Welcome to your round-up of unmissable West End and touring theatre.
This week in Stage Watch, we spotlight the best of what’s lighting up stages in London and Oxfordshire. From the joyful spectacle of Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre to the powerful new tour of Miss Saigon arriving at New Theatre Oxford for Christmas 2025, there’s something for every theatre lover.
LOVEtheatre’s Winter Sale brings unbeatable last-minute ticket deals across top West End shows, while The London Palladium celebrates ten years of its blockbuster pantomime tradition with a star-studded production of Sleeping Beauty.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a festive treat, or a spontaneous night at the theatre, this week’s picks deliver magic in every form.
Miss Saigon
New Theatre Oxford — 16 December 2025 to 3 January 2026
Miss Saigon returns in a powerful new production as part of a major UK tour, arriving at New Theatre Oxford for Christmas 2025. Presented by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh, this reimagining of Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic musical features unforgettable songs including The Heat Is On in Saigon, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World, and The American Dream.
Set in the final days of the Vietnam War, the story follows 17-year-old Kim, who meets and falls in love with American GI Chris before they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. What follows is an epic journey of love, loss, and hope, as Kim fights to reunite with Chris—unaware he has fathered a son.
Best for: fans of epic musicals, romance, and powerful storytelling
Tip: Tickets are selling fast, so book early to avoid disappointment
Paddington The Musical
Savoy Theatre, London – Now booking to 14 February 2027
Hold on to your hats! Paddington The Musical continues to delight audiences in London’s West End, and tickets are selling fast. Playing at the Savoy Theatre, this joyful production is full of show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and a delightful dose of mishaps, mayhem—and of course, marmalade sandwiches.
Inspired by the award-winning 2014 film and based on Michael Bond’s beloved characters, the musical is directed by Luke Sheppard, with original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Olivier Award-winner Jessica Swale. Experience the magic – Paddington The Musical is playing exclusively at the Savoy Theatre.
Best for: families, children, and fans of the beloved bear
Tip: Sunday matinee performances can be cheaper and offer a quieter London transport experience
High Society
Barbican Summer Season — from May 2026
UK Tour (Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh) — from August 2026
Clear your diary — you’re invited to the most swell party of the year. Cole Porter’s High Society returns in a sparkling new production for the Barbican’s Summer Season before heading out on a UK tour. Fresh from the success of Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate, this glamorous revival promises Golden Age musical escapism at its finest.
Expect wit, romance, and irresistible charm, with iconic numbers including Just One of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, I Love Paris, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, True Love, Well, Did You Evah?, and more. Barbican performances are on sale now, with tickets for the UK tour available from Friday.
Best for: fans of Golden Age musicals, classic Hollywood glamour, and Cole Porter devotees
Tip: Barbican dates tend to sell quickly — book early for the best availability and seat selection
Sleeping Beauty
The London Palladium — 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
Sleeping Beauty promises to make all your dreams come true at The London Palladium this Christmas, marking ten years since panto spectacularly returned to London’s home of variety. This star-studded production features Catherine Tate, Palladium pantomime legend Julian Clary, and impressionist Jon Culshaw, alongside returning favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge, with West End stars Emily Lane and Amonik Melaco joining the cast.
Seen by over one million people, the West End’s biggest Christmas show celebrates its 10th anniversary in magnificent style. With its signature mix of lavish spectacle, outrageous humour, and festive warmth, the London Palladium panto remains an essential part of the capital’s Christmas season.
Best for: families, panto lovers, and anyone craving big festive spectacle
Tip: Weekend performances sell out quickly—midweek shows offer better availability and often better prices
LOVEtheatre Winter Sale
15 December – 31 January 2026
Get set for a season of standout theatre at unbeatable prices—LOVEtheatre’s Winter Sale is here! Running from 15 December to 31 January 2026, the sale offers exceptional deals on last-minute tickets for an array of shows, from profound plays to merry musicals.
This year’s participating productions include The Snowman, Starlight Express, SIX, The Red Shoes, and Bluey’s Big Play – perfect for festive outings, New Year treats, or spontaneous theatre trips.
Best for: theatre gifts and last-minute bargain hunters
Tip: Don’t miss your chance to grab the best last-minute theatre deals
The post Stage Watch: Miss Saigon, Paddington The Musical, High Society, Sleeping Beauty & Winter Sale appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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