One of the world’s most ancient forms of entertainment; a night at the theater never gets old … and plays and farces have certainly come a long way since centuries ago.
As the curtains raise on a grand stage in London’s West End, prepare to be dazzled, delighted, brought to tears and wowed by the plethora of musicals and shows — some historic, others brand spanking new.
If you’re traveling to London town any time soon, don’t pass up the chance to experience the city’s official theater district — home to some of the greatest productions ever known — where you’ll find West End shows to suit all tastes, whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, a love story, a murder mystery or a classic musical.
(Those not in the know; the West End Theatres are not just located in the West End, but they are members of the Society of London Theatre.)
From Les Miserables to The Mousetrap to Noises Off to The Lion King, there are currently 39 London shows and musicals showcasing on the West End.
Deciphering each set; check out this list of the 41 best West End musicals and shows to see right now, including a few off-West End productions that deserve a standing ovation.
Theater-goers tip: Curious to learn more about the theaters on the West End? Here’s a recital of the 39 formal theaters that comprise London’s official theater district.
1. Les Miserables
For the dreamers, lovers and melodramatists; prepare your hearts (and minds) as you flashback to 19th-century France during the epic tale of love, passion, persuasion and the fight for freedom.
It would be a far more drastic crime (than the one Jean Valjean committed) to begin anywhere else other than the West End’s longest-running musical to date, Les Miserables, with over 12,000 performances under its acting belt.
Fans of a period piece, you’re in for a serious treat …
Set in France just after the French Revolution, follow the tale of the lead protagonist, Valjean, after he is released from 19 years in prison (sentenced for petty theft) and his adaption back into society. Yet all the while, for years he is chased by an adamant police officer after breaking his parole.
Originally written by Victor Hugo (a French writer and politician), the 1862 novel was adapted for the stage by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil, Jean-Marc Natel and Herbert Kretzmer, premiering in Paris in 1980. After Cameron Mackintosh got ahold of the script, he converted the French piece into an English musical for the West End.
Ranking highly among the public, the show was performed for audiences in London for the first time in 1985 where it has remained on stage ever since. So popular; the dramatic musical moved to Broadway as well as the big screen (in the 2012 musical film starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russel Crowe and Amanda Seyfried).
“I Dreamed a Dream,” “At the End of the Day,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “One Day More,” “Master Of The House,” “On My Own,” and all the classics still feature in Les Mis.
- Les Miserables tickets
2. The Lion King
It’s not uncommon for audience members to experience all the feels and shivers down their spine during a performance of the multiple award-winning, iconic production of The Lion King — standing true testament to the power that music has to move you.
Based on the roaringly successful, award-sweeping Disney film of the same name, the musical masterpiece opened its West End doors in 1999 at the Lyceum Theatre (two years after debuting on Broadway), which has remained its permanent home ever since.
The original soundtrack (with music and lyrics by Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Lebo M. and Tom Rice) was employed for the stage, with the addition of a few new songs composed for the show, like ‘Endless Night,’ Bless your ears with African sounds and beats, as well as other genres incorporated into the mix(tape) from pop music to rock.
Directed by Tony award winner Julie Taymour (claiming Tonys for best director and costume designer for The Lion King), follow the tear-jerking story of the prince lion cub Simba who is exiled from the pack by his plotting, evil uncle Scar, after his father Mufasa (and rightful king of the Pridelands) is murdered.
Bringing the story to life through dance, song and music, find yourself wowed by not only the production but the costume design and puppetry work — featuring over 232 puppets in the show!
The show also utilizes nearly 40 indigenous African instruments to create the sounds and calling of Mamma Africa.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? It’s pretty impossible not to after witnessing the emotionally moving and riveting West End musical. And yes, all the favorites feature too like “Circle of Life.”
- The Lion King tickets
3. Wicked The Musical
When any show is converted from the big screen to the stage, it’s always a gamble, especially when the original is a global phenomenal success.
Using the 1939 musical fantasy film, The Wizard of Oz and the 1995 novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire as inspiration, Wicked The Musical was reimagined for theater, becoming an instant worldwide sensation — that’s certainly a win in our books.
The spellbinding story is set years before Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man venture off along the Yellow Brick Road, focusing on a time when Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West first met, became unlikely best friends and the events that unfolded when the universe pins good versus evil against one another.
Featuring the most magical soundtrack (with the score by Stephen Schwartz), the production has collectively racked in more than 100 awards and has become a worldwide sensation.
The curtain opened for its first performance in the West End circa 2006 and already it’s one of the longest-running musicals in London’s official theater district. Housed at the art-deco-styled Apollo Victoria Theater since its first curtain call; the stage has been redesigned and envisioned for the musical.
Directed by two-time Tony® winner Joe Mantello, fancy up in all your green attire for this timeless wonder!
- Wicked tickets
4. The Phantom of the Opera
Ladies and gentlemen; it’s the one, the only, The Phantom of the Opera; one of the greatest London shows of all time!
As the second-longest-running musical and the third longest-running show on the West End, it’s also officially the longest-running show on Broadway in New York City.
Based on the French tragedy written by Gaston Leroux in 1910 (Le Fantôme de l’opéra), the sad love story is about one man’s obsession and a young couple in love, set within the grand Paris Opera House.
It centers around Christine Daaé who is lured into the shadows by the Phantom, a mysterious figure and musical genius whose face is always hidden — literally and figuratively. Without giving too much away, weird things start to happen to the cast of a show that Christine is to star in, ultimately gaining her the lead role.
Written for the stage by none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber (with lyrics by Webber and Charles Hart and the libretto by Richard Stilgoe, and again, Webber), to say it was an instant success is an understatement.
Winning a prestigious Olivier Award as well as multiple Evening Standard Theatre Awards in its first year of premiering on the London West End in 1986, just two years after opening it moved to Broadway where it has won countless accolades and has showcased here ever since.
Introducing the iconic half-mask to audiences, become enthralled by ballads like ‘Masquerade,’ ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘The Music of the Night,’ and ‘All I Ask of You.’
