Known for its rich history, thriving royal family, and bustling city streets, London also offers a flourishing arts community. From stunning galleries and landmark theaters to an energetic live entertainment scene, London offers plenty of cultural experiences for lovers of the fine arts, including impressive performances.
Musicals, in particular, are rising in popularity with several local venues scattered throughout the city that host shows nightly. Features vary greatly from Broadway classics to new, up and coming shows, making it easy to find just the right fit for your London vacation.
Curious about what’s happening now? We’ve got the scoop on the best musicals in London. Take a peek at our updated list of favorites for 2018!
New Musicals
Hamilton | Victoria Palace Theatre
The show that has swept the American art scene by storm has made its way across the pond to London and you do not want to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience! Inarguably the most talked-about musical of the year, Hamilton retells the life and times of Alexander Hamilton in an explosive performance that incorporates stunning costumes, choreography, and clever rap lyrics. This show sells out often – so advance ticket purchase is recommended!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie | Apollo Theatre
A zany new addition to the London musical lineup, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie presents a charming ‘coming of age’ tale about a young boy named – you guessed it – Jamie. The school’s testing facility outlines a promising career as a forklift operator, though Jamie has sky-high dreams of rising to drag queen stardom. This fun and quirky musical navigates the complexities of growing up in a touching, poignant performance.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Palace Theatre
Based on the iconic young adult series, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings nostalgia to life. The book is actually the 8th in the series and the first novel that has been brought to life on stage. The best news? This play does not disappoint and has thus far received rave reviews from critics. The Harry Potter musical is sure to impress guests of all ages and hold a special place in the heart of millennials that grew up with the memorable series.
Classic Musicals
Wicked | Apollo Victoria Theatre
There are no yellow brick roads in this electric musical that shares the ‘untold story of the witches of Oz’. Wicked combines creative backstories to create an imaginative prequel on a childhood classic, The Wizard of Oz, with memorable characters and catchy music that will have you singing along during the entire performance. Dark family secrets, complicated pasts, and even romance are in store during this action-packed experience. Wicked is definitely one for the books!
Phantom of the Opera | Queen’s Theatre
If you have not had the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera live – now is your chance! Undoubtedly one of the greatest musicals of our time, Phantom tells the tale of a misunderstood antagonist, the Phantom, that lives beneath a 19th-century opera house in the heart of Paris. The Phantom falls in love with Christine, a vocalist at the opera, and works to woo her with his passionate and eloquent words, though Christine ends up falling for Raoul, a handsome arts benefactor. Terrified at the thought of losing Christine, the Phantom enacts a plan to keep her forever. This thrilling performance is both stunning and heartbreaking and is definitely a ‘bucket list’ event!
Les Misérables | Queen’s Theatre
A classic for almost 20 years, Les Misérables takes place in 19th century France. Jean Valjean, a recently released prisoner who was sentenced to 19 years of hard labor for stealing bread to feed his family, finds the outside world cold and unwelcoming. Valjean eventually decides to break his parole and start a brand new life. The musical narrates Jean’s adventures in his new found life, which include adopting and caring for a helpless orphan, Cosette, and dodging a determined police inspector, Javert. Les Misérables is a true story of courage, love, and redemption.
Comedy Musicals
The Book of Mormon | Prince of Wales Theatre
Sightseers seeking a savvy satire are sure to appreciate the tongue and cheek approach to religion in The Book of Mormon. A true Broadway hit for the past seven seasons, The Book of Mormon tells the story of two enthusiastic young missionaries who are sent to Africa to persuade the unknowing citizens of Uganda to adopt the Mormon religion. However, when the dynamic duo arrives at their destination, they quickly realize that their mission might not be as easy as anticipated. Riddled with clever, catchy lyrics and jokes that will keep you laughing, The Book of Mormon is a must for guests looking for a jovial night out on the town.
Young Frankenstein | Garrick Theatre
A clever adaptation of the original screenplay, which famously featured Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein introduces us to Frederick, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. Frederick inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and, with the help of his hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, and his leggy lab assistant, Inga, the trio reconnects with Frederick’s ancestral scientific side to bring a new creation to life. Of course, the monster eventually escapes, and hilarity ensues as the gang tries to wrangle the stubborn creation. Fans of this classic movie are sure to love the live version!
Quirky Musicals
Kinky Boots | Adelphi Theatre
Winner of just about every performance award possible, including the Tony, the Grammy, and London’s Oliver Award, Kinky Boots is a true show stopper! The lively musical narrates the tale of an unlikely friendship forged between a struggling factory owner and a flamboyant performer. The two seem to have absolutely nothing in common until they combine forces to create a fabulous new line of stilettos that take the world by storm. Kinky Boots features not only a heartwarming story of true friendship but also 16 original songs by the one and only Cyndi Lauper.
School of Rock | New London Theatre
Fans of rock and roll are sure to dance in their seats to the catchy tunes in School of Rock. Based on the film featuring Jack Black, School of Rock opens with a washed-up, wannabe rock star, Dewey Finn. Mr. Finn decides to make ends meet by posing as a substitute teacher at a local prep school. His guise is quickly uncovered, though he wins over the trust of the students and unites the class into a band after learning of their hidden musical talents. Together, the troupe enters into the local Battle of the Bands competition. A touching tale of teachers and students coming together to work towards a common goal, this heart warmer is also a toe-tapper!
Family-Friendly Musicals
Aladdin | Prince Edward Theatre
Based on the 1992 Disney animated classic, Aladdin is sure to win over the hearts of young and old. The story follows the tale of a poor young man that lives on the street of Agrabah, a bustling city in the Middle East. Aladdin finds luck hidden within a lamp, which reveals a genie and three wishes. He decides to use his wishes to woo a princess and thwart the sultan’s evil advisor, Jafar. Action packed and full of romance, Aladdin is a tale as old as time and is great for families or a date night out on the town.
Matilda | Cambridge Theatre
An extraordinary girl with extraordinary powers, Matilda grows up always feeling a little different. Her abusive parents mostly ignore her, so she finds refuge among books and a teacher, Miss Honey, with whom she quickly connects. Aside from her newfound friendship, things at school are no better with her maniac principal, Miss Trunchbull, who lives by the motto “bambinatum est magitum”, or “children are maggots”. Matilda begins to better understand and better control her powers, which she uses to reverse all of the bad things and bad people in her life. An endearing story with a surprisingly happy ending, Matilda is a true performance delight.
The Lion King | Lyceum Theatre
Another award-winning Disney adaption, The Lion King is hailed as one of the best musical adaptations to date. The imaginative story takes place on the flourishing Pride Lands of Africa. A young lion prince, Simba, spends his days exploring the savannah and learning the lay of the land. All is well until tragedy strikes and Mufasa is killed in an event secretly orchestrated by Mufasa’s jealous brother, Scar. Scar leads Simba to believe that the accident is his fault and guilts him into fleeing the Pride so he can claim the throne. During his absence, Simba meets two unlikely friends, though he is eventually confronted by his past and is forced to face his Uncle Scar once again. A heartwarming coming of age story, The Lion King is a great choice for guests of all ages!
The theater is calling your name! Be sure to pencil in a performance or two during your fine arts tour. And, subscribe to our newsletter below to stay in the know on other London happenings and exclusive London vacation deals!
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