Best Theatre Shows In London

• Where: a secret Central London spot (revealed the week before the show)

Ever got an urge to stand up and join in when watching your favourite musical? Well now you can with the West End Musical Brunch. This one-of-a-kind event invites you to step into the spotlight alongside the stars of London's iconic West End, and features live performances from the biggest names, including past stars of Wicked, Les Miserables, Hamilton, and more.

But here's the twist - the audience is part of the show. After an hour of bottomless cocktails and soft drinks, you'll be belting out Defying Gravity, singing Fame at the top of your lungs, and dancing to Grease Lightning, all while enjoying a delicious two-course meal. It's your chance to become part of the magic and immerse yourself in the world of musical theatre.

• Where: 2 Shepperton Road, London, N1 3DT

Nestled next to Regent's Canal in Islington is the characterful Rosemary Branch Theatre, an award-winning pub that's just waiting for your visit. From comedies to plays and improv, this artsy spot has a little something for everyone to be dazzled by.

Bring your friends along, nurse a cold pint and catch some of the best up-and-coming comics as they try out their new material, or watch independent shows that creatively tackle interesting themes and get your mind spinning hours after it's over. What's more, for some of the best theatre plays in London, tickets are super affordable, typically starting from around £8 per person.

• Where: London-wide

Shakespeare fans, rejoice - Fuller's Shakespeare in the Garden is back this summer with a fresh and lively take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. Performed by the brilliant Open Bar theatre company, these outdoor productions bring the Bard's magic to life in stunning pub garden settings across London and beyond.

Forget stiff auditoriums - this is Shakespeare as it should be: informal, interactive, and fuelled by laughter (and a pint or two). Whether you're a theatre regular or just discovering the classics, this whimsical retelling promises an evening of unforgettable performance and summer atmosphere.

• Where: London-wide

For those who think they've seen it all on the London stage, Fuller's Opera in the Garden is here to shake things up. Rogue Opera delivers a bold and irreverent reimagining of Mozart's Così fan tutte, blending stunning live vocals with sharp modern wit - think The Wolf of Wall Street colliding with Clueless.

Performed in English and set outdoors in a lush garden venue, this is opera as you've never experienced it: vibrant, funny, and totally unmissable.

• Where: Aldwych Theatre, 49, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF

At Aldwych Theatre's TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, get ready to groove with the queen of rock and roll and witness how she conquered the world in the most electrifying musical in town.

During the show, you'll get to groove to all her biggest hits and some Motown classics like 'What's Love Got to Do With It', 'Proud Mary', 'River Deep Mountain High', and 'Better Be Good To Me'. Written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the globally renowned Phyllida Lloyd, it's a musical masterpiece that you don't want to miss.

• Where: The Bloomsbury Ballroom, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4DA

Fancy hitting up some of the best theatre in London? Known for its luxurious atmosphere and world-class talent, this spot offers an immersive journey through global cultures with stunning choreography, intricate costumes, and awe-inspiring performances. 

Currently playing at The London Cabaret Club, Roxie Rocks Chicago brings the Roaring 20s to life with dazzling performances inspired by the classic film. Featuring a star-studded cast, glitzy costumes, and show-stopping choreography, this electrifying production immerses guests in Roxie Hart's world of fame and obsession. For those craving a vibrant, festive atmosphere, the Copacabana experience will transport you to the heart of Rio with sensational samba dancers, tropical cocktails, and an unforgettable carnival celebration. 

• Where: London Coliseum, 33 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES

Want to see a show that'll make you feel like it's the Roaring 20s again? Then head to The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum. This fantastic musical takes F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless story and makes it even more entertaining.

Follow the beautiful but tragic tale of Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan, produced by the award-winning Korean musical producer Chunsoo Shin - with tickets starting from only £25 per person.

• Where: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0NS

Get ready to rev up your time machine and journey to the past with Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. This time-travelling stage sensation brings the iconic 1985 film to life, with Marty McFly, the ultimate rock 'n' roll teen, accidentally zipping back to 1955 in Doc Brown's legendary DeLorean. Now, Marty's got a heavy task ahead of him - making sure his young parents fall in love to avoid erasing his existence from the future.

Packed with all the nostalgic characters and epic moments you know and love, including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode, this musical is a timeless adventure. With a mix of magic, laughs, and heart-pounding excitement, it's a show that'll have you wishing you could hop in the DeLorean and experience it all over again.

• Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

Catch this spellbinding musical as takes you to the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London from £31 per person. Wicked is the acclaimed musical that'll have you defying gravity with its twists and turns and memorable numbers. Before Dorothy clicked her heels and stepped foot in Oz, it was home to two young witches, Glinda and Elphaba, whose story is waiting to be told. 

Having played to over 12 million people in London alone, this musical phenomenon is a cultural treasure, winning over 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards. With its spellbinding performances, captivating storyline, and unforgettable songs, Wicked remains one of the most successful and beloved musicals of all time.

• Where: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Fulton Road, London, HA9 8TS

Get ready for a thrill ride at the Starlight Express, held at the Starlight Auditorium in the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This electrifying musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber spins a high-speed tale of Rusty, a once-reliable steam engine determined to leave his outdated ways behind and race his way to victory, both on the track and in winning the heart of the sleek Pearl.

Set entirely on roller skates, the show is a dazzling spectacle of rapid choreography, bold set designs, and a heart-pounding race to claim the title of Fastest Engine in the World. As Rusty faces off against rivals like Greaseball, the arrogant diesel, and Electra, the flashy new electric engine, he must overcome every obstacle and prove that being a true champion is about more than just speed.

• Where: Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A2DY
• Read DesignMyNight's review of Clueless: The Musical

After some musical action with a healthy hit of nostalgia? Bringing her 1995 cult teen movie Clueless to the stage as one of the best theatre shows in London for 2025 is Amy Heckerling, writer-director of the original film. 

Clueless: The Musical is everything you want it to be and more. Think all the antics and quotable one-liners of Cher Horowitz, who's based on Jane Austen heroine Emma, alongside new music by Brit Award winner KT Tunstall and lyrics from Grammy® winner and three-time Tony® nominee Glenn Slater (known for Sister Act The Musical and School Of Rock). 

• Where: Phoenix Theatre, 110, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0JP

Prepare to dive into the origins of Stranger Things with The First Shadow - a gripping new adventure that promises to take you deeper into the supernatural world of Hawkins.

This multi-award-winning production transports you to 1959, where Jim Hopper is facing car trouble, Joyce Maldonado is set on leaving town, and a mysterious new student, Henry Creel, brings chaos to their lives. As the shadows of the past loom large, this thrilling tale could reveal the shocking truth behind the Stranger Things saga. 

• Where: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

Hadestown is a Broadway sensation that has won hearts worldwide. Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, this award-winning musical is a must-see at the Lyric Theatre.

With 8 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and a Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theatre Album, Hadestown invites you on a spellbinding journey to the underworld and beyond. Through two intertwined love stories - one of Orpheus and Eurydice, full of passion and tragedy, and another between the powerful King Hades and his wife Persephone - the production explores themes of love, sacrifice, and fate in a mesmerising performance you won't forget.

• Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF

Head to Theatre Royal Drury Lane to catch Hercules, the fantastic musical adaptation of Disney's classic film. Written by Tony winners Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah and featuring new songs from Alan Menken and David Zippel, this is a truly brilliant performance.

Join Hercules as he battles monsters, defies the gods, and discovers what it truly means to be a hero. Following acclaimed runs in the U.S. and Germany, this larger-than-life show is ready to go the distance in London, with tickets starting from just £31 each.

• Where: Kit Kat Club, Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE

Leave your troubles outside - life is beautiful at the Kit Kat Club. Step into the hedonistic heart of 1930s Berlin as Cabaret transforms The Playhouse Theatre into a dazzling, immersive wonderland. This multi-award-winning production invites you to drink, dance, and disappear into the world of the Kit Kat Club - where the Emcee watches all and the line between pleasure and peril is dangerously thin.

Set against the backdrop of the rise of the Nazis, this multi-award-winning show features amazing burlesque acts and musical hits like 'Wilkommen', 'Mein Herr' and 'Maybe This Time'. Plus, you can secure tickets from just £37 per person.

• Where: His Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL

Often considered to be one of the most amazing productions in history, Phantom of the Opera is Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece. You can see it at His Majesty's Theatre for as little as £37 per person, starring Dean Chisnall as The Phantom, Lily Kerhoas as Christine Daaé and Joe Griffiths-Brown as Raoul.

This performance has been seen by over 160 million people all over the world, in 21 different languages. Expect a stunning show, featuring songs like Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again and more.

• Where: Savoy Theatre, The Strand, London, WC2R 0ET
• Read DesignMyNight's review of Mean Girls The Musical
  

It's not just a musical - it's a cool musical. Mean Girls The Musical has strutted its way to London, bringing all the high school drama, sharp wit, and iconic moments that have made the movie a cultural phenomenon. From Tina Fey's sharp writing to Jeff Richmond's catchy tunes, this Broadway hit is the ultimate way to spend a night with your friends - and your cool mom.

