Whether you’re looking for inspiring stories, uplifting songs or laugh-out-loud moments, our round-up of the best London musicals in October is guaranteed to keep you in high spirits. Alongside popular long-running West End musicals, the city is buzzing with exciting new productions that are delighting theatregoers.
A whole host of new shows are coming to London this month, ready to dazzle audiences. Highlights include the long-awaited London transfer of High School Musical, a Disney musical based on their hugely popular TV series. Join Gabriela and Troy in a show packed with infectious music, uplifting choreography and heartfelt performances.
For theatregoers looking for a play that has them on the edge of their seats with anticipation, The Lives of Others opens this month, with Keira Knightley returning to the West End stage in a story of surveillance and deception set in East Germany.
Why trust our list? We update our list monthly based on top-selling shows and our readers’ popular picks – so you’re always in the know! See all London musicals currently showing.
Jump to your favourite show from on our top 10 musicals in London:
- The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
- MAMMA MIA! at the Novello Theatre
- The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre
- Moulin Rouge at the Piccadilly Theatre
- Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre
- Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
- The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre
- Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
- Wicked The Musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
- The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre
Check out the latest theatre news:
- Rising Stars in the West End: See Teri Hatcher take over the Runaway magazine in Devil Wears Prada
- Editor's pick: Celebrate five years of Moulin Rouge the Musical
Award-winning family show
The award-winning musical adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King continues to dazzle the West End after 26 spectacular years at the Lyceum Theatre – making it one of the longest-running shows in London. A true feast for the eyes, the show’s jaw-dropping costume design and puppetry steal the spotlight, with towering giraffes (standing at 18 feet) brought to life by actors on stilts.
Featuring more than 25 animal species and 232 puppets, the production’s most show-stopping moment comes when a life-sized elephant makes its way down the stalls, joined by the creatures of the Pride Lands – all set to the emotional power of the iconic song Circle of Life.
Book The Lion King tickets now to see this breathtaking scene that continues to captivate audiences of all ages – no surprise for a show that won an Olivier Award for Best Costume Design. Want to know everything there is to know about this iconic London musical? Make sure you check out our London review of The Lion King.
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
From £43.75
Based on 12,527 reviews
Disco energy and immaculate Greek vibes
Another long-running smash hit in the West End, MAMMA MIA! continues to light up London theatreland with pure feel-good energy. Expect dazzling, multicoloured costumes that sparkle across the stage, taking you right back to the disco era.
Think flared trousers and glitter galore in inspiring iconic Super Trouper outfits – which take a whopping 400 metres of Lycra to make! Don’t leave before the curtain call, as the cast returns to belt out ABBA classics inviting everyone to sing along as the show finishes on a high.
Want to know all about the top glitzy moments to look out for? Make sure you read our recent review of MAMMA MIA! The Musical on the Visit London blog.
Book MAMMA MIA! tickets now to secure a front-row seat to this feel-good musical extravaganza.
Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
From £22.00
Based on 3,309 reviews
Showstopping costume design and staging
Celebrating an incredible 40 years in the West End in 2026, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera – the second longest-running musical in London – shows no sign of slowing down, continuing to captivate audiences night after night. Costume design plays a huge role, with more than 230 costumes, 111 wigs, and an entire behind-the-scenes team making the magic happen.
It takes a full two hours to transform the Phantom each evening – from prosthetics and makeup to wig fitting and the custom-made mask. Don’t miss your chance to see this remarkable transformation live by booking Phantom of the Opera tickets.
One of the most mesmerising moments? Christine and the Phantom gliding across the fog-filled lake, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles – pure theatrical magic.
Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
From £31.25
Based on 7,205 reviews
Cabaret extravaganza and French Can Can
Why go to Paris when you can experience all the dazzle and jaw-dropping choreography of the London West End? Moulin Rouge! The London Musical, a staple of the capital’s theatre scene, first premiered on Broadway in 2019, 18 years after the cult film hit the box office.
Today, Moulin Rouge! has taken over the Piccadilly Theatre, transforming it into a French cabaret complete with red velvet drapes, an iconic windmill, and even an elephant.
Book Moulin Rouge tickets and prepare for a costume extravaganza as the show transports you to bohemian Paris and the world of show-stopping cabaret.
16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY
From £30.50
Revolutionary and genre-defying
Don’t miss your shot at seeing the award-winning musical Hamilton, as it continues to dazzle West End generations in what is widely regarded as one of the most genre-defining musicals in London. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also performed as Hamilton in the original cast, the musical score blends R&B, hip-hop, and jazz with musical theatre, telling the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers.
