12 best musicals in London
There is an incredible range of theatre on offer in London, whether you’re hunting for a brand-new show or eager to book tickets for one of the capital’s iconic long-running productions, such as The Phantom of the Opera.
If you’re looking for the best musicals in London right now, the Telegraph’s theatre critics are here to help with their expert views on the most entertaining, thrilling and family-friendly productions on offer – whether it’s the lavish spectacle of Moulin Rouge! or the children’s favourite Matilda. We’ve also rounded up the best family shows and all the best London shows.
This list of musicals features a mix of comedy and drama in the top 12, plus a combination of recent shows and West End classics. Follow our guide and get booking now!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: Baz Luhrmann’s jaw-dropping movie has become an equally astonishing stage musical. Enter the theatre and you’ll feel like you’re in the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub, complete with a giant windmill and elephant, where the star act Satine falls in love with aspiring bohemian artist Christian. But she is also promised to a wealthy duke – can love conquer all? This sensational show packs in more than 70 pop songs, from Adele and David Bowie to Madonna, Beyoncé and Elton John.
“The tireless company romps through Sonya Tayeh’s adrenaline and libido-fuelled choreography... This is beguilingly transporting, all-enveloping theatre.” Read the full review of Moulin Rouge!
Booking until: Nov 19
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Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: She’s simply the best – and Tina Turner’s amazing life story is told in this dramatic, inspiring biographical musical. Follow her path from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, through to her turbulent marriage to Ike Turner, and finally striking out on her own as a pioneering rock ‘n’ roll legend. You also get the great pleasure of hearing Turner’s hits performed live by a phenomenal cast, including A Fool in Love, River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, and of course The Best.
“An Anglo-American triumph. It combines the aesthetic finesse of British director Phyllida Lloyd with the political instincts of Memphis-born, Olivier-nominated playwright Katori Hall.” Read the full review of Tina
Booking until: May 31, 2025
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Back to the Future: The Musical, Adelphi Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: Prepare for 1.21 gigawatts of unforgettable adventure as the 80s sci-fi film favourite hits the West End at 88mph. Join Marty McFly as he accidentally time travels to the 1950s, and must find a way to save his family before heading back to the future – all with the help of eccentric scientist Doc Brown. This epic adaptation features cutting-edge special effects, including a flying DeLorean, and a rock score that includes film favourites like Johnny B Goode and The Power of Love.
“Thanks to video and illusionist wizardry, the steam-spouting DeLorean skids into view from nowhere and takes off over the stalls, achieving a kind of 3D Hollywood magic... A feelgood triumph.” Read the full review of Back to the Future
Booking until: Dec 22
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Cabaret, Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Rebecca Frecknall’s acclaimed revival of Kander and Ebb’s brilliant musical has transformed the entire Playhouse Theatre into the Kit Kat Club. It’s not just a show: it’s a whole experience. Here you’ll find the English party girl Sally Bowles, the mysterious Emcee, the American writer Cliff, and a Berlin teetering on the edge of seismic change. With great songs like Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr and Maybe This Time, plus exciting new stars stepping into the lead roles, it’s simply unmissable.
“An absolute knockout... With its combination of all-encompassing decadent beauty and thunderous moral force, there’s simply nothing else in town quite like it.” Read the full review of Cabaret
Booking until: May 31 2025
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The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: This daring musical satire is a real leap of faith – and it absolutely pays off. Written by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the Tony- and Oscar-winning composer Robert Lopez (Frozen, Avenue Q), it features a pair of mismatched Mormon missionaries who are sent to convert a village in Uganda, which is under the control of a gun-toting warlord. One of them finally breaks through by making up outlandish stories. It combines a hilariously foul-mouthed script with catchy spoof songs and an affectionate soul.
“This wild, thrilling, go-for-broke, genuinely hilarious musical comedy remains one of the funniest shows in the West End... I’m a believer!” Read the full review of The Book of Mormon
Booking until: Nov 2
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Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: Combine history with hip-hop and what do you get? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit musical, which has won every prize going – from 11 Tony Awards to the Pulitzer. No wonder: it’s witty, spry and utterly engaging, combining different styles to illuminate its characters (while the revolutionaries rap, King George sounds like a Beatle), and reflecting on everything from power and politics to parenthood and marriage. Featuring a hugely talented diverse company, it’s thrilling theatre. You have to be in the room where it happens.
“Lin-Manuel Miranda’s construction is just a marvel – one of the artistic wonders of the world... History is made to feel risky, uncertain and fresh: young people fumbling their way towards freedom.” Read the full review of Hamilton
Booking until: Mar 29, 2025
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Les Miserables, Sondheim Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: Do you hear the people sing? Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s towering musical takes us back to early 19th-century France and refracts a key moment in that country’s story through the individual tales of its compelling characters. You’ll care just as much about them – their romances, redemption arcs and scuffles with the law – as you do about what happens on those barricades. Featuring extraordinary songs like I Dreamed A Dream and Bring Him Home, it’s no wonder Les Miserables is still so beloved.
