What are the best musicals to see in London?
After countless visits to the West End, I can call myself a London theatre addict.
I go to as many shows as I can every time I visit London (usually once a year).
I’ve also experienced the West End overwhelm, with so many amazing musicals to choose from, I sometimes find myself spending way too much time deciding what to book.
I made this guide to help you choose a musical to see on your next trip to London.
Table of contents
My top picks: best musicals in London (TL;DR)
The feel-good musical: Mamma Mia
This is a truly fun night with ABBA hits and a heartwarming storyline. Some would call it sheer escapism and I would agree.
The sophisticated classic: Cabaret
A stylish, innovative cabaret-style storytelling, with complex characters and a sharply intelligent message.
The spectacle: The Lion King
The ultimate spectacle thanks to stunning puppetry, masks, and costumes.
Best musicals in London: my curated list
A recently deceased couple team up with a chaotic, wisecracking ghost to scare off the new occupants of their home, with predictably bonkers results.
Great if you like dark comedy, big visuals, and a bit of irreverent humour.
Expect rapid-fire jokes and inventive staging.
Follows Frank Sinatra as he rises from humble beginnings to global stardom, navigating fame, relationships, and reinvention along the way.
A good shout if you love classic tunes, biographical stories, or a touch of old-school glamour.
It stands out for its timeless songbook and the chance to hear those iconic numbers performed live.
The classic tale of a young orphan who escapes a grim workhouse and falls in with a group of pickpockets in Victorian London.
Ideal for families or anyone after something traditional, heartfelt, and easy to enjoy.
Unforgettable songs, lively ensemble numbers, and a nostalgic West End feel.
Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Paris, it follows ex-convict Jean Valjean as he seeks redemption while being relentlessly pursued by the law.
Perfect if you want something big, emotional, and a bit epic.
It’s a powerful classic, long-running West End show, with a soaring score.
A mysterious masked figure haunts the Paris Opera House, becoming obsessed with a young soprano singer.
If you’re in the mood for something romantic, dramatic, and a bit gothic, this is the classic musical for you.
It’s famous for its iconic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and one unforgettable chandelier moment.
The rise of Alexander Hamilton from immigrant outsider to key figure in shaping a new nation.
Great if you like history but want it told in a fresh way.
It’s uplifting and energetic, and most importantly: it brings hip-hop into musical theatre.
A young journalist lands a job at a high-fashion magazine and quickly realises her formidable boss expects absolute perfection at any cost.
A fun pick if you enjoy sharp humour and a bit of workplace drama.
Expect stylish staging and witty dialogue.
The six wives of Henry VIII take to the stage as a pop group, each telling her side of the story.
A very enjoyable show with clever lyrics, catchy tunes, and a message of empowerment.
Set in a decadent Berlin nightclub, it follows performers and patrons clinging to escapism while evil political forces rise outside.
A great choice if you like something a bit edgier and more thought-provoking. The songs are iconic and unsettling.
Book way ahead for this one, it’s very popular.
A brilliant young girl with a difficult home life discovers her own power and stands up to the terrifying headmistress at her school.
Perfect for families or anyone who enjoys clever, feel-good storytelling.
It stands out for its witty writing, energetic choreography, and genuinely heartwarming message.
A young lion prince must reclaim his place in the circle of life after tragedy forces him into exile.
Ideal if you want a visually stunning, crowd-pleasing show with some breathtaking puppetry.
The music is by Elton John.
Tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on an unlikely friendship.
Great if you like character-driven stories with emotional depth and a bit of magic.
Reimagines a Greek myth as Orpheus journeys to the underworld to rescue Eurydice, with love and doubt hanging in the balance.
A good pick if you enjoy something atmospheric and a haunting staging. The wonderful folk-jazz score is a strong point.
A bride-to-be on a Greek island tries to discover which of three men is her father, all set to famous songs by ABBA.
This one is pure entertainment. Perfect for a fun night out. The energy in the theatre is high.
A washed-up producer and his accountant hatch a scheme to make money by staging a guaranteed flop only for it to backfire spectacularly.
Great if you love bold, silly comedy, outrageous humour, catchy numbers, and unapologetically over-the-top style.
The son of Hercules sets out to prove himself a true hero and earn his place among the gods.
An easy choice for families and Disney fans.
It stands out for its humour, gospel-inspired songs, and colourful staging.
A campy retelling of the sinking of the Titanic narrated through the music of Celine Dion.
It’s a very funny show, tongue-in-cheek style, quite ridiculous in the best way possible.
A young writer falls in love with a star performer at a famous Paris nightclub, where romance and ambition collide.
It’s a big, glamorous spectacle with a soundtrack of pop hits.
No two shows are ever the same.
This is a full musical created on the spot based on audience suggestions. Everything is improvised: the songs (music and lyrics), the characters, and the entire plot.
The talent on stage is incredible. It’s the most impressive improv show I’ve been to in London.
My guides on London musicals
- London musicals for first timers
- Teen-friendly musicals in London
- How to choose between musicals and plays
My tips on West End musicals in London
After seeing many musicals and other shows in the West End, these are my best “know before you go” tips.
- Book way ahead for big hits like Les Misérables, Wicked or The Lion King, especially in summer or school holidays.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to get through bag checks, find your seat, buy a programme, order an interval drink, and see the beautiful theatre interior.
- Follow basic theatre etiquette: phone fully off, no photos or videos during the show, no chatting. The dress code is relaxed though, there are no special requirements.
- Come prepared: it helps to know the plot before you go. Read the synopsis online or watch the film if available.
- The language barrier: if you’re not sure you’ll be able to follow a musical in English, pick the Lion King or Mamma Mia, as they’re quite easy to follow and you can watch the film before you go.
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