Here, at Yours, we have put together a list of the best Musicals in London and West End plays that we know you'll love. From long-running musicals like "Wicked" to revivals of West End favourites like "South Pacific", we have it covered. We've also sprinkled in some newer hits, like "[Back to the Future: The Musical]{href='https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/back-to-the-future-tickets' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} - which are the West End's hottest shows.
It’s no secret that fans of musicals have waited a long time for a Covid-secure way to return to the theatres. For people working in the arts, whether that’s on stage, behind the scenes or front-of-house, the pandemic was very difficult and created a huge loss. Fortunately, times have changed and now we can start showing our support once again.
But just where do we start? Get ready to hit the West End with this handy guide to the best musicals in London right now...
Best musicals in London 2024
Wicked
Wicked is a show you should be booking - it's a hit - having spent around 18 years in London. With music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Schwartz and based on the franchise by L. Frank Baum, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and gives her a beguiling backstory. Wicked reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked is one of the best musicals in London's West End and it's currently at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and booking through December 2024. Tickets start from £28.
Matilda: The Musical
Inspired by the book by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical is a captivating musical masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Matilda feels very alone. She's nothing like her parents. At school, life is not much better. Headmistress Miss Trunchbull terrifies students and teachers alike. However, Matilda discovers that she possesses a very unique ability. She decides it's time for the grown-ups to be taught a lesson. Winner of over 99 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical continues to delight audiences of all ages.
Matilda: the Musical is on at the Cambridge Theatre, London, booking until May 2025. Tickets start from £25.
The Phantom of the Opera
Arguably one of the best musicals of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Phantom has been wowing audiences and fans for over 35 years. It's no surprise that it's still going. Based on the tale of a haunted opera house, the show’s award-winning score features some of the most memorable melodies in musical history like "Music of the Night".
You can catch The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre from July until September 2024. Tickets start from £31.
Cabaret
Winning a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical Revival, this intimate and electrifying new production of CABARET is London's hottest ticket. This immersive revival stars Rebecca Lucy Taylor and Jake Sheers. In a time when the world is changing forever, there is one place where everyone can be free. This is Berlin. Relax. Loosen up. Be yourself.
Cabaret is at the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse - and is booking until February 2025. Tickets start from £30.
Sister Act: The Musical
Take me to heaven! Sister Act is back for a limited run at the Eventim Apollo with a star-studded cast.
Based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, the musical revolves around showgirl Dolores Van Cartier who witnesses a murder carried out by her mobster boyfriend. After reporting it to the authorities, she is put into witness protection at a convent. Now "Sister Mary Clarence", Dolores puts her show-stopping skills to good use. She gets the church's choir into shape and the community becomes involved, too.
The cast includes Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones and The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
Sister Act is playing at the Dominion Theatre from the 15 March 2024 to 31 August 2024. Tickets start from £25.
Les Misérables
If you were a fan of the film, then the show is right up your street. Cameron Mackintosh's production of Boublil and Schonberg's Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre is still going strong after more than 30 years! After 20 years in prison, Jean Valjean is released on parole. As Valjean struggles with his new life, he meets the Bishop of Digne who gives him a chance to start again. However, Police Inspector Javert cannot let this man slip away. In the meantime, revolution is in the air in Paris.
Les Misérables is at the Sondheim Theatre and is booking until September 2024. Tickets start from £31.
The Lion King
Disney’s award-winning musical has been stunning West End audiences for 22 years. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, The Lion King will redefine your expectations of theatre. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. It features a beautiful score - including the "The Circle of Life".
The Lion King is playing at the Lyceum Theatre, booking until October 2024. Tickets start from £46.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
The Olivier-nominated musical production of the life and times of pop sensation Tina Turner has had a great run at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End. Tina Turner has won a total of 11 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame. She was known for legendary hits A Fool in Love, River Deep – Mountain High, and Proud Mary. She was a global success and worth celebrating. Simply the Best.
This is one of the best musicals in London right now, particularly after the sad passing of Tina Turner in 2023.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is at the Aldwych Theatre and is booking until January. It's an affordable musical in London and tickets start from £13.
Back to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! Fans of Marty McFly can time travel between 1985 and 1955 to enjoy the musical version of the cult film. Bursting with songs from the film’s original score, such as “Earth Angel”, “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode”, the new production will take audiences on a thrilling adventure.
Back to the Future is playing at the Adelphi Theatre and booking until December next year. Tickets start from £24.
Mamma Mia!
It’s been on stage since 1999 but Mamma Mia! is as popular as ever. Fans of the ABBA-inspired show, chock-full of the band’s unbeatable hits, will no doubt have watched the star-studded Mamma Mia! films. I mean, who doesn't love Meryl? But, can anything beat sitting in a theatre to enjoy the amazing score in person? We don't think so.
Dubbed as the "best musical in London" by many fans, Mamma Mia! is booking at the Novello Theatre until September 2024. Tickets start from £15.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.