“In its density and epic ambition, its mixture of high-powered ideas and gut-wrenching emotions, it’s a show that feels lastingly revolutionary.” Read the full review of Les Miserables
Booking until: Mar 29, 2025
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The Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1986 musical is simply spine-tingling, his score matching the sweeping drama of the story about a mysterious masked man who hides in the Paris sewers, and who becomes obsessed with a beautiful young soprano named Christine. Lloyd Webber provides numerous epic, stirring songs, including The Music of the Night, Think of Me, All I Ask of You, and the mighty title piece, and the magnificent staging remains a marvel – from the candlelit boat ride to the famous chandelier.
“It’s the slew of coups de théâtre, the no-nonsense pacing and the gorgeous spectacles that make this tale of a disfigured man of musical genius lurking beneath the Paris Opera House so effective.” Read the full review of The Phantom of the Opera
Booking until: Mar 29, 2025
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Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: It’s The Wizard of Oz like you’ve never seen it before. This clever show puts a fresh spin on a well-known tale, showing us the perspective of the so-called Wicked Witch: a green-skinned girl named Elphaba. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good, but their bond is tested as dark forces seek to control them. Stephen Schwartz’s musical has powerful messages and almighty songs like Defying Gravity. As Wicked finally heads to the big screen, check out the stage show which bewitched us all.
“Joe Mantello’s production has satisfyingly old-school bombast: instead of screens, its impact comes from the detailed, fabulously over-the-top steampunk design. The orchestra is the biggest in the West End – and it shows.” Read the full review of Wicked
Booking until: Dec 15
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Six, Vaudeville Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: Henry VIII’s wives escape that pesky rhyme (“Divorced, beheaded, died…”) thanks to this world-conquering musical by the British team of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Each grabs the spotlight via a dynamite pop song – in the vein of real-life divas such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Britney Spears and Alicia Keys – to argue that they had it worst, before joining forces instead. It makes this Tudor tale immediately accessible (royal portraiture is compared with profile pictures on dating apps), while creating the best party in town.
“This infectiously fun production is packed with witty touches... A heart-warming, air-punching finale has everyone up on their feet. I expect these queens to rule the West End for years to come.” Read the full review of Six
Booking until: May 4 2025
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Matilda The Musical, Cambridge Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty! That’s definitely true of Roald Dahl’s book-loving heroine Matilda, who must use her telekinetic superpowers, plus some cunning tricks, to outsmart her horrible parents and evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly’s long-running family musical captures Dahl’s anarchic spirit, love of storytelling, and heartening message about standing up to bullies, while adding memorable songs like When I Grow Up and Revolting Children. It’s the perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences.
“Matthew Warchus’s thrilling, warm-hearted production, exuberantly designed by Rob Howell and with pin-sharp choreography by Peter Darling, constantly combines comedy with a sense of wonder.” Read the full review of Matilda
Booking until: May 25, 2025
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Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: Everyone’s favourite Scottish nanny is now a West End star, thanks to this big-hearted musical adaptation of the classic Robin Williams-led film comedy. Out-of-work actor Daniel gets desperate when he loses custody of his children in the divorce, and dresses up as Mrs Doubtfire so he can be their new nanny. This inventive production balances side-splitting zany farce and big song-and-dance numbers with emotion as it conveys the important idea that there are different kinds of families; all that matters is love.
“Fear not, dearies – this exuberant show is still one of the biggest treats in the West End... Gabriel Vick is on fire in his utterly astonishing tour-de-force performance.” Read the full review of Mrs Doubtfire
Booking until: Feb 16 2025
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Frequently asked questions
What are the newest West End shows?
There have been lots of fantastic new shows opening in the West End recently – you can find all the latest productions and reviews in our round-up of the best London shows, so do keep checking back. Among the most exciting new musicals are the incredible stage adaptations of classic comedy films Mrs Doubtfire and Back to the Future; the immersive, multi-award-winning revival of Cabaret; and the girl-power triumph that is Six.
Can you get musical gift vouchers for London?
Yes, you can buy theatre vouchers for West End shows from several different websites, and then use those vouchers to book your tickets for musicals – or give them as a present and treat a loved one to a show. Try reputable websites like Theatre Tokens or Official London Theatre, which offer gift vouchers with no expiry date. Just double check that they cover the venue, or show, that you particularly want.
Which London musical has won the most awards?
There are several brilliant West End musicals which have won the industry’s most prestigious prize: the Best New Musical Olivier Award. They include Operation Mincemeat, Back to the Future, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Matilda, and The Phantom of the Opera. Cabaret, Hamilton, Sunset Boulevard and Matilda are tied as the musicals with most awards in Oliviers history, with seven each.