The Best London Musicals To Watch Now

Culture / 1 month ago

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An evening of all-consuming singing and dancing at the theatre is just what the doctor ordered. Book a seat at one of London’s best musicals, from long-standing classics to shiny newbies.

The Best Musicals in London 2023

Photo: Helen Maybanks

Pretty Woman: The Musical

Where? The Savoy Theatre

When? Tuesday–Saturday evenings, with matinee shows on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ends in London on 18 June 2023, before touring the UK this autumn.

The musical version of iconic 90s film Pretty Woman was poised to put on a sell-out season at the start of 2020, but then Covid happened. It’s back though, this time at the Savoy Theatre, with Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac taking on Vivian and Edward, originally played by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Expect outstanding choreography from Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell alongside an uplifting original score from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.

BOOK IT: london.prettywomanthemusical.com

Matilda The Musical

Where? Cambridge Theatre

When? Tuesday–Saturday evenings, with matinee shows on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Currently booking until 15 December 2024.

One for the kids (or the kids at heart), Matilda The Musical has made a big name for itself over the past few years, based on Roald Dahl’s popular children’s book, created by the Royal Shakespeare Company with lyrics by Tim Minchin. Having won seven Olivier awards in 2012, the musical received a film version at the end of 2022. If you’d like to experience the magic of the screen on stage, this is the one for you.

BOOK IT: uk.matildathemusical.com

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

Where? Aldwych Theatre

When? Tuesday–Saturday evenings, with matinee shows on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Currently booking until 3 September 2023.

This acclaimed production about the life of artist Tina Turner smashed Box Office records when it debuted in 2018. It returned to the Aldwych Theatre last year, with Aisha Jawando taking on the role of Tina alongside Jammy Kasongo as Ike.

BOOK IT: tinathemusical.com

Frozen The Musical

Where? Theatre Royal Drury Lane

When? Wednesday–Sunday evenings, with matinee performances on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Currently booking until 15 October 2023.

From Disney instant-classic to stage phenomenon, Frozen The Musical has been wow-ing audiences young and old since it debuted on the West End in September 2021. Perfect West End winter viewing.

BOOK IT: frozenthemusical.co.uk

Helen Woolf (Glinda) and Nikki Bentley (Elphaba). Photo by Matt Crockett.

Wicked

Where? Apollo Victoria Theatre

When? Tuesday–Saturday evenings, with matinee shows on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Currently booking until 26 November 2023.

Now in its 15th year, Wicked is one of the longest running West End musicals of all time. No surprise to anyone who’s seen it: from the heart-warming story to its epic costumes and endlessly catchy songs, Wicked is a true masterpiece. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the play re-imagines the Land of Oz, proposing an alternative universe to that of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At its core, Wicked is the story of a deep friendship between two young women: the ostracised green Elphaba – later known as the Wicked Witch of the West – and beloved blonde Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

BOOK IT: wickedthemusical.co.uk

Hamilton

Where? Victoria Palace Theatre

When? Monday–Saturday evenings, with matinee shows on Thursdays and Saturdays. Currently booking until September 2023.

If you haven’t seen Hamilton yet, where have you been? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s jewel of a hip-hop musical about America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton has garnered rave reviews worldwide – and the hype is going nowhere.

BOOK IT: hamiltonmusical.com

Les Misérables

Where? Sondheim Theatre

When? Monday and Wednesday–Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Currently booking until 30 September 2023.

The world’s longest running musical, Les Mis has returned to the refurbished and renamed Sondheim Theatre (formerly the Queen’s) for a limited seasonr. Set in 19th century France, the musical dramatises Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel about ex-convict Jean Valjean, who is hunted for decades by the policeman Javert.

BOOK IT: lesmis.com

The Lion King

Where? Lyceum Theatre

When? Tuesday–Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Currently booking until 15 October 2023.

This one needs no introduction. The theatrical version of Disney classic The Lion King returns to its London home for more than two decades this July, where it has been enjoyed by over 16 million people. Londoner Kayi Ushe takes on the role of Simba in his journey from wide-eyed cub to King of the Pridelands – a great one to see with the kids.

BOOK IT: thelionking.co.uk

Main image: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Manuel Harlan