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 October 2023

In October, Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in passionate and intriguing new play Lyonesse, while atmospheric shows such as The Time Traveller’s Wife musical and The Ocean at the End of the Lane are perfect for darkening evenings close to Halloween. Talking of Halloween, don't forget stalwarts The Phantom of the Opera and Agatha Christie’s whodunit The Mousetrap for gothic chills and unexpected surprises!

Over half term, return to Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, discover the witches of Oz in Wicked, or meet a little girl with extraordinary powers in Matilda. Dressing up is welcome, so kids can really get into the Halloween spirit.

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The Ocean at the End of the Lane

A perfect Halloween outing and a must-see show in October, The Ocean at the End of the Lane combines the raw imagination of Neil Gaiman’s writing with incredible stagecraft that will make you question reality. This dark fantasy story took the West End by storm last year and now returns for a strictly limited 7-week run. Don’t miss this chance to experience this enthralling mix of wonder and horror.

Lyonesse

This star-studded new play from Jerusalem director, Ian Rickson, is an essential West End show in October 2023. Stage and screen stars Lily James (Downton Abbey) and Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) lead this world-premiere play about a faded actress with a mysterious past making a long-awaited comeback. A fresh, ground-breaking story told by top UK talent, Lyonesse is an unmissable show in October.

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.

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.

Grease

The electrifyin’ musical is back in London, ready to woo audiences with hit songs “Greased Lightning”, “Summer Loving” and more.

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.

Private Lives

Nigel Havers & Patricia Hodge star in Noel Coward’s comedy of manners, back in London for the 50th anniversary of the playwright's death.

Crazy For You

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

Dr Semmelweis

Mark Rylance stars in this brand new play, inspired by the doctor who fought to revolutionise medical practices in 19th-century Vienna.

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 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 Little Big Things

Mouth artist Henry Fraser’s best-selling memoir is adapted into a brand-new musical - the first to play at London’s Soho Place.

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!

Jersey Boys

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

Message in a Bottle

Kate Prince’s acclaimed dance-theatre production, inspired by and featuring music by Sting, returns to London.

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.

Rebecca

The acclaimed musical adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s captivating gothic thriller receives its English language premiere in London.

Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool

Award-winning comedian Mike Birbiglia brings his hilarious, relatable musings on life, death and middle age to London for four weeks only.

Macbeth

Power and madness take hold in Shakespeare’s visceral tragedy. Witness the Macbeths’ chilling downfall at the Globe this summer.

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 Empress

Award-winning playwright Tanika Gupta unveils the rich history of British Asians with a sweeping play set during Queen Victoria’s reign.

Magic Mike Live

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

As You Like It

Love and sisterhood transforms the Globe Theatre into a joyous community, as Rosalind and Celia escape into the Forest of Arden.

Pygmalion

Bertie Carvel and Patsy Ferran star in a revival of George Bernard Shaw’s sharp and funny satirical play.

Iolanthe

Giddy chaos rules in Gilbert & Sullivan's comic operetta. This satirical story of forbidden love is replete with magic and witty melodies.

Adam Kay: Undoctored

Comedian and former junior doctor Adam Kay is back in the West End with more hilarious and heartwarming tales of life on the wards.

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+.

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.

House of Flamenka

Bathe in the sensual passion of Flamenco, Latin and Contemporary dance in Arlene Phillips’ show.

La Traviata

The world-class English National Opera presents Verdi’s towering, passionate story of doomed love and self-sacrifice.

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.