More about: 10 Best Musicals of London's West-End
The West End has long been an area where the country’s elite have gathered, but its fame is not down to the powerful. This area is home to the vast majority of London’s theatres and, alongside Broadway in New York, is the world’s leading centre for English-language theatre. There’s no doubt that going to see a musical in London is a unique experience.
The Lyceum Theatre, the Apollo Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre are some of the West End’s most legendary venues. Great productions featuring outstanding actors and illustrious audiences have been staged in their auditoriums. It was from the mid-20th century onwards that musicals arrived on the West End stage to stay.
The musical The Phantom of the Opera is one of the longest-running shows performed in these theatres, but it was followed by a long list of great musicals that are now among London’s biggest attractions. Join me and I’ll show you which musicals you can see in the West End today and everything you need to know.
1. The Phantom of the Opera
Tickets for The Phantom of the Opera grant you access to one of the West End’s best-known and longest-running musicals. It has been running continuously since 1986, thanks to its huge popularity with audiences. And no wonder, as this production, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, boasts a spectacular soundtrack and staging.
The musical runs for two and a half hours (including the interval) and tells the story of a mysterious masked man who earns the nickname ‘the Phantom’ and terrorises the Paris Opera, all in the hope of winning the love of an opera singer. A story that needs no introduction.
It is performed at the historic Her Majesty’s Theatre, very close to the Piccadilly Circus Underground station and Trafalgar Square.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Because it’s the most classic musical you’ll find in the English capital. The Phantom of the Opera never goes out of fashion and continues to fill theatres around the world every year. Seeing it in London’s West End is an experience well worth the investment. What’s more, regardless of the language, the story is very easy to follow.
Ideal for
Adults and teenagers, as very young children might find it a bit scary.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets on Hellotickets: The Phantom of the Opera London tickets
Useful information
- Where? At Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, St James’s
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval
- Want to know more? Here’s an article on what you need to know about seeing The Phantom of the Opera in London.
2. Mamma Mia
Just hearing the name is probably enough to have you humming its songs. Tickets for the musical Mamma Mia have been on sale in London theatres since 1999. Set on a Greek island, this story of love and friendship unfolds through the songs of the most famous Swedish band of all time, ABBA.
The musical lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes, including the interval. It is performed at the Novello Theatre, located near the Lyceum Theatre on the Strand.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Because, regardless of the story, it’s impossible not to get carried away by a musical featuring ABBA songs. After more than two decades running, this musical has become a true classic that leaves no audience member unmoved.
Ideal for
Families with children aged 6 and over.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets for Mamma Mia on the Hellotickets website: Mamma Mia London tickets
Useful information
- Where? At the Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 35 minutes, including the interval
3. Wicked
Although this show isn’t one of the West End classics, it has earned its place as one of London’s best musicals. The story features characters from The Wizard of Oz, though it offers a different perspective. Those who buy tickets for Wicked will discover an alternative story centred on two of the most famous characters from The Wizard of Oz: the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch, Glinda.
It’s usually a favourite with younger children and runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes, including the interval. The Apollo Victoria Theatre, near Victoria underground and railway stations, is where this musical is staged.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Because it’s not a story you can see at the cinema, because the production has won three Tony Awards and a Grammy, because it’s equal parts intrigue and humour, and, ultimately, because after seeing this musical , you’ll never look at the classic The Wizard of Oz in the same way again.
Ideal for
Although it’s suitable for all ages, younger children might find it a bit scary, so it’s recommended for children aged 5 and over.
How to buy tickets
You can get them from Hellotickets: Wicked London tickets
Useful information
- Where? Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes, including an interval
4. Matilda
As you might expect, the musical takes its name from the heroine of Roald Dahl’s novel. A highly intelligent little girl whose parents fail to recognise her brilliance, she serves as the central character in a story that’s great fun, especially for children.
With tickets for the musical Matilda, you’ll have access to the performance at the Cambridge Theatre, next to Covent Garden, which lasts approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Because it’s a story that inspires both children and adults, because it’s fun, and because this is the first time it’s been staged. Given the success it’s enjoying, it’s clear this won’t be the last.
