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London musicals
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Top shows: Musicals
MUSICALS
(8.7k)
The Lion King
from
£45.60
MUSICALS
(5.4k)
Phantom of the Opera
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£30
MUSICALS
(431)
The Devil Wears Prada
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£30
MUSICALS
(4.4k)
Les Misérables
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£30
MUSICALS
(2.4k)
Hamilton
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£24
MUSICALS
Disney's Hercules
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£35.40
MUSICALS
(3.5k)
ABBA Voyage
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£48
MUSICALS
(3.5k)
Matilda The Musical
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£24
MUSICALS
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical
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£24
MUSICALS
(5.4k)
Mamma Mia!
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£30
MUSICALS
(3.6k)
Wicked
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£30
MUSICALS
(1.7k)
Back to the Future
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£23.46
MUSICALS
(1.3k)
Six
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£41.40
MUSICALS
(3.2k)
The Book Of Mormon
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£30
MUSICALS
(1.3k)
MJ The Musical
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£31.80
MUSICALS
(516)
Hadestown
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£24
MUSICALS
(3k)
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
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£12
MUSICALS
Oliver!
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£24
MUSICALS
Come Alive
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£60
MUSICALS
(130)
Starlight Express
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£34.80
MUSICALS
(548)
Mrs. Doubtfire
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£42
MUSICALS
(216)
Magic Mike Live
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£46.80
MUSICALS
(128)
Mean Girls The Musical
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£30
MUSICALS
The Great Gatsby Musical
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£24
MUSICALS
(366)
Cabaret
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£36
MUSICALS
Clueless The Musical
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£30
MUSICALS
Titanique
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£33.90
MUSICALS
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - The Musical
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£42
MUSICALS
(237)
The Choir of Man
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£18
MUSICALS
Fiddler on the Roof
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£30
MUSICALS
Evita Musical
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£35.40
MUSICALS
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
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£31.20
MUSICALS
The Producers
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£24
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Just For One Day
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£30
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Stiletto
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£24.60
MUSICALS
(1k)
Bat Out Of Hell
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£33.60
What to expect from a London musical
No visit to London is complete without watching a West End musical - many of which have gained legendary status in theater history. Whether it's the music of ABBA Voyage or the glamour of Moulin Rouge, London musicals are staple must-sees for any theatre enthusiast in the West End which play to standing ovations night after night and year after year.
Magnificent sets, beautiful costumes, melodious songs, and brilliant actors performing some of the most amazing scripts are only some of the things that you can look forward to at a London musical. Unlike other theater hubs, West End theaters are often housed in centuries-old architectural masterpieces, where modern technical innovations merge seamlessly with Victorian and Edwardian grandeur.
London musicals vs plays
West End theatre is known for its colossal contribution to the catalog of musicals. But, how is it different from plays? While musicals aim to narrate the story in the form of lyrical verses and music, plays take the route of prose. Plays employ written script and dialogues while musicals use choreography to convey the message. Even though the distinction may seem all too clear, art does not always adhere to the rulebooks.
West End musicals & Off West End musicals
With more than 40 theatres to its name, West End refers to the main district where the majority of the West End theatres like Apollo, Adelphi, and Piccadilly are located. There are, however, numerous other theatres that are located outside the West End district, known as Off West End or fringe theatres. These theatres are generally smaller in size and can seat up to 400 guests.
Best London musicals
When it comes to the best London musicals, the verdict is quite subjective. Everyone has their own preference in terms of lyrical quality, plot, presentation, individual performance, and various other factors. However, there are some London musicals like The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that have awed critics and audiences alike with their near-perfect productions and have gone on to earn legendary status.
Longest-running London musicals
In the world of London musicals, like in every other arena of performance arts, some creations attain a reputation that etches their names in stone. West End has seen quite a few such London musicals. The best part is that some of these London Musicals can still be experienced in West End.
- Les Misérables - running since 1985
- The Phantom of the Opera - running since 1986
- Mamma Mia! - running since 1999
- Disney's The Lion King - running since 1999
What are the different type of musicals in London?
While categorizing a show into a specific category is not always straightforward, there are some broad categories that a London musical can be classified under.
Musicals for kids
Age-appropriate London Musicals are a great way to introduce the little ones to theatre, especially because of the engaging format that relies on song and dance to convey a story. From adaptations of Roald Dahl classics to reimaginings of beloved British children's books, these productions offer a distinctly English flavor that can't be found anywhere else.
London shows for kids
Musical dramas
London musicals telling dramatic stories are no less than their romantic counterparts, often incorporating elements of Shakespeare and Gothic literature. Shows like Les Misérables frequently tackle complex historical themes with a depth and cultural resonance unique to London's stages.
London drama shows
Romantic musicals
Skip out on the usual movie and dinner date and take your loved one to a romantic musical at West End instead. There's nothing quite as enchanting as watching your favourite fairytale or love story play out on stage.
Romantic West End shows in London
Musical comedies
What could be more fun than a comedy show at West End? A musical comedy, of course! These are a great hit since usually they are enjoyed by people regardless of age. After all, what's not to like about musicals with fun and delightful songs which also serve to make you laugh?
Comedy shows in London
Family-friendly musicals
Watching a musical with the entire family is always a delightful experience. While Disney is a raging favorite, there’s a healthy mix of dramas, comedies, and romance stories among London musicals - perfect for enjoying an outing with the clan.
Family-friendly shows in London
Jukebox musicals
A jukebox musical is a stage musical that utilizes previously released famous songs as the musical score. While some jukebox musicals take their musical score from a wide variety of artists, there are other jukebox musicals that stick to just one particular artist or band.
