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. There is no doubt that going to see a musical in London is a unique experience.
The Lyceum Theatre, the Apollo Theatre or the 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 Lion King
Buying the 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't 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 to 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? At the Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St., London.
- How long does it last? 2 and a half hours with intermission.
2. 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 uninterruptedly since 1986 and that is due to its great success with the public. It is not for less 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 intermission) 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 well-known story.
It is performed in the historic Her Majesty's Theatre, very close to Piccadilly Circus tube stop and Trafalgar Square.
Why you can't 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. Moreover, 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: 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 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.
3. Mary Poppins
More and more children are asking for tickets for the Mary Poppins musical that has recently arrived in the West End as a gift. A musical dedicated to the most famous English nanny of all times could not be missing.
The Mary Poppins musical in London is performed at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's Soho, next to Leicester Square. The play lasts approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes including intermission.
Why you can't miss it
Because it combines elements of the Disney film and the books by P.L. Travers, those already familiar with the classic film can discover more about the character. Since its premiere, this musical has captivated children of all ages by rescuing a fun and touching story in an updated form.
Ideal for
Adults and children of all ages. Although, due to its duration, in London it is recommended not to take children under 5 years old to musicals.
How to buy tickets
Tickets available at Hellotickets: Tickets Mary Poppins London
Useful information
- Where? At the Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton St., Prince Edward.
- How long is it? 2 hours and 50 minutes with intermission.
4. Mamma Mia
Most probably just by hearing her name you are already humming her songs. Tickets for the musical Mamma Mia have been selling out in London theaters since 1999. Through the songs of the most famous Swedish band 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 is impossible not to cheer up 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 in the website of Hellotickets: 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 intermission.
5. Wicked
Although this play is not among the West End classics, it has earned the right to be recognized as one of the best musicals in London. Its story stars characters from the Oz wizard although it gives it another perspective. Those who buy tickets for Wicked will discover an alternate history 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 young children and lasts 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 look at 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? Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission.
6. The Tina Tuner Musical
The world queen of Rock 'n' Roll also has her own musical in West End. Based on the life and music of the artist, 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 besides being a tribute to the artist, it is 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 Hellotickets website you have Tickets for the Tina Turner musical in London.
Useful info
- Where? Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes
7. Back to the Future
No need to tell you the story of Marty McFly and Doc, the Back to the Future musical tickets will refresh your memory thanks to an incredible staging and a spectacular musical production. In fact, Alan Silvestri, composer of the soundtrack of one of the highest-grossing films in history, Marvel's End Game, is working on it.
It is performed at the Adelphi Theatre near Charing Cross tube and train station and lasts 2 hours and a half including the interval.
Why you can't miss it
Because if the film already captivated the audience 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 your tickets for the Back to the Future musical in London.
Useful information
- **Where?**Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission.
8. Come From Away
Tickets for Come From Away give access to a musical that is based on true stories of passengers who, after the 9/11 attacks in New York, were forced to land in Canada and how they were welcomed into a small community. It is one of the most modern works in London's West End and has received very good reviews for being a musical of great humanity.
It is under two hours long, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and is performed at the Phoenix Theatre on Phoenix Street near Tottenham Court Road tube stop.
Why you can't miss it
Because it is a musical that touches audiences of all ages, tells a true story and, above all, transmits values. The critics have already given it a rave review, mainly pointing out the successes of the libretto and the direction.
Ideal for
Adults interested in a real and moving story.
How to buy tickets
Buy tickets to see Come From Away in London at Hellotickets.
Useful information about Come From Away
- Where? Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JP
- How long does it take? 1 hour and 40 minutes
9. Cinderella
Few folk tales have had as many versions as Cinderella. The Maid in the Glass Slipper remains a timeless classic that, with each update, attracts new audiences. In this case, tickets for the musical of Cinderella have already brought thousands of audiences of all ages to London's Gillian Lynne Theatre and continue to add audiences.
Modern costumes, a touch of comedy and a leading lady far removed from the sweet and submissive maid in the Disney fairy tale are the ingredients of success for a musical that will move young and old alike.
Why you can't miss it
Because there are stories that never go out of style, but above all that are reinvented over and over again. You have probably seen many versions of Cinderella, but I assure you that none like this one: forget the classic tale and get ready for modern rhythms.
Ideal for
Children and adults who want to be surprised with the adaptation of this classic.
How to buy tickets
You have the tickets in Hellotickets: Cinderella tickets in London
Useful info
- Where? Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Ln
- How long does it last? 1 hour 15 minutes
10. Matilda
Logically, the name of this musical is due to the main character of Roald Dahl's work. 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 you will have access to the performance at the Cambridge Theatre, next to Covent Garden Square, and lasts approximately 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 information about Matilda
- Where? Cambridge Theatre Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU
- How long does it last? 2 hours and 40 minutes including an intermission.
London musical tickets
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 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 more capacity than others and plays 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 London musicals
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. Please note that the average duration of the plays is about two and a half hours.
How to get to the West-End of London?
Most of the theaters are in the area known as the West End, having Leicester Square and Covent Garden as reference points, since 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?
You may resist English and think it's not worth going to a musical if you won't understand it. But let me tell you that it doesn't have to be that way. Most musicals, at least the most classic ones, like Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King, are totally enjoyable even if you don't speak English. Their songs and stories are known worldwide and you almost certainly know them beforehand. In addition, the staging is spectacular and you will not need to master the language to enjoy it.
For other plays like Come From Away, The Play That Goes Wrong and The Book of Mormon I recommend you to go 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 play's intermission, checkroom service, restrooms, and in the more children's plays there are boosters for the kids.
If you are a lover of musicals you already know, London's West End is a must-see.