Best Things to Do:
- 1. 1. The Lion King - Lyceum Theatre
- 2. 2. Mamma Mia! - Novello Theatre
- 3. 3. Wicked - Apollo Victoria Theatre
- 4. 4. Moulin Rouge - Piccadilly Theatre
- 5. 5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre
- 6. Visit the Harry Potter Studios in London!
- 7. 6. Mrs. Doubtfire - Shaftesbury Theatre
- 8. 7. The Phantom of the Opera - His Majesty's Theatre
- 9. 8. Back to the Future - Adelphi Theatre
- 10. 9. Matilda The Musical - Cambridge Theatre
- 11. 10. MJ The Musical - Prince Edward Theatre
- 12. 11. Hamilton - Victoria Palace Theatre
If you're looking for things to do in London for a perfect vacation, nothing beats visiting iconic landmarks and taking a tour of London's West End to see a musical This urban area in the heart of Westminster is the capital's theater district, famous worldwide for the quality of its shows, on par with Broadway in New York. From theatrical adaptations like Back to the Future and Mrs. Doubtfire to iconic songs showcased in MJ The Musical or family-friendly stories such as Matilda and The Lion King, discover the best musicals in London's West End
1. The Lion King - Lyceum Theatre
One of the most famous musicals in the world is definitely The Lion King! If you're headed to London, I recommend stopping by the Lyceum Theatre in the West End to see this show inspired by Disney's cult animated film
With stunning sets, colorful costumes, and breathtaking staging, this show will transport you deep into the African savanna. As for the soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice, seeing The Lion King musical in London is a perfect outing for families and a true pop culture phenomenon. Expect to pay around $55 per person to attend this musical.
Available until March 2025.
Address: Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
2. Mamma Mia! - Novello Theatre
Mamma Mia! is an iconic title and one of the biggest hits from the group ABBA. If you've always had a soft spot for their songs, why not go see this West End musical, which tells a story of love, friendship, and discovery set to the iconic tunes of the Swedish group! For that, head to the Novello Theatre in London and let yourself be swept away by this romance set in a Mediterranean backdrop... It's the perfect show if you love pop music and one of the best musicals running in the West End. Plus, a ticket will only cost you $25 for a 2-hour and 30-minute show
Available until September 2025.
Address: 5 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
3. Wicked - Apollo Victoria Theatre
If you loved the classic film The Wizard of Oz, you will fall in love with Wicked. Performed at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, this West End musical explores the story of the witches long before Dorothy arrives ♀️
From quirky sets to dazzling costumes, this show reveals the many facets of iconic characters and features famous songs like Defying Gravity. This play also shares beautiful lessons about friendship and acceptance, all wrapped up in humor. Plan for about 3 hours to watch the show and budget $36 for a ticket ️
Available until June 2025.
Address: 17 Wilton Road, Westminster, London, SW1V 1LG
4. Moulin Rouge - Piccadilly Theatre
Inspired by Baz Luhrmann's film, Moulin Rouge will take you back to the cabaret era in Belle Époque Paris. This musical performs modern songs in a bohemian atmosphere while telling a love story. The extravagant sets, costumes, and level of performance of Moulin Rouge will leave you in awe! If you're staying in the West End or planning to spend some time there, I suggest buying a ticket for $40 and heading over to Piccadilly Theatre right away
Available until February 2025.
Address: 16 Denman Street, St James, London, W1D 7DY
5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre
You can't miss one of the most sought-after musicals in the West End: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the most awarded play in history. For fans of the Harry Potter saga, it's a return to the wizarding world ⚡️
19 years after defeating the Dark Lord, Voldemort, Harry, Hermione, and Ron embark on a new adventure alongside a new generation of young wizards ready to battle the forces of evil... This story, written by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, is unmissable... So go see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London as soon as possible ✨
Available until June 29, 2025.
Address: Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY
Visit the Harry Potter Studios in London!
