Funny, brilliant, captivating, poignant, for adults or children: musicals in London are many and for all tastes. In fact, in the English capital, it is possible to attend engaging performances, capable of leaving an indelible memory. Some shows tell stories we all know, others tell more modern stories. What is sure, you can’ miss to see a musical when in London!
I have been to several shows when I lived in London, and I recommend, if it is the first time you see a musical, to choose from those whose history or music you already know. The musical is in English and has some spoken parts; it is a show that lasts quite a long time (at least 90 minutes). This is my advice to make the most of the experience.
If you plan to see the musical with children, I would avoid it under the age of seven, unless they know the story very well, or have already seen a film.
So what do you think about including a stop in the West End in the itinerary of your trip to London, to attend one of the many shows scheduled?
But which musicals to see in London? Where? And above all, where can you buy tickets without spending a fortune? To help you find your way, in this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know and share with you a selection of musicals to see in London in 2023.
What you will find in this article:
- Where to see musicals in London
- Musicals in London: where to buy tickets
- What musicals to see in London
- Musicals in London to see with children
- Musical coming to London in 2023
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Where to see musicals in London
Just like in New York, Broadway identifies the theater district, the West End is the reference point for those who want to see a musical in the English capital.
In fact, the West End hosts the majority of London theaters. It is here that you will most likely have to go to attend one of the many musicals scheduled in London.
Musicals in London: where to buy tickets
If you’re wondering where to buy musical tickets in London, there are a few sites you should definitely know about.
Did you know that, at certain times of the year, some theaters in the English capital offer tickets at discounted prices?
I have collected all my advice on the subject in an article in which I explain how to buy discounted theater tickets in London. Don’t forget to read it!
What musicals to see in London
As I have already mentioned, the musicals that can be seen in London are really many. In the English capital, in fact, there are shows for all tastes, for children and adults.
In short, you will be spoiled for choice: from the great classics to brilliant comedies; from shows that boast many reruns to the most recent novelties.
So let’s see together which musicals to see in London in 2023.
Mamma mia!
The one told in Mamma Mia!, through the songs of Abba, is a fascinating family story set on a Greek island.
The plot is well known: as her wedding approaches, a woman, who dreams of being accompanied down the aisle by her father, decides to discover his identity and invites three men from her mother’s past to the island.
This romantic musical comedy was staged for the first time in London in 1999.
- Where to see it: Novello Theatre, 5 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD GB
- Duration: about 2 and a half hours
- Best for: Suitable for ages 6 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 3 March 2024
- Book here
Quella raccontata in Mamma Mia!, attraverso le canzoni degli Abba, è un’affascinante storia di famiglia ambientata su un’isola greca.
Mamma mia – The Party!
If you love the “Mamma Mia” universe, join “Mamma Mia! The Party”.
You will spend the evening on the island of Skopelos, in a special Greek tavern. Here you will meet the owner Nikos and his family and witness their story in a night of song, dance and celebration.
An exciting theatre performance, a four-course Greek meal, and the opportunity to dance to ABBA after the show await you.
- Where to see it: The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX GB
- Duration: about four hours
- Best for: Not suitable for children under 5 years of age. There are no reductions and there is no specific menu for children.
- Performances until: September 3, 2023
Il fantasma dell’opera
One cannot fail to mention among the musicals to see in London the Phantom of the Opera, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux.
It is one of the West End’s best-known and longest-running shows and tells the story of Christine Daaé, an opera singer who captures the interest of a disfigured genius known only as ‘the Phantom of the Opera’.
Not to be missed for the beautiful soundtrack and spectacular staging.
- Where to see it: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 57 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL GB
- Duration: two and a half hours
- Ideal for: Recommended for children aged 10 and over. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to enter.
- Performances until: Saturday 2 March 2024
- Book here
Les Miserables
Seen by over 60 million people worldwide, this spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, which first saw the stage in 1980 in France, continues to captivate audiences night after night.
It’s one of the longest running musicals in all of the West End, so be aware of that.
Les Misérables is a tale of broken dreams, hope, sacrifice, justice and morals, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
- Where to see it: Sondheim Theatre, 51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6BA GB
- Duration: three hours
- Best for: Recommended for ages 7 and up; access to children under 5 is not permitted.
- Performances until: Saturday 2 March 2024
- Book here
Moulin Rouge
If you loved Baz Luhrmann’s wonderful movie, you can’t miss “Moulin Rouge”.
The musical tells the love story of two young people, Christian, an English writer, and Satine, a can-can dancer who aspires to become a professional actress, whose paths cross when they meet at the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris .
The show is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and, above all, Love.
- Where to see it: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY GB
- Duration: two hours and 45
- Best for: Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Performances until: Saturday 30 September 2023
- Book here
Tina
From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to her transformation into the global queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner not only broke the rules, she rewrote them. This beautiful musical staged in London, presented in collaboration with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to push the limits.
- Where to see it: Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF GB
- Duration: two hours and 45
- Best for: Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Performances until: Sunday 11 February 2024
- Book here
Pretty woman
Seeing a musical in London can be an opportunity to relive, in a completely new way, one of the most beloved romantic stories of all time: that of Vivian and Edward, unlikely soul mates who exceed all odds to find each other… and find if themselves.
- Where to see it: Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET GB
- Duration: two hours and 10
- Best for: Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Performances until: Sunday 18 June 2023
- Book here
Back to the future
When Marty McFly is transported back in time to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history.
Now, he’s in a race against time to fix the past and send himself… back to the future.
Based on the classic 80’s film, Back to the Future is considered one of the funniest musicals on stage in London.
