Whether you’re after inspiring stories, heartwarming melodies or laugh-out-loud moments, our top 10 musical picks for the summer are here to deliver a night you won’t forget.
Spend an evening under the stars at one of London’s top summer events – the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – where Noughts & Crosses, a powerful stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel.
Get ready for breathtaking performances as Evita returns in a highly anticipated revival, already forecast to be a major highlight of the season. Meanwhile, the newly opened Emerald Theatre plays host to the dazzling debut of Diamonds and Dust, a bold new creation by none other than the Queen of Burlesque herself, Dita Von Teese.
Why trust our list? We update it monthly based on top-selling shows and our readers’ popular picks – so you’re always in the know with what are the must-see on the West End.
Jump to your favourite show featuring on our top 10 musicals in London:
- The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
- Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
- Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre
- The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre
- Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre
- Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria
- Evita at the London Palladium
- The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum
- Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
- MJ The Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre
Check out the latest theatre news:
Check last-minutes offers and discounts to secure your tickets for the best London musicals right now.
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 over 25 animal species and over 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 top song Circle of Life. A breathtaking scene that continues to captivate audiences of all ages – no surprise for a show that won an Olivier Award for Best Costume Design.
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
From £43.75
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 have nothing to envy to 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 Visit London review.
Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
From £25.00
Revolutionary and genre-defying
Don’t throw away your shot as award-winning musical Hamilton continues to dazzle West End generations in what is widely regarded as one of the most genre-defining musicals. 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.
Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA
From £23.00
Showstopping costume design and staging
Now celebrating an incredible 39 years in the West End, 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 over 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.
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
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, glitter extravaganza, inspiring the iconic Super Trouper outfits – which take a whopping 400 metres of Lycra to make! Don’t leave before curtain call as the cast returns to belt out ABBA classics inviting everyone to sing along, finishing on a high.
Did you know? Mamma Mia! made its debut in London in 1999 and since then went on international tours, followed by two hit movies that took the story from stage to screen.
Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
From £18.75
A family hit: magical extravaganza
As cinemas buzz with the blockbuster adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the original West End phenomenon Wicked The Musical continues to defy gravity at the Apollo Victoria, taking audiences 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.
17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG
From £31.25
See Rachel Zegler make history
If there’s one show making headlines in the West End this summer, it has to be Evita. This ground-breaking new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, adapted by Jamie Lloyd, is back after its bold modern take on the classic won Best Revival at the 2019 Olivier Awards.
This time, Rachel Zegler takes the lead role of the political figure and social change champion, Eva Perón, stunning London audiences with her performance. Don't miss her performing the heartbreaking 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from the Palladium's balcony, addressing passers-by in the West End just as Eva Perón addressed the crowds during her time as First Lady.
Want to know more about the show? Read the Visit London review.
A lavish and glamourous production
The Tony Award-winning adaptation of Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby is throwing one of the most lavish parties in town. The London Coliseum, with its grandiose auditorium, is the perfect setting to bring Gatsby’s flamboyant soirées to life.
The West End cast is one to remember, with Jamie Muscato shining in the lead role, alongside Frances Mayli McCann’s fascinating portrayal of the charming and unpredictable Daisy Buchanan. The ensemble does more than add to the ambience, dancing to a jazz score in full swing, dressed in shimmering 1920s outfits. Expect effervescent tap numbers and glamorous visuals, all coming together in one dazzling spectacle.
Hungry for more? Read the Visit London review.
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES
From £20.00
Forty years on: a star-studded cast shines on
See London's longest-running West End musical at the Sondheim Theatre, a spellbinding musical that has been captivating audiences for decades. Set in the aftermath of the French Revolution, Les Misérables tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his encounters with the ruthless Javert, not to mention the heart-warming tale of Fantine, a woman willing to face the world for the love of her daughter Cosette.
Les Misérables, the legendary musical, is set to celebrate 40 years on the West End with a special cast for eight weeks only (8 Sep-1 Nov), including some of the best performers that have been on the show in the past decade. Ian McIntosh is even set to perform as Jean Valjean on some performances. Secure your tickets now as this is sure to be a must see!