- The Phantom of the Opera tickets
5. The Book of Mormon
From the creators of South Park comes The Book of Mormon; a hilariously funny satirical musical that also happens to be a fantastic introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Following two missionaries who set off to Uganda to spread the word, Elder Price (played by Dom Simpson) and Elder Cunningham (Connor Peirson) encounter resistance from the locals who are too busy dealing with their own economic struggles to show much interest in the faith.
Written by Robert Lopez (creator of Avenue Q and lyricist for Frozen), Trey Parker (South Park, Cannibal! The Musical) and Matt Stone (South Park, Team America: World Police), all three also worked on the music and lyrics for the show.
Directed by Parker and Casey Nicholaw (also additionally head choreographer), The Book of Mormon has gone on to win many awards since it opened on the West End in 2013, including four Olivier Awards, with one for Best New Musical.
Not its first premier, it initially opened on Broadway with crazy success in 2011 before hitting the London scene.
- The Book of Mormon tickets
6. Back To The Future The Musical
If you’re a long-time theater-goer and are on the hunt for fun new West End musicals, look no further than Back To The Future: The Musical — the 1989 cult classic movie-turned-award-winning-production by Bob Gale (who wrote the book and co-wrote the original movie alongside Robert Zemeckis).
Launching in London in 2021, it immediately was a smash hit right off the bat, scoring Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards and Broadway World Awards less than a year later.
Take a journey with 17-year-old Marty McFly who is inadvertently transported back in time to the year 1955 — as fate would have it — in a time machine built by the zany scientist, Doc Brown.
Without knowing it, he alters history and his present reality as he knows it, now in dire need to find the solution and ultimately return back to the year he came from … 1985!
Directed by John Rando and with music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, the comedic sci-fi-inspired showpiece first premiered in 2019 at the Manchester Opera House but closed on account of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Once our actual world was rescued to reality, it transferred straight to the West End, opening at the Adelphi Theatre.
- Back to the Future tickets
7. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Ooh-la-la … Welcoming Satine to the stage on the West End it’s the lavishly brilliant, enticingly romantic, emotionally charged, feet-tapping Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
If you instantly fell in love with the blockbuster, Oscar-winning movie Moulin Rouge! (starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor) like most of the world, prepare yourself for a bohemian-loving evening of song and dance, and all that comes in between!
Featuring all of the beloved favorites, plus an updated score comprising some new additions by 21st-century pop icons like Beyoncé and Adele; sing along to ‘Come What May,’ ‘Your song’ and ‘Elephant Love Medley.’
Based on the screenplay by Baz Luhrmann, the Piccadilly Theatre was remodeled for the production, adding a splash of glitter, glam and pizazz with that iconic red-shaded Moulin Rouge-y feel — because “If ya can, can, can! If ya can, can, can, can, can, can, can, can, can!” as Harold Zidler would say.
The book for this West End musical is by John Logan, with Alex Timbers as director, the incredibly talented Sonya Tayeh leading choreography, and Justin Levine in charge of music, orchestra arrangements and additional lyrics.
- Moulin Rouge the Musical tickets
8. Mamma Mia!
If you’re in the mood for a serious sing-along, then this one’s for you honey, honey!
So much more than just a tribute to ABBA, Mamma Mia! took the world by storm, premiering for the first time ever to London audiences in 1999 as a full-on musical, enjoying a crazy successful open run.
Since the movie is centered around a mother-daughter relationship (and all the other close ladies in the bride-to-be’s world), it’s fitting that the show was brought to life thanks to the brilliant minds of three women: writer Catherine Johnson, creative producer Judy Craymer and its director, Phyllida Lloyd.
(Interestingly, all three helped develop the film adaption, employing their same theater duties for the big screen.)
One of the longest-running musicals in West End history; the original jukebox show enjoyed its opening night at the Prince Edward Theatre, transferred to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2014, and then over to the Novello (its current home). To date, more than 8 million have seen the London flagship production.
Two years after showcasing in the UK, it hit the Broadway stage where it enjoyed the same success.
Dance, shake, sing and move with the cast as they burst out into song featuring ABBA chart-toppers like Dancing Queen; The Winner Takes It All; Honey, Honey and Knowing Me, Knowing You.
- Mamma Mia! tickets
9. Oklahoma!
Revived in the 50s, 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s, the global sensation, Oklahoma! is back in the West End for its fourth rebirth in London — taking to the stage at the Young Vic Theatre in 2022 before transferring to the Wyndham’s Theatre in 2023.
Conjured up for the stage by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the duo created the book (based on the 1931 play titled ‘Green Grow the Lilacs’ by Lynn Riggs) 80 years ago, and the original screenplay, lyrics and music are still celebrated in today’s production.
Talking synopsis; the story is set in the Oklahoma territories and follows the tale of a local farm girl, Laurey Williams, as she is pursued by two men from completely different worlds, one is a cowboy, the other a farmer. The subplot also dives into the relationship between another young couple; Will Parker and his fiancée, Ado Annie. It’s the perfect mix of romance meets social commentary.
When it hit theaters in 1943 on Broadway, there was none like it before and is one of the first-ever book musicals in theater history. (A book musical is a term used to refer to a show that is developed incorporating the three important elements of theater production: book (script), music and choreography.
The modern version is directed by Daniel Fish, with Daniel Kluger leading the music and orchestra teams, and John Heginbotham on choreo.
- Oklahoma! tickets
10. Tina The Musical
Working closely with the legend, the icon, the rock n roll superstar miss Tina Turner herself to produce the singer’s untold life story as you’ve never heard — or seen before — Tina: the Musical is fresh on the West End and already making waves.
The moving jukebox musical chronicles the intimate journey of Turner, from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to her rise to stardom, including her infamous relationship with ex-husband Ike Turner.
Interesting fact: Born Anna Mae Bullock, the up-and-coming singer changed her name to Tina Turner whilst dating Ike Turner and performing for his band. Later married, the couple endured a rocky marriage shadowed by infidelities and abuse until Tina finally left Ike in 1979.
Each part of her life is told through one of the eight-time Grammy-awardee iconic songs, like ‘A Fool in Love,’ ‘Proud Mary,’ ‘River Deep Mountain High,’ ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It?,’ ‘I Don’t Wanna Fight’ and many more hits.
