If there’s one thing London absolutely nails, it’s theatre. The West End is packed with incredible shows from big musical favourites to old-school, classic plays that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re after a singalong, a laugh or a murder mystery, there’ll always be a show for you in this city. So, lo and behold, here’s our list of the best West End shows in London.
Once you’ve decided on a favourite (or three – be warned!), I’d also highly recommend you take a look at our big round-up of all the things you need to know before booking theatre tickets before you lay any cash down. This will tell you everything from how to get discounted tickets, how to avoid scam sites to dress code information, and more.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Best London musicals to see on your trip
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Wicked
Ever wondered what really went down in Oz before Dorothy showed up? Wicked flips the script, telling the story of two unlikely friends long before they became the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good. Expect incredible staging, iconic songs like Defying Gravity, and PLENTY of laughs (maybe even a few tears). This one is great for families and adults alike. If I were you, I’d also book seats in the stalls for the full Defying Gravity experience. Trust me, you’ll feel it.
Wicked | Apollo Victoria Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
The Lion King
The Lion King is complete and utter theatre magic from the moment the curtain rises. The opening number (you know the one) will give you chills, and the blend of amazing costumes, breathtaking puppetry, and its iconic soundtrack makes it one of the most visually stunning shows in London.
It’s been around on West End for over 20 years, and it’s still going strong for good reason. Because of that, it’s also notorious for selling out, so book early, and if you can, go for a weekday matinee to nab better seats at a lower price.
The Lion King | Lyceum Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
The Book of Mormon
From the creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon is funny, wildly inappropriate, and hands-down one of the most entertaining nights you’ll have in the West End. The story follows two naïve Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda, and let’s just say things don’t go quite as planned. Expect sharp satire, catchy songs and plenty of moments that’ll have you crying with laughter. If you’re easily offended by religious humour, I’d sit this one out. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
The Book of Mormon | Prince of Wales Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Matilda The Musical
If you grew up loving Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical is a nostalgic blast back into the past. With witty songs by Tim Minchin and a story that celebrates all the brave kids who stand up to unfair grown-ups, it’s a fun, family-friendly watch from start to finish (aka the kind of show that’ll have you grinning all the way home). Plus, it’s not super long, so it’s perfect if you’re bringing little ones who might get a bit wriggly.
Matilda The Musical | Cambridge Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Mamma Mia!
Sunshine, sequins and ABBA, need I say more? Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. I don’t think I really need to explain, but it follows the story of a bride-to-be trying to discover who her father is , told through a soundtrack of ABBA bangers like Dancing Queen and Voulez-Vous. The energy is so bloody infectious, the staging is iconic, and by the finale, the whole audience is basically having a singalong. Trust me.
Mamma Mia! | Novello Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Six
Forget everything you remember from history class, Six flips the story of Henry VIII’s wives on its head. This high-energy pop musical turns them into an iconic girl group, each taking the mic to tell their side of the story. Think catchy tunes you’ll be humming for days, paired with super sparkly costumes and vocals that will melt your face off.
Six | Vaudeville Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
ABBA Voyage
Not technically in the West End, but worth the trip. This isn’t a regular concert, it’s ABBA performing as digital avatars in a purpose-built arena. I know I know, it sounds wild, but hear me out, when else will you ever be able to dance unapologetically to ABBA’s iconic classics in an area of thousands of others doing the same? Plus absolutely EVERYONE who I know who’s seen it said it was a ton of fun. This is another one that’s great for groups, or those who love a dance party.
ABBA Voyage | ABBA Arena | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
The Devil Wears Prada
Yes, Devil Wears Prada, the iconic film hit the stage for the first time in London last year with brand-new music by Elton John. And yup, it brings all the same sass, sharp one-liners, and drama you remember. The set also perfectly captures the heart of New York and the glamorous (but often cutthroat) world of high fashion, so you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into Miranda Priestly’s office.
The Devil Wears Prada | Dominion Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Hercules
Step back to Ancient Greece, where the gods rule from Mount Olympus, and Hercules (a half-god, half-human) must prove he’s more than just muscles to save the world from the evil Hades. With beloved songs like Go the Distance, Zero to Hero, and I Won’t Say I’m in Love, alongside brand-new tunes written for the stage, this is a trulyyyy feel-good Disney musical that fans of the original animated classic (and any newcomers) will adore.
Hercules | Theatre Royal Drury Lane | WA
The best plays to see on a trip to London
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Witness for the Prosecution
Witness for the Prosecution is one of my all-time favourite plays that you’ll only find in London. For starters, you’ll step into a real-life courtroom. For those who have jury box tickets, you’ll sit in the jury seats. And for those who haven’t, you’ll sit in the courtroom audience – both of which make for the perfect way to get you immersed in the drama. Ideal for whodunit fans and anyone who loves edge-of-your-seat suspense. The ending is crazy good BTW, so be prepared.
Witness for the Prosecution | County Hall | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
The Mousetrap
Another favourite from Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap has been running for decades, and there’s a very good reason for it. Trust me, you’ll be totally absorbed in the twists, turns and suspense from the second you sit down. Again, it’s perfect for whodunit lovers, as well as families (ages 7+), or anyone who loves an edge-of-your-seat mystery.
The Mousetrap | St Martin’s Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
This one’s a must for Potter fans. Set 19 years after the final book, it follows Harry’s son, Albus, as he grapples with the weight of a family legacy at Hogwarts. The story unfolds with incredible stagecraft and some pretty wild effects that make the magic feel SO real.
It’s also performed in two parts, which is designed to make you feel like you’re experiencing one epic story. You can watch both parts on the same day (with a break in between) or spread the magic out over two evenings if you’re known for getting a little restless or if your itinerary permits.
Once you’ve done this, don’t forget you can also book the epic Harry Potter Studio Tour, too. While it’s located just outside of London, it’s super easy to get to and well worth the visit.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Palace Theatre | WA
Image Courtesy of London Theatre Direct
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
If you love the Netflix series, you’ll love this. Set in Hawkins in the 1950s, decades before the events of Stranger Things, this prequel dives into the deep, dark origins of the Upside Down. Expect eerie turns, jolting special effects and a story that connects beautifully to the world fans know, but with some pretty chilling surprises of its own.
It’s 50% mystery, 50% horror and 100% a total theatrical spectacle. The production uses (absolutely groundbreaking !!) stage technology to bring Hawkins’s darkest secrets to life right before your eyes. Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend bringing young kids. This one’s best for teens and adults who want a darker, cinematic theatre experience that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Phoenix Theatre | WA
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