13 Best Musicals in London You Cannot Miss
A West End performance is a fantastic way to spend an evening, whether you’re a visitor or in town for a special occasion. The entertainment options in London are endless, ranging from award-winning musicals to book adaptations, from retellings of well-known tales to one-off performances. The West End is well recognized for its best musicals in London.
1. Best Musicals in London
London is undoubtedly a destination to experience an exhilarating musical production, hosting long-running favourites like The Lion King and Mamma Mia! as well as embracing some of Broadway’s newest hits.
The West End offers fans some of the best entertainment available with its wide range of offerings, including musicals based on movies and literature and jukebox performances using hit songs from your favourite performers.
1.1. Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
In 2013, “Let It Go,” from the Disney classic Frozen, became a global phenomenon. The cold country of Arendelle has now established a residence in the West End at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, continuing the trend in the West End.
This theatre has reopened for the first time in ages, presenting Frozen The Musical, a moving theatrical production that tells Elsa and Anna’s journey. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget, thanks to the astounding special effects you’ve come to expect from a Disney production, the jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know and adore.
The musical Frozen has a runtime of two and a half hours (inc interval).
1.2. Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre
Wicked, one of the most famous musicals in the world has been performing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London’s West End since September 2006 and is a must-see for any tourist.
The musical Wicked in London based on the Gregory Maguire novel takes us through the enchanted and surreal tale of the witches of Oz.
You’ll learn the secret tale of two girls’ friendship that began when they attended sorcery school. A fascinating tale about witches and magic, jaw-dropping costumes, and fantastic tunes is one of the best London musicals.
1.3. The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre
Multi award-winning musical The Lion King is currently playing in London’s West End at lyceum theatre. It is fantastic how the famous Disney movie the lion king has been brought to life on stage.
You will sing along to every song and discover that you still remember all the lyrics thanks to the magnificent visual effects and gorgeous costumes and enchanted special effects.
The Lion King is suggested as the best family-friendly musical specifically for kids to enjoy in London. Most likely one of the top London musicals.
The Lion King Musical runs for two hours and thirty minutes in London (including the interval).
1.4. Tina- The Tina Turner Musical at Aldwych Theatre
The amazing musical Tina- The Tina Turner tells the true tale of a woman who defied racial, gender, and age stereotypes. You’ll have the chance to learn how Tina Turner developed from modest origins in Nutbush, Tennessee, into the universal Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
This great musical, which includes several of her well-known songs, is a must-see for all of her admirers. Book tina turner musical tickets and get to to see one west end musical favourites.
This show runs for three hours, including the intermission.
1.5. Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre
You already know you’re going to adore Mamma Mia!, the largest party on the West End stage. A blockbuster popular musical based on the music of pop superstars ABBA is Mamma Mia in London.
Through the classic ABBA songs, it depicts a tale of love, friendship, and identity. A comedy musical drama with a long history of popularity that has delighted people in London for more than 15 years.
Visit a remote Greek island to meet Donna, a single mother who is making every effort to plan her daughter Sophie’s wedding.
1.6. Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre
Based on Roald Dahl’s well-known book of the same name, Musical Matilda depicts the tale of Matilda, an extremely bright young girl who is neglected by her parents. You can recognize all the well-known characters from the book, including Miss Honey and the evil school director Agatha Trunchbull, in the West End musical.
If you want to take the kids to one of the top musicals in London and enjoy a pleasant afternoon together, Matilda the Musical is a popular choice.
1.7. The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre
One of London’s best-known theatrical performances and one of the city’s most popular musicals is the award-winning The Phantom of the Opera in London.
With jaw-dropping special effects and priceless costumes, this musical tells the tale of a mysterious ghost who has fallen in love with a stunning chorus singer and haunts the Paris Opera.
1.8. The Book of Mormon at Prince of Wales Theatre
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone with Robert Lopez, co-wrote the hit musical “Avenue Q,” and are the authors of the critically acclaimed musical “The Book of Mormon.” When it first opened, this musical was among the most well-liked in London due to its enormous Broadway popularity, and tickets were difficult to come by for months.
For people under 18, it is not advised. Take a seat to observe this and leave any conservative views at the entrance. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is mocked in this hilariously cheeky skit.
The remarkable profanity of the missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham’s crazy experience will astound you. Follow them as they go from Salt Lake City to Uganda.
1.9. Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre
Explore a world filled with radiance, romance, extravagant excess, glamour, grandeur, and majesty! Pop out the champagne and get ready for the extraordinary. The groundbreaking movie by Baz Luhrmann is brought to life on stage in a brand-new musical version extravaganza.
Moulin Rouge!, a nominee for a Tony Award, is directed by Alex Timbers. It is a creative celebration of Love, Truth, Beauty, and Freedom. More than a show, Moulin Rouge! is a way of life.
With a book by Tony Awards winner John Logan, orchestrations, and arrangements by Justin Levine, and choreography by Emmy Award finalist Sonya Tayeh.
1.10. Les Miserables at Queen’s Theatre
Given that it has been continuously performing in London’s West End for more than 30 years, Les Miserables is among the most traditional musicals in the city. It is a stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, one of the most popular books of the nineteenth century, set at the time of the French Revolution.
When preparing to see Les Miserables, heed the warning and pack the Kleenex. The musical drama tells the story of Jean Valjean, a wanted criminal in nineteenth-century France, and his struggles.
The musical is a sobering historical drama with belters, ballads, and some lighthearted humour set against a backdrop of revolution.
1.11. Pretty Woman the Musical at Savoy Theatre
Return to Beverly Hills to see one of Hollywood’s most cherished love stories performed live on stage at the Savoy Theatre, the city’s opulent new theater. Prepare to fall in love with London when the Pretty Woman musical that broke all box office records returns.
The unlikely soulmates Vivian and Edward overcame all obstacles to discover each other and themselves. This dazzlingly joyful theatrical interpretation of a timeless love story allows you to relive your favorite movie moments and get to know these well-known characters in new ways.
A formidable creative team that includes the greatest in music, Hollywood, and Broadway has brought this hit to life.
1.12. Back to the Future at Adelphi Theatre
Experience a thrilling journey through time as the iconic 1985 blockbuster movie and pop cultural phenomenon makes its West End debut in London. With Back to the Future, join Marty McFly when he unintentionally alters history when he finds himself transported to 1955 in a time machine created by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown.
He is currently attempting to mend the present, flee the past, and send himself back to the future in a race against time. This legendary tale is being adapted for the stage by the film’s creators, Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump).
1.13. Cabaret at Kit Kat Club
Experience Berlin’s luxurious nightlife while watching the Jazz Age come to an end with Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club. Behind the curtain of the theater, life is a cabaret. Fra Free will lead you on a turbulent trip filled with hedonism, immorality, and escalating political upheaval.
The legendary musical by Kander and Ebb makes a lavish return to the nation’s capital. Cliff Bradshaw, a writer, and Sally Bowles, a cabaret singer, are followed in Cabaret as they fall in love. They must make decisions about their futures as the growth of Nazism threatens their way of life.
At the 2022 Olivier Honors, Cabaret won all four musical theatre acting awards, particularly for Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley.
2. Conclusion
Watching one of London’s top musicals is a very unique experience, especially if you are organizing a trip there. Seeing one the best musicals in London would undoubtedly make your trip even more memorable.
Some of other famous musicals in London include Jersey Boys, Get up! Stand up! Bob Marley, Come From Away and Mary Poppins.