The Best Theatre Shows in London

London's theatre scene has finally fully reopened, offering some of the best musicals and plays in the world.

In this article, we will go through the best theatre shows in London you can see if you're living in or visiting the city and explain how you can book them. 

But if you've just arrived on the London stage, don't worry; we'll also show you how you can get last-minute theatre tickets. So, let's get started!

Top West End Musicals and Plays

Below are our favorite musicals and shows you can see in London theatres today. A note: These are not in any particular order, as they are all excellent options.

The Lion King (The Lyceum Theatre)

The Lion King is one of London's most outstanding and dazzling shows. This award-winning musical tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who is on his way to becoming the King of the Pridelands.

The show includes songs from the Disney movie, including beloved Elton John and Tim Rice classics, and new music created for the stage by Lebo M and other innovative composers.

The Lion King lasts two hours and 30 minutes and includes one interval. You can book tickets online using the official website.

Wicked (The Apollo Victoria) The Best Theatre Shows in London

Wicked is so popular that over nine million people have seen this show when visiting London's West End.

The musical, initially created by Gregory Maguire, follows the untold story of two sorcerers, Glinda and Elphaba - who would then become Glinda the Good and The Wicked Witch of the West, as shown in The Wizard of Oz tale.

The play, a must-see (Wicked is, in fact, the longest-running musical in West End history!), is two hours and 45 minutes long with one interval. You can buy tickets for it through Apollo Theatre's website.

The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre)

The Book of Mormon was originally created for Broadway by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and it's been gaining popularity in the UK since its first debut in 2013.

The story, which has won multiple awards, such as Four Oliviers And Nine Tonys, follows a pair of Mormon missionaries as they try to convert locals in Uganda. 

One important thing to keep in mind: As you could expect from the people behind the TV series South Park, this musical contains explicit language and adult themes.

The show lasts two and a half hours, including an interval. You can get tickets from their official box office.

Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre)

Mary Poppins is more than a beloved Disney movie; it's also one of the most popular West End theatre shows in London!

This dazzling musical version, which has been nominated for seven Tony Awards, features classic songs, such as A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

The show is two hours and 50 minutes long and recommended for anyone aged seven and over. You can buy tickets for this West End musical using this link.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is based on an original story by the bestselling book series' creator JK Rowling, and follows Harry Potter, who's now working for the Ministry of Magic, and his youngest son Albus.

This show is divided and two parts (you get tickets for both, and you attend on the same day, on matinee and evening performances).

Part one is 2 hours and 40 minutes, and part two is two hours and 35 minutes, and both include a 20-minute interval. You can purchase your tickets from the official website.

The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)

The Phantom of the Opera is considered a classic gothic romance story. It follows the story of a mysterious masked figure and his obsession with a young singer within the context of a Parisian opera house.

The play has a mesmerizing score and jaw-dropping special effects and scenery, and an impressive cast that regularly performs favorites such as All I Ask of You, The Music of the Night, and Think of Me.

The musical is two hours and 30 minutes (with one interval), and you can get tickets for it using their website.

Matilda (The Cambridge Theatre)

Matilda is a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's book and includes music by award-winning composer and comedian Tim Minchin.

The production is also done by the Royal Shakespeare Company, so you can expect a brilliant cast. So, what is Matilda about? The show tells the story of an extremely intelligent 5-year-old with some very special powers.

This impressive musical lasts for two hours and 35 minutes and has a 20-minute interval. You can get Matilda tickets using the official website here.

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre)

TINA follows the untold story of renowned singer Tina Turner, from her humble beginnings in Tenessee to becoming one of the most popular and beloved artists in the world.

As expected, this musical features some of her most recognizable songs. The play is two hours and 45 minutes (including an interval), and you can buy tickets for all performances through this website.

Getting Theatre Tickets for London Shows

If you're considering attending any of these plays, you might be wondering what's the best way to make a booking.

We've included links to all productions; however, if you want to purchase discount theatre tickets, here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you want to purchase cheap last-minute seat-filling tickets, you can subscribe to Play by Play or Central Tickets. You'll need to pay a membership fee but will occasionally find cut-price entry to many popular shows in London.

• The TKTS booth in Leicester Square offers discounted tickets sometimes, too, so make sure you drop by if you're not sure what to see.

• You'll usually find better ticket prices when you book in advance. If you're planning a trip to London, don't hesitate to buy tickets for shows happening around your desired dates.