Critic's Choice: Top 10 Long Running Shows 31 July 2015

What long running show should you see first in London?

We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It's just our view - and everyone has one - based on our Reviewers' thoughts. We will update the list regularly so that cast changes can factor into the mix.

Only Plays and Musicals which have been running for more than three years are included in this is list.

So go see them!

1. Wicked

Wicked is tremendous shape and the current cast gives it full value. If you have never seen it or if you have seen it, now is the time to go again – you too could be changed for the better.

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2. Les Miserables

If you have never seen Les Miserables, this is a good year to see it; if you have seen it, this cast provides fresh approaches and interesting nuance to scenes you think you know very well and characters you think can no longer surprise you.

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3. Phantom of the Opera

Although there are a few moments when the old girl creaks slightly, for the most part the staging feels contemporary and interest is snapped to attention right from the very start, when the slightly menacing words of the auctioneer herald the commencement of proceedings. The sequences in the Phantom’s lair, complete with boat, candles and ornate organ are almost hypnotic; tendrils of smoke wrap around the imagination, infusing the action and music with intrigue.

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4. Jersey Boys

After a phenomenal seven years, Jersey Boys continues to run in the West End with no sign of stopping.

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5. War Horse

Set against the turbulent times of the First World War, War Horse is the story of a boy (Albert) and his horse (Joey). It is a relationship that will see one follow the other into the depths of no-mans land in an attempt to bring his horse home safely. Audiences journey from Albert’s hometown of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.

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6. Matilda Matilda The Musical has now received a total of 50 awards in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and New York.  Sweeping the board at the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards, Matilda The Musical has gone on to take Broadway by storm winning four Tony Awards® and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls sharing the title role. FIND OUT MORE | BOOK TICKETS

7. Billy Elliot

This is a journey of self discovery, love, family and friendship that sees not just Billy – but his friends, family and the community at large coming together enabling him to change his life for good. Billy Elliot is a story of blind faith, true passion and determination.

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8. The Lion King

When a young lion prince is born in the Pridelands in Africa, his uncle Scar moves further down the line of inheritance. In an attempt to take the throne, Scar plots the death of Mufasa – the King laying the blame at the feet of his son – Simba. Scar takes the throne by enlisting the help of hyenas and disturbs the natural balance. Simba is convinced to return and overthrow his uncle restoring the “Circle Of Life”.

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9. Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! is the enchanting tale of family and friendship, unfolding on a Greek Island paradise where on the eve of her wedding to the love of her life, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

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10. The Mousetrap The Mousetrap has now been running for 60 years during which time over 23,000 performances have been given. It is quite simply a great piece of theatrical history because of what it is, a whodunit written by the greatest crime writer of all time. FIND OUT MORE | BOOK TICKETS