Join Regina, Gretchen, and Karen - aka the Plastics - who rule North Shore High with an iron fist and a flawless wardrobe. When new girl Cady Heron tries to outwit Regina's reign, she quickly learns that crossing a queen bee is more dangerous than it looks. With killer songs, hilarious one-liners, and an all-star creative team, this show will have you dying for a seat at the Plastics' table.

• Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW

Rediscover the magic of childhood with My Neighbour Totoro, the beloved and award-winning Royal Shakespeare Company production that has captured hearts worldwide. After a record-breaking run at the Barbican, this enchanting stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's 1988 animated classic is heading to the West End in 2024, bringing its timeless story to life like never before.

My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside to be closer to their mother, who is recovering from an illness. In their new home, Mei encounters the lovable and mysterious Totoro, a magical creature that guards the forest. As the siblings embark on incredible adventures, they discover a world filled with spirits, sprites, and wonders beyond their wildest imaginations. This heartwarming tale celebrates the boundless power of imagination and the special bond between family, making it the perfect show for audiences of all ages.

• Where: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY
• Read DesignMyNight's review of Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Uncork the champagne and let the dazzling world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical transport you to a place where the sparkle of Parisian glamour meets boundless energy. It's a spectacular blend of Bohemian spirit and aristocratic allure, where dreams are born and passions ignite.

Inspired by Baz Luhrmann's iconic film, this thrilling new musical adaptation bursts to life on stage in a whirlwind of creativity. With direction from Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers, a script by Tony Award® winner John Logan, choreography by Emmy Award® nominee Sonya Tayeh, and music supervision by Justin Levine, Moulin Rouge! The Musical promises an unforgettable night of music, dance, and breathtaking spectacle.

• Where: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU

Based on Roald Dahl's classic tale, Matilda: The Musical is guaranteed to put a smile on your face as one of the best theatre shows in London for families. Created by the Royal Shakespeare Company, this brilliant show follows the story of a young girl who is misunderstood by her parents but is finally recognised as a genius when she starts school.

Since its debut in 2010, this musical has won over 100 international awards. With terrifying teachers, revolting children, and a touch of magic, Matilda: The Musical is a riotous celebration of imagination and resilience and you'll find this performance at Cambridge Theatre, with tickets beginning at £25 per person.

• Where: London Palladium, 8, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary EVITA makes a triumphant return, reimagined by visionary director Jamie Lloyd. This bold new production breathes fresh life into the iconic story of Eva Perón - her meteoric rise, her undeniable power, and her lasting legacy.

Featuring timeless hits like 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' and 'You Must Love Me', this electrifying revival is set to take The London Palladium by storm. For 12 weeks only from the 14th of June 2025, witness the passion, the politics, and the unforgettable music that made EVITA a global sensation.

• Where: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ
• Read DesignMyNight's review of The Devil Wears Prada

Taking place at the Dominion Theatre, The Devil Wears Prada is a hit musical based on the iconic film. It tells the story of young journalist Andy, fresh out of college, landing a job at the prestigious Runway magazine, where she'll answer to none other than Miranda Priestly - the world's most powerful and terrifying fashion editor.

Not only is the score written by none other than Elton John, but the choreography is also by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. And the best part? Tickets start from just £31 per person.

• Where: Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS

Laugh your holy socks off with The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. This Tony Award®-winning musical from the creators of South Park - Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez - delivers a hilariously twisted take on two Mormon missionaries sent to spread their word in a Ugandan village.

But with the villagers more focused on their own divine problems than the missionaries' teachings, things go off the rails in the best possible way. Featuring unforgettable songs like I Believe and Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, this show blends sharp satire, toe-tapping tunes, and a surprisingly heartfelt message. 

• Where: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD

Take a chance on a night full of sunshine and ABBA hits with Mamma Mia! - the world's most fabulous musical. Set on a dreamy Greek island, this feel-good extravaganza brings together love, laughter, and a whole lot of Dancing Queen energy, all set to ABBA's timeless tunes.

Join Sophie as she embarks on a quest to find her father, throwing her mom Donna's past into the mix, just days before Sophie's wedding. The result? A delightful Mama Mia moment of love, confusion, and reunion that'll have you super trooping your way through a show packed with hilarious twists, heartfelt moments, and of course, dancing in the aisles.