In a nutshell
- Catching a show in London’s West End is simply a must on any London trip — and there’s the perfect musical for every taste.
- We’ll show you the 7 best London musicals — from classics like Les Misérables to modern hits like SIX.
- You’ll also find practical advice on buying tickets, seating, and dress code, plus our firsthand Hamilton experience and restaurant and sightseeing tips in the West End.
- Hamilton is our top pick among London’s shows. If you don’t want to search any further, grab your Hamilton tickets here.
London & the West End: Why a Musical Is Worth It
London is one of the greatest musical capitals in the world. The West End in particular — London’s storied theater district — has been a true center for stage arts since the 19th century.
Some shows here have been running for decades without interruption — Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, for example. Today, London’s West End offers a fantastic mix of timeless classics and modern productions.
For many visitors, catching a show is a must on any London trip — whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve been here before. Even on a weekend in London, a West End musical is absolutely worth your time.
By the way, the West End is also a really great neighborhood to base yourself in while you’re in London.
The 7 Best Musicals in London
Want to catch a show in London? Here are our top 7 picks:
Hamilton London
Where? Victoria Palace Theatre, West End
Runtime: approx. 3 hours (incl. intermission)
Good for? Anyone who enjoys modern productions with a political and historical backdrop. Not for young children.
What’s it about? The musical tells the life story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA, blending history with hip-hop and R&B. It follows his rise from orphan to politician and his role in the American Revolution. Fast-paced, emotional, and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Our experience: Hamilton is the perfect mix of modern music, entertaining lyrics, emotional depth, and a minimalist yet spot-on set design. You’ll find our full experience report further down in the article.
Book tickets for Hamilton in London online
Wicked London
Where? Apollo Victoria Theatre, West End
Runtime: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes (incl. intermission)
Good for? Fantasy fans, families with older children, and anyone who loves strong female characters.
What’s it about? Wicked tells the backstory of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the “wicked witch” Elphaba. It follows the friendship between two magical women and their very different paths through the world of magic. Enchanting, emotional, and with a powerful message against prejudice.
Book tickets for Wicked in London online
Mamma Mia! London
Where? Novello Theatre, West End
Runtime: approx. 2 hours 35 minutes (incl. intermission)
Good for? Anyone who loves good vibes, romance, and ABBA hits. Especially popular with groups of friends and a great alternative to ABBA Voyage.
What’s it about? Sophie is planning her wedding in Greece and is searching for her father among three men, without knowing which one he is. The show is funny, full of heart, and of course packed with classic ABBA songs.
Book tickets for Mamma Mia! in London online
The Lion King London
Where? Lyceum Theatre, West End
Runtime: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes (incl. intermission)
Good for: Families and Disney fans of all ages.
What’s it about? The Lion King tells the same story as the beloved Disney film. Simba, a young lion, must take his father’s place as king of Africa after his father’s death. Expect stunning masks, the beloved songs from the film, and an unforgettable set design.
Our experience: The Lion King is a rollercoaster of emotions and pure entertainment. One moment you can’t stop laughing or can barely contain your amazement, and the next you’re wiping away tears. A brilliant adaptation of the film — and it’s no wonder it’s been this popular for decades.
Book tickets for The Lion King in London online
Les Misérables London
Where? Sondheim Theatre, West End
Runtime: approx. 2 hours 50 minutes (incl. intermission)
Good for? History & musical fans and anyone looking for big emotions.
What’s it about? The show follows people in 19th-century France caught between love, freedom, and revolution. It depicts dramatic fates against the backdrop of sweeping, real social upheaval. An epic, deeply moving drama.
Book tickets for Les Misérables in London online
SIX London
Where? Vaudeville Theatre, West End
Runtime: approx. 80 minutes (no intermission)
Good for? Young adults, girls’ nights out, fans of modern productions, and anyone with an interest in history and feminist themes.
What’s it about? The six wives of Henry VIII tell their stories through a show packed with power-pop songs and plenty of humor. Each woman voices her own perspective on love, power, and freedom.
Book tickets for SIX in London online
ABBA Voyage London
Where? ABBA Arena, Stratford
Runtime: approx. 90 minutes (no intermission)
Good for? ABBA fans and tech enthusiasts who are up for a truly unique concert experience.
What’s it about? ABBA Voyage isn’t a typical musical. Here, the band actually performs — but as digital avatars, accompanied by a live band and an impressive light show. The show blends cutting-edge technology with ABBA’s greatest hits. A futuristic concert packed with nostalgia.
Book tickets for ABBA Voyage in London online
A complete overview of all current London musicals (2025/26 season) can be found at the very bottom of this article — including ticket links!
Our Experience: Hamilton London
We saw Hamilton in London in 2025 and are sharing our honest experience with you:
What is the musical Hamilton about?
Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA, who fights his way up from humble beginnings. The show blends history with modern musical styles like hip-hop and R&B.