With a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, its first curtain raise was in London at the West End’s Aldwych Theatre in 2018.
- Tina the Musical tickets
11. SIX The Musical
What’s one way to turn an ancient, somewhat boring historical event into something captivating? By procuring it into a musical of course!
Meet the wives (and lives) of Britain’s second Tudor King, Henry VIII — who infamously married six women in his 55 years of living — when all queens come together to form a sensational all-girl pop group, rapping and singing their personal stories away.
It’s Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr like you’ve never seen them before, busting out tunes with dance moves to boot fit only for 21st-century folk.
Written and created by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, naturally, the production first appeared on British shores at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Officially inaugurated onto London’s West End one year later at the Arts Theatre, it instantaneously wooed audiences.
Since then (and with its arrival on Broadway in NYC) it’s been nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards, as well as multiple Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as nominated for the upcoming Grammys for the category; Best Musical Theater Album.
Currently showcasing at the Vaudeville Theatre, audience members are encouraged to arrive dressed as your personal favorite Queen, or, if you’re lucky, become crowned ‘Queen for the Night’ — no, seriously!
- Six the Musical tickets
12. The Lehman Trilogy
What happens when a global financial firm goes under amidst a financial crisis? Well, you’re about to find out with a performance from slight newcomer to the theater world, The Lehman Trilogy.
Jumping back to 2008 and Lehman Brothers Inc. was the USA’s fourth-largest investment bank, until it crashed … an event believed to have been a pivotal part of the 2017 to 2018 Global Financial Crisis.
The West End adaptation is based on the play titled Qualcosa sui Lehman by Tony Award-winning Italian author Stefano Massini. The original play first premiered in Europe in Paris and then Milan, yet it was not long till playwright Ben Power got his hands on the production and transferred it for English-speaking audiences.
Directed by Sam Mendes, the show focuses on the three Lehman brothers over three sets of generations, from when the Bavarian-born brothers landed in New York City in the 1840s to the events leading to the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse.
In 2018 the stage was all set and introduced to audiences at the National Theatre, and then shortly after, returned to the UK — this time officially on the West End (at Piccadilly Theatre).
Nominated for both an Olivier and Evening Standard Theatre Award, it swooped in the accolades across the pond on Broadway, claiming a Tony for Best Play (and others), a further four Outer Critics Circle Awards and a Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Play.
- The Lehman Trilogy tickets
13. The Play That Goes Wrong
If you’ve always considered yourself quite the Sherlock Holmes, join the cast of The Play That Goes Wrong and see if you can solve this murder mystery before the final act!
The Olivier Award winner (for Best New Comedy in 2015) now officially owns the title of West End’s longest-running comedy, and it takes less than one scene to understand why.
Join the mind-boggling performance where the actors are actors and nothing is quite ever as it seems — you’re even left to question your own sanity at times when props (intentionally) break, or actors shuffle clumsily around the set, even “forgetting” their lines at times.
The fictional plot unfolds as a group of actors belonging to the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are sent to an old manor where a murder has just ensued!
Well, that’s the storyline anyway for the play that they’re all working on, titled The Murder at Haversham Manor. Of course, all things start to go wrong during the hilarious and genius ‘play within a play.’
Opening on the West End in 2014 at the Duchess Theatre, the play — written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields and directed by Mark Bell — has enjoyed a triumphant open run since then.
- The Play That Goes Wrong tickets
14. Matilda the Musical
Bringing back all of our childhood nostalgia to the stage … The insanely popular smash hit Matilda the Musical, based on the original Roald Dahl novel, also happens to be a Guinness Book of Records breaker!
Following the same storyline as the children’s book, you will meet Matilda, a misunderstood five-year-old bookworm who attends Crunchem Hall School — run by a tyrant headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Luckily for Matilda, she has the sweetest teacher in the world, Miss Honey (the only person who seems to get Matilda) and who later adopts her.
Debuting in London for the first time ever in 2010 at the Courtyard Theatre, the show was an instant smash hit, selling out to audiences every night! One year later, it moved to West End’s Cambridge Theatre for its open run.
The record-breaking production was imagined for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company, bringing in Dennis Kelly to create the book, Tim Minchin on music and lyrics, and Matthew Warchus as director.
Among its ridiculous amount of more than 100 international awards, it owns seven Laurence Olivier Awards (including Best New Musical), five WhatsOnStage Awards (also for Best New Musical and Best West End Show) six Broadway World Awards (also including Best New Musical), two Mousetrap Awards (including Best Family Show), a Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, and and and …
Plus, that’s only its UK prize-winnings, nevermind global achievements.
Not to fear … If you’re in the mood for a delicious slice of decadent chocolate cake, no Trunchbull will stop you, nor sit you down under her watchful eyes and make you stuff your face — as the iconic scene goes. That one is saved for Bruce.
- Matilda the Musical tickets
15. Jersey Boys
It’s backkkk! Setting the London stage for another multiple award-winning production of Jersey Boys, the jukebox musical based on a true story never seems to get old, thanks to its insane cast, crew, book, songs and set.
Retelling an account of how the Four Seasons band came to be circa 1962; follow the tale of Tommy DeVito (played by Benjamin Yates), Bob Gaudio (Adam Bailey), Frankie Valli (Luke Suri) and Nick Massi (Karl James Wilson) and their rise to fame, providing for the world some of the best catchy singalongs — many which might surprise you because they’ve been redone by so many artists.
Beggin; Big Girls Don’t Cry; December, 1963 (Oh What A Night); Can’t Take My Eyes Off You; Sherry and Walk Like A Man are a touch of melodies you can expect to bop your heads to.
Employing Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice to create the book, whilst conducting their research they contacted three of the surviving band members for personal insights and introspective views, although DeVito sadly passed in 2020.
The music for the Olivier/Tony/Grammy award-winning show is by Bob Gaudio with lyrics by Bob Crewe.
First debuting on Broadway before hitting the West End in 2008, it showed at the Prince Edward Theatre until 2014, then transferred to the Piccadilly Theatre from 2014 until 2019, and has finally returned to delight audiences once more!
