Best Musicals in London in 2024 (2024)

Going to one of the best musicals in London is truly a unique experience, especially if you are planning a trip to London. Some of the most famous musicals in London, such as The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables and Mamma Mia, have been running in London’s best theatres in the West End for years.

If you plan a trip to London, seeing one of the best musicals in London will certainly add an unforgettable experience to your trip.

We recommend buying your tickets in advance to ensure you see one (or two… 🙂 ) of the best musicals in London. Tickets for London’s top musicals sell out several weeks in advance.

If you are visiting London with kids, check out our article Best Musicals in London for Kids.

Top 15 Musicals in London

The Lion King Musical

The multi-award-winning musical The Lion King in London’s West End was the first musical we ever saw when we first moved to London, and it’s still one of our favourites. The classical Disney film has been brought to life on stage, and it is even more magical than you expect.

With stunning special effects and wonderful costumes, you will sing along to all the songs and realise that you still remember all the words! Wonderful costumes and magical special effects. If you plan to take children to a London musical, I recommend the Lion King. Most probably, one of the best musicals in London.

Theatre Information: Disney’s Lion King is at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End. This theatre is very close to Covent Garden and The Strand. It’s one of London´s biggest theatres, with a total capacity of 2105 people, and the seats are mainly distributed in two tiers: Stalls and Grand Circle.

The duration of The Lion King Musical in London is 2 hours and 30 minutes (including the interval).

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR THE LION KING MUSICAL

Wicked

The Musical Wicked in London takes us through the magical and unexpected story of the witches of Oz, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good of Oz.

You will discover the untold story of the friendship of two girls who meet at sorcery school. A fascinating story about witches and magic, with mouth-opening costumes and brilliant songs, making it unsurprisingly one of the best musicals in London. It´s one of the best musicals in London for kids.

Theatre Information: The musical Wicked in London takes place at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, located next to London Victoria Underground and Rail Station. The theatre has a seating capacity of 2300 people, and the seats are distributed in two tiers. There are also many restaurants and hotels around the area.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR WICKED

The Phantom of the Opera

The award-winning musical The Phantom of the Opera in London is one of London’s most famous theatrical productions and one of the most classic musicals in London.

This musical tells the story of a mysterious ghost that has fallen in love with a beautiful chorus singer and haunts the Paris Opera, with eye-popping special effects and lavish costumes.

Theatre Information: The Phantom of the Opera musical in London takes place at the Her Majesty’s Theatre, located next to Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square in London’s West End. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Matilda The Musical

Matilda the Musical is based on Roald Dahl’s famous novel, which tells the story of Matilda, a very intelligent 5-year-old girl whose parents are completely uninterested in her.

In the West End Musical, you’ll see all the well-known characters that appear in the novel, such as Miss Honey and the malevolent school director Agatha Trunchbull.

Matilda the Musical is one of our favourite options if you’re planning to take the kids to see one of the best musicals in London and have a fun afternoon together.

Theatre Information: Matilda, the musical in London, is at the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden. The nearest tube station is Covent Garden.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MATILDA

Mamma Mia

The musical Mamma Mia in London is a smash-hit musical based on the music of pop sensation ABBA.

It tells a story of love, friendship and identity set on a beautiful Greek Island through the timeless songs of ABBA. A funny comedy whose success has entertained the London public for more than 15 consecutive years.

Theatre Information: The musical Mamma Mia in London is at the Novello Theatre in London’s West End, near Covent Garden and Somerset House.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MAMMA MIA

Pretty Woman

It’s time to head back to Beverly Hills and experience one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories live on stage at its glamorous new home – the Savoy Theatre. Get ready to fall in love with London as the record-breaking box office smash-hit musical returns.

Aimie Atkinson (Six, In The Heights) is ‘magnetic and brings power and depth’ (Evening Standard) to the role of Vivian Ward and Danny Mac (White Christmas, Sunset Boulevard) ‘plays businessman Edward Lewis brilliantly’ (The Sun) in the smash hit PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL.

We would say that Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie—and get to know these iconic characters in a new way—in this dazzlingly joyous theatrical take on a love story for the ages.

This hit has been brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway.

Theatre Information: Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR PRETTY WOMAN

Les Miserables

Les Miserables is one of London’s most classical musicals, as it has been running in London’s West End uninterrupted for more than 30 years. It is an adaptation of the novel by Victor Hugo, one of the best-known novels of the nineteenth century, set during the french revolution.

Theatre Information: The musical “Les Miserables” in London is at the Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End, next to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR LES MISERABLES

Back to the Future The Musical

Take an electrifying ride back in time as the 1985 blockbuster film and pop culture phenomenon arrives in London’s West End as a ground-breaking new musical adventure.

