10 Best Musicals in London 2024-2025
Few things beat the thrill of a musical theatre performance that has you jumping to your feet for a standing ovation. In fact, we think no trip to the capital is complete without sitting down to watch one of the best London musicals. Spectacular costumes, dramatic plots and beautiful songs: the top musicals in London create fantastic memories and a lifelong love of theatre.
If you're itching to experience the buzz of musicals in London but not sure where to start, we've listed our pick of the West End musicals that we think are truly unmissable - and why - below. Whether you're looking for a long-running classic, something new and exciting, or a modern take on an all-time favourite, these shows will leave you feeling inspired long after the curtain falls.
For last minute musical tickets click here to see availability and discounts for the next 7 days saving you time and money on the best the West End has to offer!
If you're itching to experience the buzz of musicals in London but not sure where to start, we've listed our pick of the West End musicals that we think are truly unmissable - and why - below. Whether you're looking for a long-running classic, something new and exciting, or a modern take on an all-time favourite, these shows will leave you feeling inspired long after the curtain falls.
For last minute musical tickets click here to see availability and discounts for the next 7 days saving you time and money on the best the West End has to offer!
1. The Phantom of the Opera: a bucket list spectacle for theatre fans
Nothing sums up the West End quite like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular, sumptuous adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel. The tale of talented soprano Christine and the obsessive Phantom who will stop at nothing to possess her has played at Her Majesty's Theatre for over 30 years. You'll be left in no doubt that this is one of the best London musicals of all time when you hear the rock-infused opening notes of the titular song.
2. Les Misérables: the West End's longest-running musical
The West End’s longest-running musical, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, brings the tragedy, camaraderie and sacrifice of revolution to the Sondheim Theatre stage with epic clarity. During its 37 year history, stars including Michael Ball and Lea Salonga have appeared in the show. Unforgettable songs including “I Dreamed A Dream” and “On My Own” make this is an iconic musical for any London theatre fan's bucket list.
3. Hamilton: a ground-breaking show that lives up to the hype
Lin-Manuel Miranda's explosive musical has taken the world by storm, telling the story of US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton with hip-hop, R&B and blues-inspired music. Hamilton earned a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations on Broadway and has proven just as successful in London. With audiences still flocking to enjoy this decade-defining musical four years since it opened in London, Hamilton is one of the hottest tickets in town.
4. Hadestown: the West End's most unique musical
Singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell's Olivier and Tony Award-winning folk opera has been wowing audiences on Broadway since 2019, and now we can finally see it in the West End! Inspired by the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice & Hades and Persephone, Hadestown takes us on an exhilarating journey to the underworld, where souls are sacrificed in the hope of freedom. This "big, beautiful and emotionally blasting" (The Guardian) musical is a truly unique show that adds an exciting new sound to the London theatre landscape.
5. The Devil Wears Prada: a hot musical with songs from Elton John
Get ready to see Miranda Priestly in the flesh as The Devil Wears Prada musical struts into London! This hot new show with songs from Elton John debuts in the West End, meaning you can enjoy it before it hits Broadway. The film is a modern classic, so gird your loins… it’s about to be even more fun and fabulous on stage. Tickets are on sale now, so get booking and have your best outfit at the ready for a fun night out.
6. The Lion King: a breath-taking adventure for all ages
Disney's stage adaptation of the animated film is a stunning live event. Breath-taking puppetry and vibrant sets transport you to the plains of the Serengeti as young cub Simba becomes the King of Pride Rock. The musical includes Elton John and Tim Rice's spectacular songs, including "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata" and remains one of London's most popular and enduring shows.
7. Cabaret: a daring revival of Kander & Ebb's musical
Enter Berlin's Kit Kat Club in this immersive staging of Kander and Ebb's musical. American writer Cliff Bradshaw steps off a train in Berlin and is swept up in the self-indulgent lifestyle of singer Sally Bowles. On the streets, the Nazi party rises to power and casts a shadow of fascism over Germany. Featuring musical standards including "Willkommen" and "Don't Tell Mama", this is a raw and intoxicating revival of a classic.
8. Operation Mincemeat: the plucky five-star wartime musical
This year several fantastic new musicals showcase the best of British talent in the West End and chief amongst them is the quirky Operation Mincemeat, based on the true story of the corpse that fooled Hitler. Performed by a plucky cast of five, this Monty Python meets Strangers on a Train show has more than 60 five-star reviews. Book tickets and you’ll come out saying… “God, That’s Brilliant!”
9. Mamma Mia!: the musical that inspired the hit films
You’ll be shouting "gimme gimme gimme" tickets to Mamma Mia! This iconic jukebox musical features songs by global superstars ABBA including ”Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All” and has delighted West End audiences for decades - it’s even been turned into a smash-hit movie starring Meryl Streep! Sophie and her mum Donna are preparing for Sophie’s wedding on a gorgeous Greek island. But Sophie has an ulterior motive: she’s determined to discover which of Donna’s three exes in attendance is her father… Book now and get dancing, queen!
10. Wicked: The Wizard of Oz like you've never seen it before
If you’ve ever longed to hear the story behind Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West, this incredible show should be top of your list. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the story of Elphaba’s unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good and their journey up the Yellow Brick Road has enchanted audiences at Apollo Victoria Theatre since 2003. Fantastical sets and powerhouse songs including “Defying Gravity” make this one of the most uniquely magical musicals in London.
