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 , revivals of comedies including Noises Off , and festive favourites like The Nutcracker .

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.

Tuesday Matinees in London

Keep your evening free with a midweek Tuesday matinee, and get your fill of entertainment at a time that works for you. Tuesday afternoon performances are more common during holidays like Easter and Christmas, making them the perfect time to see some of the best kids theatre in London. Families can escape the busy crowds on Saturday and Sunday matinees when they introduce little ones to the magic of live theatre.

Child-free and have an afternoon going spare? Tickets to some of the longest-running musicals and plays in London are also available on selected Tuesdays, and they are often cheaper than on weekends as well. For even more choice, take a look at popular Wednesday and Thursday matinees.