If you’re a major fan of theatre shows, then chances are, you’ve already visited the glistening lights of the West End in London to see one. However, not everyone has the luxury of seeing a show so regularly, especially in the capital city.
You may find yourself with luggage from traveling still on your person. If that’s the case, it’s best to put it in one of the luggage storage London locations as it’ll be difficult to leave your suitcase at the theatre otherwise.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the city and seeing a West End show, or you’ve been to the city many times before but never been to a theatre, then here are some of the best theatre shows worth traveling for if you fancy a trip down to London soon.
- Les Misérables
As one of the longest-running shows in the West End, Les Miserables opened in 1985 and shows no signs of slowing down. Of course, it had a changeover of theatres back in 2004 and its home now lies at the Queen’s Theatre.
Over the years, it has fast become one of the most loved musicals of all time and continues to bring in full houses for all of its performances.
Set in 19th-century France, the story of Les Miserable follows Jean Valjean an ex-convict who is seeking redemption after breaking parole. As such he’s hunted by ex-guard and rival Javert. It has since been made into a film in 2012 and off the back of its success, has seen even more fans come to the West End to see the show in person.
- The Book of Mormon
Written and created by the writers of South Park, The Book Of Mormon is a musical comedy that follows two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It follows their journey as they attempt to preach the faith to those living in a remote Ugandan village.
It’s a show that will have you belly-laughing but looking to check if said belly-laughing is appropriate as some of the topics of conversation as well as the jokes, are towing the line. If you’re a fan of South Park, then you’re going to love The Book of Mormon.
- Matilda the Musical
Based on the book by Roald Dahl, the much-loved novel has turned into a musical production, thanks to the musical genius that is Tim Minchin.
Matilda first opened its doors in 2011 and has been delighting audiences and fans of the novel and film ever since. It’s perhaps one of the most successful British modern musicals to tread the boards of the West End and since the addition of the musical film being released in 2022, it’s continued to prove popular.
For those not aware of the story itself, Matilda is a clever young girl who has an extraordinary imagination and powers that help her stand up for herself and her friends.
You can’t help but stomp your feet and bop your head along with the addictive music and the child performers who bring a new level of energy to the theatre stage.
- Six the Musical
One of the more recent musicals to hit the West End is Six the Musical. It premiered its first performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, where so many new musicals and plays found their popularity and has since had a number of homes within the West End. It’s even managed to get onto Broadway, a feat that not all musicals manage to do.
Perhaps it’s due to the fresh talents of university students Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss who brought the show to life, or the incredible following it’s garnered through social media over the years.
Six the Musical shares the stories of Henry’s ex-wives, all staged as a singing competition between the queens themselves. Competing for who had the worst marriage and experience with the infamous King, the show will have you laughing, crying and cheering until the very end.
- Wicked
With the recent movie version hitting the cinema screens, Wicked in the West End is likely to have a surge of popularity again. Although it’s not a show that necessarily needs it. It has continued to impress audiences all flocking from across the globe. The show has been on since 2006 and is the ninth longest-running West End musical to date.
With over 100 international awards, this is a show that should certainly be on your hit list to watch.
- The Lion King
Based on the animated film of 1994, The Lion King has continued to provide success within the West End and being a Disney production, it’s one of the best to see for quality.
It’s well into its second decade at the Lyceum Theatre and is a spectacle to behold. Following the story of lion cub Simba, the show takes you through the highs and lows of a cub that’s exiled from his pride after the death of his father.
If you want to make the most out of your trips to London, then have one of these shows on your list of things to do while in the city.