London is a major tourist destination. This is certainly due to the city's charm and rich history, but let's not forget the Harry Potter Studios, which are undeniably a major attraction in the capital! This is an ideal activity if you're looking for things to do in London for Halloween, or even if you're just a fan of the saga. To minimize fatigue and make the most of your experience, you can stay near the Harry Potter Studios. Lastly, note that there are various types of tickets for the studio tour, such as with transfers. Given the popularity of this attraction, I highly recommend that you book your tickets in advance to ensure you can enjoy them during your London vacation!
6. Mrs. Doubtfire - Shaftesbury Theatre
Unsurprisingly, the musical Mrs. Doubtfire is the theatrical adaptation of this iconic comedy that marked the 90s thanks to actor Robin Williams. If you've never seen the movie, the touching yet hilarious story of a father willing to do anything to spend time with his children after a divorce, even if it means disguising himself as a nanny, will resonate with you. Humor, emotions, and heartfelt life lessons will be on the agenda, discussing both family values and courage... So for the nostalgic, head over to the Shaftesbury Theatre and of course, reserve your ticket for $40 in advance!
Available until April 2025.
Address: Shaftesbury Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8DP
7. The Phantom of the Opera - His Majesty's Theatre
At His Majesty's Theatre, you can discover The Phantom of the Opera, a theatrical masterpiece that will fascinate you with its mystical atmosphere and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's a romantic and tragic drama set in a haunted Parisian opera house with a gothic ambiance
The sets and staging are impressive, making each performance dark, magical, and captivating. This musical, priced at $36, is undoubtedly one of the West End's most unmissable masterpieces, continuing to attract many tourists and Londoners alike!
Available until March 2025.
Address: Haymarket, St James, London, SW1Y 4QL
8. Back to the Future - Adelphi Theatre
Among the musicals to see in London's West End, Back to the Future brings a fresh spin on the 80s film with a lively performance full of energy and humor! This adaptation offers an incredible time-travel experience, with stunning sets and special effects that reimagine Marty McFly's adventures. With catchy songs and a cast worthy of multiple rounds of applause, this musical played at the Adelphi Theatre perfectly pays homage to this classic film. If you're feeling nostalgic, Back to the Future is sure to evoke great emotions at a low price, as a ticket will only cost you $28!
Available until July 2025.
Address: 410 The Strand, London, WC2E 7NN
9. Matilda The Musical - Cambridge Theatre
Based on Roald Dahl's novel, discovering Matilda The Musical is to follow the story of a rebellious little girl with extraordinary powers. With a slate of songs and original staging, this musical available in the West End will please both young and adult audiences
Set against a humorous backdrop and featuring lessons on courage and friendship, you'll meet a cast of colorful characters who will transport you into Dahl's world at the Cambridge Theatre. Expect to pay $29 for a ticket to Matilda The Musical
Available until May 2026.
Address: Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9HU
10. MJ The Musical - Prince Edward Theatre
I highly encourage you to head to the Prince Edward Theatre to experience MJ The Musical, a show that pays tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson! For $29, you can relive his hits and journey through the life of one of the most influential artists of all time... With exceptional performances on hits like Billie Jean and Thriller, jaw-dropping choreography, and incredible sets, MJ The Musical is a must-see among London's West End musicals!
Available until April 2025.
Address: Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS
11. Hamilton - Victoria Palace Theatre
For history buffs, I recommend the musical Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre, which recounts the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. It's definitely a show to see in London if you enjoy rap, jazz, R&B, or hip-hop
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton features powerful songs and ultra-charismatic characters! Additionally, know that this musical was first awarded at Broadway before arriving at London's West End. Prepare a budget of $69 per person for this show.
Available until September 2025.
Address: Allington Street, Westminster, London, SW1E 5EA
And there you have it, we've reached the end of this article on the musicals of London's West End! I hope it has been informative and that you found your favorite among the list of shows I've presented. If you're looking for where to stay in London during your vacation, don't hesitate to check out my article listing plenty of great addresses. Until then, I look forward to sharing another article with you soon