- Jersey Boys tickets
16. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child
Hey, all you Potterheads; if you’ve already watched the movies a bajillion times and read the books so much that the pages have tattered; there’s a special something in store for you … on the West End!
Set 19 years after Harry, Ron and Hermonie have left Hogwarts and are now adult wizards — Harry works for the Ministry of Magic and is married to Ginny, and Ron and Hermione are happily married too (with Hermione now Minister for Magic) — the storyline is centered around their children as they embark on their first day at Hogwarts, particularly Albus Potter.
J.K. Rowling wrote the original story with the idea of it being a play, along with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, and Thorne adapted the plot for the stage.
Apart from all of the magic, mystery and mischief that arises, the production is the only one currently on the West End that is unveiled as a two-part play. Split into two, you have the option to witness both acts on the same day or over two consecutive evenings.
It premiered to the world at the Palace Theater on West End in 2016, and two years later made its Broadway debut. Since then, it has raked in the rewards, among them a stellar, record-breaking nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play, Best Director, Best Costume, Best Set, Best Sound and Best Lighting Design.
Directed by John Tiffany, the lighting design is by Neil Austin, the set designer is Christine Jones, the sound designer is Gareth Fry, with Magic and Illusions by Jamie Harrison.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets
17. Cabaret
Transforming the entirety of the Playhouse Theater like you’ve never seen it before, forget everything you once knew about the venue as it’s been converted to the iconic ‘Kit Kat Club’, especially for the production of Cabaret!
The 1966 Broadway musical became a sultry sensation, traveling to the West End by 1968 where it launched at the Palace Theatre, starring leading-lady Dame Judi Dench as Sally Bowles.
Travel back in time to Berlin in the roaring 20s during the peak of the Jazz Age and join the cabaret singers and the band at the Kit Kat Club — a place free from judgments and where your wildest dreams can come true. Involving elements of love, lust, music and dance, the tale is intertwined between staff and members at the club … and then some!
When a show is this good, the audiences keep wanting more, and theaters around the world have taken note.
Cabaret was revived on the West End in 1986, again in 1993 (starring Alan Cumming as Emcee), and once more in 2006 with Dame Sheila Hancock as Fräulein Schneider (which won her an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical).
It was refreshed in 2012 with Will Young as Emcee this time and Michelle Ryan as Sally, and then, yet again in 2021 with Eddie Redmayne as Emcee. The latest cast stars Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education) as Bowles.
To make the most of your visit, arrive early and explore the ins and outs of the Kit Kat Club. As the show begins, nine dancers and musicians perform the prologue in the bar areas and throughout the rest of the building. To date, it has won seven Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
- Cabaret tickets
18. Hamilton
Well, if all history lessons went this way, there would certainly be a lot more history boffs around, guaranteed! Rap battles and spitting facts, say what?!
Iterating the story of America’s Founding Fathers like you’ve never heard before, delight in a recounting from Alexander Hamilton as he began his former years working for George Washington until he helped America gain independence. But with a twist — the plot is rapped through a splurge of R&B, hip-hop, rap, blues and jazz beats.
(Hamilton is one of the five Founding Fathers of America, playing a pivotal role in the country’s fight for freedom from Britain.)
Originally an immigrant from the West Indies, the 21st-century production rehashes Hamilton’s conquests but this time with another spin to it. Hamilton is African American and the cast stars all persons of color.
Bursting onto the stage in 2015, the musical was only supposed to be a hip-hop album after its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda was so inspired by the Alexander Hamilton biography by Ron Chernow. Thankfully, it was converted for theater in 2015 and hit the London scene by 2017.
The book, lyrics and music are all by Miranda, with Andy Blankenbuehler working on choreography and Thomas Kail directing the multiple-award-winning show.
Ridiculously well received, it’s the sort of production that suits our current present and couldn’t arrive at a more fitting time in our own history books. It has claimed seven Oliviers, 11 Tonys, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album!
19. Ain’t Too Proud
Get ready to sing your hearts out to all of your favorite tracks by The Temptations from Papa Was a Rolling Stone to My Girl to Just My Imagination!
Another jukebox musical showcasing on the West End, Ain’t Too Proud is based on the book, ‘The Temptations’ by original band cast member, Otis Williams — the only remaining OG member who is still a part of the group today!
Topping charts with record-breaking numbers and number one best-selling hits, take a journey back in time with the gang from their earliest days in Detroit when the band first started out; their climb to stardom, and eventual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And of course, a whole bunch of personal stories thrown into the mix, some even political.
Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Tony Grant and Jawan M. Jackson were the founding vocalists, but the group has changed countless times since then.
Hot off the heels of its Broadway debut in 2019, you can already expect a performance comprising (Tony) award-winning choreography and Grammy-winning music from the same producers of Jersey Boys.
Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo with music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog, the book was created for the stage by Dominique Morisseau.
- Ain’t Too Proud tickets
20. & Juliet
What do you think would have happened to Juliet if she didn’t follow in her famous lover’s footsteps? Well, you’re about to find out in the modernized version of the classic Shakespearean play in the adaption musical & Juliet.
Join one of history’s most iconic characters as Juliet and her best pals jetset off to Paris for an all-girls trip following the tragic death of Romeo. Unlike the original play, she doesn’t wallow in her sorrows and it’s a beautiful, heart-touching, fun piece that celebrates friendship and female empowerment!
Naturally, the music ensemble features some of the biggest pop songs from female artists (and others) in the last few decades like Baby One More Time, Since U Been Gone, Roar, Confident, Love Me Like You Do, That’s the Way It Is and more!
With writer David West Read of the hilariously funny Schitt’s Creek working the script, you’re in for a night of some serious quick-witted, belly-roaring comedy.
Although the play is still set in the olden days, its characters and synopsis have been updated, for example, May is one of Juliet’s non-binary friends.
Directed by Luke Sheppard and with music and lyrics by Max Martin, & Juliet kicked off at the Manchester Opera House first in 2019, and just one month later arrived on West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Since then it has won three Olivier Awards and six WhatsOnStage Awards.
21. Frozen the Musical
Just when you thought the world couldn’t get more of the 2013 global sensation, Frozen the Musical arrived to the stage and is still sweeping audiences off their feet — just like the original movie did.
