FAMILY SHOWS 

The Rapping Princess | Polka Theatre | 16 May-21 Jun (pictured)
It’s been a while since we did a full section of shows suitable for smaller people, so I think it’s a good time to do that now. First up is an adaptation of Hannah Lee’s picture book ‘The Rapping Princess’, about Shiloh, a princess who loves music but can’t sing, but who takes a journey through all the music genres to find her own unique voice. Find out more about the show here. 

Toto The Ninja Cat | Little Angel Theatre | 17 May-19 Jul
“Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver”. Another adaptation of a bestselling children’s book. Book your tickets here. 

Suitcase Circus | OSO Arts Centre | 17-18 May
I reckon this is definitely the sort of show that adults are going to enjoy because it’s aimed at a wide family demographic and is suitable for “all ages”, which, experience tells me, means it’s probably best if they’re past the toddler stage. Expect unlikely acts such as the dancing milkshake straw, a rope-walking driving-glove and silverware diva Madame Teapot. Click here. 

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FESTIVAL STUFF 

Truthers | Canada Water Theatre | 15-16 May (pictured)
Yay, it feels like ages since we had a festival section, so it’s great to have one again. We’re headlining with the wonderful Peckham Fringe: our latest pick from the very solid line-up is a psychological thriller set in London about the death of a man involved in online conspiracy groups, which explores how extremist narratives manipulate vulnerable people. More here. 

Never Fully Here | Union Theatre | 19 May  
“As jobs multiply, visas expire, rents rise and accents are scrutinised, everyday survival becomes a series of absurd rituals: making the perfect cup of tea, turning immigration paperwork into games you can never quite win”. This blend of physical theatre, clowning, poetic text and choreography by Moana Doll is on as part of the Union One Act Festival. Book here. 

Kaddish (How To Be A Sanctuary ) | Old Red Lion Theatre | 19-23 May 
This one’s here because it premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025 and won lots of fans and critical acclaim. It’s a solo play by Sam Sherman that’s based on personal stories – the playwright’s own experiences of solidarity work in Palestine and the WW2 experiences of his late grandfather. The two converse, aided by a mystical creature from Yiddish folklore. Click here. 

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FUNNY STUFF 

Sharon Wanjohi: In The House | Soho Theatre Dean Street | 13-16 May (pictured)
Right, I’m in the mood for something funny now, and where better to start than at Soho Theatre and the company of Sharon Wanjohi, who is primed to address what you are to do when you’re feeling tired, dejected and like you want to give up. Seriously, don’t worry, because this critically acclaimed up and comer is going to try and fix the world. Head this way and secure tickets. 

The Ritual | The Bill Murray | 15 May
And where better to continue (or start, in fact, feel free to mix it up) than The Bill Murray and some excellently vampiric comedy from Greg Lass and Steffen Haanes. “Welcome… to ‘The Ritual’. A gothic comedy. Where nothing ever goes to plan. The Master and his loyal servant Gregor must collect fresh blood before midnight… or the Master turns to dust”. Info here. 

Black Comedy | Orange Tree Theatre | 16 May-11 Jul 
A veritable classic of the comedy theatre genre, this, as you’re probably aware, so it’s always good to see a revival of Peter Shaffer’s 1965 farce. If you’ve not seen it before, it cleverly transposes light and dark (the set is lit when the cast are in fact in darkness and vice versa) and this production is blessed with the presence of Peepolykus legend Javier Marzan. Book here. 

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DARK STUFF 

Garden Party | Canal Cafe Theatre | 13-17 May 
Varying degrees of darkness here, to be honest, but they’re all pretty intriguing. This first one I’m calling dark because it’s a “true crime cabaret”, even if it does celebrate beauty, scandal and artistic rebellion. Expect an exploration of “fame, hypocrisy and desire in a world teetering between elegance and cruelty”. Head to the venue website here to find out more. 

Debt Meat | Drayton Arms Theatre | 17-18 May (pictured)
“In a nation where human flesh is the only accepted currency, the economy is sacred and mercy is obsolete. When her sister is absorbed into the state’s system, one woman refuses to accept the arithmetic of sacrifice”. Well, I think we can agree that sounds pretty dark, right? And to make things even better, it’s darkly comedic, a “razor sharp” satire. More details here.  

Retrospective | Barons Court Theatre | 14-23 May 
This has an odd and interesting premise: a renowned artist wakes up trapped in a mysterious art gallery with no art in it, which is weird to begin with, but then his dead ex-wife turns up, determined to convince him that he, too, is deceased. Is he in purgatory? In any case he’s forced to confront the past and see his life clearly. Read more about it here. 

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INTERNATIONAL STUFF 

The Name | White Bear Theatre | 19 May-6 Jun (pictured)
Three for you now of somewhat international provenance. The first is a UK premiere of a 1995 piece by prolific Nobel Prize winning Norwegian writer Jon Fosse. “What should be a simple family gathering becomes something quietly unsettling. Questions circle. Silence lingers. The unborn child waits at the centre of the room”. Find out lots more about it here. 

The Inheritors | The Hope Theatre | 19-23 May    
Next up, another European offering, from Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company, who are bringing their inaugural production to London following a successful run in their home country. Like the previous show, this three hander focuses on family, and sees three siblings reunited to divide up their father’s estate and deal with long buried tension. All the details are here. 

Work While They Sleep | Camden People’s Theatre | 13-16 May 
Thought we’d try something a bit further afield next. Well, not literally, but this is a new Brazilian sci-fi play about the working lives of women living in late capitalism. Exhausted by the demands of her job and housework, the central character wants to make use of the nighttime hours, so creates a dream version of herself, but I don’t think that will end well. Find out more here. 

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MORE GREAT STUFF

The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much | Pleasance Theatre | 13 May
And finally, a few more very excellent shows for you, all just meeting the requirement for inclusion in this category by being, well, excellent. First up, a funny past-edfringe critical success from a Lecoq-trained theatre company. Roger, a Frenchman in 1960s New York, has his ordered world thrown into chaos, and a chase round the globe ensues. Click here. 

Lizzy Sunshine | Drayton Arms Theatre | 19-23 May
Another funny, clowny show, this one, that sees its protagonist stuck on her own when her performance partner doesn’t show, but never daunted, she makes the audience her co-star. Expect “gags gone wrong, big characters, and a performer who believes positivity can solve anything – whether it should or not”. Head to the venue website here to find out more. 

Nine Sixteenths | Brixton House | 19-30 May (pictured)
Lastly, another corker, created by the excellent Paula Varjack and devised with Pauline Mayers, Julienne Doko, Chia Phoenix and Endy McKay. The show focuses on Janet Jackson’s notorious ‘wardrobe malfunction’ at the 2004 Superbowl, which derailed her career while co-performer Justin Timberlake just carried on thriving. Expect important points about why. Details here.