The best musicals in London

The definitive musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece has played at His Majesty's Theatre in the West End since 1986. Together with the Broadway production, “The Phantom of the Opera” has been seen by more than 140 million theatregoers, its timeless themes of love and fear resonating with audiences from all over the world. The production combines breath-taking special effects, an award-winning score and incredible sets, making it a top choice in the “if there's one musical see in your life, make it this one” category.

Wicked, the beloved musical based on the book by Gregory Maguire, has been playing to packed audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London's West End since September 2006, making it one of the longest-running West End shows of all time. With its enthralling storyline set in the magical world of Oz before Dorothy's arrival, the musical “Wicked” has won over 100 international awards and welcomed over 11 million theatregoers from around the world.

An adaptation of Disney's animated classic, “The Lion King” tells the powerful story of Simba's journey from cub to King of the Pridelands. The production of this long-running West End musical features ingenious puppetry that transports you to the African savannah, accompanied by Tim Rice's and Elton John's Oscar-winning soundtrack. With stunning effects, glorious colours, it's no wonder “The Lion King” has been thrilling West End audiences for more than 20 years.

Based on the beloved book by legendary British author Roald Dahl, “Matilda The Musical” is a multi-award-winning production by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Telling the story of a remarkable young girl who fearlessly takes charge of her own fate with her imaginative spirit and clever intellect, the production has been entertaining West End audiences for more than a decade with its incredible design, catchy musical numbers, and Dahl's signature humour.

With its sung-and-rapped lyrics, the musical take on the life of US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is widely considered to be one of the best musicals of all time. The record-breaking off-Broadway production by acclaimed playwright, musician and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda is a contemporary classic and is currently hosted by the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Based on the many smash hits by Swedish pop group ABBA, “Mamma Mia!” has been spun off into not one but two movies since first launching more than 20 years ago. Regardless of whether you're an ABBA fan or not, the West End show is sure to win you over with its feel-good atmosphere, catchy singalong tunes, light-hearted story, and sparkling costume design. More than 65 million people have taken a chance on it so far already.

“Les Misérables” is a musical classic, an adaptation of Victor Hugo's literary work that has been playing in the West End since 1985, making it the second longest-running musical in the world. The story of Jean Valjean's redemption, set against the backdrop of the Paris Uprising of 1932, is an exciting historic tale, complemented by a number of memorable musical set pieces. Les Mis even inspired an Academy Award-winning film with a star-studded cast.

The enormously successful 1985 time travel classic, considered to be one of the best sci-fi films of all time, is reinterpreted onstage at the Adelphi Theatre. Backed by original film director Robert Zemeckis, the award-winning production “Back to the Future: The Musical” combines songs featured in the film, such as “Johnny B. Goode”, with original music. Along with a hefty helping of the film's whacky humour, the West End show takes audiences on an electrifying journey through time.

Fans of the hit animated series “South Park” are in for a treat at the Prince of Wales Theatre, as the creative duo behind the series turned their minds to musical theatre and came up with “The Book of Mormon”. The record-smashing Broadway production tackles religion in the authors' trademark irreverent style, telling the story of two Mormon missionaries in Uganda through hilarious songs and poignant dialogue.

Set at the Piccadilly Theatre, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is based on Baz Luhrmann's acclaimed film and features an updated soundtrack with hit songs that have been released since the original film first premiered. The tragic story of love in the iconic cabaret club has won numerous awards, including a Tony for Best Musical. And after the show, you can head to the nearby Bar Américain for one of the signature Moulin Rouge! cocktails prepared in partnership with the show.

Set during 1930s Berlin and the ascent of Nazism, “Cabaret” tells the story of patrons and staff at the seedy, debaucherous Kit Kat Club. For the award-winning 2021 revival of the classic musical, the Playhouse Theatre was refurbished and restructured with an in-the-round stage, with the audience seated at tables where they can also dine.

Historical and hysterical, “Operation Mincemeat” is based on fascinating espionage operation that helped turn the tide of the Second World War. Clever, witty, and full of catchy songs, the highly praised musical isn't just a zippy, well-structured West End show whose timeless themes tie in with present-day headlines, it's also a showcase for its extremely talented cast. The five actors switch between numerous different characters on the go, from scene to scene, in a dizzying and memorable performance.