Ideal for
All ages.
How to buy tickets
You can buy tickets for the Matilda musical in London on Hellotickets
Useful information
- Where? Cambridge Theatre, Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an interval
5. The Book of Mormon
Another classic among the world’s finest musicals is this hilarious story about two Mormons trying to preach their religion in Uganda, only to encounter a hostile environment. The Book of Mormon, with its message that is both provocative and moving, offers a constructive critique of society through the lens of the most controversial humour; it’s no surprise that it was written by the creators of the adult animated series South Park.
With tickets for the musical The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, you’ll have a good laugh listening to the characters swear their way through a series of catastrophic misadventures. By the end of the show, you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s one of the most award-winning musicals in history.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
It’s a musical with a difference – you need to be prepared to have a great time and laugh a lot, but at the same time it conveys values of respect and social justice.
Ideal for…
Adults who enjoy black humour and social satire
How to buy tickets
You can now buy tickets for the musical The Book of Mormon in London on Hellotickets
Useful information
- Where? Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval
6. Back to the Future
I don’t 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, the team includes people such as Alan Silvestri, composer of the soundtrack for one of the highest-grossing films in history, Marvel’s Endgame.
It’s being performed at the Adelphi Theatre, very close to Charing Cross underground and railway station, and runs for two and a half hours, including the interval.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Because if the film captivated audiences in its day, its stage adaptation is every bit as good. The musical has become one of London’s biggest hits and, let’s face it, one of the most entertaining too.
Ideal for
All ages
How to buy tickets
Get your tickets for the Back to the Future musical in London at Hellotickets
Useful information
- Where? Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the interval
7. The Tina Turner Musical
The world’s queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll also has her own musical in the West End. Based on the singer’s life and career, the musical is a true tribute to the artist and her songs, which are, of course, featured in the show. An absolute must-see for fans of one of the most renowned artists in history.
The Aldwych Theatre has been chosen to host the Tina Turner musical and is located on the Strand, near the Novello Theatre.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Because as well as being a tribute to the recently deceased artist, it’s also a tribute to rock and roll. You’ll leave the theatre moved by the story and in the mood to dance. You can start practising the songs from throughout Tina Turner’s career, as the musical features them all.
Ideal for
Adults and young people, especially if they’re rock ’n’ roll fans.
How to buy tickets
You can find tickets for the Tina Turner musical in London on the Hellotickets website
Useful information
- Where? Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes
8. Moulin Rouge
Whether or not you’re a fan of the world of cabaret, you’ll agree with me that the 2001 film Moulin Rouge is a truly brilliant cinematic experience, with a beautiful love story at its heart which, combined with the spectacular soundtrack, is sure to give you goosebumps. Well, now you can also enjoy it live in this West End musical in London, following its huge success on Broadway.
With tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which is playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London, you’ll feel as though you’re travelling back to the bohemian city of Paris in 1899 and stepping into the sensuous world of the French can-can. The plot, as in the film, centres on the romantic love story between a poet in love with a dancer from the world’s most famous cabaret, a romance cut short by an aristocrat’s lust.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
It’s absolutely worth it just to hear the original songs from the two-time Oscar-winning film, featuring tracks by artists such as Madonna and Sia. But add to that the incredible staging and sets, and you’ll understand why, since its premiere in 2021, Moulin Rouge has become one of the best musicals in London’s West End
Ideal for…
Adults and young people, especially those who enjoyed the film.
How to buy tickets
You can book tickets to see Moulin Rouge in London on the Hellotickets website:
Useful information
- Where? Piccadilly Theatre. 16 Denman Street, London, Greater London
- How long does it last? 2 hours 45 minutes, including the interval
9. The Lion King
When you buy tickets for The Lion King musical, you’ll be treated to a show that leaves no one unmoved, whatever your age. Its fame has spread across the globe thanks to its costumes, staging and world-famous soundtrack.
As the story and songs are so well known, you won’t need a very high level of English to enjoy the show. It’s two and a half hours – including the interval – of pure audiovisual delight. It’s the perfect show if you’re visiting London with children, but it’s also thoroughly enjoyable for adults.
