plays a woman whose irrepressible optimism causes her to burst into song in everyday situations, disrupting the quiet village where she lives. That tour opens at Theatre Royal Brighton on 12 May.

Dark of the Moon: A Haunting World Premiere

Loosely inspired by the traditional Scottish ballad "Barbara Allen," Dark of the Moon explores the collision between two polarised worlds. One is a charming rural town; the other, the mystical, smoky mountains inhabited by witches and warlocks. At its heart is a love story between a human girl and a witch-boy, with Glenn Adamson and Lauren Jones leading this atmospheric world premiere production. For those seeking something a little darker and more poetic this May, this is one to watch.

Should You Book?

May 2026 offers a remarkably diverse range of theatre across the UK. Whether your tastes run to big West End spectacle, intimate new writing, classic revivals, or innovative regional productions, there is genuinely something for everyone. Beetlejuice and The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals both have limited availability, so booking sooner rather than later is wise. Kenneth Branagh's Tempest and the new Mischief musical are also likely to be hot tickets.

For anyone looking to plan their theatre calendar, this month is packed with reasons to get out and see something live.

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