London : Musicals

Booking a West End show means choosing among long-running institutions, family blockbusters, and jukebox crowd-pleasers, often for the same evening. The eleven below run from decades-old classics (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Lion King) through newer hits (Hamilton, Wicked, Moulin Rouge!, The Devil Wears Prada) to jukebox and concert formats (Mamma Mia!, ABBA Voyage). Two outliers sit here too: The Mousetrap is a murder-mystery play, and ABBA Voyage is a virtual-avatar concert in a purpose-built arena rather than a West End theatre. Travjoy notes which suit families and which need booking weeks ahead.

Which Show Is Right for You?

Travelling with younger children? → The Lion King — Disney spectacle at the Lyceum, a family favourite.
Want the longest-running classic? → The Phantom of the Opera — His Majesty's Theatre, grand and gothic.
After an epic, emotional sing-through? → Les Misérables — the Sondheim Theatre, a long-runner.
Into hip-hop and history? → Hamilton — Victoria Palace Theatre, book well ahead.
Want a green-skinned blockbuster? → Wicked — Apollo Victoria, strong for teens and families.
Love an ABBA singalong? → Mamma Mia! — Novello Theatre, a feel-good jukebox musical.
Want the ABBA avatars live? → ABBA Voyage — a virtual concert in Stratford's purpose-built arena.
After a glittering, immersive staging? → Moulin Rouge! — Piccadilly Theatre, lavish and loud.
Drawn to the Elton John fashion musical? → The Devil Wears Prada — Dominion Theatre, a recent opening.
Travelling with younger readers? → Matilda The Musical — Cambridge Theatre, Roald Dahl, family-friendly.
Prefer a whodunnit over a musical? → The Mousetrap — St Martin's Theatre, the record-holding play.

If You Book Only One — Editor's Pick

The Lion King. For a first West End show with a mixed-age group it is the safest crowd-pleaser — the opening sequence and puppetry land regardless of age or language, and the Lyceum's staging has held up for over two decades. Book a few weeks ahead for weekend evenings, and choose stalls or front dress circle for the puppet detail. If you are travelling without children and want something current and adult, swap this for Hamilton or Moulin Rouge!; for the longest-running classic, choose The Phantom of the Opera.