You can’t come to London without going to the theatre! The West End is iconic and packed full of brilliant shows to get your toes tapping and your heart pumping. Whether it’s for the kids, a date night or a big group of your gal pals, I’ve rounded up the best musicals in London right now!
1. LES MISERABLES
Les Miserables is based on the 1862 novel of the same name written by Victor Hugo. Through music by Schonberg & Boublil, it tells the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant who breaks his parole to start a new life with many complications along the way. It is London’s longest-running musical.
2. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s epic musical follows the journey of the disfigured Phantom of the Opera who becomes obsessed with ballet dancer and singer Christine. He will stop at nothing to have her and draws her in with manipulation and his mesmerising musical ability. The musical opened in London’s West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre in 1986 with actor Michael Crawford in the lead role.
3. COME FROM AWAY
When the tragedy of 9/11 happened, planes were diverted across the world who weren’t able to land in NYC. 38 plans diverted to a small town in Canada called Gander which has a population of fewer than 13,000 people. The community rallied together to help the stranded passengers and this amazing story has now been turned into an Olivier award-winning musical.
4. 9-5 MUSICAL
Based on the 1980 film starring Dolly Parten, three ladies make it their mission to overthrow their sexist, egotistical boss. With music and lyrics by Dolly herself, grab the girls, throw on your shoulder pads and enjoy a really fun night at the Savoy Theatre.
5. THE LION KING
Now in its 21st year, The Lion King continues to amaze audiences in London. Based on the original Disney film, it features amazing costumes, a fantastic score and unbelievable special effects. A must-see for all ages.
6. MAMMA MIA
Calling all ABBA fans. Mamma Mia is a jukebox musical based on the songs by one of the worlds most famous groups, ABBA. The story follows a young girl on a Greek island looking for her father. It’s told through hits such as Souper Trouper, Does Your Mother Know and Take a Chance on Me. A fantastic, feel-good musical.
7. HAMILTON
With music, lyrics and book written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is one of the most groundbreaking musicals of the last century. It tells the story of American Founding father Alexander Hamilton through modern hip-hop, R & B and soul. Something really unique.
8. WICKED
Wicked follows the life of witches Glinda and Elphaba before the arrival of Dorothy in the land of OZ. You learn how Elphaba becomes ‘Wicked’ while questioning is she even ‘Wicked’ at all? Breathtaking costumes and knock out songs.
9. MATILDA
Based on the Roald Dahl novel about an extraordinary little girl, Matilda is now multi award winning stage musical with music and lyrics written by comedian Tim Minchin. Brought to you by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
10. DEAR EVAN HANSEN
With music written by the writers of The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen is a multi Tony Award winning show that tells the story of a young man with social anxiety disorder who yearns for connection with his peers. It opened on Broadway in 2016 and has recently crossed the pond to London. One of the most anticipated shows of the last year.
11. BOOK OF MORMON
The Book of Mormon is a hilarious musical comedy with music, lyrics and book by the creators of controversial cartoon, South Park. It is a satirical musical about the beliefs and practises of Mormonism and one NOT to see if you get offended easily!
12. WAITRESS
With music and lyrics by popstar Sara Bareillies, Waitress is a musical based on the 2007 film of the same name. Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and baker is stuck in an abusive relationship and a mediocre life. Looking for ways out, she sees a pie contest and its grand prize as her chance.
13. SCHOOL OF ROCK
Based on the hit film starring Jack Black, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star pretending to be a substitute teacher. With a class of unexpectedly talented kids, they strive become stars at the local ‘battle of bands’.
14. SIX
A musical about the wives of Henry VIII ? Really? Yes, really! The 6 wives take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into celebration of 21st century girl power.
15. MARY POPPINS
The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny has been brought to the stage with dazzling choreography and Disney songs we all know and love. Featuring classics like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Let’s Go Fly a Kite,. Expect tap dancing on the celing and flying umbrellas!
16. &JULIET
&Juliet is a 21st century take on the classic love story, Romeo and Juliet and asks the question ‘What if Juliet didn’t kill herself and became an independent woman?’. The story is told through 90’s pop hits from The Backstreet Boyz and Britney Spears. A fun and feel-good muscial.
17. EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Based on true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is about a 16 year-old boy who overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out to become a drag queen. Inspirational and fabulous!
18. PRETTY WOMAN
Based on the 90’s film starring Julia Roberts & Richard Gere, Pretty Woman transfers to London from a popular run on Broadway. Fun fact? The music has been written by none other than Summer of 69 singer Bryan Adams! If you love the film, you’ll love this.
19. The Prince of Egypt
Based on the acclaimed DreamWorks Animation film, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is an exhilarating, powerful and joyous celebration of belief and the human spirit from three-time Academy Award®-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell).
COMING SOON!
20. MOULIN ROUGE
From Paris to Broadway and now London , the popular film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan Mcgregor has been translated to the stage. With an unbelievable set, very clever score and costumes to die for, Baz Luhrmann’s bohemian tradegy is set to be the musical extravaganza of 2021!
21. JOSEPH
Returning Summer 2020, worldwide hit musical Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat is back in London. Jason Donavon stars as the Pharoah with newcomer Jac Yarrow in the lead role. An Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.
22. SISTER ACT
The original sister is back!! Sister Act comes to London starring none other than Whoopie Goldberg herself. The run is limited with just 39 performances in the schedule. Also stars comedy legend Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior.
23. Sunday in the Park with George
I hope you enjoyed my round up of Best Musicals in London Right Now.
WAIT! DON’T GO!
Don’t forget to check out the Best Plays in London Right Now!
