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 January 2024

The new year in London means quieter streets and winter sales, so keep an eye on theatre discounts to see some top shows for less. In January, The Nutcracker and the Palladium Panto are still playing, so you and your family can experience some extra moments of festive joy until the middle of the month. Also this month, The King and I starring Call The Midwife’s Helen George opens at the Dominion Theatre, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow reveals the secrets of Hawkins at the Phoenix Theatre. Two very different shows, but both mark the start of an exciting 12 months in the West End.

Finally, don’t miss your last chance to see Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard and Luke Evans in Backstairs Billy, which both close in January.

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The King and I

A true classic returns to be one of the most sought-after West End shows in January 2024. The King and I is the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein musical has won hearts for over 70 years. This stunning production starring Call the Midwife’s Helen George will make the Dominion Theatre ring with classic tunes like 'Getting to Know You' and 'Shall We Dance'. This heart-warming musical is a great way to start the year!

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Add a twist of darkness to your new year with Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Your favourite Netflix series is given a powerful stage treatment in this haunting prequel, which promises the same mix of thrills and charm that the show is renowned for. Discover the chilling origins of the Upside Down and be introduced to younger versions of some of your favourite characters in this unmissable play for January 2024.

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.

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.

Elf! the Musical

Santa’s most enthusiastic helper is back on stage! The festive favourite musical returns for a strictly limited season this winter.

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.

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.

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.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

The Cornley Drama Society are off to Neverland for Christmas, in this hilarious comedy from the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong.

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.

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+.

Hansel and Gretel

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

Giselle

Mary Skeaping’s celebrated production of a timeless ballet returns, with a live score by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria

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

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.

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.