The West End is renowned the world over for its London musicals. While there are plenty of landmarks to see in London, like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye, it’s safe to say that no visit to the capital city would be complete without a night out at a magnificent West End theatre, watching one of its famous musicals.
Audiences are not limited just to London musicals in the West End, however. With theatre enjoying broad popularity, London plays, comedies and operas also thriving and, thanks to a number of promotions and television exposure, West End shows are more popular than ever.
You can find a list of, and book tickets to, current musicals below.
Les Misérables is the longest-running of the London musicals (Photo: Johan Persson)
Most London musicals are traditionally located in the main theatre district, more commonly known as Theatreland. The West End area – home to some of the most famous theatre streets in the world, including Shaftesbury Avenue, The Strand and Drury Lane – plays host to musicals which are attended by millions of visitors from all over the world each year. You can see find plenty of venues which host them on one of the many Theatreland Tours available.
There’s no shortage of variety in London musicals, with their rich diversity ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. From popular long-running shows to exciting new productions, there’s something sure to interest all ages.
Get the inside track on London musicals
Some London musicals are staple must-sees for any theatre fan in the West End, playing to standing ovations night after night and year after year. But the West End also sees just as many new stories, exciting production announcements and all-star casts throughout the year.
Official London Theatre is your first port of call to learn all the latest news about London musicals. We aim to keep audiences well informed about the very latest happenings in Theatreland, and are run by the Society of London Theatre, which means we support promotions that expand the public reach and experience of these productions.
On our website, you’ll find comprehensive and informative show listings, the very latest theatre news and backstage features, and information about how you can secure the best tickets possible.
- View current and future London musicals.
- Take a look at the latest theatre news.
- Check out our New Year Sale and Kids Week for our theatre ticket promotions.
- Visit our Theatre Lounge LIVE page for exclusive performances and interviews with some of London musicals’ biggest stars.
West End musicals on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue (Photo: Jeff Spicer)
West End Musicals often have longer runs than plays or dramatic theatre, which means there should be plenty of opportunities to grab a seat to your favourite show. Musicals in London such as Les Misérables (the West End’s longest-running musical) and The Phantom Of The Opera have run for decades, playing thousands of performances over the duration of their West End runs.
More and more people are also getting to see musicals in action on their television sets, encouraging them to come to the theatre. Many have performed in high-profile live broadcasts up and down the country, and most have casts featuring star names which capture the imagination of theatregoers.
To stay in touch what musicals are on in London, visit Official London Theatre and the OLT news page regularly.