Going to one of the best musicals in London is truly a unique experience, especially if you are planning a trip to London. Some of the most famous musicals in London, such as The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables and Mamma Mia, have been running in London’s best theatres in the West End for years.
If you plan a trip to London, seeing one of the best musicals in London will certainly add an unforgettable experience to your trip.
We recommend buying your tickets in advance to ensure you see one (or two… 🙂 ) of the best musicals in London. Tickets for London’s top musicals sell out several weeks in advance.
If you are visiting London with kids, check out our article Best Musicals in London for Kids.
Top 15 Musicals in London
The Lion King Musical
The multi-award-winning musical The Lion King in London’s West End was the first musical we ever saw when we first moved to London, and it’s still one of our favourites. The classical Disney film has been brought to life on stage, and it is even more magical than you expect.
With stunning special effects and wonderful costumes, you will sing along to all the songs and realise that you still remember all the words! Wonderful costumes and magical special effects. If you plan to take children to a London musical, I recommend the Lion King. Most probably, one of the best musicals in London.
Theatre Information: Disney’s Lion King is at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End. This theatre is very close to Covent Garden and The Strand. It’s one of London´s biggest theatres, with a total capacity of 2105 people, and the seats are mainly distributed in two tiers: Stalls and Grand Circle.
The duration of The Lion King Musical in London is 2 hours and 30 minutes (including the interval).
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR THE LION KING MUSICAL
Wicked
The Musical Wicked in London takes us through the magical and unexpected story of the witches of Oz, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good of Oz.
You will discover the untold story of the friendship of two girls who meet at sorcery school. A fascinating story about witches and magic, with mouth-opening costumes and brilliant songs, making it unsurprisingly one of the best musicals in London. It´s one of the best musicals in London for kids.
Theatre Information: The musical Wicked in London takes place at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, located next to London Victoria Underground and Rail Station. The theatre has a seating capacity of 2300 people, and the seats are distributed in two tiers. There are also many restaurants and hotels around the area.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR WICKED
The Phantom of the Opera
The award-winning musical The Phantom of the Opera in London is one of London’s most famous theatrical productions and one of the most classic musicals in London.
This musical tells the story of a mysterious ghost that has fallen in love with a beautiful chorus singer and haunts the Paris Opera, with eye-popping special effects and lavish costumes.
Theatre Information: The Phantom of the Opera musical in London takes place at the Her Majesty’s Theatre, located next to Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square in London’s West End. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Matilda The Musical
Matilda the Musical is based on Roald Dahl’s famous novel, which tells the story of Matilda, a very intelligent 5-year-old girl whose parents are completely uninterested in her.
In the West End Musical, you’ll see all the well-known characters that appear in the novel, such as Miss Honey and the malevolent school director Agatha Trunchbull.
Matilda the Musical is one of our favourite options if you’re planning to take the kids to see one of the best musicals in London and have a fun afternoon together.
Theatre Information: Matilda, the musical in London, is at the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden. The nearest tube station is Covent Garden.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MATILDA
Mamma Mia
The musical Mamma Mia in London is a smash-hit musical based on the music of pop sensation ABBA.
It tells a story of love, friendship and identity set on a beautiful Greek Island through the timeless songs of ABBA. A funny comedy whose success has entertained the London public for more than 15 consecutive years.
Theatre Information: The musical Mamma Mia in London is at the Novello Theatre in London’s West End, near Covent Garden and Somerset House.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MAMMA MIA
Oliver!
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical, Oliver!, which he has fully reconceived with director and choreographer Matthew Bourne, is open!
The cast includes Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, Avenue Q) as Fagin, Shanay Holmes (Miss Saigon, The Bodyguard) as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Billy Jenkins (Les Misérables, BBC’s Dodger) as the Artful Dodger and Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) as Mr Brownlow.
Produced and revised by Cameron Mackintosh, Oliver! is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne and co-directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. Designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting is by Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs, sound design by Adam Fisher, video design by George Reeve, original orchestrations by William David Brohn adapted by Stephen Metcalfe; music supervision is by Graham Hurman.
With a sensational score, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more, the Olivier, Tony and Oscar-winning masterpiece vividly brings to life Dickens’ ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.
Theatre: Gielgud Theatre
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR OLIVER!
Les Miserables
Les Miserables is one of London’s most classical musicals, as it has been running in London’s West End uninterrupted for more than 30 years. It is an adaptation of the novel by Victor Hugo, one of the best-known novels of the nineteenth century, set during the french revolution.
Theatre Information: The musical “Les Miserables” in London is at the Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End, next to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR LES MISERABLES
Back to the Future The Musical
Take an electrifying ride back in time as the 1985 blockbuster film and pop culture phenomenon arrives in London’s West End as a ground-breaking new musical adventure.
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future. The movie’s creators, Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) are adapting this iconic story for the stage.
Theatre Information: The musical Aladdin in London is at the Prince Edward Theatre, located in London’s Soho, next to Leicester Square. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR BACK TO THE FUTURE
Hamilton
HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.
Hamilton the musical is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton.
Winner of 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Theatre Information: Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR HAMILTON
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is an award-winning musical written by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, as well as the co-creator of the musical “Avenue Q”, Robert Lopez.
Since its huge success on Broadway, this musical was one of London’s most popular musicals when it first started, and it was impossible to get tickets for months. It is not recommended for persons under 18.