When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future. The movie’s creators, Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) are adapting this iconic story for the stage.

Theatre Information: The musical Aladdin in London is at the Prince Edward Theatre, locatedin London’s Soho, next to Leicester Square. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR BACK TO THE FUTURE

Hamilton

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.

Hamilton the musical is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton.

Winner of 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

Theatre Information: Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR HAMILTON

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is an award-winning musical written by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, as well as the co-creator of the musical “Avenue Q”, Robert Lopez.

Since its huge success on Broadway, this musical was one of London’s most popular musicals when it first started, and it was impossible to get tickets for months. It is not recommended for persons under 18.

Theatre Information: The musical, The Book of Mormon, is performed at thePrince of Wales Theatre(See map),which is located next to Piccadilly Circus.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR THE BOOK OF MORMON

Grease

Grittier and more electrifying than ever before, the world’s best-loved musical makes a triumphant return to London’s Dominion Theatre.

After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love?

Bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You, and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new production is directed by the Leicester Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and choreographed by the legendary Arlene Phillips.

Grease arrives back in the West End for 26 weeks only from May 2022. It’s the one that you want – so don’t miss out!

Theatre Information: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR GREASE

Frozen The Musical

The beloved animated film that always gives us chills – is now playing in London’s West End. For the first time in forever, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has reopened its doors, bringing Elsa and Anna’s story to the stage in this heart-melting theatrical production: Frozen The Musical.

With all the incredible special effects you can expect from a Disney production, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know (and sing!) and love, it will be an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Even the biggest FROZEN fans will be in for surprises, as the production features brand-new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, writers of the unforgettable Let It Go.

Theatre Information: The musical Frozen in London is at Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF) in London’s West End, next to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The nearest tube station is Charing Cross. The running time of this performance is 2 hours 30 min (including the interval), and it’s recommended for ages 6+. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR FROZEN THE MUSICAL

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Tina is a fabulous musical that reveals the untold story of a woman who defied the bounds of her age, gender and race. You’ll have the opportunity to discover how Tina Turner transformed into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee. Her much-loved songs feature in this fantastic musical, and it’s a must-see for any of her fans.

Theatre Information:Aldwych Theatre (see map) on The Strand. The running time of this performance is 3 hours, including the interval.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR TINA, THE MUSICAL

Moulin Rouge

Enter a world of splendour, romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular… Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Justin Levine; and choreography by Emmy Award® nominee Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.

Theatre Information: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MOULIN ROUGE

Dirty Dancing

Viewed by millions worldwide, this global smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together for what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

The famous film comes to life on a theatre stage in London, becoming a fantastic musical.

Sing along to Dirty Dancing´s famous songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and ‘I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, whilst watching the performance on stage.

Theatre Information: Dominion Theatre(See Map), nextto Tottenham Court Road´s underground station. The running time of this performance is 2 hours and 20 minutes, including the interval.

⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR DIRTY DANCING

How to buy cheap tickets for the best musicals in London

There are three ways to buy tickets for Musicals in London:

1. Online in advance
2. At the theatre box office
3. At Theatre Ticket Booths, mainly dotted around Leicester Square in London.

If you have a specific musical in mind, I recommend buying tickets online in advance. There is no guarantee you’ll be able to purchase last-minute tickets. We live in London, and we always buy tickets online. When you buy them online, you can choose your seats too, which is important.

We have found that trying to buy tickets at the theatre’s box office can be more expensive, although some people seem to be able to get last-minute cheap tickets this way.

The problem we have found when buying last-minute tickets at the ticket booths around Leicester Square is that they never have tickets left for the big shows. They usually have seats with reduced visibility for the least known musicals, and in all fairness, these tickets have not been massively reduced, so they still expect you to pay a high price for them.

Getting last-minute tickets for the top musicals in London is practically impossible. Tickets are usually booked up completely several weeks before.

Information about London Theatres

Cloakroom

Theatres in London usually have cloakroom service where you can leave coats and bags. This service typically costs between £1 and £2 per item. Some theatres accept larger bags, such as suitcases or strollers.

Coffee Shop

All theatres have at least one cafeteria, usually selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. You can have a drink at the theatre before the show starts. Bars are usually packed during the interval.

You can pre-order any food or drinks. This way, your food and beverages will be ready when the interval starts. This is an easy way to avoid the long queues that can be formed during the break.

Toilets

Every theatre in London has public toilets. The main difference will be the number of bathrooms available as this depends on the theatre size. They do not usually have baby-changing facilities.

Booster seats for kids

Some theatres have booster seats for kids. Some theatres have limited booster seats, and sometimes they can only be used if you are seated in the stalls. If it´s a kids’ show, you will generally find booster seats upon entry. If it isn´t a kids’ show, you may need to ask for a booster seat in the cloakroom.