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 May 2024

London is in full bloom by May and now is the perfect time to start booking for outdoor theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe or Regent’s Park. Two Bank Holidays this month mean long weekends away, and we recommend you put on your dancing shoes for a night out at ABBA Voyage or stick to the West End with blockbuster musical Wicked. New shows opening in May are to be confirmed, but with half term also coming up this month we suggest booking tickets for some of the West End’s best-loved family musicals such as Wicked and Matilda, or say yoo-hoo to Mrs Doubtfire!

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Wicked

With Spring in the air, there’s no better time to transport yourself to wonderful world of Oz and experience one of the West End’s most enduring musical masterpieces. Wicked has played to packed audiences since it opened in 2006, delighting whole families with spectacular staging and costumes as well as powerful songs like 'The Wizard and I' and 'Defying Gravity'. Wicked is an essential musical, and a perfect West End show for May or any time.

Cabaret

There is no West End experience quite like Cabaret. This fresh, modern production transforms the Playhouse Theatre into ‘The Kit Kat Klub’ for an immersive evening of terrific music and powerful storytelling. As the evenings start to warm up again, the debauched world of inter-war Berlin says “willkommen” and summons you into its delights and terrors. Cabaret is an experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

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+.

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.

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.

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.

MJ the Musical

Discover the creative mind and artistry behind the King of Pop in this Tony Award-winning musical, opening in 2024.

Sister Act

Hallelujah! The heavenly musical, based on the hit film, returns to the West End starring Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke.