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 of the best musicals in London. Tickets for the best London musicals are normally completely sold out several weeks beforehand for the best shows.
If you visit London with kids, we have prepared another article about the Best Musicals in London for Kids.
Best Musicals in London 2022
The Lion King Musical in London
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 magical.
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.
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
Moulin Rouge The Musical
Enter a world of splendour, romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular… Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Justin Levine; and choreography by Emmy Award® nominee Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
Theatre Information: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MOULIN ROUGE
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
GREASE The Musical
Grittier and more electrifying than ever before, the world’s best-loved musical makes a triumphant return to London’s Dominion Theatre.
After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love?
Bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You, and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new production is directed by the Leicester Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and choreographed by the legendary Arlene Phillips.
Grease arrives back in the West End for 26 weeks only from May 2022. It’s the one that you want – so don’t miss out!
Theatre Information: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR GREASE
Pretty Woman The Musical
It’s time to head back to Beverly Hills and experience one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories live on stage at its glamorous new home – the Savoy Theatre. Get ready to fall in love with London as the record-breaking box office smash-hit musical returns.
Aimie Atkinson (Six, In The Heights) is ‘magnetic and brings power and depth’ (Evening Standard) to the role of Vivian Ward and Danny Mac (White Christmas, Sunset Boulevard) ‘plays businessman Edward Lewis brilliantly’ (The Sun) in the smash hit PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL.
We would say that Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie—and get to know these iconic characters in a new way—in this dazzlingly joyous theatrical take on a love story for the ages.
This hit has been brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway.
Theatre Information: Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR PRETTY WOMAN
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
HAMILTON The Musical
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 has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, 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
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
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.
More information about Frozen:
- Theatre: Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF)
- Nearest tube station: Charing Cross
- Duration: The duration of Frozen The Musical is 2 hours 30 min (inc interval)
- Minimum age: Recommended for ages 6+. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.
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
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
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Tina is a fabulous musical that reveals the untold story of a woman who defied the bounds of her age, gender and race. You’ll have the opportunity to discover how Tina Turner transformed into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee. Her much-loved songs feature in this fantastic musical, and it’s a must-see for any of her fans.
Theatre Information: Tina The Musical is performed at the Aldwych Theatre (see map) located on The Strand. The running time of this performance is 3 hours, including the interval.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR TINA, THE MUSICAL
Get up, Stand Up! Bob Marley Musical
Taking inspiration from Marley’s visionary lyrics to tell his extraordinary personal story and featuring an electrifying mix of his hits played live, Get Up Stand Up! The Olivier award-winning team comprised of writer Lee Hall and director Clint Dyer brought the Bob Marley Musical to the stage.
The production will star Arinzé Kene as Bob Marley.
With unprecedented access to Marley’s catalogue, the musical will feature Marley’s greatest songs performed live by the cast, including “No Woman No Cry”, “Exodus”, “3 Little Birds”, and “Get Up, Stand Up”, and many more.
Theatre Information: The musical Get up, stand up! In London is performed at the Lyric Theatre, located next to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square in London’s West End. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus. It is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes long (including the interval).
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR GET UP, STAND UP!
Come from Away
Theatre Information: The musical Come From Away is performed at the Phoenix Theatre (See Map), in London´s West End, next to Leicester Square and Covent Garden, with a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes (no interval).
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR COME FROM AWAY MUSICAL
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins The Musical arrived in London in October 2019 and has been a success since then!.
The Mary Poppins musical in London is performed at the Prince Edward Theatre (see map) located in London´s famous Soho, next to Leicester Square. It will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the interval.
⇒ BUY TICKETS FOR MARY POPPINS
How to buy cheap tickets for the best musicals in London
Tickets for Musicals in London can be bought online in advance, at the theatre box office or at Theatre Ticket Booths that you will find dotted around Leicester Square in London.
That said, we think the best way to get cheap tickets for the top musicals in London is by buying them online in advance. We always buy tickets online, even living in London, when we want to go to a musical.
Personally, we always find that buying tickets at the theatre’s box office is usually more expensive for some reason, and we have tried several times to buy last-minute tickets at the ticket booths around Leicester Square but have never been able to.
We always get offered 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 usually run out completely several weeks before. So if we want to go to a musical, we buy tickets online. Also, you can make sure you can choose the best seats.
Information about London Theatres
Cloakroom
Every theatre in London is different, but they usually all offer a cloakroom service where you can leave coats and bags. This service is normally 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, where they normally sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. You can arrive at the theatre before the show starts and have a drink. Usually, the bar gets full during the interval.
One thing you can do is pre-order what you want during the interval so that it’s ready for you, an easy way to avoid the long queues that can be formed during the interval.
Toilets
Public toilets will be available at every theatre, but the number of toilets available will depend on the size and age of the theatre. They do not usually have baby changing facilities.
Booster seats for kids
Some theatres have booster seats for kids, but these tend to be limited and sometimes can only be used if you are seated in the stalls. You normally need to ask for these in the cloakroom, unless it´s specifically a kids show, in which case they tend to have them upon entry.