The use of modern music genres gives this piece of history a memorable twist, still attracting audiences with its infectious energy and becoming a cultural phenomenon that connects past and present through brilliant storytelling and sparking important conversations about representation and power.
Book your Hamilton tickets and experience the West End London show for yourself.
Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA
From £25.00
Based on 925 reviews
See theatre kids steal the spotlight
Be wowed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's multi-award-winning Matilda The Musical, where Roald Dahl's beloved story bursts to life with breathtaking stage design and showstopping performances.
The kids truly steal the show, delivering powerhouse performances that could rival West End stars. From the hilarious opening number Miracle to the heartwarming When I Grow Up and the cheeky favourite Naughty, it’s impossible not feel hyped up by the performance. Keep an eye out for the flying paper planes – said to be school reports – launched into the crowd during the rousing number Revolting Children.
Want to know more? Read our Matilda review before you book your tickets to see Matilda the Musical.
Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
From £25.00
Based on 5,109 reviews
High-stakes fashion extravaganza complete with show-stopping musical score
Prepare for plenty of glamour with the exclusive West End musical adaptation of the hit film The Devil Wears Prada, at the Dominion Theatre. Set to original music composed by Sir Elton John, this production immerses you in the ruthless world of fashion.
Relive the most memorable scenes from the film, featuring the formidable Miranda Priestley (played by Teri Hatcher from 20 October 2026) and Andy, who is trying to find her place in the demanding world of fashion. Make sure you secure your tickets for The Devil Wears Prada to experience this spectacular West End production.
Want to know how the first year of The Devil Wears Prada went in the West End? Read our Visit London review.
268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ
From £31.25
Immersive staging into 19th-Century France
See London’s longest-running West End musical at the Sondheim Theatre, a spellbinding production that continues to captivate audiences. Follow ex-convict Jean Valjean on his lifelong struggle for freedom while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, from Fantine’s heartbreak to the defiance of the barricades.
The stage production of Les Misérables is more than a classic – it’s a vivid reimagining of a tale of redemption that still resonates today. Ideal for a first West End experience, it immerses audiences in revolutionary France with a mesmerising score and dramatic staging.
Get tickets for Les Misérables and see a show that remains one of the very best musical in London, a must-see for first-time visitors and those returning for another dose of West End magic.
Shaftesbury Avenue, St James, London, W1D 6BA
From £31.25
Based on 8,874 reviews
A family hit: magical extravaganza
As cinema-goers' excitement lingers from the second part of the blockbuster adaptation last autumn, the original West End phenomenon Wicked the musical continues to defy gravity at the Apollo Victoria, whisking audiences away on a spellbinding journey with the Wicked Witch of the West.
One of the show’s biggest surprises? A giant, roaring dragon that looms over the stage and comes to life throughout the performance. The costumes are just as spectacular: from all shades of green in the Emerald City’s Victorian-inspired looks, to Glinda’s pastel ballgowns and sparkly school uniforms, to Elphaba’s iconic witch hat and feathered dark dresses. Her full green transformation takes a whole 30 minutes with a makeup artist – all leading to that signature emerald look.
Get Wicked tickets to make sure to witness this spellbinding transformation. Want to fully immerse yourself in the world of the Wicked Witch of the West? Make sure you read our Wicked-themed London itinerary!
17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG
From £29.50
Based on 7,660 reviews
A laugh-out loud West End success story
Get ready to enter a church like no other with the four-time Olivier Award-winning The Book of Mormon – a musical that will have you laughing to the end. This outrageous satire, created by none other than South Park’s Matt Stone and Trey Parker, follows two newly appointed Mormon missionaries as they hop on a plane… destination: Uganda.
Opening number Hello – sung by all the Mormons – will have you chuckling straight away and might just get stuck in your head. Watch out for pop culture references scattered throughout the show. This musical is nothing like you’d expect – from the founder’s absurd conversations with a golden Jesus Christ, to laugh-out-loud choreography featuring Mormon elders tap dancing.
Secure your tickets for The Book of Mormon and experience the ultimate musical comedy on the London West End.
Want to delve deeper into The Elders' whirlwind of an adventure? Read our Visit London review.
Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
From £25.00
Based on 6,331 reviews
Experience the vibrant energy of the West End theatre scene and secure your tickets to some of the best musicals in London, including Hamilton, The Lion King and Wicked.
