10 Best Musicals and West End shows in 2023
Few things beat the thrill of a musical theatre performance that has you rushing 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 West End shows. Spectacular costumes, dramatic plots and beautiful songs: the best musicals in London create fantastic memories and a lifelong love of theatre.
If you're itching to experience the buzz of a London musical but not sure where to start, we've listed the best West End musicals we think are truly unmissable - and why - below. Whether you prefer comedy, tragedy or something in between, these musicals will leave you feeling inspired long after the curtain falls.
If you're itching to experience the buzz of a London musical but not sure where to start, we've listed the best West End musicals we think are truly unmissable - and why - below. Whether you prefer comedy, tragedy or something in between, these musicals will leave you feeling inspired long after the curtain falls.
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.
from £26.80
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.
from £23.80
3. Hamilton: a ground-breaking show that lives up to the hype
Lin-Manuel Miranda's 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.
from £23.80
4. 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.
from £39.00
5. 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.
from £35.70
6. Guys & Dolls: party in Havana at this immersive musical
Gamble in New York and party in Havana at the Bridge Theatre’s incredible, immersive revival of this Broadway classic. Nicholas Hytner’s production is staged in the round with standing tickets available, so you can lose yourself in the bustling crowd or enjoy the romance between gambler Skye Masterson and evangelist Sarah Brown from your seats.
from £23.20
7. Oklahoma!: a bold revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical
Summer Sale![Oklahoma! London]()
![Oklahoma! London]()
This classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical has never been more exhilarating than in this bold, Tony Award-winning revival. It blew audiences away on Broadway and now does the same in London. Expect to hear all the big songs - including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin” and “I Cain’t Say No” - in a production that propels the story into the 21st century.
from £25.00
8. Matilda: mischievous fun for all ages
If you love mischief, magic and plenty of catchy songs you will adore Matilda, one of London's most popular family shows. The delightful adaptation of Roald Dahl's book features lyrics by Tim Minchin and an incredible cast of young actors who are more than a match for the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. This is definitely worth watching if you enjoyed the recent Netflix adaptation!
from £23.80
9. Moulin Rouge! The Musical: a show-stopping, decadent live event
The Piccadilly Theatre is transformed into Paris' Montmartre Quarter - full of glitz, glamour and tragedy as star-crossed Satine and Christian fall in love. Featuring an immersive, show-stopping set and remixing songs from Adele, U2, Elton John and other chart-toppers, this incredible show is a spectacular adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's film and the perfect date night musical.
from £29.80
10. Back to the Future: high-octane nostalgia and spectacular effects
save £20.00![Back to the Future the Musical London]()
![Back to the Future the Musical London]()
This dyamic adaptation of the beloved sci-fi comedy sees Marty McFly, Doc Brown and the DeLorean burst onto the Adelphi Theatre stage with incredible special effects and fist-pumping music. Mixing a brand new score from Adam Silvestri with franchise favourites including “The Power of Love”, this is 1.21 gigawatts of fun... so make like a tree and get tickets like, yesterday!
from £23.30
