The BEST musicals in London – which West End show is right for your trip?

If you love a good musical, there’s nowhere quite like London’s West End. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some of the best musicals in London, from jaw-dropping performances to unforgettable storylines. As a parent, I’ve had the joy of sharing many of these magical moments with my children. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or a first-timer planning to visit the capital, here’s my roundup of the best musicals in London that are definitely worth seeing.

The Best Musicals in London

The Lion King

Seen it: 7 times
Let’s start with the classic. The Lion King has been a staple in London’s West End for years, and for good reason. It tops my list of the best musicals in London. I’ve seen it seven times, and each time it blows me away. I’ve had the privilege of taking both of my children—my daughter at age 8 and my son at 6—and they loved every second of it. One tip if you’re looking for affordable front-row seats: log on to Disney Day Seats on Mondays at noon. They release a limited number of front-row tickets for just £25 each! The opening sequence with Rafiki’s powerful vocals and the animals walking down the aisles, including the majestic elephant, still gives me goose bumps every time. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favour and book a ticket! Easily my number 1 and tops my list of the best musicals in London.

Matilda the musical

Seen it: 3 times
My daughter’s absolute favourite musical in London, Matilda is a production that never gets old. I’ve seen it three times, and I was lucky enough to attend the 10th anniversary performance as a press invitee. The swing scene, in particular, is a favourite of mine—it’s one of the most cleverly choreographed moments in the show. The Revolting Children number is pure joy, and the talented cast consistently deliver an outstanding performance. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must for both kids and adults alike. Would top my daughters list of the best musicals in London and come a very close second to The Lion King for me!

Only Fools and Horses

Seen it: 1 time
As a massive fan of the Only Fools and Horses TV show, I was eagerly awaiting the West End adaptation. I wasn’t disappointed! Both my husband and I absolutely loved it, and we’re already planning to see it again. One of the highlights was seeing Paul Whitehouse on stage—he was fantastic! That said, if you’re planning on attending, do note that the seats in the stalls are incredibly cramped. I’m short, and even I struggled to find legroom. But aside from that, the show is a real treat for any Only Fools and Horses fan. I loved this show, definitely one of the best musicals in London.

Phantom of the Opera

Seen it: 2 times
The Phantom of the Opera is a true classic, and every time I’ve seen it, I’m in awe of the production. The chandelier scene is a standout—when it drops, you feel it in your bones. The music, too, is something that stays with you long after the show ends. It’s a little darker than some of the others on this list, but it’s one of those timeless shows that every musical lover should experience at least once. Absolutely one of my top 10 and easily one of the best musicals in London.

Wicked the musical

Seen it: 2 times
Wicked is a show that truly lives up to its name. Not only is the storyline gripping, but the vocals are absolutely phenomenal. My daughter has seen it too, I took her when she was 8, and we were both spellbound. I was even lucky enough to get a backstage tour, thanks to a friend of a friend in the crew. The highlight of the show for me is Defying Gravity—the energy, the visuals, and the power of that song is unforgettable. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves a good musical with a dash of magic. Easily one of the the best musicals in London.

Mamma Mia

Seen it: 1 time
For a feel-good, charming experience, Mamma Mia! is hard to beat. It’s the perfect musical for anyone who loves ABBA’s music and wants to be swept away by a heart warming tale of love, family, and friendship. It’s the kind of show that leaves you in a good mood, humming the songs as you leave the theatre. If you’re looking for something light-hearted and fun, this one is for you. Definitely makes my top list of the best musicals in London.

Back to the Future

Seen it: 1 time
For those of us who grew up in the 80s, Back to the Future was a dream come true. The iconic DeLorean car on stage is nothing short of spectacular. While I didn’t take my kids to see this one, it was an absolute hit with my husband and me. It’s a perfect trip down memory lane, with great visuals and nostalgia at its best. However, once was enough for me—I don’t feel the need to see it again, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re an 80s child like me. Easily makes my top 10 list of the best musicals in London.

Les Misérables

Seen it: 1 time
There’s no denying that Les Misérables is a powerhouse production with incredible vocals. The story, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, is moving and heart-wrenching, but I found that for me, it’s a bit heavy. While I appreciated the performances and the staging, I wouldn’t rush to see it again—it’s emotionally intense and not the most uplifting of shows. Still, if you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking, it’s definitely worth seeing. Makes my list of the best musicals in London owing to the vocals and music.

Six: The Musical

Seen it: 1 time
The show Six: The Musical was an absolute delight! I knew the songs before I went, as my daughter had been learning them for her theatre school play, so I had already gotten a taste of the catchy tunes and clever lyrics. I took my 8-year-old to see it, and we both had an amazing time.

The musical gives a modern, pop-inspired twist to the stories of Henry VIII’s six wives, and the vocals from each of the “ex-wives” were nothing short of stunning. It was such a fun and engaging way to learn about Henry VIII and his marriages—probably more than I’ve ever known about the history before. The show is funny, energetic, and packed with powerful performances. Even though I’ve only seen it once, I would happily return for another round! A definite addition to my top 10 and easily one of the best musicals in London.

The Snowman

Seen it: 3 times
This one’s a bit of a family tradition. We saw The Snowman for three years in a row, and while my daughter eventually outgrew it at age 8, my son continued to enjoy it. The real magic comes when the Snowman flies—seeing my son’s face light up was absolutely priceless. While it’s not the most thrilling show for adults, it’s a lovely Christmas treat for children and a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Based on my sons experience this makes my list of the best musicals in London.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Upcoming
I’ve already booked tickets to see Mrs. Doubtfire, and I can’t wait for the experience! As someone who loved the original film, I’m excited to see how they’ve adapted this comedy for the stage. I’ll be back in February 2025 to share a review, but from what I’ve heard, it promises to be a hilarious and heart warming show for the whole family.

Musicals I loved that have now closed

While London’s West End continues to thrive with new shows, I’ll always have a soft spot for some of the incredible musicals that have now closed. Frozen: The Musical was one I absolutely adored. The magic of Disney brought to life on stage with stunning visuals and powerful performances made it a must-see. The song “Let It Go” was, of course, a highlight, but it was the whole experience that made it so memorable.

Another musical I’ll always cherish is We Will Rock You. I had the privilege of seeing it four times, and each time was a blast. The live music, incredible vocals, and the sheer energy of Queen’s iconic hits made it a show like no other. If you’re a Queen fan (like me), this one was pure magic.

Dirty Dancing was another fantastic production with a seamless transition from the iconic film to the stage. The choreography, the music, and the romance were all perfectly executed—it felt like a celebration of the 80s classic in the best way possible.

Grease was another fun ride. With all the classic songs we know and love. And Footloose, with its infectious energy and feel-good vibes, was a perfect escape, leaving you tapping your feet long after the curtain fell.

Although these shows have now closed, they remain some of the most fun and memorable West End experiences I’ve had.

In Conclusion:

London’s West End has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a heart warming family show or a dramatic, spine-tingling performance. From the iconic Lion King to the nostalgic Back to the Future, every show offers a unique experience that will leave you talking long after the curtain falls. As a parent, I’ve had the joy of sharing many of these magical moments with my kids too. If you’re looking to make memories with your family, or simply enjoy an unforgettable night out, these are the best musicals in London that I have seen. Make sure you make the most of your trip to London and check out my guide to the best shopping in London!

Which West End show will you choose? Let me know in the comments below!