Jukebox musicals in London
Pantomimes
London's pantomimes represent a uniquely British art form that involves no audible dialogues and lots of physical comedy. These seasonal shows, combining music with distinctly British humor and traditions dating back to the Victorian era, offer an authentic London theater experience you can't find anywhere else.
Pantomimes in LondonFinding the right London musical for you
There are various factors that you may need to consider before you decide which musical will be the best fit for you.
Genre
Reviews
Budget
London Musicals have broken their own glass ceiling in recent years, boldly exploring uncharted territories. From historical concerts like Six to immersive mysteries like The Mousetrap - you can now pick from a wide range of stories based on your taste. London’s willingness to take risks on unconventional shows has made it a global leader in pushing musical theater boundaries.
The most popular factor to consider while choosing a musical in London is the review of the production. There are several critics and media agencies that are devoted to bringing a detailed review of every musical. You can use these sources to gain more information regarding various productions and have complete information before booking your tickets. West End shows are extensively covered by centuries-old publications like The Times and The Guardian, whose refreshing insights help push creatives to newer heights.
London's unique ticket pricing structure offers more accessibility than many other theater districts. The city's TKTS booth in Leicester Square, day seats, and lottery systems were pioneering initiatives that have since been copied worldwide. To get the best deal on your theater visit, book your tickets well in advance. Another way to snag a great deal is getting tickets for weekdays or off-season periods. Booking online is the best way to compare prices and find the right fit.
Discounted London Theatre ticketsChoosing the best seats for West End Musicals
Where you choose to sit for a musical in London theatre at West End can play a big role in determining the kind of experience you have. Let's take a look at some factors based on which you can select the best seat.
Best views
The best seats in the house for almost all of West End’s theatres are near the middle of the stall area. These provide the best view of the stage and lie in the acoustic sweet spot of the theatre. As a result, these seats come at a higher rate than the rest of the seats in the area.
Budget-friendly
For budget options, look for seats in the elevated sections above the stalls. Back rows in the Dress Circle are generally a popular pick among budget-friendly patrons owing to the wide view that favours the grand theatrics of a musical.
Discover more
Comedy shows
Fast-paced, laugh-out-loud theatrical experiences that range from slapstick farce to witty satire, designed to entertain through humor and often featuring exaggerated characters in absurd situations.
Know more
Family-friendly shows
Visually spectacular productions with accessible storylines, colorful characters, and positive messages that appeal to audiences of all ages while avoiding mature themes or language.
Know more
Romance shows
Emotionally engaging performances that explore love in its many forms, featuring captivating chemistry between characters, memorable musical numbers, and often bittersweet or heartwarming conclusions.
Know more
Plays
Non-musical theatrical performances that rely on dialogue, acting, and staging to tell compelling stories across genres, from classic Shakespeare to cutting-edge contemporary drama.
Know moreFrequently asked questions about London musicals
How is a London musical different from a play?
A musical tells a story through song and dance whereas a play may or not have these elements. A play relies on dialogue over songs and dance.
What is the most popular musical in London?
Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton are some of the most famous musicals in London.
What is the longest-running musical in London?
Now in its 39th year, Les Miserables is the longest-running West End musical.
What is the world's #1 musical?
While it is difficult to select the top musical among a variety of great options, The Phantom of the Opera may be considered the world's #1 musical based on its longevity and global box office success.
What are the big five musicals?
The "Big Five" musicals are typically considered to be Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge!, The Lion King, and Wicked.
What show is a must-see in London?
Les Misérables is often cited as the must-see show in London due to its historic run and quintessential West End experience.
What are the 3 styles of musicals?
The three main styles of musicals are book musicals (traditional storytelling), concept musicals (theme-based), and jukebox musicals (built around existing songs).
How long are London musicals typically?
London musicals typically run between 2 to 3 hours, including a 15-20 minute intermission.
Where are musicals performed in London?
Musicals in London are primarily performed in the West End theatre district, with major venues including the Lyceum, Prince Edward, and Her Majesty's Theatre. Off West End venues are also a big hit among new shows, including iconic venues like Shakespeare's Globe.
How can I get last-minute tickets to London musicals?
Last-minute tickets to London musicals can be obtained through online platforms although finding your desired seat can often get difficult closer to the booking date.
How can I get cheap tickets to London musicals?
Cheap tickets to London musicals can be secured through day seats, lottery systems, rush tickets, student discounts, or booking during off-peak seasons.
What is a matinee performance?
A matinee performance is an afternoon show, typically starting between 2:00-3:00 PM, as opposed to evening performances.
Which musicals are suitable for first-time theatre-goers?
The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, and Wicked are particularly suitable for first-time theatre-goers due to their accessible stories and spectacular visuals.
Are there jukebox musicals featuring popular songs?
Yes, London features several jukebox musicals, including Mamma Mia! (ABBA), MJ: The Musical (Michael Jackson's hits) and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
Can I find musicals based on books or movies?
London's West End offers numerous musicals based on books or movies, including Matilda, The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Back to the Future.
What are some family-friendly musicals in London?
Popular family-friendly musicals in London include The Lion King, Matilda, and Aladdin. These are a great way to enjoy a day out with the little ones at the theater.
Are musicals more expensive than plays or other theatre shows?
Yes, musicals are typically more expensive than plays due to their larger casts, orchestras, elaborate sets, and technical requirements.
Do London musicals have live orchestras or recorded music?
Most prestigious London musicals feature live orchestras, though smaller productions may use recorded backing tracks.
Can I sing along during a musical performance?
Generally, singing along during a musical performance is discouraged unless explicitly invited by the performers during designated moments. This is because singling aloud can hamper the experience of the patrons around you or disturb the cast inadvertently.
Are there touring versions of popular West End musicals?
Yes, most successful West End musicals eventually create touring productions that visit major cities across the UK and internationally.