10 Best Musicals of London's West-End
If New York has Broadway, London has West End, the mecca of musicals in Europe. One of the most special attractions of the English capital.
Piccadilly Circus | ©Andrzej Kidaj
The West End has been an area where the country's elites were concentrated, but its fame is not due to the powerful. In this area are concentrated the vast majority of theaters in London and is, along with Broadway in New York, the greatest exponent of English-language theater in the world. Undoubtedly, going to see a musical in London is a unique experience.
The Lyceum Theatre, the Apollo Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre are some of the most legendary stages of the West End. Great plays have been performed in their halls with great actors and illustrious spectators. It was from the mid-twentieth century when the musicals came to the halls of the West End to stay.
The musical The Phantom of the Opera is one of the longest-running musicals performed in its theaters, but it was followed by an extensive list of great musicals that are already part of the great attractions of London. Join me and I show you which are the musicals that can be visited today in the West End and everything you should know.
1. The Phantom of the Opera
Tickets for The Phantom of the Opera give access to one of the best known and longest-running musicals in the West End. It has been running continuously since 1986 and that is due to its great success with the public. No wonder because this work based on the novel by Gaston Leroux has a spectacular soundtrack and staging.
The musical has a duration of 2 and a half hours (including the interval or break) and tells the story of a mysterious masked man who earns the nickname of ghost and terrorizes the Paris Opera just to get the love of a vocalist of the opera. A familiar story.
It is performed in the historic Her Majesty's Theatre, very close to Piccadilly Circus tube stop and Trafalgar Square.
Why you can not miss it
Because it is the most classic musical you will find in the English capital. The Phantom of the Opera never goes out of fashion and every year continues to fill theaters around the world. Seeing it at London's West-End is an experience worth investing in. Plus, regardless of the language, the story is very easy to follow.
Ideal for
Adults and young adults, as young children may be frightened.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets in Hellotickets: Tickets The Phantom of the Opera London
Useful information about the Phantom of the Opera
- Where is the venue? At Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, St. James's
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes with intermission.
- Want to know more? Here's an article on what you need to know to see The Phantom of the Opera in London.
2. Mamma Mia
Most probably just by hearing her name you are already humming her songs. Tickets for the musical Mamma Mia have been on sale in London theaters since 1999. Through the songs of the most famous Swedish group of all time, Abba, this story of love and friendship takes place on a Greek island.
The musical lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes including the interval. It is performed at the Novello Theatre located near the Lyceum Theatre on Strand Street.
Why you can't miss it
Because, regardless of the story, it's impossible not to cheer at a musical with Abba songs. After more than two decades on stage, this musical has become a classic that leaves no spectator indifferent.
Ideal for
Families with children over 6 years old.
How to buy tickets
You have tickets for Mamma Mia on the website of Hellotickets: Mamma Mia tickets London
Useful info
- Where is it? At the Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 35 minutes including intermission
3. Wicked
Although this work is not among the classics of West End has earned the right to be recognized as one of the best musicals in London. Its story stars characters from the Oz wizard but gives it another perspective. Those who buy tickets for Wicked will discover an alternative story between two of the most famous characters of the Wizard of Oz: The Wicked Witch of the West and the good witch, Glinda.
It is usually a favorite of the youngest and has a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission. The Apollo Victoria Theatre, near Victoria Underground and train station, is the venue for this musical.
Why you can't miss it
Because it is not a story you can see in a movie theater, because the staging has 3 Tony Awards and a Grammy, because it has elements of intrigue and humor in equal parts and, ultimately, because after this musical you will never see the classic Wizard of Oz in the same way again.
Ideal for
Although it is for all audiences, younger children may be frightened, so we recommend tickets for ages 5 and up.
How to buy tickets
You have them in Hellotickets: Wicked London Tickets
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission.
4. Matilda
As is logical, the name of this musical is due to the protagonist of the work of Roald Dahl. A girl with a great intelligence that her parents do not appreciate and that serves as a thread for a very funny story especially for children.
