10 Best Musicals in London 2024
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.
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.
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 £30.00
2. Hello, Dolly: Imelda Staunton's five-star date with London!
The reviews are in and thanks to a flurry of five stars, we think this musical is the one to make a match with! Four-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton shines with a performance "that will be talked about for years to come" (inews) in this bombastic revival, which is one of the hottest tickets of the summer. The feel-good story of meddling matchmaker Dolly Levi is the true definition of a crowd-pleaser, with catchy songs, snappy choreography and "good old-fashioned razzmatazz" (The Independent).
from £18.00
3. 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 £30.00
4. 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.
from £24.00
5. 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.
from £24.00
6. Standing at the Sky's Edge: a soaring new British musical
Celebrate the very best of British theatre talent with tickets to this 5-star musical. Set in the flats and stairwells of Sheffield's iconic Park Hill Estate, Standing at the Sky's Edge is a multi-generational story of love, community, hope and regeneration from the mid-20th century to the modern day. Writer Chris Bush and former member of Pulp, Richard Hawley, bring a distinctive voice to a show that's earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
from £59.40
7. 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 £45.00
No fees8. 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 £49.00
9. 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!”
10. Starlight Express: Lloyd Webber's fastest show on earth
Get your skates on and book tickets for Andrew Lloyd Webber's high-speed musical! Back in London after 20 years, the quirky Starlight Express has to be seen to be believed. Performed on rollerskates at breakneck speed, the story of a steam train who longs to be the fastest in the world - and win the heart of observation car Pearl - is now playing at Wembley in the custom-designed Starlight Auditorium.
from £36.00