What makes Hamilton so special?
While Hamilton isn’t a typically British story, its leap from Broadway to London’s West End shows just how universal the music and storytelling really are.
The combination of modern music, a captivating production, and the historic Victoria Palace Theatre is what makes the whole experience so special.
Where do you buy your Hamilton tickets?
We bought our tickets through Tiqets — reliable, fair prices, and easy booking via the app or website. At the venue, you just show your digital ticket. Super straightforward.
Book tickets for Hamilton in London at Tiqets
Dress Code, Entry, Bag Rules & Seating
Before your visit to the Victoria Palace Theatre, you don’t need to stress about dress codes or security checks.
We wore the same casual clothes we’d had on during a day of sightseeing. A neat, comfortable look is perfectly fine.
Entry is totally hassle-free. Scan your ticket, a quick bag check, and you’re in.
Our larger bag (bigger than A4) was allowed inside, and we even got to keep our full water bottle — very convenient, since it means you don’t have to spend a fortune on drinks at the venue.
As for the seats: the theater is over 100 years old, and you can tell. The seats are only about 16 inches wide and legroom is tight, which can get a little uncomfortable over nearly three hours. Keep that in mind.
That said, in our opinion there are no bad seats in the house. We sat all the way at the top in the last row — the cheapest tickets — and had a wonderful view of the stage.
Our Verdict: Is Hamilton in London Worth It?
Absolutely! We would see Hamilton again in a heartbeat. The songs are thrilling, the story is brilliantly brought to life, and the Victoria Palace Theatre is simply stunning — it reminded us a little of the Titanic.
Seeing a Musical in London: Everything You Need to Know
To make sure your theatre visit goes smoothly, here are our tips on buying tickets, choosing seats, and more:
Do the musicals in London run all the time?
Many major shows like Hamilton, Wicked, or The Lion King have permanent venues in London’s West End — some have been there for decades.
That said, ticket websites often show an end date for the run. That doesn’t necessarily mean the show is closing, though. Those dates are typically just the currently bookable period.
Run extensions are announced in stages. Hamilton, for example, was extended in September 2024 through March 2025.
Where can you buy cheap musical tickets in London?
In London there are plenty of ways to get theatre tickets at a discount — even for popular shows.
The most well-known option is the TKTS booth at Leicester Square, where reduced tickets for same-day or next-day performances are sold daily.
Official platforms like TodayTix, London Theatre Direct, or the third-party platform Tiqets also often have last-minute tickets available.
But keep in mind: there’s no guarantee you’ll always be able to grab a ticket on short notice. For the most in-demand London musicals or during holiday seasons, shows can sell out completely — or only have expensive last-minute tickets left.
That’s why our advice is: Book your ticket online in advance. That way you lock in good seats at fair prices and can sometimes take advantage of early-bird discounts too.
Going to a Musical Last-Minute: Tips for Last-Minute Tickets
If you still want to catch a show on a whim and tickets are no longer available online, your best bet is to head directly to the theater box office at Leicester Square first thing at 10 AM. That’s where remaining tickets and so-called Day Seats — discounted tickets for the same day — are sold.
Are there musicals in London for kids?
Yes, of course! London has several shows that are great for the whole family.
Most theaters recommend a minimum age of three to five years. For some productions the age recommendation is higher. Maybe one of these is a good fit:
What are the best seats?
It depends on the theater and your personal preference. Generally speaking, stalls seats offer a great view, especially in the middle rows. If you prefer a full overview rather than being close to the stage, circle seats are the way to go.
Watch out for “Restricted View” seats! They’re cheaper, but your sightline to the stage may be partially blocked.
Before booking, it’s worth checking SeatPlan.com, where you can find photos and reviews of individual seats. That way you can judge whether a cheaper seat is really worth it.
Dress Code and Behavior at Musicals in London
London theaters don’t have a strict dress code. Wear whatever is comfortable. Most audience members opt for casual but put-together clothing — which is exactly what we did.
That said, if you’re in the mood for a special night out, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with dressing up. We spotted a few people doing just that.
When it comes to behavior, the usual theater rules apply: phone off, no photos or videos during the show, and please don’t sing along — even if you know every word. And trust us: that was genuinely hard for us during Hamilton, haha.
Snacks and drinks are allowed in many venues. Just make sure not to rustle packaging during the show. We saved our drinks for the intermission.
Before the Show: Tips for the Perfect Musical Evening
A night out at a London musical is about more than just the performance itself. There’s plenty to do beforehand too. Here are our tips for making the most of your evening:
What can you do before the musical?
Most theaters are located in the heart of the West End, a seriously lively neighborhood in London. There’s plenty to see and do around the venues.
- Covent Garden: Stroll through the charming market, browse small boutiques, or soak up the atmosphere at a café. There are often really great street performers here too.