Kids go gaga, adults can’t help but fall in love — even if Let It Go gets stuck in your head for weeks afterward …
Produced by The Walt Disney Company for Broadway, the special effects (led by Jeremy Chernick) and lighting (by Neil Austin) that this magical set has employed are mystically hair-raising, recreating a frozen Arendelle right before your very eyes!
Delighting audiences for the first time in 2019 in the US, it moved to the West End in 2021 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. In just two years since, the West End version has gained tons of accolades including seven WhatsOnStage Awards and four Olivier nominations.
Queen Else is played by Samantha Barks (Pretty Woman: The Musical; Chicago; Les Misérables the movie) and her sister, Anna, by Emily Lane (The Sound of Music; Les Misérables).
The original Broadway director, Michael Grandage leads the cast on the West End too, with music and lyrics by husband-and-wife team, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez who wrote the songs for the Frozen blockbuster too.
- Frozen the Musical tickets
22. Pretty Woman the Musical
With an impressive open run of 33 years on the West End, it’s safe to say that The Woman in Black has been a crowd favorite and a well-received play from the offset.
Deemed the second-longest-running play on the West End to date, the two-man show stars Julian Forsyth as Arthur Kipps and Matthew Spencer as The Actor.
It’s for fans of a good, classic play … but with all the makings of a murder mystery and tons of elements of eerie surprises and horror filtrating the stage as lawyer Arthur Kipps heads to Crythin Gifford town.
Once he arrives, all strange things begin to happen which makes him question what is real or not anymore. Arriving to sort out the estate of his former client and recently deceased Mrs. Drablow, Kipps meets a bunch of townsfolk along the way, including The Woman in Black. Time passes, events unfold and yet Mr. Kipps still seems to be haunted by the ghost of the past …
The original play was assembled in 1987 using the 1983 novel of the same name by Susan Hill and opened on the West End in 1989.
Much to our own horrors, The Woman in Black is scheduled to close on the West End in 2023 … Will it make its way back? Only time will tell …
- Pretty Woman the Musical tickets
23. The Choir of Man
A serious celebration of music; join the cast at The Choir of Man pub and enjoy the musical extravaganza featuring songs from rock and pop icons like Queen, Guns & Roses, Luther Vandross, Adele, Katy Perry, Avicii, Paul Simon, Sia and plenty more. There’s a song among the list to suit all music genres.
Born and bred on British soil, the production centers around nine main characters, comprising the regulars and the staff that run the show, ahem, Irish bar. Designed as an interactive composition, the cast, we mean staff!, serve audience members pints during the performance, and you can even grab drinks from the on-stage bar before the show begins.
Filled with a light-hearted atmosphere, join the cast and sing and dance your hearts out! Creators and producers Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay work alongside Jack Blume as musical supervisor, with the monologues written by Ben Norris, and choreography is born from the mind of Freddie Huddleston.
The Olivier-nominated musical premiered on London’s West End in 2021 at the Arts Theatre and was extended shortly after as the crowds fell in love.
- The Choir of Man tickets
24. Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons
When life hands you a sack of lemons you make … Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons of course! Starring Jenna Coleman (Bernadette) and Aidan Turner (Oliver), it’s another one of the West End’s more intimate plays, with only the two actors on stage.
If you’ve ever been called a jabber mouth, any loquacious person might find it hard to imagine the world that these two characters live in, a dystopian society where speech is limited not to what to say, but you’re only allowed to speak 140 words a day!
Can you imagine such a thing? Follow the short play highlighting the lives of a young couple as they deal with limited speech, and the rom-com seamlessly procures thought-provoking moments, highlighting the age-old saying ‘it’s not what you say, but how you say it.’
Brand spanking new; the piece opened to audiences for the first time on the West End in January 2023, marking it as Sam Steiner’s debut play, with direction by Josie Rourke.
Whilst it entered London’s official theater district this year, the original play debuted at Warwick Arts Centre in 2015.
- Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons tickets
25. The Mousetrap
Without further adieu; it’s the play that certainly needs no introduction, it’s the West End’s longest-running play in its history, it’s Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.
It also owns the current, awe-inspiring title of play with the longest open run in the entire world! In fact, one of the props from the very first production has been conserved and still features on set!
Written as a murder mystery play by Christie, the Queen of detective stories from the 20th century, the show made its first appearance on a West End stage in 1952, where it has safely (and adoringly) remained ever since.
Dubbed a “whodunnit”, as the final curtain calls, a cast member requests that the audience members not share what they have witnessed once leaving the theater, preserving the traditions of a whodunnit. This is to make sure new members don’t solve the mystery before the cast do — or ruin any surprises they have waiting in store.
With an audience count of more than 10 million people throughout its 70-year running, the cast has welcomed over 400 actors since its debut on the West End.
Fun facts about The Mousetrap: Penned by Christie as a birthday gift to Queen Mary, it was broadcast as a radio play, titled Three Blind Mice.
Moving to theaters, the author requested that the play not be converted into a novel until it was done showcasing in the West End. And, well, you can automatically assume the outcome to that one … perhaps once it’s finally left the stage that day will come.
- The Mousetrap tickets
26. Shirley Valentine
Starring Sheridan Smith as miss Shirley Valentine, in case you never realized it before, the blockbuster 1989 movie is actually based on the original 1986 British play of the same name by Willy Russell.
Played on and off West End since, with its last production for the 30th Anniversary Tour in 2017 — until now — London welcomes Shirley and her hilarious quips and one-liners, all presented through a one-woman-show monologue, once more!
Follow her on a soul-searching, life-altering trip to Greece as she leaves suburbian life behind in Liverpool — at least for a week or two …
Its 2023 revival is directed by Olivier-nominated Matthew Dunster and showcased at the Duke of York’s Theatre.
There’s no denying its success both on stage and screen. By 1989 the theater production had already won two Olivier Awards (including Best New Comedy), a Drama Desk Award, a Tony, an Outer Critics Circle Award and the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut.
(The movie was just as victorious, nominated for a Golden Globe, Academy Award and a Grammy.)
