What are the best London West End musicals for first timers?
London West End musicals are larger than life. Each time I go, I leave the theatre elated.
It’s a London experience you want to enjoy at least once.
I’ve seen many West End musicals over the years, but if it’s your first time, choosing the right musical can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many musicals to choose from.
To help you make a choice, I created this guide that covers all the best London West End musicals for first timers.
I’ve also created another guide about the best plays in London for first timers.
Best West End musicals for first timers: my top picks (TL;DR)
Not sure where to start? These three musicals are hard to go wrong with.
The all-time classic: Les Misérables is one of the most powerful musicals ever written. An iconic musical with famous songs that’s been running in London for decades.
The guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Mamma Mia is joyful, high‑energy, feel‑good, funny, and packed with ABBA songs you already know and love. I left with a huge smile on my face.
The big spectacle: The Lion King is a great choice if you’re after the visual wow, this one has a lavish set and amazing costumes. A jaw-dropping production that works just as well for adults as it does for kids.
Table of contents
What to expect from West End musicals
Since you’re a first timer, I’d like to give you a very quick intro to the West End.
The West End is London’s theatre district, the equivalent of Broadway in New York.
Most of the big musicals are clustered around Shaftesbury Avenue and Covent Garden in central London, so all the theatres are very easy to reach.
Ticket prices vary quite a bit depending on the show, when you book, and where you sit, but budget roughly £40 – £120.
Always book way in advance if you know what you want to see. That’s my most essential tip from my own experience. The most popular London musicals can sell out weeks ahead, especially at weekends.
Last minute tickets do exist but you may have to compromise on the seat or even the show you wanted to see.
Musicals typically run for 2-2.5 hours, including an interval.
West End productions are exceptionally high quality. The performances, the sets, the costumes, the choreography, everything is polished to a standard that’s hard to match.
Whatever musical you choose from this list, you’re in for a great night.
The best West End musicals for first timers: my curated shortlist
Here’s a curated selection of the best musicals for first timers in London.
Use it to choose the right musical for you.
The long-running West End classics
Les Misérables: Victor Hugo’s sweeping story of justice, love, and revolution has been running in the West End for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
For: Fans of emotional, epic stories with a powerful score; teens and adults who enjoy drama.
Not for: Very young kids, anyone wanting light comedy or happy endings.
The Phantom of the Opera: One of the most iconic musicals ever written. The chandelier moment alone is worth the ticket price. A genuinely timeless piece of theatre.
For: Anyone who loves lush romantic scores, Gothic atmosphere, and big emotions; teens and adults who enjoy love stories and melodrama.
Not for: Very young kids, anyone wanting light comedy.
Wicked: The “untold story” of the witches of Oz. It is the “gateway musical” for many, and features the show-stopping interval anthem “Defying Gravity.”
For: Fans of fantasy, friendship stories, and powerhouse ballads; families with kids 8+, teens, and adults who enjoy spectacle.
Not for: Very young kids under 5, or those wanting a realistic show.
The uplifting London musicals
Mamma Mia!: Pure joy from start to finish. The traditional feel-good musical. The ABBA soundtrack is irresistible and the energy in the theatre is high with a party atmosphere. The curtain call is an event in itself. Don’t leave early.
For: Anyone who loves ABBA songs, lighthearted comedy, and a sunny, feel‑good atmosphere; great for mixed-age groups and celebratory nights out.
Not for: People wanting deep drama, complex plots, or darker themes.
Hamilton: One of the most talked-about musicals on the West End. The hip-hop retelling of America’s founding fathers sounds unlikely on paper but it works on stage. Book well in advance, this one sells out fast.
For: Fans of hip‑hop, R&B, and clever lyrics; anyone who enjoys fast, wordy storytelling about politics, power, and legacy; teens and adults.
Not for: Very young kids, people who dislike rap and dense lyrics.
The big West End spectacles
The Lion King: A Disney production featuring over 200 puppets, vibrant African-inspired costumes, and a wonderful Elton John score. Also, there’ a life-sized elephant involved.
For: Families and anyone who loves Disney, spectacle, and emotional but reassuring stories; especially good with children aged about 6+ and for multigenerational trips.
Not for: Very young kids under 3, or adults wanting dark, edgy, or experimental theatre.
Moulin Rouge!: The moment you walk in, the theatre is bathed in red light. You feel like you’re in a 19th-century Parisian nightclub. This musical is a sensory overload of extravagant costumes, amazing choreography, and pop songs you definitely know.
For: Fans of the film, pop jukebox medleys, high-energy dance, romance, and immersive glamour; adults and older teens.
Not for: Kids under 12, those wanting original scores or quiet emotional depth.
The Devil Wears Prada A newer addition to the West End, based on the famous film. It’s a sleek, funny, and surprisingly moving musical with a sharp script. A big spectacle production with great staging and costumes.
For: Fans of the film, fashion, and glossy workplace comedies; girls’ nights out.
Not for: Those wanting deep, groundbreaking theatre, classic-style scores, or very kid‑friendly content.
My tips on booking West End tickets
Here are my best tips from my West End experience over the years.
Book London musicals way in advance
The most popular musicals sell out weeks in advance, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Once I know my travel dates and pick a show, I book it.
There were times when I left it for the last moment, but I almost always had to compromise on either the show or the seats.
How to choose your seats
The stalls (ground floor) put you closest to the action and are generally the most sought-after.
The dress circle (first balcony) often offers excellent sightlines at a slightly lower price.
The upper circle is the most affordable option, though for me personally it feels too high up, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Avoid anything marked “restricted view”, because you don’t want to be sitting behind a pole for 2.5 hours.
Matinee vs evening shows
Both are great, it really comes down to how you want to plan your itinerary.
Matinees, normally around 2 pm, are sometimes a little cheaper and the atmosphere is slightly more relaxed.
Choose a matinee if you want a free evening for dinner or other London entertainment. It’s also an easier choice if you’re going with kids.
Evening performances tend to have more energy in the audience and an immersive atmosphere. It’s also classic for a date night.
Choose an evening performance if you want to spend the daytime at other London attractions, like museums (which close around 6 pm).
Arrive at the theatre early
For a West End show that starts at 7:30 pm, I usually arrive by 7 pm.
Most theatres open their doors about 45 minutes before curtain up.
In my experience, normally the queue moves fast and you just need to have your ticket scanned on your phone and go through a quick bag check.
Arriving early gives you time to find your seat, buy a programme if you like (you can also buy it after the show), and order your interval drinks in advance.
I also love taking photos of theatre interiors, the old venues are truly beautiful. You have time to do that before the show starts.
What to wear for the West End
There’s no official dress code for West End musicals.
Most people dress smart-casual, but you’ll see everything from jeans to evening wear.
Wear whatever you like. Remember you’ll be sitting down for about 2 hours, so wear something comfortable.
Check the running time
Most musicals run for 2-2.5 hours including the interval.
It’s worth checking in advance so you can plan dinner or transport around it.
The tube stations around the West End get very crowded after shows.
Some tube lines run all night on Fridays and Saturdays.
Got any more tips or recommendations on the best London West End musicals for first timers? Share them in the comments.