10 Best Musicals of London's West-End
If New York has Broadway, London has the West End, the mecca of musicals in Europe. One of the most special attractions of the English capital.
Piccadilly Circus | ©Andrzej Kidaj
The West End has been an area where the country's elites were concentrated, but its fame is not due to the powerful. This area is home to the vast majority of London's theatres and is, along with Broadway in New York, the world's leading exponent of English-language theatre. There is no doubt that going to see a musical in London is a unique experience.
The Lyceum Theatre, the Apollo Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre are some of the most legendary stages in the West End. Great plays have been performed in their halls with great actors and illustrious audiences. It was from the mid-20th century onwards that musicals arrived in the West End to stay.
The musical The Phantom of the Opera is one of the longest-running musicals performed in its theatres, but it was followed by an extensive list of great musicals that are now part of London's great attractions. Join me as I show you which musicals you can visit today in the West End and everything you need to know.
1. The Phantom of the Opera
Tickets for The Phantom of the Opera give you access to one of the best known and longest running musicals in the West End. It has been running continuously since 1986 and this is due to its great success with audiences. Not surprisingly, this work based on the novel by Gaston Leroux has a spectacular soundtrack and staging.
The musical lasts two and a half hours (including intermission) and tells the story of a mysterious masked man who earns the nickname of ghost and terrorises the Paris Opera House just to win the love of a female vocalist at the opera. A familiar story.
It is performed in the historic Her Majesty's Theatre, very close to Piccadilly Circus tube stop and Trafalgar Square.
Why you can't miss it
Because it's the most classic musical you'll find in the English capital. The Phantom of the Opera never goes out of fashion and continues to fill theatres all over the world every year. Seeing it at London's West-End is an experience worth investing in. What's more, regardless of the language, the story is very easy to follow.
Ideal for
Adults and young people, as young children may be frightened.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets in Hellotickets: Tickets The Phantom of the Opera London
Useful info
- Where does it take place? At Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, St. James's
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes with intermission.
- Want to know more? Here's an article on what you need to know to see The Phantom of the Opera in London.
2. Mamma Mia
You're probably already humming along to her songs at the mere mention of her name. Tickets for the musical Mamma Mia have been on sale in London theatres since 1999. Through the songs of the most famous Swedish band of all time, Abba, this story of love and friendship takes place on a Greek island.
The musical lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes including the interval. It is performed at the Novello Theatre located near the Lyceum Theatre on Strand Street.
Why you can't miss it
Because, regardless of the story, it's impossible not to get a kick out of a musical with Abba songs. After more than two decades on the bill, this musical has become a classic that leaves no audience indifferent.
Ideal for
Families with children over 6 years old.
How to buy tickets
You have tickets for Mamma Mia in the website of Hellotickets: Mamma Mia London Tickets
Useful info
- Where is it? At the Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
- How long does it last? 2 hours 35 minutes including intermission
3. Wicked
Although this show is not among the West End classics it has earned the right to be recognised as one of London's best musicals. Its story stars characters from the Oz wizard but gives it a different perspective. Those who buy tickets for Wicked will discover an alternative story between two of the most famous characters from the Wizard of Oz: The Wicked Witch of the West and the good witch, Glinda.
It is usually a favourite with young children and lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission. The Apollo Victoria Theatre, near Victoria tube and train station, is the venue for this musical.
Why you can't miss it
Because it's not a story you can see in the cinema, because the show has won 3 Tony Awards and a Grammy, because it has elements of intrigue and humour in equal measure and, in short, because after this musical you 'll never look at the classic Wizard of Oz in the same way again.
Ideal for
Although it is for all audiences, younger children may be frightened, so tickets are recommended for ages 5 and up.
How to buy tickets
You have them in Hellotickets: Tickets Wicked London
Useful info
- Where is it? Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission.
4. Matilda
As you might expect, this musical is named after the main character in Roald Dahl's play. A little girl with a great intelligence that her parents don't appreciate and who serves as the thread for a very funny story especially for children.
