Top 10 the best West End musicals

It is not a secret that musicals are my Roman Empire and West End is for me an European treasure. But if you’re just starting your musical adventure or looking to spend one evening in London at a stunning show, this psot will help you choose the one that will match your taste the best.

Musicals are placed according to my personal preferences, I am sentimental about some of those shows but all of them are great, so just choose what sounds best for you.

Include the show in your City Break!

Check out my 3-Day London CIty Break map with 4 different sightseeing routes, main attractions on the way and all the West End theatres where the best shows take place.

The Phantom of the Opera – my favourite West End musical

The ultimate classic. I saw it just once on West End but almost 30 times in my home country. It has been running in His Majesty’s Theatre (Her Majesty’s Theatre until recently) since 1989. It’s a story about a love triangle between young Christine Daaé (ballerina and novice opera singer), disfigured musician, magician and inventor – Phantom, and viscount Raoul de Chagny – Christine’s old friend from her childhood. Christine’s initial fascination with the Phantom quickly turns into fear and leads the trio to the point of no return.

The show lasts around 2h 30 min with an intermission. It’s full of classical music and iconic arias (with the title song The Phatom of The Opera originally sung by Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford). Ticket prices start with £25. Buy tickets here.

Les Miserables – longest running musical on West End

Another classic, opened in London in 1985, based on Victor Hugo’s book with the same title. It is a multi-threaded story with the French Revolution and a love story in the background. On one hand we have Jean Valjean who seeks redemption after crimes from the past who takes care of Cosette – daughter of Fantine who eventually dies after she ended up in a gutter. On the other, there’s Marius – a young student who’s preparing to fight in a revolution with his fellows. The faith of all characters will cross at one point, so they find their peace or… not.

I was crying like a baby for almost entire act 2, every time I’ve seen the show (once on West End, 19 times in my home country). The show lasts around 2h 40 min with an intermission. Ticket prices start with £47,50. Buy tickets here.

Six: The Musical

The musical I’ve seen once in my home country and once on West End during my latest trip to London. It’s a short and fun musical, stylised on a rock concert, telling the stories of all six Henry VIII’s wives. Each queen has her own, signature song that tells her own life story. Besides, they’re singing a few songs all together. Six is all about unforgettable songs, stunning costumes and impressive choreography.

It’s a funny, light story with a strong feministic message. The show lasts around 1h 15 min without intermission. Ticket prices start with £34,50. Buy tickets here.

Hamilton

Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda that portrays the life American Founding Father – Alexander Hamilton. This show mixes few music genres – hip hop, R&B, jazz, rap and blues, serving perfect, moving and enjoyable storyline. It got 11 Tony Awards, 7 Olivier Awards and a Pulizer Prize as well.

The show lasts 2h 45min with an intermission. Ticket prices start with £24. Buy tickets here.

Mamma Mia!

Light and funny musical based on the best hits of Swedish band – ABBA. For broader audience known for the movie (2008) with Maryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried or Pierce Brosnan. Sophie lives with her mother Donna at a Greek island. Sophie is about to merry her fiance but she really wants her father to walk her to the altair. The problem is that she has… three potential fathers and they all come to the wedding.

The show lasts 2h 35min including intermission. Ticket prices start with £14,70. Buy tickets here.

The Lion King

This is the show you don’t need to introduce. Disney’s classing and for many the most touching story in the history of cinematography. Adapted to the stage, it amazes with great costumes, stunning artists and absolutely timeless music with few additional song written just for the show.

The show lasts 2h 30min with an intermission. Ticket prices start with £45,60. Buy tickets here.

Wicked

Award-winning and one of the most known shows in the world. It is stage adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda and Elphaba – two witches from the story of Wizard of Oz. From this musical comes the great hit “Defying gravity” and the show itself got many awards including 3 Tonys, 2 Oliviers and 10 “WhatsOnStage” Awards.

This show lasts 2h 30min with an intermission. Ticket prices start with £30. Buy tickets here.

Moulin Rouge: The Musical

10 Tony Awards winner, show that features the greatest hits of David Bowie, Elthon John, Christina Aguilera and more! It’s a love story Satine – a can-can dancer with ambition to become a professional actress, and Christian – impoverished English write. Will they find happiness? Or will their romance end? Watch the show to find out.

The show lasts 2h 45min with an intermission. Ticket prices start with £30. Buy tickets here.

Frozen

One of the most popular and successful Pixar animations, now live on West End stage. Breathtaking music, surprising special effects and stunning costumes. What’s more, you have a chance to see Samantha Barks live (known from her amazing Eponine performance in Les Miserables movie). It is not show only for children – adults will have as much fun.

This show lasts 2h 30min with an intermission and ticket prices start with £35,40. Buy tickets here.

Hadestown [since August 2024]

Hadestown, a Tony winning musical comes to West End in August 2024! The show pictures the love between mythical Oprheus, Eurydice and the Greeok God of the Underworld, Hades. Will Orpheus win back Eurydice’s human life? Book your tickets for the Hadestown in London.

This show lasts 2h 30min with an intermission and ticket prices start with £24. Buy tickets here.

Need and inspiration how to include the West End show into your sightseeing plan?

Read the blog post with my 3-Day city break to London and check out my map with the most important attractions, 4 different walking routes and all the best West End shows pinned on your way!