Stars On Stage: This Year's Big Stars in the West End
Published on 8 July 2026
Last updated on 23 September 2026
Summary
- Major film, TV, and music stars lead a standout season across the West End
- Highlights include Keira Knightley, Billy Crudup and Sam Ryder
- Limited runs and high demand make early booking essential for 2026 shows
The West End is sparkling this year with a line-up of world-class talent from stage, film, television and music. From gripping dramas to dazzling musicals and exciting new productions, London theatre-goers are in for an unforgettable year. Here's our guide to the biggest stars lighting up London's stages.
Teri Hatcher – The Devil Wears Prada
Teri Hatcher will star as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. The Golden Globe winner brings the iconic fashion editor to life at London’s Dominion Theatre, taking on the role from 20 October 2026.
Best known for her roles in Desperate Housewives, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Tomorrow Never Dies, Hatcher has also made her mark on the stage. Her musical theatre credits include playing Sally Bowles in Sam Mendes’ acclaimed revival of Cabaret and Morticia Addams in The Addams Family.
Sam Ryder – Jesus Christ Superstar
Eurovision favourite Sam Ryder is returning to the West End as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, following his stage debut at the London Palladium over the summer. Now, he’s bringing his take on the iconic role to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this autumn, as Tim Sheader’s acclaimed revival continues its London run.
Ryder shot to international fame after representing the UK at Eurovision in 2022, where he finished second with “Space Man”. Jesus Christ Superstar marks his first major musical theatre role, giving audiences the chance to see the singer-songwriter take on one of musical theatre’s most recognisable characters. Read our review to find out why this production is one of the theatrical highlights of the year.
A Star-Studded Line-up of King Herods – Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar is also welcoming an extraordinary line-up of guest stars in the role of King Herod during itsTheatre Royal Drury Lane run between 16 October 2026 and 9 January 2027. The celebrity casting continues with Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Bob the Drag Queen, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, Omid Djalili and Layton Williams, with one final guest star still to be announced.
Find the full King Herod performance dates our handy guide.
Gaten Matarazzo – RENT
Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo makes his West End debut this autumn in RENT. Best known as Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix series, Matarazzo brings his acclaimed Broadway experience to Jonathan Larson's iconic rock musical.
Billy Crudup and Gillian Anderson – Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Award-winning actors Billy Crudup and Gillian Anderson join forces in a major new production of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? One of the greatest modern plays ever written, this star-led revival is set to be one of the hottest theatre tickets of the year.
Harry Judd – High School Musical
McFly drummer Harry Judd joins the cast of High School Musical this autumn, bringing another familiar face to the feel-good stage adaptation inspired by the beloved Disney film.
Kristin Scott Thomas & Stephen Mangan – The Cherry Orchard
Oscar nominee and Olivier Award-winner Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient, Four Weddings and a Funeral) leads The Cherry Orchard as Lyubov Ranevskaya, returning to the West End following an acclaimed career across stage and screen. Her recent TV credits include Slow Horses, while her theatre credits include The Seagull, for which she won an Olivier Award, as well as Betrayal and Electra. She is joined by Stephen Mangan as Lopakhin, following his recent appearance in The Truth at the Apollo Theatre. Mangan is known for TV roles in Green Wing and The Split, alongside stage credits including The Play What I Wrote, The Homecoming and The Birthday Party.
Keira Knightley, Luke Thompson and Stephen Dillane– The Lives of Others
Bridgerton star Luke Thompson appears opposite Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley in The Lives of Others. Their pairing makes this adaptation one of the most anticipated straight plays of the season.
Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski – Hay Fever
Screen legends Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski lead Noël Coward's classic comedy Hay Fever. When every member of the gloriously eccentric Bliss family secretly invites a different guest to spend the same weekend at their country house, misunderstandings, oversized egos and increasingly awkward encounters turn a simple house party into complete chaos.
Rory Kinnear – The Standard of Living
Acclaimed stage and screen actor Rory Kinnear returns to the West End in The Standard of Living, a major new play by James Graham, the acclaimed writer behind Dear England and Punch. Opening in the West End from 21 September 2026, it's set to be one of the most anticipated new dramas of the autumn.
The West End has rarely been this star-studded. Whether you're hoping to see Hollywood actors, TV favourites, chart-topping musicians or award-winning stage performers, many of these productions are limited runs, so booking early is highly recommended.
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.