- Where to see it: Adelphi Theatre, 409-412 Strand, London, WC2R 0NS GB
- Duration: two hours and 40
- Best for: Recommended for ages 6 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 22 October 2023
- Book here
The Choir of man
“The Choir of Man” is much more than just a musical show… it’s a real experience!
A pub is rebuilt on the stage, complete with performers who can tap beer. Inside, an all-male cast of singers and dancers becomes the protagonist of a crescendo of truly irresistible music and choreography numbers.
- Where to see it: Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB GB
- Duration: Thursday 31 August 2023
- Best for: Recommended for ages 6 and up
- Performances until: Thursday 31 August 2023
- Book here
The book of mormon
If you are looking for a musical in London that will make you laugh out loud, I recommend The Book of Mormon.
Conceived by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the co-creator of Avenue Q, Robert Lopez, the musical is a satire on the beliefs and practices of the Church.
The creators spent 7 years developing it and it received an overwhelming response from critics after performing for the first time in New York.
- Where to watch it: Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS GB
- Duration: 2 hours and 30
- Best for: Viewing not suitable for minors
- Performances until: Saturday 12 August 2023
- Book here
Musical in London best for kids
The Lion King
If you are looking for a musical in London to see with your family, I can only recommend “The Lion King”.
That of little Simba and his epic journey is a story that, thanks to the 1994 Disney film, we all know well.
It is a beautiful coming-of-age story, loved by young and old, easily appreciated even by those who are not very familiar with English.
The musical transports the viewers to a world that explodes with various colors, incredible effects and music.
- Where to watch it: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ GB
- Duration: two and a half hours
- Ideal for: recommended for ages 7 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 15 October 2023
- Book here
Matilda
Another musical in London perfect for children is Matilda, inspired by the work of Roald Dahl.
Matilda’s parents find her a nuisance, while she rightly thinks they are only interested in watching TV. Things are no better at school, where the terrible principal, Miss Trunchbull, terrorizes students and teachers alike. But one day Matilda discovers she has a very special power and she decides it’s time to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
- Where to watch it: Cambridge Theatre, 32-34 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU GB
- Duration: two hours and 40
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 6 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 26 May 2024
- Book here
Frozen
If you’re looking for a musical to see in London with your kids, don’t miss Forzen!
Elsa and Anna have arrived in the West End. With all the characters and children’s favorite songs, the wonderful world of Arendelle comes to life on stage for a story of love, hope and discovery.
- Where to watch it: Theater Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF GB
- Duration: two hours and 15
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 6 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 15 October 2023
- Book here
Newsies
Based on a true story, Newsies is set in New York City in the early 20th century. It is the inspiring story of a gang of teenage newspaper sellers who dream of a better life away from the hardships of the street.
- Where to watch it: Troubadour Theater – Wembley, 3 Fulton Road, Wembley, London, HA9 8TS GB
- Duration: two hours and 30
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 30 July 2023
- Book here
Wicked
Based on the acclaimed story by Gregory Maguire who reinterpreted the stories and characters of L. Frank Baum in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely but deep friendship between two girls who meet for the first time as students of witchcraft.
Their extraordinary adventures in the kingdom of Oz will be completed with the fulfillment of their destinies as Glinda the good and the wicked witch of the West.
If you decide to attend this musical in London with your children, you will discover what you have not been told about the history of the kingdom of Oz…
- Where to watch it: Apollo Victoria, 17 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG GB
- Duration: two hours and 45
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 8 and up
- Performances until: Sunday 2 June 2024
- Book here
Musical coming to London in 2023
Grease – from 2nd of June 2023
Originally performed in 1971, Grease has seen several revivals and been made into a successful musical film. The latest production of this hugely popular musical is now arriving at the Dominion Theater in London. What better occasion to attend a show in the English capital?
Get ready to dance to all your favorite songs including ‘You’re the One I Want’, ‘Summer Nights’ and ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’.
- Where to wacth it: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ GB
- Duration: two hours and 30
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 7 and up
- Performances until: Saturday 28 October 2023
- Book here
My neighbor Totoro – from 21st Of November 2023
This Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation written by Tom Moton-Smith was the most anticipated stage event of 2022 and returns to London’s Barbican for a strictly limited 18-week season from 21 November 2023.
This acclaimed adaptation of the acclaimed 1988 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) is an enchanting coming-of-age story that explores the magical world of childhood and the power of imagination.
- Where to watch it: Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB
- Duration: two hours and 40
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 6 and up
- Performances until: Saturday 23 March 2024
- Book here
Mrs Doubtfire – 12 maggio 2023
Out-of-work actor Daniel would do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As her new persona takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than she bargained for about being a father.
Coming from Manchester, where she has sold out, the musical Mrs Doubtfire is ready to amaze and delight the West End!
- Where to watch it: Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8DP GB
- Duration: two hours and 30
- Ideal for: Recommended for ages 7 and up
- Performances until: Saturday 13 January 2024
- Book here
Edward mani di forbice – martedì 5 dicembre 2023
Alone and friendless, with cumbersome sharp blades for his hands, Edward tries to make his way in the world.
Set to beautiful and signature film music by Danny Effman, this touching and witty tale follows Edward from his unfinished and abandoned homeland to the strange new world of suburbia.
Matthew Bourne and New Adventures’ magical adaptation of Tim Burton’s beloved cinematic tale returns to Sadler’s Wells after sold out shows in Europe, America and Australia.
- Where to watch it: Sadlers Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN GB
- Duration: two hours
- Ideal for: recommended for ages 5 and up
- Performances until: Saturday 20 January 2024
If you’re wondering why the musical Mary Poppins is not included in this list, the performances are closed for 2023.
We hope you come back soon, in case it will be added to this post again, it will stay updated, so check back often!
I hope you enjoyed this article. If you want me to help you organize your trip to London, click here.
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With love”
Francesca