With tickets for the musical Matilda will have access to the representation of the Cambridge Theatre, next to Covent Garden Square, and has an approximate duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Why you can't miss it
Because it is a story that inspires both children and adults, because it is fun and because it is the first time it is brought to the stage. Seeing the success it is having, it is clear that it will not be the last.
Ideal for
All ages.
How to buy tickets
In Hellotickets you have tickets for the musical of Matilda in London.
Useful info about Matilda in London
- Where is it? Cambridge Theatre Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 40 minutes including an intermission.
5. The Book of Mormon
Another classic from the world's best musical theaters is this hilarious story about two Mormons who try to preach their religion in Uganda and encounter a hostile environment. The Book of Mormon, with its provocative and poignant message, is a constructive critique of society from the point of view of the most controversial humor; not for nothing is it written by the creators of the adult cartoon series South Park.
With tickets for the musical The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, you will spend a time of laughter listening to the characters blaspheme in a series of catastrophic misfortunes. When the show is over, you won't be surprised to learn that it's among the most awarded musicals in history.
Why you can't miss it
This is a different kind of musical where you should go prepared to have a good time and laugh a lot, but at the same time it conveys values of respect and social justice.
Ideal for...
Adults who enjoy black humor and social satire.
How to buy tickets
In Hellotickets you can buy tickets for the musical The Book of Mormon in London.
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission.
6. Back to the Future
No need to tell you the story of Marty McFly and Doc, tickets for the musical Back to the Future will refresh your memory thanks to an incredible staging and a spectacular musical production. In fact, it features the likes of Alan Silvestri, composer of the soundtrack to one of the highest-grossing films in history, Marvel's End Game.
It is performed at the Adelphi Theatre very close to Charing Cross tube and train station and lasts 2 and a half hours including the interval.
Why you can't miss it
Because if the film already captivated viewers in its day, its stage adaptation is not far behind. The musical has become one of the best sellers in London and, why not say it, also one of the funniest.
Ideal for
All ages
How to buy tickets
In Hellotickets you can buy tickets for the musical Back to the Future in London.
Useful information about Back to the Future
- Where is it? Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes including the intermission.
7. The Tina Tuner Musical
The world queen of Rock 'n' Roll also has her own musical in the West End. Based on the life and career of the singer, the musical is a tribute to the artist and her songs, which are of course included in the performance. A must-see for fans of one of the most recognized artists in history.
The Aldwych Theatre is the chosen venue to sell tickets for the musical about Tina Turner and is located on Strand Street near the Novello Theatre.
Why you can't miss it
Because in addition to being a tribute to the recently deceased artist, it's also a tribute to rock and roll. You will leave the theater moved by the story and eager to dance. You can rehearse the songs of Tina Turner's entire career because the musical includes them.
Ideal for
Adults and young people, especially if they are rock and roll lovers.
How to buy tickets
On the website of Hellotickets you have Tickets for the musical of Tina Turner in London.
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes
8. Moulin Rouge
Whether or not you are a fan of the world of cabaret you will agree with me that the film Moulin Rouge released in 2001 is a cinematic experience, brilliant and with a beautiful love story in the background that mixed with the spectacular soundtrack makes your hair stand on end. Well now you can also enjoy it live in this musical in London's West End after the huge success on Broadway.
With tickets for Moulin Rouge The Musical, which gives its function in the Piccadilly Theatre in London, you will believe that you travel to the bohemian city of Paris in 1899 and you will enter the libidinous world of the French can can. The plot, as in the movie, is about the romantic love story between the poet in love with the dancer of the most famous cabaret in the world cut short by the desire of an aristocrat.
Why you can't miss it
It's absolutely worth it just to hear the original songs from the two Oscar-winning film, with songs by artists such as Madonna and Sia. But add to that the incredible staging and sets, and you'll understand why Moulin Rouge has become one of the best West End musicals in London since its premiere in 2021.
Ideal for
Adults and young people, especially those who enjoyed the movie.