- Shirley Valentine tickets
27. The Great British Bake Off Musical
Everybody’s favorite baking show has gained a new following among theater-goers after it hit the grand stage in Noël Coward Theatre as The Great British Bake Off Musical.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a mega-fan, foodie, aspiring contestant, thespian or major lover of the theater, get ready for the sweetest treat on the West End!
Join ten new “contestants” in the Bake Off tent — well, the stage version of it anyway — for a comedy-filled evening where you won’t be judging cakes but dance-offs and singsongs instead.
It’s been extremely well-received by audiences — it did have a rather big reputation to live up to — and its writers (Jake Brunger & Pippa Cleary), director (Rachel Kavanaugh), choreographer (Georgina Lamb) and musical supervisor (Mark Collins) have done a damn good job of ensuring its success … Even Prue, Paul Hollywood and Noel would agree …
Working closely with the producers of the award-winning series, the musical took five years to create.
It stars John Owen Jones and Haydn Gwynne as the comedy musical’s judges; Phil Hollinghurst and Pam Lee.
“Three … two … one … bakeee!”
- The Great British Bake Off Musical tickets
28. The Woman in Black
For the helpless romantics or those of you in the mood for a classic romance (or a fabulous date night idea), Pretty Woman: The Musical will warm your heart and leave you imagining that anything is possible in the modern-day Cinderella story — and before you ask, yes, it is based on the illustrious 1990 film with the same title, famously starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
If you haven’t watched the original film thousands of times; the musical follows the same storyline.
Meet Vivian (played by Aimie Atkinson); a dynamic, free-spirited hopeful trying to get by in LA, and billionaire businessman Edward Lewis (played by Danny Mac), who both meet on the streets in a chance drive-by. From paid escort to dream girl, the unseemingly pair fall in love … and you’ll have to wait until the final scene to find out what happens with their love story.
Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award winner Jerry Mitchell, the score is by Grammy winner and icon, Bryan Adams, as well as Jim Vallance, and both Gary Marshall (the original Pretty Woman director) and J.F. Lawton (the original Pretty Woman screenwriter), produced the book.
Showing at the Savoy Theatre, the musical first debuted on Broadway in 2018, opening on the West End in 2020 at the Piccadilly Theatre.
One of the (many) reasons audiences fell in love with the movie was its catchy soundtrack, with songs written especially for the movie, and others compiled by popular artists from the 80s. The musical version saw Adams and Vallance create an entirely new score of songs specifically written for the musical, like “Welcome to Hollywood” and “Luckiest Girl in the World.”
Because we all believe that fairytale endings are real …
Important to note for families; featuring curse words and a few sexual references, the production is not for kids under the age of 12 years.
- The Woman in Black tickets
29. Noises Off
It’s always interesting to hear about where the inspiration for any show came from, stepping “behind the scenes” into the mind of the artist …
The year is 1970 and playwright Michael Frayn is standing in the stage wings as his latest play is being performed. Entertained by all of the action behind the set and curtains, he is inspired to write a new play from this exact standpoint … a play within a play!
Thus, Noises Off was born and showcased 12 years later in 1982 for the first time. The farce follows a touring theater company and its group of actors as they prepare to put on their own (fictional) farce for audiences, titled Nothing On.
Follow the cast through their catastrophic rehearsals, opening nights and final curtain call, leaving you feeling discombobulated, to say the least.
Within its first year of premiering on the West End, it transferred onto Broadway and began swooping the awards, including a Tony for Best Play.
Enjoying plenty of revivals throughout its 40-year course, it’s showcased at the Lyric Theatre, Savoy Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre, Old Vic Theatre and Garrick Theatre. It’s currently showcasing at the Phoenix Theatre. Fascinatingly, since it was first conceptualized Frayn has rewritten the play multiple times, altering the script and sequencing.
- Noises Off tickets
30. 2:22 A Ghost
Do you believe in ghosts? What would you do if your partner suddenly told you that they think your home is haunted?
Intriguing, a bit on the spooky side, yet so utterly captivating; 2:22 A Ghost Story boasts a star-studded cast. Its 2021 debut show starred Lily Allen as Jenny, with British singer Cheryl replacing the role for the 2023 version.
Convinced that their new house is haunted, Jenny shares her suspicions with her husband Sam, but he doesn’t believe her, nor that such things like ghosts or anything supernatural are real.
But then, when weird things start to happen and thrilling incidents, or rather accidents, begin to shake up their lives … Sam and Jenny start to fear the worst … especially when it is 2:22 in the morning …
The thriller-genre play had its very first opening night on West End’s Noël Coward Theatre in 2021, instantly beguiling audiences. It was nominated for three Oliviers (including Best New Play in 2022), and four WhatsOnStage Awards nominations, cleaning up three, one for Best New Play.
Written by Danny Robins (author of the podcast ‘The Battersea Poltergeist’), the play is directed by Matthew Dunster (The Seagull) who has remained in his director’s chair since the show’s beginning.
31. To Kill a Mockingbird
When you think about this piece of classic American literature, it’s really no surprise that within one year of hitting Broadway stages (in 2018), the stage production has already become the highest-grossing American play of all time!
Based on the famous 1960 book by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird has been displayed and presented in theaters numerous times before, but none quite like this version …
Thanks to its earnings, it’s been called one of the most successful American plays ever produced …
Following much of the premise as the quintessential novel, it’s the — sometimes hard to swallow — story about a white lawyer living in Alabama in the 1930s. He is given a new case and is tasked with representing Tom Robinson, an African-American man wrongfully accused of rape.
When the book was first published it caused a national stir, and the Aaron Sorkin adaption couldn’t have arrived in theaters at a more fitting, or pivotal time in our 21st, modern-day society.
Sorkin’s version hit the West End in 2022, with some of the original Broadway cast joining the set. Directed by legend Bartlett Sher (Moulin Rouge!), it’s currently showing at the Gielgud Theatre. It’s recommended for older audiences; one to save for adults and teenagers.
- To Kill a Mockingbird tickets
32. Only Fools and Horses the Musical
Calling all fans of the hilarious Trotter brothers. Prepare your tummies for fits of laughter and exercise your jaws beforehand for all the gags, zingers and wisecracks you’ll be chortling along to during the much-anticipated Only Fools and Horses the Musical.
