Best musicals in London 2021
London's West End is famous for its ground-breaking creative output, with some of the biggest musicals in the capital entertaining crowds since the 1980s. Whether it's The Phantom of the Opera haunting Her Majesty's Theatre or a feel-good jukebox hit like Mamma Mia!, the best musicals in London transport audience members into remarkable stories based on true life and spectacular fantasy.
Below, we’ve put together a list of West End shows which we think are unmissable, to help you choose and book the top London musicals that'll have you humming along long after the curtain falls.
If you're torn between a Broadway star making their big debut, a musical theatre adaptation of a beloved film, or a buzzy transfer from one of our fantastic regional venues, keep an eye on our list for the latest recommendations.
Don't forget to check our user-submitted seat reviews when you book. Our community of dedicated and discerning London theatre fans have contributed over 60,000 seat view photos and ratings, so you can choose your seats with confidence that you’ll enjoy a fantastic view.
Below, we’ve put together a list of West End shows which we think are unmissable, to help you choose and book the top London musicals that'll have you humming along long after the curtain falls.
If you're torn between a Broadway star making their big debut, a musical theatre adaptation of a beloved film, or a buzzy transfer from one of our fantastic regional venues, keep an eye on our list for the latest recommendations.
Don't forget to check our user-submitted seat reviews when you book. Our community of dedicated and discerning London theatre fans have contributed over 60,000 seat view photos and ratings, so you can choose your seats with confidence that you’ll enjoy a fantastic view.
Back to the Future the Musical
New musical - Film adaptation - Comedy
This high-octane musical 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!
This high-octane musical 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 £23.46
Les Misérables
Long-running show - Audience favourite - Bucket list show
The West End’s longest-running musical, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, brings the tragedy, camaraderie and sacrifice of the French revolution to the Sondheim Theatre stage with epic clarity. Stars including Michael Ball and Lea Salonga have previously appeared in the show, and with unforgettable songs including “I Dreamed A Dream”, “On My Own” and “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” featured, this is an iconic musical for any London theatre fan's bucket list.
The West End’s longest-running musical, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, brings the tragedy, camaraderie and sacrifice of the French revolution to the Sondheim Theatre stage with epic clarity. Stars including Michael Ball and Lea Salonga have previously appeared in the show, and with unforgettable songs including “I Dreamed A Dream”, “On My Own” and “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” featured, this is an iconic musical for any London theatre fan's bucket list.
from £24.00
Six the Musical
Homegrown hit - Audience favourite - Award winner
This Edinburgh Festival hit has taken the West End by storm. 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.
This Edinburgh Festival hit has taken the West End by storm. 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 £31.05
Come From Away
Broadway transfer - Audience favourite - Based on a true story
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 since opening at the Phoenix Theatre in 2019. 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.
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 since opening at the Phoenix Theatre in 2019. 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.
from £18.00
The Phantom of the Opera
Long-running show - Audience favourite - Bucket list show
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.
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 £27.00
The Book of Mormon
Comedy - Broadway hit - Award winner
Not for the easily offended, this hit musical takes on religion with a scathing wit that promises to outrage and entertain in equal measure. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone in collaboration with Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, it was an instant hit on Broadway and here in London, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and one musical you definitely want to say “Hello” to.
Not for the easily offended, this hit musical takes on religion with a scathing wit that promises to outrage and entertain in equal measure. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone in collaboration with Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, it was an instant hit on Broadway and here in London, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and one musical you definitely want to say “Hello” to.
from £24.00
Wicked
Long-running show - Broadway hit - Book-to-stage adaptation
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.
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 £24.00
Jersey Boys
Jukebox musical - Based on a true story - Award winner
Discover the true story behind one of America's greatest pop groups in this hugely popular jukebox musical. Returning to the West End at its new home - the beautifully refurbished Trafalgar Theatre - this real life story about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' rise to fame is packed with hit songs including "Who Loves You Baby" and "Oh, What a Night".
Discover the true story behind one of America's greatest pop groups in this hugely popular jukebox musical. Returning to the West End at its new home - the beautifully refurbished Trafalgar Theatre - this real life story about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' rise to fame is packed with hit songs including "Who Loves You Baby" and "Oh, What a Night".
from £30.00
Only Fools and Horses the Musical
New musical - TV adaptation - Comedy
Fans of Del Boy, Rodney and Trigger will adore this hilarious musical version of the classic comedy at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Creators Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan take all the best moments from the TV show and add a touch of musical flair that’s well worth a pony. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just after a laugh, this lovely jubbly musical is well worth a butcher’s!
Fans of Del Boy, Rodney and Trigger will adore this hilarious musical version of the classic comedy at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Creators Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan take all the best moments from the TV show and add a touch of musical flair that’s well worth a pony. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just after a laugh, this lovely jubbly musical is well worth a butcher’s!
from £12.00
Mamma Mia!
Jukebox musical - Audience favourite - Romantic comedy
If you’ve danced in your cinema seat to Julie Walters, Meryl Streep and Colin Firth’s Greek island escapades, make your next trip one to the West End musical which inspired the film. Crafting an hilarious, outlandish but ultimately feel-good story from ABBA’s greatest hits, this jukebox musical is utterly irresistible - and you’re guaranteed to be up on your feet by the end like a true dancing queen!
If you’ve danced in your cinema seat to Julie Walters, Meryl Streep and Colin Firth’s Greek island escapades, make your next trip one to the West End musical which inspired the film. Crafting an hilarious, outlandish but ultimately feel-good story from ABBA’s greatest hits, this jukebox musical is utterly irresistible - and you’re guaranteed to be up on your feet by the end like a true dancing queen!
from £18.00
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