Theatre Information: The musical, The Book of Mormon, is performed at the Prince of Wales Theatre (See map), which is located next to Piccadilly Circus.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR THE BOOK OF MORMON
Come Alive
The Official GREATEST SHOWMAN ‘CIRCUS SPECTACULAR’ is now playing in London’s Earls Court.
The story begins 1 hour before show-time so be sure to arrive early for the interactive pre-show experience, where you can explore a magical world behind the Big Top. Enjoy close-up performances, meet curious characters, savour our delicious food at the Empress Diner and sample enticing drinks at our range of bars.
For an epic spectacular inspired by the 20th Century Fox Motion Picture. ‘COME ALIVE!’ stars the finest international circus stars (Cirque de Demain Medal Winners, Cirque du Soleil) and musical theatre talent from the West End.
This new show features all the hit GREATEST SHOWMAN songs by Pasek and Paul including ‘This Is Me’, ‘Rewrite the Stars’, ‘A Million Dreams’, ‘Tightrope’ and ‘The Greatest Show’.
Theatre: The Empress Museum
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR COME ALIVE
Frozen The Musical
The beloved animated film that always gives us chills – is now playing in London’s West End. For the first time in forever, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has reopened its doors, bringing Elsa and Anna’s story to the stage in this heart-melting theatrical production: Frozen The Musical.
With all the incredible special effects you can expect from a Disney production, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know (and sing!) and love, it will be an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Even the biggest FROZEN fans will be in for surprises, as the production features brand-new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, writers of the unforgettable Let It Go.
Theatre Information: The musical Frozen in London is at Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF) in London’s West End, next to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The nearest tube station is Charing Cross. The running time of this performance is 2 hours 30 min (including the interval), and it’s recommended for ages 6+. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR FROZEN THE MUSICAL
SIX
Think you know the six Wives of Henry VIII? Think again…
The crowning glory of the West End, Broadway and beyond, history is about to get over-throne in the homegrown hit musical sensation, SIX, live at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, prepare to lose your head and experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common.
Join Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr, backed by their fierce on-stage band, the Ladies in Waiting, and Get Down to a royal retelling of the sassiest story in British Her-story
Theatre Information: Vaudeville Theatre
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR SIX
Paddington The Musical
Bringing one of Britain’s best-loved characters to life on stage, this unmissable major new production at the Savoy Theatre is jam-packed with irresistible songs, dazzling choreography – and of course, marmalade sandwiches.
It’s Paddington as you’ve never seen him before.
When a lost, small bear from Peru arrives in London in search of a new home, a chance encounter with the Brown family leads him to the wonderful world of Windsor Gardens.
But London isn’t all cream teas and friendly faces – and even the happiest families have their cracks beneath the surface. So when Paddington’s life is suddenly in peril, the Browns must decide just how far they’re willing to go — and what they’re willing to risk — to give this special bear a home.
Based on the iconic characters from Michael Bond’s books and the award-winning films, PADDINGTON The Musical is directed by Luke Sheppard, with original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and book by Olivier Award-winner Jessica Swale.
Please look after this bear.
Theatre Information: Savoy Theatre
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR PADDINGTON
Moulin Rouge
Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage and is now playing in London’s West End. The Piccadilly Theatre has been transformed into a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a sell out Spectacular, but some last minute tickets may be available. We recommend booking in advance and tickets are currently on sale until May 2026.
So, book your tickets now, pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular…
Theatre Information: Piccadilly Theatre
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MOULIN ROUGE
How to buy cheap tickets for the best musicals in London
There are three ways to buy tickets for Musicals in London:
- Online in advance
- At the theatre box office
- At Theatre Ticket Booths, mainly dotted around Leicester Square in London.
If you have a specific musical in mind, I recommend buying tickets online in advance. There is no guarantee you’ll be able to purchase last-minute tickets. We live in London, and we always buy tickets online. When you buy them online, you can choose your seats too, which is important.
We have found that trying to buy tickets at the theatre’s box office can be more expensive, although some people seem to be able to get last-minute cheap tickets this way.
The problem we have found when buying last-minute tickets at the ticket booths around Leicester Square is that they never have tickets left for the big shows. They usually have seats with reduced visibility for the least known musicals, and in all fairness, these tickets have not been massively reduced, so they still expect you to pay a high price for them.
Getting last-minute tickets for the top musicals in London is practically impossible. Tickets are usually booked up completely several weeks before.
Information about London Theatres
Cloakroom
Theatres in London usually have cloakroom service where you can leave coats and bags. This service typically costs between £1 and £2 per item. Some theatres accept larger bags, such as suitcases or strollers.
Coffee Shop
All theatres have at least one cafeteria, usually selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. You can have a drink at the theatre before the show starts. Bars are usually packed during the interval.
You can pre-order any food or drinks. This way, your food and beverages will be ready when the interval starts. This is an easy way to avoid the long queues that can be formed during the break.
Toilets
Every theatre in London has public toilets. The main difference will be the number of bathrooms available as this depends on the theatre size. They do not usually have baby-changing facilities.
Booster seats for kids
Some theatres have booster seats for kids. Some theatres have limited booster seats, and sometimes they can only be used if you are seated in the stalls. If it´s a kids’ show, you will generally find booster seats upon entry. If it isn´t a kids’ show, you may need to ask for a booster seat in the cloakroom.