London’s Seven Dials Playhouse has announced its fascinating new spring season, extraordinary stories, which will run from February 3 to March 29, 2026.
To shine a spotlight on the big, complicated and often surprising stories that shape our lives, Extraordinary stories illuminates the strange experiences that hide in everyday life. Theater lovers can expect stories from confessions from drug trials to queer history, the shifting reality of dementia to the fervor of fandom and more.
Seven Dials Playhouse’s main space, The House, will host three striking new productions, each offering a starkly different window into contemporary life, with a fourth show still to be announced.
The house lists
Brain conclusions: February 3-13
Set to five Sundays, Brainsluts – a slang term used for participants in clinical drug trials – is a comedy from Dan Bishop that follows five strangers in the middle of a trial. As the trial unfolds, these guinea pigs discover the lengths each of them will go to just to fill the silence. Sharing ensues, secrets emerge and the stress of their precarious lives is laid bare.
The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me: 17 February – 1 March
Funny, furious and heartbreakingly tender, The night Larry Kramer kissed me charts one man’s personal journey through self-discovery, desire, loss and activism. With a kaleidoscope of characters and vivid vignettes, the play captures the passion and urgency of the 1980s AIDS crisis, inspired by the indomitable spirit of playwright and activist Larry Kramer. Originally written in 1994 by David Drake, this groundbreaking solo piece comes roaring back to the stage, directed by Adam Zane and starring Gabriel Clark.
Murmuring of the starlings: March 3-14
A love story against the backdrop of dementia, The murmur of the starlings places the audience in the fragmented world of a man living with a mind in decline. Reality blurs with sci-fi, memory with myth, tracing a winding journey that begins just 150 meters from home. As the man, woman, boy and girl navigate shifting timelines, lurking dangers and moments of unexpected comfort, the play explores how far someone will go to protect the person they love, even as their own understanding of reality unravels.
Alongside the Main House programme, The Pen offers a trio of shorter series showcasing bold new comedic voices, as well as a monthly improv show.
The Pen lists
Olivia McLeod – Work in progress: February 5
For far too long, Olivia has not been recognized as the genius she knows she is. Now she seeks revenge on everyone who has ever stood in her way.
Hudson Hughes: At Your Service: February 6
A comedy-horror centered on a TV celebrity bishop forced to preside over a rural funeral for a woman rumored to be a witch. With a full coffin on stage and Hudson Hughes’ signature mix of electronic props, video tricks and sharply timed scares.
A Stan is Born: 10-12 February
This debut from Alexis Sakellaris is a musical comedy about obsession, pop divas and the queer joy of becoming a “town.” After a drastic move from New York City to the German countryside at the age of eight and caught in a conservative culture clash, discovering women online became Alexis’ salvation. Céline, Whitney, Mariah, Beyoncé, Aretha…this show is a heartfelt tribute to them and to the women in Alexis’ real life.
Peakaboo: 30 January, 27 February, 27 March and 24 April
Peekaboo is a monthly presentation of the best and most exciting improv comedy happening in London, in the heart of the West End. For just £10, this is a chance to see established improvisers alongside newcomers in a lively and playful evening, hosted by improv veteran and Leap Day founder David Elms.
This season continues Seven Dials Playhouse’s commitment to curated, artist-led programming that highlights bold new work and gives it the time, space and support to grow. The venue’s spring program reflects an ongoing mission to champion distinctive voices and compelling contemporary storytelling.
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