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Thursday Matinees In London

If you’re wondering what theatre matinees are on Thursdays, the short answer is most of them! No other weekday has as many afternoon performances to choose from, and the long-running musicals are all available to book including Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret. Thursday matinees begin between 2pm and 2.30pm, so you can avoid rush hour in central London, and tickets are often cheaper than Saturday and Sunday matinees. If you have annual leave to use up, clear your calendar for a midweek theatre trip and check out Wednesday matinees for even more weekday afternoon entertainment.

49 Shows in London

Hamilton

Hamilton

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hugely popular musical Hamilton follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of America.

MJ the Musical

MJ the Musical

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

Wicked

Wicked

Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz, with spellbinding songs, a powerful story and incredible visual spectacles. Best for age 7+.

The Lion King

The Lion King

Disney’s spectacular musical features stunning puppetry and an unforgettable score by Elton John. Best for age 6+.

Back to the Future the Musical

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.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

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 Miserables

Les Miserables

Hear the people sing in the world's longest-running musical, which has been in the West End since 1985.

Unicorn

Unicorn

Stephen Mangan and Nicola Walker star in this provocative new drama. A world premiere from Mike Bartlett, the man behind Doctor Foster.

Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers

Make a reservation for this hilarious play, based on the ‘70s sitcom. Written by John Cleese & guaranteed to make you cry with laughter!

Guys and Dolls

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.

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!

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

Dr. Strangelove

Dr. Strangelove

Steve Coogan stars in the world premiere stage adaptation of Kubrick’s Cold War satire, adapted by Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It).

The Tempest

The Tempest

Sigourney Weaver makes her West End debut as Prospero in Olivier Award winner Jamie Lloyd’s captivating Shakespeare season.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Immerse yourself in a world of spectacle and faded glamour at this unmissable jukebox musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s film.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire

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

Starlight Express

Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s exhilarating musical, performed entirely on rollerskates, returns to London at the dazzling Starlight Auditorium.

The Lehman Trilogy

The Lehman Trilogy

Discover the sprawling history of a firm and family that triggered the financial crisis in this Tony Award-winning epic.

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

Experience Swan Lake reinvented! The popular ballet, adapted by Matthew Bourne, makes its return at the Sadler’s Wells.

The Play That Goes Wrong

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 Great Gatsby: A New Musical

The Great Gatsby: A New Musical

It’s the party of the season! The Coliseum’s summer musical is a decadent adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic!

Oliver!

Oliver!

Matthew Bourne directs a thrilling revival of Lionel Bart’s musical, featuring “Consider Yourself”, “I’d Do Anything” and more.

The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap

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

Hadestown

Hadestown

Tony Award winner Anaïs Mitchell's genre-defying take on Greek mythology takes audiences on an unforgettable trip to the Underworld.

Matilda the Musical

Matilda the Musical

Tim Minchin's mischievous musical adaptation is a hilarious, heart-warming modern classic for the whole family. Best for age 6+.

Six the Musical

Six the Musical

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

Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution

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

The Snowman

The Snowman

Now in its 27th year, this Christmas ballet is a true staple of the festive season for London theatregoers. Suitable for all ages.

Kyoto

Kyoto

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s five-star political thriller, set during a pivotal moment in modern history, transfers to the West End.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Old Vic’s hit show returns, starring John Simm. Immerse yourself in the warmth, cheer, and charity of a Christmas classic.

Disney's Hercules

Disney's Hercules

Experience Disney’s beloved film on stage in this dazzling new musical, featuring “Zero to Hero” and more. Best for age 6+.

My Neighbour Totoro

My Neighbour Totoro

The Olivier Award-winning adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s film is a magical West End experience. Best for age 6+.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Join BAFTA-winning children's presenter Maddie Moate for her live science show, perfect for curious kids and their adults! Best for age 4+.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Ghosts star Mathew Baynton delights as Bottom in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s magical and mischievous production.

Clueless The Musical

Clueless The Musical

The iconic ‘90s film transforms into a fashionably fun musical comedy! A new version from Amy Heckerling, with songs by KT Tunstall.

The Merchant of Venice 1936

The Merchant of Venice 1936

Tracy-Ann Oberman reprises her acclaimed performance as Shylock in this urgent reinvention of Shakespeare’s tragedy, set in 1930s London.

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Join Peppa on an exciting adventure at the beach and zoo this Christmas! Perfect for the youngest theatre fans. Best for age 3+.

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

A rollicking musical adventure based on Julia Donaldson's much-loved tale, full of stories within stories. Best for age 3+.

All’s Well That Ends Well

All’s Well That Ends Well

Shakespeare’s rarely-performed story of a woman who will do anything in the name of love plays at London’s only candlelit theatre.

101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians

This musical adaptation of the children's story features original songs and stunning puppetry - it's tail-wagglingly good! Best for age 5+.

The Smartest Giant in Town

The Smartest Giant in Town

Julia Donaldson’s story about helping others is adapted into an engaging family musical. Best for ages 2+. Babes in arms under 12 months.

Tom Fletcher's The Creakers

Tom Fletcher's The Creakers

Head under the bed and meet the Creakers as Tom Fletcher’s best-selling children’s book becomes a rocking new musical. Best for age 6+.

Elektra

Elektra

Brie Larson makes her West End debut in Sophokles’ powerful Greek tragedy. A bold new version directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Fish.

Manhunt

Manhunt

The shocking Raoul Moat case becomes a tense new drama, written and directed by Olivier Award winner Robert Icke (The Doctor; Player Kings).

The Deep Blue Sea

The Deep Blue Sea

Tamsin Greig is devastating in this gorgeous revival of Terence Rattigan’s 1950s drama about a woman embarking on a hopeless affair.

The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh

Cooper, Morecambe and Monkhouse are back for one night only in this new comic play, direct from Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Three Sisters

Three Sisters

Anton Chekhov’s masterful domestic drama is performed by candlelight. A new version by Rory Mullarkey.

Cymbeline

Cymbeline

Love and rebellion fill the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse as Shakespeare’s late tragi-comedy returns, directed by Jennifer Tang.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

Follow the breadcrumbs for a festive treat! Simon Armitage’s version of the beloved fairytale returns for Christmas. Best for age 5+.

The Score

The Score

See Brian Cox dominate the stage as composer Johann Sebastian Bach in this captivating new history play, directed by Trevor Nunn.

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