West End is to London what Broadway is to New York; a jubilant celebration of the performing arts in all its glory. Exuberant production design, stunning performances by famous screen actors, and catchy music are all staples of a typical West End production. London’s primary theatre district is dubbed “Theatreland” and houses over 40 performance venues, including the iconic Savoy Theatre, Palace Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, and many more! Even on a visual level, many West End theatres are architecturally impressive and feature grand neo-classical, Romanesque, or Victorian façades, and luxurious, detailed interior design and decoration.
If you’re planning a trip to London, watching a West End show should definitely part of your itinerary. The magic of live theatre is something you shouldn’t miss, especially if it’s done right, like at the West End. If you’re having trouble deciding which show to watch, we have picked the best musicals in London for you.
West End Musicals
42nd Street
October 2018
Under £25
Debuting on Broadway in 1980, followed by a West End launch in 1984, 42nd Street is back in London with a splendid revival! Starring Sheena Easton in her West End debut, the show follows famed director Julian Marsh as he puts together a brand new musical production during the height of the Great Depression. Featuring a score by Harry Warren and Al Dubin and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, the musical is based on the novel by Bradford Ropes.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
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42nd Street is a story about hopes and dreams, and about making it big! A musical about the world of Broadway, the original West End run in 1984 won an Olivier Award. Get ready to experience the revival of this smashing hit, and tap your feet to some of its incredible songs, such as "We're in the Money", "Lullaby of Broadway", and "42nd Street".
Aladdin
September 2018
£25 - £50
Join Aladdin and Jasmine as they discover a whole new world in West End’s very own version of the classic Disney tale. Featuring all the songs from the Academy Award-winning film including ‘Friend Like Me’, ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Arabian Nights’, prepare to experience this unmissable magic carpet ride. The lead roles of Aladdin and Jasmine are being played by Matthew Croke and Jade Ewen, while Broadway’s Trevor Dion Nicholas makes his London stage debut as the Genie.
Prince Edward Theatre
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Based on the beloved 1992 Disney film, Aladdin has won the hearts of children and adults alike. Watch Agrabah come alive in front of you in a flurry of colours, dance, and music. A critically acclaimed show, Aladdin is a classic that you just cannot miss when in London!
Book of Mormon
May 2018
Under £25
After a successful Broadway debut, the creators of South Park bring their deliciously dark and humorous take on Mormon culture to West End. Playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre, The Book of Mormon is directed by Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw and features star-making performances by its winning cast including Dom Simpson, J. Michael Finley, Leanne Robinson, Steven Webb and more.
Prince of Wales Theatre
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The Book of Mormon is story of two Mormons who make their way to Uganda to share their spiritual beliefs. However, the natives have bigger, more pressing problems, and are just not interested. This satirical comedy unlike anything you've ever seen, and is a favourite of both audiences and critics alike!
Dreamgirls
September 2018
Under £25
One of Broadway’s most iconic musicals, Dreamgirls made its long awaited West End debut in 2016 to rave reviews. The show follows The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s as they wade the treacherous water of the music industry while holding on to their own selves. Featuring show stopping songs like "And I’m Telling You", "Listen", and "I am Changing", this is one show you cannot miss!
Theatre Royal Haymarket
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A stunning musical that has won multiple awards, including six Tonys and two Olivier awards, Dreamgirls is a heart-warming musical. Taking you back in time to the '60s, when the American music scene was changing, this dazzling musical follow three friends, who make it big, before facing the hurdles of showbusiness - will their friendship survive?
Kinky Boots
June 2018
Under £25
Kinky Boots tells the story of a shoe factory owner and a drag queen, and their unlikely friendship. The show debuted on Broadway in 2013 to rave reviews and debuted in the West End stage in 2015. The show returns to the stage for its third marvellous year at the Adelphi Theatre, and features Emmerdale star Verity Rushworth as Lauren along with Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Lola and David Hunter as Charlie Price.
Adelphi Theatre
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This Olivier award winning musical is based on the 2005 movie of the same name. With music by the iconic Cyndi Lauper, this show is going to get your feet tapping as you follow the story of the unlikely duo of a shoe factory owner and a drag queen on a quest to save his business!
