London is home to some of the world’s finest theatres, featuring the best shows in the business. From Broadway hits and award-winning classics to iconic Disney productions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the West End.
But what theatre shows are currently on in London? Discover ten of our favourite musicals that you can see in the West End in 2024. Grab a bargain when buying London theatre tickets thanks to the exclusive deals and prices brought to you through SWR Rewards.
The Lion King
Spectacular doesn’t even begin to cover this show – from the incredible staging to the amazing puppetry and fantastical costumes. Having opened on the West End in 1999 (more than 20 years ago!), it’s now the highest-grossing title in box-office history for both stage productions and films – and it’s easy to see why. Head to the Lyceum Theatre for a look at this incredible production.
Location: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St, London Category: Musical Age: 6+ How to get there:Lyceum Theatre is a 14-minute walk from London Waterloo. Or, take the 59 bus from Stop J to Lancaster Place, walking 2 minutes from there.
Back to the Future
One of the newest productions in the West End welcomes you to Hill Valley for an electrifying ride back in time. The 1985 blockbuster film (and pop culture phenomenon) turns into a stage show with all-new original music alongside hit songs from the movie. So, join Marty, Doc Brown and the residents of Hill Valley 1955 in a race against time!
Location: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London Category: Musical Age: 6+ How to get there: Adelphi Theatre is a 17-minute walk from London Waterloo. Or, take the Northern line from Waterloo to Charing Cross, walking 5 minutes from there.
Wicked
Image courtesy: Mark Senior
Wicked tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women in the land of Oz. The blonde and popular Glinda and misunderstood Elphaba’s friendship reaches a crossroads after an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard. Now in its 21st year, it shows no sign of slowing down – and remains a firm fan favourite.
Location: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London Category: Musical Age: 7+ How to get there: Take the 211 bus from London Waterloo stop W to Westminster Cathedral, walking 2 minutes from there.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Image courtesy: Manuel Harlan
Premiering in 2018 in the West End, Tina tells the story of Anna Mae Bullock – popularly known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll Tina Turner. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to lifting a dozen Grammy Awards, you’ll hear all of Tina’s most popular songs in this fitting tribute to a musical legend.
Location: Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London Category: Musical Age: 14+ How to get there: Aldwych Theatre is an 18-minute walk from London Waterloo. Or, take the 1 bus from stop K to Aldwych Kingsway, directly outside.
Mamma Mia!
Image courtesy: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
Now an impressive 24 years since its premiere (making it the seventh longest-running show in the West End), this story of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads has been seen by more than 65 million people across the world. One of the most upbeat and feel-good musicals you’ll find anywhere, this is a show for anyone needing a lift – prepare to have the time of your life!
Location: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London Category: Musical Age: 5+ How to get there: Find stop P at London Waterloo to take the 76 bus to Aldwych, directly outside.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The eighth story of the Harry Potter series brings the legendary trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione back together on an extraordinary new adventure with a new generation of wizards. A mind-blowing race through time leaves the future hanging in the balance and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Described as one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade by Forbes, don't miss out on a return to the Wizarding World.
Location: Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London Category: Play Age: 10+ How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road, walking 6 minutes from there.
Experience one of Disney’s most-loved stories on stage by checking out the award-winning Frozen the Musical. Join Anna on her quest to find Queen Elsa and save the land of Arendelle from an eternal winter. Enjoy a spellbinding adventure featuring your favourite songs from the films, including ‘For the First Time in Forever’, ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’ and ‘Let it Go’.
Location: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London Category: Musical Age: 6+ How to get there: Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a 17-minute walk from London Waterloo. Or, take the 341 bus from Stop F to Aldwych, walking 2 minutes from there.
The Book of Mormon
A winner of nine Tony Awards in 2011, The Book of Mormon is one of the West End’s most popular shows. Follow the hilarious journey of two naive Mormon missionaries – Elder Price and Elder Cunningham - who are sent to Uganda to spread the word of the Latter Day Saints. It’s no easy task for the pair, as they quickly realise the locals are more concerned about the AIDS epidemic, poverty and famine. The show cleverly tackles sensitive subjects with humour, making it a memorable and entertaining watch.
Location: Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London Category: Musical/Comedy Age: 18+ How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus, walking 5 minutes from there.
Guys & Dolls
After debuting in 1950, Guys & Dolls swiftly became one of Broadway’s biggest success stories, winning eight Tony Awards and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Now a hit in London’s West End, the show follows smooth-talking hustler Nathan Detroit, who seeks money to fund illegal dice games while dealing with his long-term fiancée, Miss Adelaide. Nathan soon meets high-stakes gambler Sky Masterson, and the two make a bet involving principled missionary Sergeant Sarah Brown, but is he onto a winner?
Location: Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London Category: Musical Age: 6+ (immersive-standing tickets 12+) How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge, walking 12 minutes from there.
Sister Act
Since making its West End debut in 2009, Sister Act has become one of London’s best-loved musicals. When nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, her life dramatically changes as she’s hidden in a convent and disguised as a nun. While there, Deloris joins the convent choir. Her infectious energy injects life into the choir, and they gain widespread attention. But could this expose her to dangers lurking from her past?
Location: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London Category: Musical Age:14+ How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from Waterloo to Edgware Road, walking 11 minutes from there.
If we’ve tempted you to try the theatre – whether you’re heading back or even for the first time – make sure to check out our exclusive SWR Rewards ticket prices in partnership with London Theatre Week.
Booking your train to London couldn’t be easier. Book theatre tickets through SWR Rewards, and we’ll send you everything you need to know. Remember, there are many ways to save money when booking your train tickets. Save up to 34% with a Railcard or with GroupSave tickets if between three and nine people are travelling together in Standard Class.
Flexible about when you travel? Book in advance for cheaper tickets on quieter, long-distance routes (single journeys only) or grab a Semi Flex Return.
Whether you want to visit real TV and movie sets, take a studio tour or plan an action-packed day walking in the steps of your favourite characters, we have you covered.
