Are you keen to explore the wide variety of musicals London has to offer, but aren’t sure where to start? Check out our guide to the different categories and types of musicals to help you decide which one’s best for you, along with some options for the most popular musicals currently running in the city.
Sondheim Theatre. Photo by Martino Battista.
Book Musicals
A book musical is essentially a musical play - it has a cohesive story based on a script and narrative, and uses original music and lyrics integrated into the plot. Sometimes it’s based on an original story, or sometimes it’s an adaptation of an existing book or film.
You’ll enjoy book musicals if a solid story and well-developed characters are important to you. A book musical will give you all the substance and drama of a play, with the bonus of a riveting soundtrack full of new, original songs for you to fall in love with. Here are some of our top book musicals:
Dylan Wood in Hadestown. Photo by Marc Brenner.
The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre
The Phantom of the Opera is a staple of the West End. From the moment the chandelier comes crashing down, you’ll be mesmerised by the breathtaking range of beautiful, powerful musical numbers.
Les Miserables at Sondheim Theatre
Another long-running musical of the West End, Les Miserables is based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel about revolution, poverty, and redemption in 19th century France, filled with soaring musical numbers.
Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre
Inspired by the Greek myth of doomed lovers Orpheus and Euridyce, Hadestown transposes a classic tragedy into a modern dystopian setting and mythical figures into brand new roles.
Jukebox Musicals
A jukebox musical, meanwhile, uses a score of pre-existing, usually well-known songs to propel the narrative, and the music is used to tell the story.
You’ll enjoy jukebox musicals if you love listening to covers of your favourite artists and songs, and you’re excited to hear songs you already know sung by a talented cast and woven into a thrilling story. Fun fact: some musicals have special sing-along performances where you can join in the singing.
The cast of MJ The Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre in London
Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre
A must-see for every ABBA fan, this musical takes the upbeat, unforgettable songs of the Swedish pop group and transports them to an idyllic Greek island.
Some jukebox musicals use the discography of a particular artist or band - for instance, autobiographical musicals that celebrate the life and career of a specific musician, which is particularly stirring if the artist in question has now passed.
MJ: The Musical at Prince Edward Theatre
Commemorate the legendary Michael Jackson in this uplifting tribute. If you’re a fan of the King of Pop, you’ll love this dazzling, uplifting musical filled with electric dance numbers.
I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical at the Peacock Theatre
Step back into the seventies in this musical about the life and career of Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, which takes you back to the unforgettable musical era of the 1970s.
The cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matt Crockett.
Other jukebox musicals use a mix of songs from different artists, cleverly weaving them into the story and performance - a great choice if you want an eclectic mix of familiar and beloved songs to enjoy. If you want variety, why not try:
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre
This heart-breaking musical about star-crossed lovers in Bohemian Paris features familiar songs from the classic Baz Luhrman film, as well as covers of beloved pop songs.
Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre
This immersive musical set in a British pub tells an uplifting, joyful story about the power of community, performed through songs by Guns n Roses, Queen, Avicii, and more.
Still unsure? Here are some more ideas to narrow down your choices…
Family Favourite Musicals
A musical is the perfect show for families with young children - they often have simple storylines that are easy to follow, and young ones will be delighted by the dazzling, spectacular musical numbers and dance routines.
Disney musicals have been a staple of the West End for years, turning beloved animated films into extravagant, vibrant stage shows which recreate your favourite songs and characters while also introducing you to brand new ones.
The Lion King production image.
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
The Lion King is the most popular and enduring Disney musical on the West End, with its epic story about courage and destiny, filled with familiar songs from the beloved film as well as new ones that bring a new depth to the story and its characters.
Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Newer to the West end, Hercules also has all the ingredients of a beloved Disney classic: colourful characters, memorable songs, and powerful message about what it means to be a hero.
For even younger children, a perfect first theatrical experience would be a sing-along musical, where audiences are encouraged to participate as well as watch.
CocoMelon Sing-Along Live at St Martin’s Theatre
Based on the beloved children’s series, and filled with popular characters and songs, this interactive musical adventure encourages families to sing, dance, and play along.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Theatre Royal Haymarket
The popular children’s cartoon about anthropomorphic preschooler pig Peppa and her family comes to the West End, in this musical full of songs, storytelling, and important lessons about family and growing up.
Musical Histories
Have you ever wanted to see iconic historical figures singing onstage? History and music make an unexpected but winning combination, so it’s no surprise there’s been an upsurge in shows tackling significant historical periods or telling the stories of famous people from history through the medium of song and dance.
Jordan Benjamin, Alex Sawyer, Lemuel Knights and Jordan Castle. Photo by Danny Kaan
Some of our favourites are:
Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre
Lin Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical chronicles the life of American founding father Alexander Hamilton through an electric hip-hop soundtrack, from cabinet meetings in the form of rap battles to epic revolutionary anthems.
Evita at the London Palladium
Rachel Zegler stars in this biopic about the life of Argentinian First Lady Eva Peron in this epic, heart-breaking musical that follows her incredible life all the way until her tragic death.
SIX: The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre
Do you like your history with a side of camp? SIX brings a revised version of Tudor history in which the six wives of Henry VIII come together to tell their own version of their story, with each queen bringing a unique style influenced by music icons like Beyonce and Britney Spears.
From the Silver Screen to the Stage
If you’re sick of Hollywood remakes, why not try experiencing your favourite classic films retold in a fresh new way? Musical adaptations of films have seen a surge of popularity, giving audiences the chance to relive the drama, intrigue, and excitement of popular films on the stage.
Caden Brauch (Marty McFly) and the cast of Back to the Future The Musical. Photo by Matt Crockett
The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre
Based on the iconic 2006 film, this fabulous, sassy musical takes you into the cutthroat fashion world of New York.
Back to the Future at the Aldephi Theatre
Relive the nostalgia of this eighties sci-fi classic onstage, with mind blowing special effects and an unforgettable soundtrack.
Make ‘Em Laugh: Musical Comedies
Musicals are a great vehicle for comedy, whether it’s slapstick, black comedy, or satire - which makes them the perfect thing to lift for your spirits and lighten your mood.
The Book of Mormon production image.
The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre
This quintessential musical comedy, conceived by the writers behind South Park, is full of their characteristic irreverent humour, bawdy jokes, and devilishly funny religious satire.
So whether you’re a regular connoisseur of musicals or a newcomer who’s eager to get into them, and whether you’re in the mood for epic history or dreamy romance, something with heart or something with humour, London has a musical that’s just right for you.