Les Misérables
October 2018
£25 - £50
Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Shönberg’s multi Tony and Olivier Award winning production is something you just cannot miss if you’re visiting London. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables is the story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption of the human spirit.
Queen's Theatre
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If you love a classic musical filled with rousing show numbers, this production is for you. Starring Killian Donnelly, David Thaxton, Steven Meo, Paul Wilkins, and more, this West End production is one you just cannot miss!
The Lion King
September 2018
£25 - £50
Featuring stunning set design, epic musical numbers and an experience you’ll find hard to recreate, the show is one of the most popular musicals in West End. The Lion King is perfect for a family outing and recreates all the iconic moments from the animated movie. With music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and a musical score created by Hans Zimmer, The Lion King is an absolute delight!
Lyceum Theatre
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Another Disney classic graces our list of the best musicals in London; The Lion King. The winner of two Olivier awards, and six Tonys, this cult classic follows Simba, a young lion prince from the Pride Lands. After the death of his father, Simba runs away from home blaming himself, and meets two social outcasts Timon and Pumba. The rest of the story is about Simba returning home to fulfil his destiny as the King of Pride Lands.
Matilda
February 2019
Under £25
Based on Roald Dahl’s much loved tale of a young, spirited girl with monstrous parents, Matilda is a delightful story of growing up and discovering our potential. Matilda features an inspiring original score by comedian and performer, Tim Minchin. Rob Howell’s fabulous set design spills into the audience and manages to captures their imagination throughout the entire performance.
Cambridge Theatre
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Based on Roald Dahl's novel, Matilda was an instant hit when it made its debut in West End. The musical won 7 Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical (2012). Follow Matilda, a girl with a sharp mind, who dreams of a better life, far away from her horrid parents and tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. The role of Matilda is shared by talented child actors Savannah Read, Emma Moore, and Lily-Mae Evans.
The Phantom Of The Opera
October 2018
£25 - £50
If an offbeat romance with a generous helping of mystery and a dash of fantasy excites you, The Phantom of the Opera is where you should be at. Join along as the elusive Phantom and Christine, a young soprano, engage in a torrid, unconventional romance, backed with some iconic songs like the Music of the Night and Angel of Music.The show stars Ben Lewis as the Phantom and Kelly Mathieson as Christine.
Her Majesty's Theatre
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One of the longest running shows at West End, the Phantom of the Opera has been around for over three decades. A classic musical, it opened in 1986, and has been a favourite of both audiences and critics since. Some of its top songs include "Think Of Me", "All I Ask of You", and "The Point of No Return".
School of Rock
January 2019
£25 - £50
Everybody loves an underdog story and when it’s backed with a killer rock soundtrack, you know you have got yourself something special. School of Rock follows Dewey Finn a wannabe rock star and guitarist who is down on his luck and decided to make a bit of quick money by posing as a supply teacher.
New London Theatre
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Based on the 2003 film of the same name, The School of Rock won the 2017 Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. The cast features Stephen Leask as Dewey Finn with Florence Andrews as Rosalie Mullins. The child cast is packed with talent as these young actors not only sing and dance but also play their own musical instruments.
Wicked
May 2019
£25 - £50
A magical tale of sisterhood and friendship set in the dangerous land of Oz, Wicked is the perfect show for that quintessential theatre experience. With soul stirring songs like Defying Gravity and For Good, the musical offers a delightful experience. Presently, Alice Fearn stars as Elphaba and Sophie Evans takes on the role of Glinda.
Apollo Victoria Theatre
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This award-winning musical, which is already the 15th longest running show in West End theatre history, shows no signs of stopping! We've all heard the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. This play looks back at her origins, and how she went from being known as Elphaba to the Wicked Witch of the West.
Young Frankenstein
September 2018
£20 onwards
Legendary filmmaker and comedian Mel Brooks brings his classic monster musical comedy Young Frankenstein to life on stage in an all-singing, all-dancing musical collaboration with Tony-award winning Broadway director and choreographer Susan Stroman.
Garrick Theatre
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The musical follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein as he inherits a castle in Transylvania, leading him to fulfill his grandfather's legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. Hadley Fraser, Lesley Joseph, and Cory English star in this musical comedy.
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