Best Musicals in London
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What Makes West End London Musicals Special?
London's West End is internationally recognized for its musicals. No visit to London would be complete without a night out at a majestic London theatre, watching one of its famous musicals. 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.
Some 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. Not only that, but the West End also has an equal number of new shows, ground-breaking production announcements, and star casts every year.
West End London Musicals: A-Z
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. Popular London musicals like Les Misérables are staged here. 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 that have awed the critics and audiences alike with their near-perfect productions and have gone on to earn legendary status. Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera are two such ongoing London musicals that you can still catch in London and witness history.
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 Types of London Musicals?
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.
Let's have a look at some of the different types of London musicals.
London Musicals for Kids
Take your children to watch London musicals for kids to inspire a lifelong passion for live theatre in them. A London musical for kids will guarantee a great time with all the melodious songs and striking costumes. A London musical over a play is definitely a better choice for kids as they are more likely to understand and be entertained via the mode of song. London musicals like The Lion King, Matilda the Musical, and Wicked are great for children.
London Shows for Kids
Dramatic London Musicals
If you thought a London musical could be romantic, think again. At any point, you will surely find some of the most compelling and dramatic stories being renditioned into jaw-dropping London musicals. Les Miserables, one of the most legendary London musicals is also the longest-running London musical.
London Drama Shows
Romantic London Musicals
Skip out on the usual movie and dinner date and take your loved one to a romantic London musical instead. There's nothing quite as enchanting as watching your favourite fairytale or love story play out on stage. Timeless romantic West End musicals like The Phantom of the Opera in London are sure to make you feel like love is in the air.
Romantic London Shows
Comedy London Musicals
What could be more fun than a comedy show at West End? A London 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? You're in for some full-blown entertainment with musical comedies.
Comedy Shows in London
Family-Friendly London Musicals
Watching a London musical with the entire family is surely an unforgettable experience. A great storyline spruced up by delightful songs, elaborate sets and costumes are just some of the things you can expect from a London musical - nothing short of a complete entertainment package. There are always numerous musicals in London that are enjoyable for the entire family.
London Shows for Kids & Family
Jukebox London 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 are quite famous and are entertaining without a doubt. Not only that, you get to relive classic songs by your favourite artist or band on stage.
Jukebox Musicals in London
Pantomimes
Pantomimes are traditional to London and include songs, dances, comedy, and audience participation. Pantomimes take the musical category and add their own spin on it with elements of clownish comedy, funny costumes, and of course song and dance. Pantomimes are also inclusive of gender role reversals. Inspired by children's stories or fairy tales, you'll often find pantomimes being staged during Christmas.
Pantomimes in LondonFinding the Right West End London Musical
There are various factors that you may need to consider before you decide which London musical will be the best fit for you. Read on to learn more on how to choose the best London musical for you.
Genre
Reviews
Budget
Earlier, it was thought that musicals were only suited to showcase romantic plots. However, those days are far behind. London musicals have now broken their own glass ceiling and have begun exploring uncharted territories. Theatre-goers can now pick from a wide range of musicals based on their personal preference. From comedy to crime, parody to period, London musicals have it all!
The most popular factor to consider while choosing a London musical is the review of the production. There are several critics and media agencies that are devoted to bringing a detailed review of every London musical. You can use these sources to gain more information regarding various productions and have complete information before booking your London musical tickets.
If the West End experience is what matters to you and not so much the content of the musical or if you are trying to be mindful of your budget, you could search for London musicals that offer tickets at a discounted rate. There are many ways in which you can obtain a London musical ticket at a cut-price deal. Some of these include London TKTS, Day Seats, Lottery, and Rush tickets.
Discounted London Theatre TicketsChoosing the Best Seats for West End London Musicals
Where you choose to sit for a London musical 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 for watching a London musical.
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
If you are looking for budget options, head over to the Dress Circle, which is the first elevated section at any West End theatre. The middle section of the Dress Circle offers a good view of the stage without being too expensive.
Handy Tips for Watching West End London Musicals
- Watch out for early-bird discounts on London musical tickets online.
- Book London musical tickets around the best seats in the house for a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
- Grab a bite at one of the restaurants close to a West End theatre before a show to avoid spending a fortune on theatre food.
- Avoid driving to the theatre as free parking could be very limited or even unavailable at the theatre. Reach the theatre well ahead of time as you may not be allowed entry after the show commences.
- Do not carry or use videography/audiography/photography devices during a London musical or any West End show as this is an unlawful act.
- Do not leave during the curtain call as it is regarded as a rude gesture.
- Visit the TKTS booth to score cheap London musical tickets.
- Attend all shows in smart casual or semi-formal attire. Baggy tees and sweatpants could make you stand out in the crowd in a bad way.
Frequently Asked Questions About London Musicals
Q. What are the best London musicals?
A. London theatre is famous all over the world for its musicals. Find out more about the best London musicals playing in London.
Q. How do I buy tickets for West End musicals in London?
A. Purchase tickets to the best London musicals online for a hassle-free experience and avail of great offers and discounts.
Q. Where can I buy cheap tickets for West End musicals in London?
A. Buy London musicals tickets online for the best deals and discounts.
Q. Are there any discounts available on West End musicals in London tickets?
A. Yes, you can buy discounted tickets for many of the best London musicals online.
Q. How is a London musical different from a play?
A. 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.
Q. What are the best seats to watch a London musical?
A. The best seats in the house for almost all of West End’s theatres are near the middle of the stall area.
Q. What are the best London musicals for kids?
A. There are many lovely London musicals for kids playing at the West End that your kids are sure to enjoy. Find them all here.
Q. What are the most romantic London musicals?
A. You are sure to have a delightful and romantic date night when you pick a romantic show from the best West End shows for date night roundup.
Q. Which London musical comedies are playing at the West End?
A. If you are in the mood for a good laugh, you cannot go wrong with London musical comedies. Pick from the best West End comedies and have a riotous laugh.
Q. Which London musicals are playing in the off West End theatres?
A. Check out our list of off West End shows in London to know more about the London musicals playing this year.
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