Considered one of the greatest British comedy sitcoms of all time, the musical adaption combines all seven seasons of the television show into 2.5 hours of pure bliss and the best trip down memory lane!
(Created and written by John Sullivan, it aired from 1981 to 1991, with 16 Christmas specials in between until 2003.)
Staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on West End, the curtains opened for the first time to audiences in 2019. The stage adaptation is written by Paul Whitehouse and the late Jim Sullivan, with music and lyrics by the pair as well.
Hearing your favorite theme song is unlike any feeling, and additional music for the show was created by Sullivan and Chas Hodges (from British rock pop duo, Chas ‘n’ Dave).
It stars Tom Bennett as Del Boy Trotter, Ryan Hutton as Rodney Trotter and Paul Whitehouse plays the role of their grandad, Uncle Albert.
Rodney once quipped: “I’ve got this horrible feeling that if there is such a thing as reincarnation, knowing my luck I’ll come back as me.” Well, in this instance, audiences couldn’t be more excited for his reincarnation — albeit it’s the West End stage this time! No one’s complaining, mate.
- Only Fools and Horses the Musical tickets
33. Dirty Dancing
Just like music, dance has the power to emotionally move you, to bring tears to your eyes or create a spring in your step as your mood is instantly lifted … Nothing celebrates movement quite like Dirty Dancing does … A personal power it has had since 1987 …
Just like the original cult film, Dirty Dancing on stage places major emphasis on the dance production part of the musical and gifts dance lovers with its risque numbers, flirty sessions and sensual moves.
In case you were wondering; it has incorporated all of the favorite dance routines from the movie, with the addition of new choreography — so you will still see Baby fly in Johnny’s arm in the iconic Time of My Life final dance.
On that note, the score includes the film’s hit songs like Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, These Arms of Mine, Do You Love Me? and more! The musical script is written by the original film director, Eleanor Bergstein with Federico Bellone directing the stage version.
Oddly enough the musical made its first-ever debut in Australia at the Theatre Royal in Sydney in 2004. Two years later it premiered at the West End’s Aldwych Theatre where it went on to break British records as the fastest-ever selling show in the West End.
During its five-year open run at the Aldwych, it broke the theater’s personal records as the longest-running production to its date. It’s enjoyed wide success in the UK, with tours and returns to the West End.
It is currently showcasing at the Dominion Theatre until April 2023.
- Dirty Dancing tickets
34. My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)
The one-person autobiographical extravaganza by author and acclaimed theater actor Rob Madge (and the only performer in the show), is insightful and thought-provoking using elements of comedy to draw on Madge’s personal life growing up as a young, gay teen in Britain.
Performed entirely as a solo act, Madge recounts funny moments from their childhood, life-altering decisions and everything else that comes in between raising a twelve-year-old flamboyant drama kid who is not only fully aware of their sexuality already, but fully embraces their queerness too.
It’s presented as a lighthearted monologue pizazzed by comical retellings apt for the woke 2023 audiences of today and is directed by Luke Sheppard.
The message behind the show suits the same tone, as the world embraces individuality more openly. Growing up with two fabulous parents who allowed Madge to flourish into their best self without trying to stuff them into the closest, it’s a beautiful reminder for any parent today.
Madge, who identifies themself as non-binary, is no new kid on the theater block, rising to theatrical stardom at a young age. Throughout their youth they appeared in multiple West End shows including Mary Poppins (circa 2005 to 2007), Oliver! (starring as the Artful Dodger), Les Misérables and Matilda. By the time they was 15 years old, they had four West End roles under their belt.
Showing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to sold-out audiences in 2021 (winning the WhatsOnStage! Award for Best Off-West End Production), it swiftly transferred to the Garrick Theatre on the West End in 2022.
- My Son’s A Queer tickets
35. Bonnie & Clyde Musical
“The jig is up!” Well, not entirely for crowds visiting the Garrick Theatre where the highly awaited Bonnie & Clyde Musical opens for West End audiences once more!
It’s the infamous tale of two of America’s most wanted criminals and one of the world’s most notorious couples!
The book (penned by Emmy Award nominee Ivan Menchell) is based on the original Academy award-winning 1967 movie, Bonnie and Clyde.
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are still traveling across the USA during the Great Depression, robbing one bank or convenience store at a time. Clouded by love, the couple meets an ill fate — without giving too much away.
It originally opened for audiences in San Diego, California in 2009, traveling to Broadway in 2011. The production arrived in London, first off-West End at The Other Palace Theatre in 2017, debuting with two concerts on the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2022 with a further run at the Arts Theatre later that year.
After roaring success, it’s back in London’s official theater district, again at the Arts Theatre, with music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black.
36. Austentatious – An Improvised Jane Austen Novel 
credit to Austentatious – An Improvised Jane Austen NovelSense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey — which is your personal favorite Jane Austen book? Now, keeping that in mind …
Currently with no other show quite like it on the West End; fans of improv (and Jane Austen) are going to enjoy this one!
The best part about it (other than a 75-minute show dedicated to all things Jane Austen) is that thanks to its unique makeup, no matter how many times you watch a performance of Austenatious, you’re always guaranteed to witness something new.
How does this production work? With a cast dressed in full 18th-century attire, members of the audience are asked what their favorite Jane Austen novel titles are. Six actors then proceed with an entire improvised performance centering on one book in particular, with live music setting the scene.
Hence, it’s quipped ‘An improvised Jane Austin novel.’
Initially performed for the first time in London in 2011, it opened on the West End in 2017 at the Piccadilly Theatre.
Performed at the intimate Arts Theatre on West End, it’s directed by Louis Hartshorn and some of the original cast members and founders still comprise the comedic troupe.
- Austentatious tickets
37. Medea
Using one of history’s oldest Greek tragedies as inspiration, Medea is a 21st-century adaption based on Euripides’ 5th-century play with the same name, Medea.
Starring Oscar and Olivier-nominated and Tony winner Sophie Okonedo as the lead role (Medea), it’s truly her impeccable acting and characterization that brings this piece to life. In fact, director David Cook always had Okonedo in mind when the script landed in his lap.
