Top Father’s Day Shows to See This Year

If there’s one thing dads are great at, it’s claiming they don’t want a fuss. But come Father’s Day, we all know they deserve something more than novelty socks, hot sauce or a case of supermarket beer. This year, ditch the predictable gifts and treat the father figure in your life to something unforgettable: a trip to the theatre.

The West End is bursting with shows that are practically designed with dads in mind - from big laughs to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, cinematic blockbusters and timeless musicals. Whether your dad’s a comedy lover, action fan, theatre traditionalist or someone who just wants a brilliant night out, there’s something ready to deliver.

Here’s your updated guide to the best Father’s Day theatre picks.

Comedy, chaos & outrageous fun

If your dad loves a laugh, a bit of chaos, and comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is the place to start.

Beetlejuice

A riotous, darkly comic musical packed with anarchic humour, big characters and deliberately unhinged energy. Based on the cult classic, it follows the chaotic afterlife antics of Beetlejuice himself as he stirs up trouble between the living and the dead. It’s loud, fast, self-aware and completely over-the-top in the best possible way, mixing gothic comedy with sharp one-liners and big musical theatre spectacle. A great fit for dads who like their comedy weird and wild!

The Book of Mormon

A bold, no-holds-barred comedy musical that follows two mismatched missionaries on a chaotic journey full of outrageous comedy, big numbers and sharp satire. It’s a brilliant Father’s Day pick for dads who like their theatre irreverent, fast-paced and guaranteed to make them laugh out loud from start to finish.

The Comedy About Spies

Returning for the summer! From the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong, this fast-paced espionage spoof sees international agents descend on a London hotel after a classified file goes missing. What follows is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, double-crossing operatives and escalating chaos that never quite gets back under control. It’s tightly choreographed comedy at full speed, packed with physical humour and relentless gags that land one after another. Ideal for dads who love farce, puns, slapstick precision and dad jokes that come thick and fast.

The Play That Goes Wrong

The OG from the Mischief Theatre gang! A theatre company attempts a classic murder mystery, but absolutely everything that can go wrong does. From collapsing sets and missed cues to actors battling through sheer disaster, it’s a masterclass in controlled chaos. What makes it so effective is the precision behind the mess - every accident is carefully timed, every collapse deliberate. It’s one of the West End’s biggest comedy hits and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dads who enjoy slapstick, theatrical disaster and laughing at things falling apart spectacularly.

Oh, Mary!

A bold, irreverent comedy with a sharp tongue and a fearless sense of fun. Oh, Mary! leans into outrageous character work, unexpected twists and a tone that constantly keeps the audience guessing. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t sit still for long, shifting between satire, silliness and smartly crafted absurdity. A great pick for dads who enjoy comedy that feels fresh and completely unafraid to break convention.

Action, adventure & stage blockbusters

For dads who love cinematic worlds, big storytelling and high-stakes drama brought vividly to life on stage.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Magic, time travel and generational conflict collide in a visually spectacular stage production set in the wizarding world. With some of the most inventive stage illusions in the West End, it transforms familiar characters into something fresh while expanding the story in emotional and unexpected ways. It’s a must for fans of the books and films, but also a standout theatrical experience in its own right thanks to its ambition and scale.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

A gripping prequel to the hit series, this production takes audiences back to Hawkins and explores the origins of its darker forces. It blends cinematic staging with live theatre in a way that feels immersive and high-impact, combining supernatural mystery, 80s nostalgia and emotional storytelling. It’s ideal for dads who enjoy sci-fi, suspense and big, atmospheric storytelling.

The Hunger Games: On Stage

The dystopian world of Panem is brought to life in a bold stage adaptation that leans into spectacle, rebellion and emotional stakes. With its focus on survival, control and resistance, it translates the intensity of the original story into a theatrical experience built for scale and tension. A strong pick for fans of modern dystopian storytelling and high-drama spectacle.

Spectacle for all the family

Big-hearted, visually stunning shows perfect for bringing multiple generations together.

Paddington the Musical

A warm, joyful adaptation of the beloved bear’s London adventures, full of charm and theatrical magic. It captures the spirit of Paddington beautifully, blending gentle comedy with heartfelt storytelling and inventive stagecraft that brings the character to life in surprising ways.

My Neighbour Totoro

A breathtaking stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli classic, combining puppetry, music and visual storytelling to create something truly unique. It’s gentle, emotional and visually stunning, offering a theatrical experience that feels both intimate and magical. A perfect shared experience for families across generations.

Matilda The Musical

Roald Dahl’s beloved story gets a high-energy stage adaptation full of wit, mischief and unforgettable songs. It’s clever, darkly funny and bursting with theatrical invention, following a young girl who refuses to be underestimated. It’s a brilliant family pick that appeals just as much to adults as it does to younger audiences.