Must-see theatre shows in London

Must-see theatre shows in London

In this article, you'll learn the following:

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

Production photo from The Lion King

thelionking.co.uk

Having opened in the West End in 1999, The Lion King is a top-rated production for good reason! From the incredible staging to the amazing puppetry and fantastical costumes, you’re guaranteed a spectacular performance. If you’re looking for a family-friendly musical that will delight children and adults alike, you won’t want to miss this one.

Location: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St, London
Category: Musical
Age: 6+
Price: Tickets start at £35, but our customers can enjoy a further 10% off with SWR Rewards.
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

Back to the Future theatre production

backtothefuturemusical.com

Take an electrifying ride back in time with Back to the Future: The Musical. The 1985 blockbuster film (and pop culture phenomenon) turns into a stage show with 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+
Price: Tickets start at £19.55, but you can get 10% off when booking through SWR Rewards.
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

Wicked theatre productionPhoto credit: Mark Senior

wickedthemusical.co.uk

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 18th year in London’s West End, it shows no sign of slowing down and remains a firm fan favourite.

Location: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG
Category: Musical
Age: 7+
Price: Tickets start at £25, but SWR Rewards customers can enjoy 10% off standard prices.
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

Production photo from Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Image courtesy: Manuel Harlan

tinathemusical.com/uk

Premiering in 2018 in the West End, Tina tells the story of Anna Mae Bullock – more commonly known as the queen of rock ‘n’ roll: Tina Turner. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to winning 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 WC2B 4DF
Category: Musical
Age: 14+
Price: Tickets start at £15, with an extra 10% off for SWR Rewards customers.
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, right outside the theatre.

Mamma Mia!

Production photo from Mamma Mia!
Image courtesy: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

mamma-mia.com/london

Let yourself be transported to the Greek island of Skopelos as you watch this iconic story of romance and family drama unfold on stage. Mamma Mia! is set to the soundtrack of ABBA’s greatest hits, making it one of the most upbeat and feel-good musicals you’ll find anywhere.

Location: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
Category: Musical
Age: 5+
Price: Tickets start at £35.
How to get there: Find stop P at London Waterloo and take the 76 bus to Aldwych, directly outside the theatre.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Production photo from Matilda
Image courtesy: Manuel Harlan

uk.harrypottertheplay.com

Shown in two parts due to its running time, this is the eighth story of the Harry Potter series. It 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 keep you on the edge of your seat. Fans of the books and films won’t want to miss out on this spectacular return to the Wizarding World!

Location:  Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY
Category: Play
Age: 10+
Price: Tickets start at £15 per part (£30 for two consecutive showings on the same day). Get 10% off your tickets when you book with SWR Rewards.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road, walking 6 minutes from there.

Hamilton

Dancing scene from Hamilton the musical

Photo credit: Danny Kaan

hamiltonmusical.com/london

Described as ‘the story of America then, as told by America now’, this award-winning musical is centred around one of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, and the 18th-century Revolutionary War. Hamilton’s original score by Lin-Manuel Miranda takes inspiration from hip-hop, pop, soul and traditional Broadway hits, making it one of the most exciting musicals to grace the West End in recent years.

Location:  Victoria Palace Theatre, 126 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA
Category: Musical
Age: 10+
Price: Tickets start at £20, with an extra 10% discount available through SWR Rewards.
How to get there: Take the number 11 bus from London Waterloo to Westminster Cathedral / Victoria Station stop M, which is across the road from the theatre.

The Book of Mormon

The book of Mormon theatre production

thebookofmormonmusical.com/london

The Book of Mormon is one of the West End’s most popular shows, following the hilarious journey of two naïve Mormon missionaries – Elder Price and Elder Cunningham – who are sent to Uganda to spread the word of the Latter-day Saints. The show cleverly tackles sensitive subjects with humour, making it a memorable and entertaining watch.

Location: Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London W1D 6AS
Category: Musical/Comedy
Age: 18+
Price: Tickets start at £20, and SWR Rewards customers can enjoy a 10% discount.
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus, walking 5 minutes from there.

Guys & Dolls

Guys and Dolls theatre production

bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/guys-and-dolls

Guys & Dolls has long been a hit in London’s West End since its debut performance in 1953. The show is set in New York’s underworld of gangsters and follows smooth-talking hustler Nathan Detroit and gambler Sky Masterson. The two make a bet that Sky has to take a woman (chosen by Nathan) to dinner in Havana, and an unexpected love story unfolds.

Location: Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London SE1 2SG
Category: Musical
Age: 6+ (immersive-standing tickets 12+)
Price: Tickets start at £19.50. Enjoy 10% off your Guys & Dolls tickets with SWR Rewards.
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge, walking 12 minutes from there.

Sister Act

Sister Act poster

sisteractthemusical.co.uk/london

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 W1T 7AQ
Category: Musical
Age: 14+
Price: Tickets start from £20. Get 10% off your Sister Act tickets with SWR Rewards.
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from Waterloo to Edgware Road, walking 11 minutes from there.

Travel to the theatre with SWR

If we’ve tempted you to see one of these shows, booking your train to London couldn’t be easier. Plus, we have plenty of cheap train tickets and exclusive offers to save you money on your journey. Enjoy up to 1/3 off with a Railcard and get extra discounts with GroupSave tickets when travelling with family or friends.

Flexible about when you travel? Book in advance for cheaper tickets on quieter routes, or choose Semi Flex Return tickets. If you’re travelling on a Sunday, our Sunday Out tickets are an excellent option.

While you’re here, sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly travel inspiration, exclusive offers, competitions and more.

Top Christmas shopping spots in London and the South West

Shopping at Christmas can be a magical experience with festive lights and dazzling window displays at the top spots. Read our guide here. Travel with South Western Railway.

Find out more

The best pantomimes in London and the South West

There's nothing better than a pantomime at Christmas. Look inside for the best productions happening in the South West

Find out more

Top Christmas activities for kids in London and the South West

Check out one of the many Christmas attractions around the South West to get the whole family in the festive spirit

Find out more