Luckily for audiences, after one read both actor and director were convinced she was the only one for the role.
It’s kind of like what happened when writer Robinson Jeffers translated the original Medea into his own version of Euripides’ drama in the 1940s and penned the play just for the actress Judith Anderson. The 2022 adaptation closely follows Jeffers’ book.
Ben Daniels stars alongside Okonedo for all male roles in the play, a choice specifically made to add more meaning to the play’s original message.
Gareth Fry supervisors the sound with design by Vicki Mortimer and Neil Austin on lighting.
Staged for the first time ever in 2023, Medea is showcasing at @sohoplace — the West End’s very latest theater built in over 50 years!
- Medea tickets
38. Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical
If you’re a devotee of American rock singer Meat Loaf, it won’t take much guessing to figure out what this musical is all about, titled Bat Out Of Hell after the icons’ 1977 debut album.
A jukebox musical it is indeed, and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, and songs written by legendary producer and songwriter, Jim Steinham (who composed the album Bat Out Of Hell) are intertwined into this production’s thrilling storyline.
Steinham produced the book for the musical, as well as wrote all the music and lyrics, using all three Bat Out of Hell trilogy albums as inspiration.
The storyline is set as a fantasy of sorts … Join Strat — the leader of ‘The Lost’ gang (and yes, it is a reference to Peter Pan) — in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan now known as Obsidian. He falls in love with a lady named Raven — but of course, her father is the evil ruler of their present world.
It first landed in the theater world in 2017, initially opening at the Manchester Opera House. After showcasing to sold-out seats every night during the UK 2021 tour, the only wise thing left to do was move it onto the West End! It is now housed at the Peacock Theatre.
With the first album selling over 50 million worldwide copies, perk your ears for all your faves like ‘Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,’ ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),’ ‘Paradise By The Dashboard Light,’ ‘Dead Ringer For Love’ and ‘Bat Out of Hell!’
- Bat Out Of Hell tickets
39. The Unfriend
When the writer (Steven Moffat) and the director (Mark Gatiss) behind the BBC’s phenomenal Sherlock came together to work on a brand new project, it made waves and caused much excitement for audiences. But alas, this one was not for the screen but the stages instead.
Renowned for favoring elements of murder, mystery, crime and drama; The Unfriend is another gripping (dark comedy) piece from the duo.
Set to open back in 2020, the pandemic struck and openings were abruptly halted. In 2022, the satirical piece debuted at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester. Six months after its first performance, it has already crossed over to the West End where its currently wowing viewers at the Criterion Theatre.
What’s the buzz? Set in the 21st, a suburban English couple, Peter and Debbie, meet American Elsa during a cruise ship vacation and agree to stay in touch. Out of the blue Elsa contacts the couple when she plans to visit the UK.
Before they know it the American is on her way to stay with the couple and their kids. In a flurry, they google her, and learn things much to their horror! But it’s too late to say she can’t stay now … or is it???
The craziest part — if not absolutely freakish — about this whole palaver is that it’s actually based on a true story! Get outta town …
The role of Peter is played by Reece Shearsmith, Debbie is Amanda Abbington and Frances Barber is cast as Elsa.
- The Unfriend tickets
40. Heathers: The Musical
So, what does it really take to become (or stay) popular? Now part of the it-girl clique where three members are all named Heather, Veronica Sawyer finds herself transfixed on new kid JD who is hellbent on getting rid of all Westerburg High School’s most popular students. And by rid of, we mean, murder!
Dubbed a smash-hit musical comedy, Heathers: The Musical was adapted from another cult-classic movie, Heathers, released in 1989 starring the brilliant Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk and Kim Walker.
The book was created by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, who both also produce the music and lyrics for the musical.
Playing for audiences for the first time as a concert at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater in NYC, it was brought off-Broadway in 2013 and arrived in London’s The Other Palace in 2017 as a musical workshop, then premiered on the theater’s stage in 2018. It shortly transferred to the West End’s Theatre Royal Haymarket where it was revived at the same venue in 2021.
It won two WhatsOnStage Awards in 2019, including Best New Musical.
Choreographed by Gary Lloyd and directed by Andy Fickman, currently the Heathers: The Musical is on a UK/Ireland tour, and is playing at The Other Palace.
- Heathers: The Musical tickets
41. Rocky Horror Show
Let’s do the time warp again? No, really! Musical aficionados and appreciators, the iconic The Rocky Horror Show is back!
The original musical swung onto the scene in 1973 and has experienced a roaring, nail-biting succession since then, now considered a cult musical, never mind movie. Speaking of, from the stage to big screen, it was also revised into a megahit comedy-horror musical film titled ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’
Its first-ever showcasing appeared at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1973, then on Broadway in 1975, and in the West End from 1990 where it has embarked on national tours since. Today’s production is directed by Christopher Luscombe.
Inspired by B-grade horror movies and rock n roll, then-aspiring writer Richard O’Brien wrote the book for his envisioned show. Little did he know then the success it would have on the world.
The musical recounts two college sweethearts, Janet and Brad who break down in a storm outside a decrepit spooky mansion. Featuring transvestism as a major underlying theme (which wasn’t intentional at the time), it’s gone on to become a defining film loved by LGBTQ+ communities.
The original musical brought us some of the most-loved dancealong numbers that we still so love today, like Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite and Damn it Janet. Make sure to brush up on your dance sequence moves beforehand! You’ll be jiving and shaking your hips in no time.
Final thoughts
From improv shows to jukebox musicals, good luck trying to pick which production to watch first on the West End!
A night out at the theater is always magical, and you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia that goes along with it. When the stages and auditoriums are as historic and extravagant as the ones on London’s West End, there’s nothing quite like it!
Whether you’re here to see your favorite actor, playwright or production, you’re in for a joy ride!
Make sure to check out this list for regular updates as some West End shows and musicals see their final curtain call in a couple of months’ time, and new ones hit the stage for the very first time, or as a revival!
Have you already got a performance in mind? Book your West End tickets, then sit back, relax and revel in an evening of splendor! Enjoy the show!