With tickets for the musical Matilda you will have access to the performance at the Cambridge Theatre, next to Covent Garden Square, and it lasts approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Why you shouldn't miss it
Because it's a story that inspires both children and adults, because it's fun and because it's the first time it's been performed on stage. Seeing the success it is having, it is clear that it will not be the last.
Ideal for
All ages.
How to buy tickets
In Hellotickets you have tickets for the musical of Matilda in London.
Useful info
- Where is it? Cambridge Theatre Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 40 minutes including an intermission.
5. The Book of Mormon
Another classic from the world's best musical theatre is this hilarious story about two Mormons who try to preach their religion in Uganda and encounter a hostile environment. The Book of Mormon, with its provocative and poignant message, is a constructive critique of society from the point of view of the most controversial humour; not for nothing is it written by the creators of the adult cartoon series South Park.
With tickets to The Book of Mormon musical at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, you'll have a laugh-out-loud time listening to the characters swear in a series of catastrophic misadventures. When the show is over, you won't be surprised to learn that it's among the most awarded musicals in history.
Why you shouldn't miss it
This is a different kind of musical that you should go to prepared to have a good time and laugh a lot, but at the same time it transmits values of respect and social justice.
Ideal for...
Adults who enjoy black humour and social satire.
How to buy tickets
In Hellotickets you can buy tickets for the musical The Book of Mormon in London.
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission.
6. Back to the Future
Back to the Future tickets will jog your memory thanks to the incredible staging and spectacular musical production. In fact, it features the likes of Alan Silvestri, composer of the soundtrack to one of the biggest blockbusters of all time, Marvel's End Game.
It is performed at the Adelphi Theatre near Charing Cross tube and train station and runs for 2.5 hours including interval.
Why you can't miss it
Because if the film captivated audiences in its day, its stage adaptation is not far behind. The musical has become one of London's best sellers and, why not say it, also one of the funniest.
Ideal for
All ages
How to buy tickets
In Hellotickets you can buy your tickets for the musical Back to the Future in London.
Useful info
- Where is it? Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
- How long does it last? 2 hours 30 minutes including intermission
7. The Tina Tuner Musical
The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll has her own musical in the West End. Based on the life and career of the singer, the musical is a tribute to the artist and her songs, which are of course included in the performance. A must-see for fans of one of the most recognisable artists in history.
The Aldwych Theatre is the chosen venue for the Tina Turner musical and is located on Strand Street near the Novello Theatre.
Why you can't miss it
Because as well as being a tribute to the recently deceased artist, it's also a tribute to rock and roll. You will leave the theatre moved by the story and eager to dance. You can rehearse the songs from Tina Turner's entire career because the musical includes them.
Ideal for
Adults and young people, especially if they are rock and roll lovers.
How to buy tickets
On the website of Hellotickets you have Tickets for the musical of Tina Turner in London.
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes
8. Moulin Rouge
Whether you're a cabaret fan or not, I'm sure you'll agree that the 2001 film Moulin Rouge is a brilliant cinematic experience, with a beautiful love story in the background and a spectacular soundtrack that will make your hair stand on end. Now you can enjoy it live in this musical in London's West End after its huge success on Broadway.
With tickets to Moulin Rouge The Musical, playing at London's Piccadilly Theatre, you'll think you've travelled to bohemian Paris in 1899 and you'll enter the libidinous world of the French can-can. The plot, as in the film, is about the romantic love story between the poet in love with the dancer of the world's most famous cabaret, cut short by the desire of an aristocrat.
Why you can't miss it
It's absolutely worth it just to hear the original songs from the two Oscar-winning film, with songs by artists such as Madonna and Sia. But add to that the incredible staging and sets and you'll understand why Moulin Rouge has become one of London's top West End musicals since its premiere in 2021.
Ideal for
Adults and young people, especially those who enjoyed the film.
