10 Best Musicals in London 2023-2024
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 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 a London musical but not sure where to start, we've listed the best 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 a London musical but not sure where to start, we've listed the best 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 £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 £25.00
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 £34.00
4. La Cage aux Folles: a dazzling revival at Regent's Park
Five-star reviews abound for this dazzling revival of Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman's groundbreaking musical! This joyous and warm-hearted story of family and celebrating your unique identity is set in the warm summer heat of Saint-Tropez and was the first Broadway musical to centre an LGBTQ couple on stage. It is brilliant from start to end, and you will be completely won over by a stand-out rendition of "I Am What I Am".
5. Crazy For You: a sublime revival of a classic
If there's one musical that will have you dancing in your seat and grinning ear-to-ear, it's this exuberant revival! Choreographer and director Susan Stroman delivers a sparkling production about banker Bobby, who travels to a small town and rediscovers his love of all things theatre. Romance, light-footed dance numbers and pure joy radiate from every pore of this 5-star show, with Olivier Award-winner Charlie Stemp leading the cast as Bobby.
from £15.00
Save up to £40.006. 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 £38.70
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.
from £47.60
8. 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
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 £39.00
10. 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
