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london theatre musicals shows

London: Musicals

When in London, you must see one of our fantastic musicals! London has the largest English speaking theatre scene in the world. This is not a comprehensive list of all London’s musicals and simply includes some of our favourites in no particular order. There are over 41, 600 seats to fill each evening across the West End’s 38 theatres, meaning that tickets are generally much more affordable when compared to other cities like New York.
 

1. The Phantom of the Opera

Playing at: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 57 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Website: www.thephantomoftheopera.com/london
 
An Andrew Lloyd Webber production that tells the tale of a fascinating love story, unlike anything you have ever seen before. With incredible scriptwriting, memorable songs and incredible set changes, it is no wonder that this show has now been performing for over 30 years at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
 

2. Book of Mormon 

Playing at: Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Website: www.bookofmormonlondon.com
 
The Book of Mormon is a satirical musical based on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The story follows two Mormon missionaries to Uganda and the struggles they face as AIDS, poverty, war and famine impede their activities. The musical is hilarious, with clever lyrics, and won four Olivier awards in 2014 – if you are easily offended or have kids with you, this one is not for you.
 

3. Les Miserables

Playing at: Queens Theatre, 51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6BA
Run time: 2 hours and 50 minutes with a 20-minute intermission
Website: www.lesmis.com 
 
Les Miserables, also widely known as Les Mis, is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. The musical is set in France during the 19th century and recounts the tale of a French peasant named Jean Valiean who seeks salvation after spending nineteen years behind bars. The musical was originally unveiled in French, with its English lyrics later being composed by Herbert Kretzner.
 

4. Aladdin

Playing at: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton St, London, W1D 4HS
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission
Book: Get your tickets here.
 
Disney brings its classic film story to life in London with Aladdin, featuring an incredibly funny Genie and all the songs from the film. The sets, decor and costumes are incredible and the special effects have to be seen the believed.
 

5. Matilda: The Musical

Playing at: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2 9HU
Run time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission
Website: www.matildathemusical.com 
 
Matilda: The Musical is based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name. Matilda has already been turned into a famous film, and now it is a wildly successful musical too. 
Matilda on Broadway won seven Olivier awards in 2012; in London this popularity continues. 
 
It is easy to see why: with catchy songs, great decors and a story we can all relate to in some way or another, Matilda captures the hearts of theatregoers each and every night. A must-watch!
 

6. Stomp

Playing at: Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9ND
Run time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Website: www.stomplondon.com 
 
Stomp is a percussion group with roots in Brighton. The group use everyday objects and their bodies to make music. The original Stomp has been performing since 1991, and you too can go along and join in the fun.

7. Mamma Mia!

Playing at: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
Run time: 2 hours and 35 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Website: www.mamma-mia.com
 
Mamma Mia is another West End favourite, and retells the story of a bride-to-be who tries to find which of three men is her real father. Of course, all this is just an excuse to get as many ABBA songs into one musical as possible. Those tracks include: Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Take a Chance on Me, The Winner Takes It All, SOS, and a host of others.
 

8. The Lion King 

Playing at: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7DA
Run time: 2 hours and 40 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Website: www.thelionking.co.uk 
 
The Lion King is one of the most popular animated movies of all time, and Disney has taken the opportunity to turn it into a musical. First premiered in 1997 on Broadway, the musical made its way to the West End in 1997. Instead of having people dress up as the film’s characters, intricate marionettes and puppets are used to retell the story in a way never seen before.
 

9. Wicked 

Playing at: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
Run time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Website: www.wickedthemusical.co.uk 
 
The Lion King is one of the most popular animated movies of all time, and Disney has taken the opportunity to turn it into a musical. First premiered in 1997 on Broadway, the musical made its way to the West End in 1997. 
Instead of having people dress up as the film’s characters, intricate marionettes and puppets are used to retell the story in a way never seen before.
 

10. Hamilton 

Playing at: Victoria Palace Theatre, 79 Victoria St, London SW1E 5EA
Run time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Website: www.hamiltonmusical.com/london/
 
Lin Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit musical is filled with catchy songs and rap lyrics that will enchant you as you discover the story of American Independence. Funny, touchy and educational, this is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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