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 March 2024

March is a big month for show openings, and there is a huge buzz around Tony Award-winning Broadway musical MJ. This jukebox hit, about Michael Jackson’s incredible creative journey, features his most popular songs, a fascinating story and trademark sharp choreography. Sister Act is also blessing the West End with Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke set to share the lead role.

Anyone curious about opera in London should book tickets for the English National Opera’s The Magic Flute; composer Mozart's story is magical and accessible for new audiences. Classic Jacobean revenge tragedy is another highlight this month as Sam Wanamaker Playhouse celebrates its 10th anniversary with The Duchess of Malfi .

March is also your last chance to see My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican - don't miss this magical Studio Ghibli story on stage!

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MJ the Musical

The King of Pop is reborn in one of the most anticipated London shows in March 2024. MJ the Musical is an explosive celebration of Michael Jackson, depicting the making of his legendary Dangerous World Tour in 1992, when he was at the peak of his stardom. On Broadway, MJ earned 10 Tony Awards and its original star, Myles Frost, will bring his pitch-perfect portrayal of Jackson to the West End.

Sister Act

Perennial favourite Sister Act continues to guarantee the holiest of good times with its winning combination of humour, gospel and soul. Musical megastar Beverley Knight is back in the habit to star as Deloris when the show opens in March, and Alexandra Burke takes over the role in June. If you’re looking for a fantastic feel-good show in London in March 2024, you can’t go wrong with the soul-singing nuns of Sister Act.

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+.

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+.

Mamma Mia!

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

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 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.

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.

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+.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie

The sensational British musical is back in London for a limited season, celebrating the superstar schoolboy who dared to be different.

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 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 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.