Book theatre tickets in advance for the best choice of seats and to make sure you don't miss out on the best musicals in London right now, including long-running favourites The Phantom of the Opera, MAMMA MIA! and Les Misérables. If musicals aren't your thing, find a play instead of a musical, or explore even more London theatre.
Rising Stars in the West End: See Teri Hatcher take over the Runaway magazine in Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada, a spectacular musical adaptation of the original Hollywood film with music by none other than Sir Elton John, has been delighting West End theatregoers. In a bombshell move, after more than three years of playing the role with masterful skill, Vanessa Williams is hanging up her coat and bidding farewell to the West End, to be replaced by another star from Desperate Housewives, Teri Hatcher.
Teri Hatcher takes over from 20 October as the deliciously tyrannical Miranda Priestly, bringing her own take to the iconic editor-in-chief. With Miranda’s commanding presence, sharp wit and unmistakable voice, Hatcher is sure to make the role her own. Her previous live stage roles include Morticia Addams in The Addams Family and Sally Bowles in the US national tour of Sam Mendes’ revival of Cabaret.
Taking over from Stevie Docs is Jenna Bonner, stepping into the role of Andy Sachs. She is no stranger to the role, having previously been first cover for Andy, and has also starred in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Her performance is sure to capture Andy’s journey perfectly, from goofy aspiring journalist to confidently pulling off the famous cerulean jumper scene, transformed and almost unrecognisable. She is joined on stage by Taila Halford, who continues her role in the show as Emily, Miranda’s overworked and Paris-obsessed first assistant. Bringing Emily’s chaotic personality to life with sharp energy and humour, she delivers a performance to remember.
Be sure to check out Visit London's review of The Devil Wears Prada for our guide to the top moments to look out for before booking your tickets.
Editor's pick: Celebrate five years of Moulin Rouge the Musical
See the grandiose musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s hit film come to life under the spotlight of the Piccadilly Theatre, where bohemians and aristocrats collide in a story blending romance, spectacular dance routines and all the glitz and glamour of cabaret and can-can. But it’s not all glitz and glory, as Satine, the sparkling diamond of the Moulin Rouge, faces impossible demands from nightclub host and impresario Harold Zidler, while falling head over heels for Christian, a young writer who has just arrived in Paris.
From the moment you step into Piccadilly Theatre, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world, with bright and dazzling lights illuminating the stage, dancers roaming the space in shimmering silks and lace, and colourful costumes bringing the high-energy can-can routines to life. The set designs are nothing short of spectacular, recreating the streets of 19th-century bohemian Montmartre, complete with the famous Moulin Rouge windmill and much more.
Playing Satine, the dazzling diamond of the Moulin Rouge, is Karis Anderson, best known for playing the lead role in the smash-hit West End show TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Moulin Rouge the Musical celebrates five years in the West End, it is welcoming new cast members from 12 October, who will join Karis on stage, including James Doherty (Come From Away) and Daniel Fraser (Christmas Carol Goes Wrong), who take on the roles of Harold Zidler and The Duke respectively.
How far in advance should I book West End musical tickets?
It really depends on the show you’re planning to see during your visit to London. Whether it’s one of the West End’s long-running hits such as Phantom of the Opera or Wicked, which tend to have more availability ahead of time, or one of the latest productions making a splash, which often have shorter runs and sell out faster, especially if there's a hit cast involved.
That said, the West End is buzzing with theatre lovers all year round, so we’d recommend booking your tickets as soon as you’ve picked your show – especially if you want a good view.
Which London musicals sell out quickly?
New productions landing on the West End are usually the talk of the town, often featuring star-studded casts and bold, fresh takes on classic stories or brand-new work, usually as short runs. Shows such as Hamilton tend to top the list of best-sellers, along with Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, known for its immersive staging and big-name leads.
Top hits, including the effervescent and hilarious musical comedy Titanique, and the joyous revival of Oliver! The Musical, are making waves in Theatreland – so it’s worth snapping up tickets while you can.
With the highly anticipated revival of the musical Avenue Q landing on the West End on 31 March, now is the perfect time to start planning your next theatre outing. Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as this puppet-filled musical featuring all the top songs from the original production is sure to be a crowd favourite!
Which London musicals are good for first-time visitors?
London is bursting with captivating theatre productions, from long-standing classics to bold new musicals and revivals featuring unforgettable scores.
First-timers are spoilt for choice, with shows that have been wowing theatre lovers for years. From the acclaimed adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables, to the haunting gothic world of The Phantom of the Opera, and the infectious, feel-good energy of MAMMA MIA!, lighting up the West End since 1999.
