What are the top London theatre shows in 2023-2024?

The second half of 2023 into 2024 is an exciting time in Theatreland. Prestige, star-driven plays in London such as Lyonesse with Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas offer poignant and stimulating evenings out while staple, crowd-pleasing West End musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera , Les Misérables and Wicked continue to delight huge audiences. This year has also seen the long-awaited return of classic musicals such as Sunset Boulevard , Crazy For You and Guys & Dolls and revivals of comedies including Private Lives and Noises Off .

What are the showtimes for West End Theatres?

Most West End shows start at 7.30pm for their evening performances, while 2.30pm or 3pm are standard for London matinee shows . There are some exceptions to this, such as Matilda and Frozen , which start evening performances at 7pm. Shows aimed specifically at young children may adhere to even earlier showtimes. Always check showtimes thoroughly when booking London theatre tickets and planning your visit.

Where in London is the West End?

The West End is located in the Western region of Central London; West of the City of London and East of Mayfair. Many West End theatres can be found along major thoroughfares such as the Strand, Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Popular tourist areas such as Leicester Square and Covent Garden are part of the West End. Tube stations that are well located for West End theatres include Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

Why is the London theatre district called 'The West End'?

The theatre district is located in Central London, but just to the West of what is known as 'the City of London'; the commercial district surrounding tube stations such as Bank and Monument. In the early 19th Century, areas West of Charing Cross were highly fashionable and this is when the term 'the West End' became widely used. While the urban sprawl of London now extends much farther West than the theatre district, the majority of popular theatres are located in what was traditionally the Western end of the city, before it merged with the nearby city of Westminster to become the city recognisable today.

Where can I listen to West End musical soundtracks?

Many popular music streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music hold a wide selection of musical soundtracks from both the West End and Broadway. Original Cast Recordings are a fantastic way to enjoy songs from your favourite musicals even long after they have closed. Using data from Spotify, we have compiled the Ultimate Musicals Playlist for you to enjoy.

London Theatre Shows in December 2023

If you want to enjoy some wintry entertainment this month, Christmas shows in London are perfect for getting into the festive spirit. The angel on top of the tree is The Nutcracker at London Coliseum; this magical ballet has played in the West End for over 50 years. Elf the Musical is another seasonal show that’s fantastic escapism for all the family, and for younger children Father Christmas Needs a Wee! and The Gruffalo’s Child are the perfect introduction to live theatre.

Christmas entertainment isn’t the only thing available this month! My Neighbour Totoro returns to the Barbican Theatre for a second year, whilst drama fans can catch The Motive and the Cue with Mark Gatiss, dark comedy The Unfriend with Lee Mack, or the final performances of Lyonesse with Lily James and Kristen Scott Thomas.

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Elf! the Musical

The essential West End show for December 2023 has to be the anticipated return of Elf! The Musical. From Santa’s workshop to the streets of New York, Buddy’s hilarious adventure has been delighting families in the Winter Holidays since the film came out in 2003. This stage adaptation features brilliant songs and all the same hilarity and colour the film is so well-loved for. The perfect family treat for December.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Nothing warms the spirit on a cold Winter’s day more than laughter, and Peter Pan Goes Wrong delivers it in buckets. This festive treat from the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong follows the disaster-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they try to stage the classic children’s story, but everything that can go wrong does! This is the perfect West End comedy to enjoy with the whole family and one of the must-see December shows in 2023.

The Lion King

Disney’s spectacular musical features stunning puppetry and an unforgettable score by Elton John. Best for age 6+.

Hamilton

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hugely popular musical Hamilton follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of America.

Wicked

Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz, with spellbinding songs, a powerful story and incredible visual spectacles. Best for age 7+.

ABBA Voyage

The Swedish pop group are projected into the ABBA Arena in a cutting-edge digital performance, promising a concert experience like no other.

Frozen the Musical

Experience Disney's modern classic on stage in this spectacular musical, featuring hit song “Let It Go”. Best for age 6+.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Discover the life and career of a global superstar in this electrifying show, featuring hits "Proud Mary" and "River Deep Mountain High".

Les Misérables

Hear the people sing in the world's longest-running musical, which has been in the West End since 1985.

The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational musical has been enchanting audiences since 1986 with its haunting tale of love and obsession.

Matilda the Musical

Tim Minchin's mischievous musical adaptation is a hilarious, heart-warming modern classic for the whole family. Best for age 6+.

Back to the Future the Musical

Great Scott! The legendary time-traveling comedy is back in this incredible musical adaptation that will delight the entire family.

The Book of Mormon

From the creators of South Park this outrageous, multi-award winning musical tells the hilarious story of two naïve Mormon missionaries.

Frank and Percy

Ian McKellen and Roger Allam star in this witty and charming two-hander about connection, friendship and taking chances.

Mamma Mia!

Dance the night away to ABBA’s greatest hits at the hilarious West End musical that inspired the film.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Enter a world of excess and faded glamour at this extravagant jukebox musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s film.