Shaftesbury Avenue, St James, London, W1D 6BA
From £28.00
Showstopping cast
Experience the Broadway sensation MJ The Musical, which crossed the Atlantic last year, premiering on the West End and taking London by storm. Take a deep dive into the creative mind behind the showman who became one of the greatest entertainers of all time, from high-energy rehearsals for the Dangerous World Tour to discovering what it really takes to build a show packed with jaw-dropping features.
Jamaal Fields-Green takes the lead from Myles Frost, who originated the role on both Broadway and the West End. Jamaal has everything it takes to follow in those iconic footsteps – and is the only performer to have played MJ on Broadway, the US tour and now in London. Prepare for a showstopping performance, all set to Beat It on the West End stage.
Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS
From £31.25
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 more London theatre.
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.
Rising Stars in The West End
2025 is shaping up to be a big one for fresh talent, with long-awaited debuts and bold new productions lighting up the West End stage. Starlight Express presents a brand-new cast whizzing you along at full speed in a race like no other. Keep an eye on Asher Forth, serving up serious villain energy and showstopping high notes.
Or head to Hadestown as this Broadway hit continues its West End run. The cast delivers a soulful performance, diving into the timeless tale of Eurydice and Orpheus – challenged by a larger-than-life Hades, brilliantly played by Chris Jarman, and an emotional Persephone, portrayed by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. The show brings the underworld to life, all set to a jazz-infused, groovy soundtrack that’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head.
Editor’s highlight
Catch Fiddler on the Roof, now playing at the Barbican following a sold-out run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. This groundbreaking revival – winner of three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival – is a masterclass in storytelling, breathing new life into a beloved classic. It’s a heartfelt celebration of family, love and tradition, with a soundtrack that’ll stay with you long after curtain call – from the timeless “If I Were a Rich Man” to “Tradition” and “Matchmaker.” Back for a strictly limited season, this production reunites its Olivier-nominated trio – Adam Dannheisser, Lara Pulver and Beverley Klein – who return to the stage to their original roles. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of London’s most talked-about revivals before it’s gone.
As summer holidays approach, London is buzzing new theatre openings for the season. Britain Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas is set to take on the role of top villain and high fashionista Cruella De Vil in the upcoming London staging of 101 Dalmatians the Musical.
The 2025 Olivier winning show for Best New Musical, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button just announced its final extension on the West End, closing on 11 October, so make sure to secure your tickets before it ends. Set in a tiny village on the Cornish coast, rediscover the unique story all set to a spectacular folk soundtrack.
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 like 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 short-run. Shows like 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.
2025 newcomers, including the dazzling Great Gatsby, the Tony Award-winning Stereophonics musical (complete with an on-stage recording studio), and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stunning revival of the iconic Evita, are already making waves in theatreland – so it’s worth snapping up tickets while you can.
Tip: You can often find last-minute seats for midweek matinees, definitely worth checking if you’re after the latest hot ticket in town.
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.
Which London musicals are suitable for kids?
The London West End is packed with family-friendly live shows, making it the perfect introduction to theatre for children – especially with plenty of matinee performances available to book.
Watch young performers steal the spotlight in the RSC’s award-winning Matilda The Musical, filled with laugh-out-loud moments as Matilda and her classmates belt out the all-time favourite “Naughty”. Or head to the Lyceum Theatre for the awe-inspiring stage adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King – a dazzling experience that’s sure to captivate both kids and grown-ups. Another Disney favourite has just landed on the West End too, reviving the myth of demi-god Hercules as he embarks on a journey to go from zero to hero.
Revisit one of Dickens’ most beloved classics with the revival of Oliver! The Musical; bringing back showstopping numbers from “Food, Glorious Food” to “I’d Do Anything”. And for anime lovers, My Neighbour Totoro, the RSC’s magical adaptation of the Studio Ghibli hit, is set to enchant children and adults alike, as the fluffy forest spirit takes centre stage in a visually stunning production.
Looking for more? Discover seasonal favourites and long-running children's shows in London.