How to buy tickets
On the Hellotickets website you can book your tickets to see Moulin Rouge in London
Useful info
- Where is it? Piccadilly Theatre. 16 Denman Street, London, Greater London
- How long does it last? 2 hours 45 minutes including intermission.
9. The Lion King
Buy tickets for The Lion King musical and you will have access to a show that leaves no one indifferent, no matter how old you are. Its fame has spread all over the world thanks to its costumes, staging and world famous soundtrack.
Because its story and songs are so well known, you won't need a very high level of English to enjoy the show. It's two and a half hours, including intermission, of pure audio-visual pleasure. It is the perfect show if you are visiting London with children but also enjoyable for adults.
The musical has been at the Lyceum Theatre for several years. It's a little further away from the other theatres, but if you follow the Strand from Trafalgar Square, you can't miss it.
Why you shouldn't miss it
Above all because of the careful scenography of the play; each character is more surprising than the previous one because of the costume design, the characterisation and, in short, the staging. Undoubtedly a different musical with the guarantee of a classic story whose soundtrack is known to all.
Ideal for
The whole family, adults and children of all ages.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets to see the musical The Lion King in London in the official website of Hellotickets: The Lion King tickets London
Useful info
- Where is it? At the Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St
- How long does it last? 2 and a half hours with intermission
10. Grease The Musical
Relive the story of Sandy and Danny Zuko at Rydell High School and don't miss this musical that will thrill you with the dances and songs from the iconic 70's film. In its modern version, Grease The Musical, brings one of the most popular and acclaimed musicals to the West End.
Get your tickets to see Grease in London and enjoy the overwhelming energy of the Pink Ladys and the Burger Palace Boys with hits like 'You're the One That I Want' and 'Summer Nights' that will make you vibrate in your seat at the Dominion Theatre.
Why you can't miss it
This is perhaps the best opportunity to experience this classic musical from the inside, and it will bring you back to your teenage self and unbridled summer loves. Oh, and at the best possible price!
Ideal for
Lovers of the legendary film. Recommended for ages 7+.
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Dominion Theatre London. 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, Greater London
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission.
Tickets for London musicals
London musicals have a variable price. This means that depending on demand and the time of each performance, and, above all, the area in which you want to book your seat, prices will vary. Any musical in London can cost you from 50 euros for the cheapest ticket (and this would be very cheap, the normal is about 70 euros) to more than 200 euros.
There are theatres with greater capacity than others and plays with more demand than others. Although not in all of them, my general recommendation is that you get your tickets as far in advance as possible to avoid being left without them. Also, if you leave it to the last minute, you will only find tickets for the seats with the lowest visibility.
Times of London's musicals
Although they are in different theatres, all the musicals share the same timetable and there are usually no variations. There are performances every day of the week, with the exception of specific dates, with two shows a day for each performance. One at 14:30 in the afternoon and another at 19:30 in the evening. Although they do not usually vary, there are dates when the timetable may change, so I recommend that you check in advance. Please note that the average length of the shows is around two and a half hours.
How to get to London's West-End
Most of the theatres are in the area known as the West End, with Leicester Square and Covent Garden as reference points, as almost all the theatres are located around them. As it is a very confined area, it is easy to walk from one to the other. The best way to get there is on the London Underground, and the Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden stops are all useful.
What level of English do I need to see a musical in London?
You may find that you don't understand English and think it's not worth going to a musical if you can't understand it. But let me tell you, it doesn't have to be that way. Most musicals, at least the most classic ones, such as The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King, are totally enjoyable even if you don't speak English. Their songs and stories are world-famous and you will almost certainly know them beforehand. Moreover, the staging is spectacular and you don't need to be fluent in the language to enjoy it.
For other plays such as Come From Away, The Play That Goes Wrong and The Book of Mormon I would recommend going alone if English is not a problem for you.
Although the theatres are different, they all have a minimum of facilities. In all of them you will find a cafeteria to have a drink during the play's interval, cloakroom service, toilets, and in the more children's plays there are boosters for the kids.
If you are a lover of musicals, you already know that London's West End is a must-see.