Top 10 Best Musicals in London 2022-23
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 a show with friends, family or even on your own! 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.
4. 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 £59.50
5. Come From Away: the musical that captured all of our hearts
The remarkable true story of a small Newfoundland town which welcomed the world after 9/11 has become a firm favourite among West End audiences. Featuring a fantastic ensemble cast playing a range of characters, this heart-warming story about Gander’s “plane people” is indisputably one of the best musicals in London - and has the Olivier Awards to prove it. It takes its final curtain call on 7 January 2023, so book now to enjoy a visit to the Rock.
from £30.00
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.
from £41.70
7. 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
8. Back to the Future: high-octane nostalgia and spectacular effects
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
9. Six: pop-fuelled fun that rewrites the history books
This Edinburgh Festival keeps reaching new heights in the West End! Transforming the six wives of Henry VIII into a group of pop princesses, Six draws inspiration from Beyoncé, Lily Allen and more to tell the her-story of these neglected queens. After sell-out seasons at the Arts Theatre, Six now has a permanent home at the Vaudeville Theatre - so “Get Down” there for an exhilarating 80 minutes of pure girl-power fun.
from £20.20
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.
from £23.20
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