The musical has been running at the Lyceum Theatre for several years now. It’s a little further away from the other theatres, but if you follow Strand Street, which leads off from Trafalgar Square, you can’t go wrong.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Above all, for the show’s meticulous set design; each character is more surprising than the last, thanks to the costume design, characterisation and, ultimately, the staging. Undoubtedly a unique musical, backed by the assurance of a classic story with a soundtrack that everyone knows.
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 Hellotickets website: The Lion King London Tickets
Useful information
- Where? At the Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street
- How long does it last? 2½ hours, including an interval
10. Grease The Musical
Relive the story of Sandy and Danny Zuko at Rydell High School and don’t miss this musical that will have you buzzing with the dances and songs from the iconic 1970s film. In its most modern incarnation, Grease The Musical brings one of the most popular and acclaimed musicals to the West End.
Get your tickets to see Grease in London and enjoy the infectious energy of the Pink Ladies and the Burger Palace Boys with hit songs such as ‘You’re the One That I Want’ and ‘Summer Nights’, which will have you dancing in your seat at the Dominion Theatre.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
It might just be the best chance to experience this classic musical from the inside, allowing you to reconnect with your teenage self and those carefree summer romances. Oh, and at the best possible price!
Ideal for…
Fans of the legendary film. Recommended for ages 7 and over
Useful information
- Where? Dominion Theatre, London. 268–269 Tottenham Court Road, London, Greater London
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the interval
Upcoming shows in London
Autumn 2026 will bring several major new productions to London’s stages. One of the most eagerly anticipated will be High School Musical, which is set to open on 12 October 2026 at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre to mark the 20th anniversary of the Disney film. The production will bring back the songs and characters from East High School in a new stage adaptation, with performances scheduled until 3 January 2027.
Also of note is the return of Jesus Christ Superstar, which will run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027, featuring Sam Ryder in the cast. A few weeks earlier, the same theatre will host a limited run of The Last Ship, the musical created by Sting, who will also take on one of the leading roles between 22 September and 3 October. It will be one of the most unique opportunities this autumn to see one of the great names in British music on stage.
Tickets for London musicals
Prices for London musicals vary. This means that depending on demand, the time of each performance and, above all, the section where you wish to book your seat, prices will differ. Any musical in London can cost anywhere from 50 euros for the cheapest ticket (which is already very cheap – the norm is around 70 euros) up to over 200 euros.
Some theatres have a larger capacity than others, and some shows are in greater demand than others. Although this isn’t always the case, my general advice is to book your tickets as far in advance as possible to avoid missing out. What’s more, if you leave it until the last minute, you’ll only find tickets for seats with poorer views.
Performance times for London musicals
Although they are staged in different theatres, all musicals follow the same timetable and there are usually no variations. There are performances every day of the week, except on specific dates, with two performances a day for each show. One at 2.30 pm and another at 7.30 pm. Although these times don’t usually change, there are dates when the schedule may vary, so I recommend checking in advance. Bear in mind that the average running time of the shows is two and a half hours.
How to get to London’s West End?
Most theatres are in the area known as the West End, with Leicester Square and Covent Garden serving as landmarks, as almost all the theatres are located in the surrounding area. As it’s a very compact area, you can easily walk from one to the other. The best way to get there is by the London Underground, using the Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden stations.
What level of English do I need to see a musical in London?
You might find English a bit of a struggle and think it’s not worth going to a musical if you won’t understand it. But let me tell you, that doesn’t have to be the case. Most musicals – at least the classics, such as The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King – are thoroughly enjoyable even if you don’t speak English fluently. Their songs and stories are world-famous, and you’re almost certain to be familiar with them already. What’s more, the staging is spectacular, and you won’t need to be fluent in the language to enjoy it.
For other shows such as Come From Away, The Play That Goes Wrong and The Book of Mormon, I’d only recommend going if English isn’t a problem for you.
Although the theatres are all different, they all have a minimum level of facilities. In every one, you’ll find a café where you can have a drink during the interval, a cloakroom, toilets, and, for shows aimed at younger audiences, booster seats for children.
If you’re a musical lover, you’ll already know that London’s West End is a must-visit.