Musicals

How to choose a West End musical

London stages more musicals than any city outside New York, and the choice can feel overwhelming on a first visit. A useful way in is to start with what you already love. If you want spectacle and a story the whole family knows, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre and Wicked at the Apollo Victoria have been reliable first choices for two decades. If you prefer modern scores and sharper wit, Hamilton at the Victoria Palace and The Book of Mormon reward you for paying attention. And if you simply want a joyful night out, Mamma Mia! and Moulin Rouge! The Musical are built for singing along.

Long-running favourites and newer arrivals

The long-runners earn their runs: Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre has played London since 1985, and Matilda The Musical remains the Royal Shakespeare Company's biggest West End hit. Alongside them, newer productions arrive from Broadway and beyond every season, recent examples include Hadestown, The Devil Wears Prada and Disney's Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The line-up rotates regularly, so check each show's page for current availability and dates.

Tickets, prices and where to sit

Most musicals play Monday to Saturday evenings with two or three matinees a week. Midweek performances are usually the cheapest and easiest to book at short notice; Friday and Saturday evenings sell out first and carry the highest prices. Stalls and Dress Circle seats cost the most, while the upper levels of most theatres offer good views at a much lower price. If budget matters more than the specific show, browse our tickets under £30 and last-minute tickets pages, and see what is on tonight.