Jump to your London matinee shows by day
What is a matinee performance?
A matinee is an afternoon performance of a musical or a theatre play and sometimes has competitive prices compared to an evening show. London’s weekday matinee shows are a great option if you want to see more than one show in a day, and a perfect choice for families wanting to see a show during the day. It's also a great pick if you're planning to spend the day in the city.
What time is a matinee performance in London?
Most West End shows have matinees two or three times a week. Matinee show timings usually start between 2pm and 3pm, but make sure you check performance times in advance.
Monday matinee shows in London
Currently, only a handful of shows offer matinee performances on Mondays, as many West End productions remain closed on that day. However, some shows put on early-week matinees to attract families looking for things to do during school holidays. The summer holidays are set to see such shows opening on Mondays, including the stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson's beloved story The Gruffalo, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this July.
Tuesday matinee shows in London
There are currently just a few select shows offering matinees on Tuesdays in the West End. Here is your chance to catch The Mousetrap, an enduring classic of the London's theatre scene. This classic production becomes the top pick for those looking to enjoy a weekday afternoon performance in the city.
Matinees: Tue, Thurs & Sat at 3pm.
Head to St Martin's Theatre to see The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the world, with its first performance in London dating back to 1952. Written by Agatha Christie, creator of some of the greatest detectives in fiction, this is one of the West End's most popular shows. This masterpiece is currently showing until January 2027.
West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ
Based on 1,307 reviews
Wednesday matinee shows in London
On Wednesdays, the West End presents a wide range of matinee performances to choose from. It's the perfect midweek entertainment for theatre lovers of every preference. From great classics and long time favourites such as The Phantom of the Opera to new comers on the West End – including Shadowlands staring Hugh Bonneville and The Devil Wears Prada, there’s something for everyone to pick from – promise of spectacular performances to remember.
Matinees: Wed, Sat & Sun at 2.30pm
See the award-winning adaptation of The Lion King, the famous Disney film, featuring music by Elton John, plus outstanding costumes and wonderful special effects. Follow the young cub Simba as he leaves his family's cocoon and grows up to be the king that his father always dreamed he would be. This popular show is currently running until March 2026.
Read our recent review of the London production of The Lion King and find out all about the key moments to look out for.
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
From £43.75
Based on 12,515 reviews
Matinees: Wed & Sat at 2.30pm
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Wicked The Musical, a musical adaptation based on Gregory Maguire's novel. Delve into the untold story of the Witches of Oz, unravelling the mysteries of how one became known as "good", while the other earned the label wicked. The show is currently running until January 2027.
Find out about all the Wicked things to do in London, from tours to afternoon tea and everything in between.
17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG
From £25.00
Based on 7,651 reviews
Thursday matinee shows in London
London's West End comes alive on Thursdays with the energy of matinee performances, offering theatre enthusiasts a wide selection of shows to delight them. From electrifying new musicals such as Disney's Hercules, to award-winning spectaculars like Hadestown and Hamilton, not to mention new plays including Paranormal Activity and Oh, Mary!, the West End has something for everyone.
Matinees: Thurs & Sat at 3pm
Prepare for an electrifying night down memory lane with MAMMA MIA! Brace yourself for a night of dazzling performances, sparkling outfits and the groovy beats of Dancing Queen and many other timeless hits, making it one of the ultimate feel-good musicals in London. The smash hit show is running until September 2026.
Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
From £18.75
Based on 3,294 reviews
Matinees: Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm
See London's second longest-running West End musical, which has been captivating audiences for 38 years. Set in the aftermath of the French Revolution, Les Misérables, follows ex-convict Jean Valjean and his encounters with the ruthless Javert. Based on Victor Hugo's novel, the musical is currently running until October 2026.
Shaftesbury Avenue, St James, London, W1D 6BA
From £31.25
Based on 8,860 reviews
Friday matinee shows in London
Avoid the weekend crowds and treat yourself to a London theatre Friday matinee. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon enjoying West End entertainment. Matinee productions include the award-winning play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the circus spectacular Cirque du Soleil Ovo, and the immersive Come Alive! The Greatest Showman.
Matinees: Part one (Part two is scheduled in the evening): Wed, Fri & Sat at 2pm, Sun at 1pm.
Travel beyond the pages of the books as the first theatre production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues to take the West End by storm. Harry’s youngest son befriends Scorpius Malfoy and together they find themselves facing dark magic as they attempt to right the wrongs of the past. The award-winning show is running until July 2026.
Read our interview with the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to find out more about the show from its main actors.
Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5AY
From £31.25
Based on 1,758 reviews
Matinees: Fri & Sat at 2.30pm
Treat yourself to The Book of Mormon tickets, a hugely successful comedy musical that follows a pair of teenage Mormon missionaries sent to convert a village in a dangerous part of Uganda. This laugh-out-loud musical is currently showing until April 2026.
Find out about the top laugh-out-loud moments of this Olivier Award-winning show by reading our Book of Mormon theatre review.
Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
From £25.00
Based on 6,295 reviews
Saturday matinee shows in London
Experience the buzz of Saturday matinees in London, with a wide range of shows to choose from. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the West End and make the most of your weekend with a captivating afternoon performance. Matinees are particularly popular on Saturdays, with the largest number of musicals and plays usually shown on this day. From Olivier Award-winning comedy Titanique to the world-famous queendom of SIX: The Musical and the family favourite Oliver!, there’s plenty to choose from.
Matinees: Wed & Sat at 2.30pm
See Andrew Lloyd Webber's epic musical The Phantom of the Opera, and follow the gothic romance between a mysterious masked figure who attempts to make his protégée, a young soprano singer, the leading lady of the Paris Opera. See this West End masterpiece at His Majesty's Theatre, currently running until October 2026.
Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
From £31.25
Based on 7,188 reviews
Matinees: Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm
Travel to Paris and enter a world where bohemians and aristocrats mingle for a night of glamour and enchantment at Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Follow the young poet Christian as he falls for Satine, the star of the show. See the extravagant production of the award-winning film on the stage of the Piccadilly Theatre until May 2026.
16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY
From £30.50
Sunday matinee shows in London
Take a deep dive into the London theatre scene on a Sunday, with a choice of musicals and plays to enjoy. It's a brilliant way to end the weekend with a splash of culture and entertainment! Make sure you secure your tickets for some of the West End's biggest hits, including Witness for the Prosecution and The Play That Goes Wrong.
Matinees: Thurs, Sat & Sundays at 2pm
See the theatrical adaptation of the Studio Ghibli sensation My Neighbour Totoro, enchanting London audiences once again with its timeless, heartwarming story. Follow Totoro, the spirit of the forest, as he encounters two sisters on a captivating journey filled with extraordinary adventures. This stage adaptation of Miyazaki's work is every bit as delightful as the anime version and is sure to captivate audiences of all ages until August 2026.
Read our review of My Neighbour Totoro to discover the highlights of this whimsical play, from its immersive staging to its puppetry.
166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW
From £18.75
Matinees: Wed, Sat & Sun at 2pm
Be wowed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's multi-award-winning production of Matilda The Musical as it celebrates 15 years on stage. Roald Dahl's celebrated story bursts into life in this West End musical by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin. Follow the story of Matilda, a brilliant young girl with extraordinary powers. See this outstanding musical before January 2027.
Immerse yourself in the stage adaptation of Matilda and its show-stopping moments by reading our review of this top London musical.
Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
From £25.00
Based on 5,097 reviews