How to buy tickets
On the Hellotickets website you can book your tickets to see Moulin Rouge in London
Useful information about Moulin Rouge in London
- Where to go? Piccadilly Theatre. 16 Denman Street, London, Greater London
- How long does it last? 2 hours 45 minutes including intermission.
9. The Lion King
Buying tickets for The Lion King musical you will have access to a show that leaves no one indifferent, no matter what age you are. Its fame has spread around the world thanks to its costumes, staging and its world famous soundtrack.
Thanks to the fact that its story and songs are so well known, you will not need a very high level of English to enjoy the play. It is 2 and a half hours, including intermission, of pure audiovisual pleasure. It is the perfect play if you visit London with children but also enjoyable for adults.
The musical has been at the Lyceum Theatre for several years. It is a little further away from the other theaters, but following the Strand Street, which leaves from Trafalgar Square, you can't miss it.
Why you can not miss it
Especially for the careful scenery that has the work; each character surprises more than the previous one by the costume design, characterization and, ultimately, the staging. Undoubtedly a different musical with the guarantee that brings a classic story whose soundtrack is known by all.
Ideal for
The whole family, adults and children of all ages.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets to see the Lion King musical in London on the official website of Hellotickets: The Lion King London Tickets
Useful info
- Where is the show? At the Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St
- How long does it last? 2 hours and a half with intermission
10. Grease The Musical
Relive the story of Sandy and Danny Zuko at Rydell High School and don't miss this musical that will thrill you with the dances and songs from the iconic 70's film. In its modern version, Grease The Musical, brings to the West End one of the most popular and acclaimed musicals.
Get your tickets to see Grease in London and enjoy the overwhelming energy of the Pink Ladys and the Burger Palace Boys with songs like 'You're the One That I Want' and 'Summer Nights' that will make you vibrate in your seat at the Dominion Theatre.
Why you can't miss it
This is perhaps the best opportunity to experience this classic musical from the inside and that will make you reconnect with your teenage self and unbridled summer loves. Oh, and at the best possible price!
Ideal for
Lovers of the mythical movie. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Useful info
- Where is the venue? Dominion Theatre London. 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, Greater London
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission.
Tickets for London musicals
London musicals have a variable price. This means that depending on the demand and the schedule of each performance, and, above all, the area in which you want to book your seat prices will vary. Any musical in London can cost you from 50 euros the cheapest ticket (and this would be very cheap, the normal is about 70 euros) to more than 200 euros.
There are theaters with greater capacity than others and works with more demand than others. Although not in all, but my general recommendation is that you get your tickets as far in advance as possible to avoid running out of them. Also if you leave it to the last minute you will only find tickets for the seats with less visibility.
The schedules of the musicals in London
Although they are in different theaters, all musicals share the same schedule and there are usually no variations. There are performances every day of the week, with the exception of specific dates, with two shows a day for each performance. One at 2:30 p.m. at noon and another at 7:30 p.m. in the evening. Although they do not usually vary, there are dates when the schedule may change, so I recommend that you consult in advance. Keep in mind that the duration of the plays is on average two and a half hours.
How to get to London's West-End?
Most of the theaters are in the area known as the West End, having Leicester Square and Covent Garden as reference points, as almost all the theaters are located around them. Being a very confined area you can walk from one to the other without problems. The best way to get there is on the London Underground, and we serve the stops Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
What level of English do I need to see a musical in London?
Maybe English is hard for you and you think it is not worth going to a musical if you are not going to understand it. But let me tell you that it doesn't have to be that way. Most musicals, at least the most classic ones, such as The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King, are totally enjoyable even if you don't speak English. Their songs and stories are world famous and you almost certainly know them beforehand. In addition, the staging is spectacular and you don't need to be fluent in the language to enjoy it.
For other plays such as Come From Away, The Play That Goes Wrong and The Book of Mormon I recommend going alone if English is not a problem for you.
Although the theaters are different they all have a minimum of facilities. In all of them you will find a cafeteria to have a drink during the break of the play , checkroom service, toilets, and in those more children's plays there are lifts for the kids.
If you are a lover of musicals you already know, the West End of London is a must see.