Pleasance London is marking its 30th anniversary with a vibrant Spring/Summer theatre season, showcasing a dynamic mix of new voices, returning favourites, and Fringe hits.
The season kicks off in February with DREAM BIG, a new partnership with Camden People’s Theatre, spotlighting imaginative work from creatives transitioning from studio to midscale.
On 4th February, MAKE SPACE offers an artist development evening designed to foster collaboration among theatre-makers of all disciplines.
From 11th to 13th February, The Charlie Hartill and UNTAPPED Winning Week presents Kanpur: 1857, Niall Moorjani’s Fringe First Award-winning satire on the Indian uprising, and Pigs Fly Easy Ryan, a fantastical flight into the apocalypse.
Emerging artists can pitch new work at the Charlie Hartill Try Outs (23rd–24th February), a key opportunity to develop shows for the Edinburgh Fringe.
February also celebrates LGBTQIA+ History Month with a series of queer-led performances. On Valentine’s Day, CODACHROME: a live DJ set about the time I fell in love with a [trigger warning] blends gig-theatre with rave culture.
From 17th–19th February, Search For The Next Dragon Boi returns with drag and cabaret talent in a high-energy showdown. Then on 20th February, Magic Dyke, led by Jamie Fuxx and a Drag King lineup, delivers a steamy parody of Magic Mike.
April brings more queer joy with Brother Act: A Sister Act Cabaret (2nd April), a drag homage to the iconic film, followed by Big Fat Cabaret (18th April), hosted by Mitzi Fitz, celebrating body positivity and fierce self-expression.
Pleasance’s Associate Artists take over the Main House with six major Fringe hits. Smalltown Boy and Clean Slate (11th–14th March) explore queer identity and domestic incompetence through immersive storytelling.
From 22nd April to 9th May, Maybe You Like It presents Down To Chance, a thrilling radio drama set during an earthquake, and Sorry I Broke Your Arms and Legs, a chaotic school election comedy.
Fishing 4 Chips closes the takeover (27th–30th May) with Burning Down the Horse, a Trojan Horse-set comedy, and It’s Gonna Blow!, an immersive show set in Pompeii on the day of the eruption. Also returning is House Party, a heartfelt one-woman show about housing crisis survival.
From 27th February to 1st March, The London 50-hour Improvathon by Showstopper Productions returns with its epic improvised soap opera marathon.
Audiences can discover new talent at A Pleasance Scratch (8th–9th April), showcasing works-in-progress, and A Pleasance Staff Scratch (25th March), where Pleasance staff debut their own material.
Ellie Simpson, Head of Theatre at Pleasance London, said:
“Three decades on, Pleasance is still buzzing with the same energy that started it all – a home for imagination, collaboration and joyful nights at the theatre. This season sets the tone for a celebratory year of creativity and unmistakable Pleasance spirit, with more to come later in 2026. Here’s to the next act.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