The Nutcracker

Soar over the Land of Snow with Tchaikovsky's exquisite ballet, now a Christmas tradition for London theatregoers. Best for age 5+.

Cabaret

A daring revival of the hit musical welcomes audiences to 1930s Berlin, via the immersive Kit Kat Club.

Sunset Boulevard

Nicole Scherzinger stars as faded film star Norma in an exciting revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Mrs. Doubtfire

She’s in the West End, dearies! The classic Robin Williams film is now a hilarious, heart-warming musical comedy.

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends

Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga and an all-star musical theatre cast lead a West End tribute concert in memory of Stephen Sondheim.

Hamnet

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s dazzling play, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel, transfers for a limited season.

Guys and Dolls

The Bridge Theatre transforms into the streets of New York and clubs of Havana in a new, immersive production of the classic musical comedy.

Crazy For You

Charlie Stemp stars as banker with a dream Bobby in Susan Stroman’s 30th anniversary production of the irrepressible Gershwin musical.

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit is the world's longest running show. Can you keep the secret?

Dear England

Joseph Fiennes stars as England men’s manager Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s smash-hit play, direct from the National Theatre.

Six the Musical

Henry VIII’s embattled ex-wives reign over the West End with their fist-pumping histo-remix.

The Gruffalo's Child

Join the Gruffalo’s daughter on an adventure in this playful stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s picture book! Best for age 3+

The Play That Goes Wrong

Mischief Theatre’s hilarious comedy of errors will leave you in stitches, as an am-dram group's latest murder mystery goes awry.

The Snowman

Fly across a winter wonderland and see a Christmas classic! Now in its 26th year, The Snowman is as magical as ever. Suitable for all ages.

Edward Scissorhands

Matthew Bourne and New Adventures' enchanting dance production of the Tim Burton film returns to London for the first time since 2014.

Witness for the Prosecution

The landmark production of Agatha Christie's courtroom thriller is set inside the magnificent council chamber of London County Hall.

Noises Off

Felicity Kendal stars in this brilliantly funny production of Michael Frayn’s backstage farce, promising the biggest laughs in London!

My Neighbour Totoro

The Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved film returns to London for a limited season. Best for age 6+.

Jersey Boys

Oh, what a night! This toe-tapping jukebox musical fills London with the sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

The Time Traveller's Wife

Audrey Niffenegger's best-selling book is adapted into a new musical with songs from Joss Stone and Eurythmics' Dave Stewart.

The Unfriend

Lee Mack stars in the acclaimed dark comedy of manners about a couple who spot trouble when a potential murderer comes to stay!

The Motive and the Cue

Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss star as Burton and Gielgud in this fascinating backstage play, based on the pair’s 1964 production of Hamlet.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Discover the thrilling origins of the Upside Down in this incredible new prequel to the Netflix series, co-created by the Duffer Brothers.

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story

Mark Gatiss’ atmospheric retelling of Charles Dickens’ ghost story is the perfect match for Ally Pally’s beautiful Victorian theatre.

The Choir of Man

Experience the ultimate pub lock-in in London, thanks to nine normal guys with incredible voices - and a real bar on stage!

The Smartest Giant in Town

Julia Donaldson’s heartwarming story about helping others is adapted into a musical for young children. Best for ages 2+.

Magic Mike Live

Let your hair down with a night of irresistible, temperature-raising entertainment, inspired by Channing Tatum’s sizzling film franchise.

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Join Peppa on an exciting trip to the zoo and beach this Christmas! This engaging show is perfect for young theatregoers. Best for age 3+.

Christmas Actually

Richard Curtis curates an evening of music, poetry, stories and festive joy in aid of Comic Relief, featuring a lineup of celebrity guests.

Father Christmas Needs a Wee!

Santa’s enjoying all of his Christmas treats… but he forgot to go to the toilet! Join him in this hilarious musical, best for age 3+.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

J. K. Rowling's Wizarding World is transformed on stage, offering fans a unique return to their favourite fantasy world. Best for age 10+.

Hansel and Gretel

The beloved fairytale, reimagined by Simon Armitage, transforms the Globe Theatre into a festive haven for families. Best for age 5+

Austentatious

The Jane Austen-inspired improv troupe pulls a fantastic new show out from under their bonnets every night, based on your suggestions.

Backstairs Billy

Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans star in this brand new comedy about the Queen Mother and her loyal servant - and friend of 50 years.

The Enfield Haunting

Catherine Tate stars as the mother at the centre of the infamous Enfield poltergeist case in this major new psychological thriller.

Ghosts

Discover Ibsen’s powerful and stirring tragedy performed by candlelight, in a new version from director Joe Hill-Gibbons.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

You give a place, time and situation and they create a brand-new musical! Showstopper is perfect for theatre fans who enjoy the unexpected.

Lyonesse

Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in this dark and intriguing new play about a reclusive actress who is ready to stage her comeback.

Mates in Chelsea

The elites of Chelsea are sent up in style by playwright Rory Mullarkey in this riotous modern-day comedy of manners.