- Leicester Square: Walk through London’s famous film and theater hub with wide walkways, plenty of cafés, small gardens, and statues of film icons. Definitely worth a visit.
- Piccadilly Circus: London’s iconic photo spot, with massive illuminated signs and the famous Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.
- Trafalgar Square: Classic London, with the impressive National Gallery and views toward Big Ben.
- Soho: If you like things more modern, head to the creative and trendy neighborhood of Soho, with cool shops and bars.
Where can you grab a good meal before the musical in London?
Many restaurants in the West End offer so-called pre-theatre menus — special dishes at fair prices, perfectly timed for a show night. Here are the restaurants we’d recommend:
- Dishoom (Covent Garden): Modern Indian cuisine. Very popular — so it’s best to make a reservation ahead of time.
- Hawksmoor Seven Dials (Covent Garden): An elegant restaurant serving British steak and seafood.
- Bancone (Covent Garden): Fresh pasta dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Barrafina (Soho): Spanish tapas at a Michelin-star level. There can be a wait, but it’s totally worth it.
- Urban Greens (St. James’s Park): Fresh salad bowls you build yourself. Seriously good and filling. This is where we ate before Hamilton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Musicals in London
What is the best musical in London right now?
Our top picks for the best London musicals are:
- Hamilton
- The Lion King
- Matilda
- The Phantom of the Opera
Scroll up to read our full experience report on Hamilton in London.
What is the most-watched musical in London?
The most-watched show in London is The Phantom of the Opera. It has been running non-stop in the West End since 1986.
Over 140 million people have seen it. Pretty wild, right?
How long does a musical in London last?
A London musical typically runs between 1.5 and 3 hours.
Are there discounts or family deals for London musicals?
The best discounts are available on the spot at the TKTS booth at Leicester Square, where you can pick up same-day tickets (Day Seats or Rush Tickets).
Sometimes you’ll pay only half the regular price. However, ticket availability is never guaranteed.
For family shows like The Lion King or Matilda, you’ll often find discounts, group rates, or Family Packages with snacks and souvenirs available online.
In addition, Family Theatre Weeks take place in July and August, featuring “kids go free” promotions. Just check the official websites of the individual shows for details.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London a musical or a play?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is not a musical, but a stage play. That’s why we haven’t included it in our list above — otherwise, it would obviously have ranked very high.
The play is performed at the Palace Theatre in the West End in two parts of 2.5 hours each, including intermissions.
Performances take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Part 1 starts at 2 PM and Part 2 at 7 PM.
On Sundays, the parts start at 1 PM and 6 PM.
You can buy tickets for both parts or for just one part. We recommend getting tickets for both parts, though.
Current Musicals in London: An Overview
Finally, here’s an overview of all the current London musicals for the 2025/26 season:
| What? | What's it about? | |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Top Pick! | The story of US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton – told through hip-hop and R&B | Buy tickets |
| Wicked | The backstory of The Wizard of Oz – about two unlikely witch friends | Buy tickets |
| Mamma Mia! | A young woman searches for her father – featuring the greatest hits of ABBA | Buy tickets |
| The Lion King | Disney's classic about the coming-of-age of lion Simba | Buy tickets |
| Les Misérables | An epic drama about justice, love, and revolution | Buy tickets |
| Six | The six ex-wives of Henry VIII tell their stories as a pop concert | Buy tickets |
| ABBA Voyage | A digital concert experience with holograms and the original voices of ABBA | Buy tickets |
| The Phantom of the Opera | A mysterious phantom of the opera falls passionately in love with a young singer | Buy tickets |
| Matilda | A gifted girl uses wit and magic to fight back against the tyrannical adults in her life | Buy tickets |
| Hadestown | The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice reimagined as a dark folk-jazz musical | Buy tickets |
| Moulin Rouge! | A love story set in a Parisian nightclub – featuring pop hits from Lady Gaga to Elton John | Buy tickets |
| MJ The Musical | The life and career of Michael Jackson – featuring his greatest songs | Buy tickets |
| Back to the Future | Teenager Marty McFly travels back to the 1950s in a time machine | Buy tickets |
| Mrs. Doubtfire | A father disguises himself as a nanny to stay close to his children | Buy tickets |
| The Book of Mormon | Two naive missionaries experience wild adventures in Uganda | Buy tickets |
| Tina Turner Musical | The remarkable life of rock icon Tina Turner – featuring all her hits | Buy tickets |
| Oliver! | An orphan searches for a home – based on the novel by Charles Dickens | Buy tickets |
| Hercules | Disney's musical about the demigod Hercules, who wants to become a true hero | Buy tickets |
| The Devil Wears Prada | A young woman finds herself thrust into the cutthroat world of fashion as an assistant | Buy tickets |
| Mean Girls | High school drama involving cliques, scheming, and self-discovery | Buy tickets |
| Clueless | A wealthy student plays matchmaker for her classmates and discovers what she herself is missing | Buy tickets |
