Oxford Events
Stage Watch: The Hunger Games, The Price, Kinky Boots, Death Note & Operation Mincemeat
Welcome to your round-up of unmissable West End and touring theatre.
From epic dystopian battles to heart‑stopping musicals and unforgettable West End sensations, this edition of Stage Watch rounds up the hottest shows coming to London and Oxford stages.
The Hunger Games: On Stage
Troubadour, Canary Wharf Theatre, London. On sale from 09 March 2026.
The first-ever stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ internationally acclaimed novel and Lionsgate blockbuster film is here. Brought to life by an award-winning creative team including playwright Conor McPherson and director Matthew Dunster, The Hunger Games: On Stage immerses audiences in the high-stakes world of Panem.
Step into a dystopian future where 24 young tributes are pitted against one another in a deadly arena, and every choice is a matter of life or death. Katniss Everdeen emerges as a fearless heroine whose courage and ingenuity ignite rebellion against a ruthless Capitol. Expect jaw-dropping set designs, intense fight sequences, and cutting-edge lighting and sound that pull you straight into the arena. This production promises a gripping theatrical experience, combining the tension of the original story with the immediacy and intimacy of live theatre.
Best for: Fans of epic adventure, action-packed storytelling, and the Hunger Games saga.
Tips: Arrive early to soak in the immersive atmosphere of the theatre; the staging is intricate and best appreciated from the first row of your section.
The Price
Marylebone Theatre, London. 17 April to 17 June.
Arthur Miller’s searing family drama returns in an exclusive production starring two-time Olivier Award-winner Henry Goodman alongside Faye Castelow, Elliot Cowan, and John Hopkins. The Price explores the complex, often painful dynamics of family relationships, as estranged brothers reunite to sell their late father’s possessions in a cluttered New York attic.
What begins as a simple transaction transforms into a fierce emotional reckoning. Decades of resentment, sacrifice, and hidden truths surface, creating tension, heartbreak, and moments of dark humour. Under the direction of a meticulous creative team, this production showcases Miller’s astute observations on human behaviour, morality, and the weight of personal decisions. Expect a psychologically rich evening that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Best for: Lovers of classic drama, character-driven stories, and powerful performances.
Tips: Ideal for those who enjoy reflective theatre and nuanced storytelling; seating close to the stage enhances the intimacy of this emotionally charged production.
Kinky Boots
The Coliseum, London. From 17 March 2026. Save up to 40%
Fall head over heels with Kinky Boots, the multi-award-winning musical based on a true story, now returning in a brand-new West End production. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and multi-platinum-selling Matt Cardle, this joyous, uplifting show bursts with vibrant energy, dazzling costumes, and heartfelt storytelling.
Follow Charlie and Lola as they save a struggling shoe factory with a bold vision and an unexpected partnership with drag queen sensation Lola. Featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious book by Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots is a rollercoaster of laughter, emotion, and unforgettable songs. From high-energy ensemble numbers to intimate moments of reflection, the production celebrates courage, authenticity, and the power of friendship.
Best for: Fans of feel-good musicals, high-energy dance, and inspiring true stories.
Tips: Book early for premium seats to fully appreciate the choreography and costume details; stay for the finale – it’s a showstopper.
Death Note: The Musical
Barbican Theatre, London. From 30 July 2026.
Based on the legendary manga phenomenon by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note: The Musical arrives in London after critically acclaimed productions in Japan and Korea. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, the story of Light Yagami—a student who gains the power to decide who lives and dies—is a globally recognised cultural phenomenon.
Reimagined for the London stage in collaboration with original Japanese producers HoriPro, this production features an electrifying score by Tony, Grammy, and Emmy nominee Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy, and a book by Ivan Menchell. Audiences can expect a thrilling blend of suspense, moral dilemmas, and dazzling stagecraft, with dynamic choreography and intense performances that bring the psychological tension of the original story vividly to life. It’s a bold, immersive theatrical experience that challenges your perception of justice, power, and consequence.
Best for: Fans of dark thrillers, anime enthusiasts, and lovers of innovative, visually striking musicals.
Tips: Keep track of every detail—this show is packed with plot twists and subtle visual cues that reward careful attention.
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
New Theatre Oxford. 31 March to 04 April 2026.
Olivier Award-winning Operation Mincemeat is a fast-paced, hilarious retelling of one of the most audacious true stories of World War II. Following a record-breaking West End run with 77 five-star reviews, this Tony-nominated musical is now delighting audiences in Oxford.
In 1943, the Allied forces gamble on a stolen corpse, a fake love letter, and an unlikely cast of characters to deceive Hitler and change the course of the war. Equal parts Singin’ in the Rain and Strangers on a Train, the production is packed with chaotic humour, clever staging, and show-stopping musical numbers that make history both thrilling and absurdly funny. Expect a story told with wit, heart, and theatrical ingenuity, where every moment brims with energy and suspense.
Best for: History buffs, fans of dark comedy, and lovers of inventive musical theatre.
Tips: The rapid pace of the show rewards attention to detail – catch every witty aside and musical gag for maximum enjoyment.