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 February 2024

The word on everyone’s lips in February is love! The West End has a fantastic lineup of shows to enjoy on Valentine’s Day and The Time Traveller's Wife is the perfect choice. This new musical is a heartfelt story about a love that conquers all, with music by Joss Stone. The English National Opera's The Barber of Seville is also great for romance, with its giddy, humorous tale of young love.

If romance isn’t in your plans this month, head to Magic Mike Live with your friends or try one of London’s most feel-good musicals about empowerment and staying true to yourself: SIX continues to reign with its fist-pumping herstory about Henry VIII’s wives and coming-of-age musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is back for a short season at the Peacock Theatre.

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Everybody's Talking About Jamie

A modern British classic returns to London! Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a fabulous, feel-good musical about a sixteen-year-old who dares to be different. Jamie New dreams of being a drag queen but school bullies and a conservative father threaten to hold him back. Along the way he discovers the true meanings of friendship and family. Fantastic songs and amazing choreography make it a must-see show for February 2024.

The Time Traveller's Wife

It’s Valentine’s season, so take your sweetheart to the most romantic West End show in February. The Time Traveller’s Wife adapts the beloved novel into a musical that will captivate your imagination and win your heart. Musicians Joss Stone and Dave Stewart have written powerful songs for this show and with stage effects by Chris Fisher (Back to the Future the Musical) it is guaranteed to be a dazzling spectacle!

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.

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.

Cabaret

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

Mrs. Doubtfire

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

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.

The Mousetrap

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

Six the Musical

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

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.

Witness for the Prosecution

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

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+.

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.

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!

Magic Mike Live

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

The King and I

Helen George stars in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical, back in London for a limited season.

Shen Yun

The acclaimed Chinese performance group is back in London with their stunning display of the country’s forbidden culture and heritage.

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+.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria

Step into the light and experience the joy of Cirque du Soleil’s beloved show on its 30th anniversary.

The Enfield Haunting

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

The Barber of Seville

Rossini’s divine comic opera fizzes with joyful melodies, mischievous plots and young love that wins the day.

The Duchess Of Malfi

Ten years after it opened the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Webster’s iconic and chilling revenge tragedy returns to the candlelit theatre.

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood’s feminist tale becomes a rousing opera, back at the English National Opera after an acclaimed season in 2022.

The Magic Flute

Mozart’s enchanting opera marries fairytale and spectacle in an acclaimed production from Simon McBurney.

Bronco Billy

The Wild West meets the West End as this rollicking new musical, based on Clint Eastwood’s film, opens in London.

Dana H.

Lucas Hnath’s Tony Award-winning verbatim play, using his mother’s own words, is a confronting and captivating theatrical experience.