London, the city of theatres! (well, not only, but for this article let’s just skip all the other nouns and focus on performing arts only) There are around 250 theatres in the city, and what it means is that at any given time there are probably a hundred shows staged somewhere, from West End to Hammersmith and Ealing.
If you live here, it means that a) you’ve probably been to a theatre once or twice – otherwise, have you been living under a rock? b) you get constantly asked by your friends and family who plan to visit about the shows worth seeing.
I know I do get asked about it quite a lot myself, so I decided to give you my 5 recommendations for West End shows worth seeing in London by tourists and visitors. These are updated for 2022 and some of these shows may be closing by the end of the year. But until they’re here, they are definitely my picks.
*I only recommend shows I’ve seen myself. And as much as I tried, I haven’t seen all the West End productions available (yet)! Also, in this article I focused on the long-playing shows that you may have a chance to catch anytime in 2022. There were so many fab performances that I loved but because they had a short run I decided not to include them.
1. Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Who should see the show:
Someone who’s never seen a West End show before or in fact, never seen a musical before. For a younger crowd or for folks who are not fully confident in their knowledge of English.
Why see it:
Because of its epic proportions! I don’t think you could see anything this huge or majestic on stage elsewhere. Top acting, top voices, top costumes, and music. Also, because “Lion King” is a story that everyone knows, so even if can’t understand it 100% in English while seeing it live, you will still be able to follow the plot.
My comment:
Don’t trust people who say it’s for kids. I saw it when I was 30 and cried twice while watching it. It still has a special place in my heart! Important: tickets for “Lion King” tend to sell out and also be on the expensive side. To get cheaper tickets make sure to book min. 1 month in advance. If you’re feeling lucky, try the Disney Magical Mondays lottery – you could win £25 tickets for the show! You have to be super quick with the lottery though because many people are keen to put their hands on these tickets 🙂 Also, check TodayTix for special deals like Theatre Week or Theatre Month – the “Lion King” tickets are always available with a discount then.
2. Come from Away at Phoenix Theatre
Who should see the show:
People who love a good real story that touches hearts. Anyone who remembers what happened on 9/11. Or anyone who just had a stressful or annoying week and is looking for a nice warm blanket on the soul. And for people who like to “do their homework” and research the story once they get home (=jump into the youtube blackhole and discover more and more videos on the topic, happened to me in this case!).
Why see it:
“Come from Away” delivers a story that’s told once but will stay in your heart forever. It’s not a flashy show with tons of effects or complex staging – instead, you get to spend time with the characters in their small town of Gander and immerse yourself in the Newfoundland lifestyle. Also, it’s distinctive, as all the actors stay on stage for the entirety of the show – the stage movement is impeccable, as a large cast is always present. Incredible work.
My comment:
This play is highly addictive. I guarantee you will listen to the soundtrack on repeat for a good week after seeing the show. Also, when you’re in the Phoenix Theatre, make sure you grab yourself a programme – it has lots of information about the real story showcased in the show and lets you understand it even better. It’s the most heartwarming story you can see on the West End. For best value tickets head to the Today Tix app and grab yourself £25 rush tickets – sold at 10 AM for the evening performance on the same day.
3. & Juliet at Shaftesbury Theatre
Who should see the show:
Anyone who had their Backstreet Boys/Spice Girls/N’Sync phase as a kid or teenager. Someone looking for a story with a strong girl power element to it. Best friends on a trip to London together, who just want to have a fun night out.
Why see it:
“& Juliet” is a happiness pill, served in overdose. There’s glitter, there’s a rom-com concept transferred on the stage, and there are tons of songs that Millennials know and love. It’s a celebration of pop culture, in all the best ways.
My comment:
It’s a jukebox musical with kickass songs from the ’90s and 2000’s so you will be tempted to sing along. But please, don’t! There are specific singalong performances organised for mass karaoke purposes. Unless you join one of those, please, for the Flying Spaghetti Monster’s sake, keep quiet and enjoy the beautiful, professional singing done by the cast. Want cheaper tickets? Rush tickets on Today Tix are available, of course 🙂 I’ve heard you can even grab a seat in the front seat if you’re lucky!
4. 2:22 A Ghost Story
Who should see the show:
Someone keen to see a show that’s not a musical. Anyone open to feeling a bit of thrill, in a slightly scary way. Or, if you’re looking forward to seeing a celebrity on stage (each cast includes someone widely famous, in the cast I’ve seen it was Tom Felton).
Why see it:
It’s super different! It’s not your usual West End production of comedy or musical. Also, it’s worth getting a ticket for the sake of experiencing the Criterion Theatre, which is the only London theatre based entirely underground – it’s quite an experience. As for the show itself, I found it to be scary but not over the top scary – as the jumpscares are balanced with some of the best, most natural-sounding dialogues I’ve ever experienced in the theatre. It’s a proper ghost story, but it provides many ways to interpret the themes used in it.
My comment:
Whatever people say, it’s still a horror. If you’re not keen on creepy moments, don’t buy a ticket. But if you don’t mind getting a bit emotionally messed up – definitely check it out. In my opinion, it’s much scarier than “The Woman in Black” which also plays on West End, but was just a lukewarm play for me. While picking your seats for the show, check the reviews of seats on Seatplan – there are a couple of pillars placed in strategic spots that may block your view if you’re in the stalls.
5. Moulin Rouge, The Piccadilly Theatre
Who should see the show:
People are keen to be completely wowed. And fans of Baz Luhrmann’s crazy films. Those of you who want to celebrate a special event, anniversary, etc during the trip to London (seeing this show with a glass of champagne in hand would be quite a way to have a fun time!).
Why see it:
Two words: splendour and romance. Even if you’ve seen many theatre venues in your life, I bet you’ll be blown away by the interior of the Piccadilly Theatre. What the “Moulin Rouge” team has done with the place is out of this world. The stage design itself is – in my opinion – the most impressive one on the West End, with multiple curtains, huge set pieces that appear out of nowhere, and the truly magical transition between the scenes. The experience of the show is also a bit immersive, especially if you sit in the seats nearby the stage – as the ensemble interacts with guests before the show.
My comment:
Personally, I did not rate Moulin Rouge 5 stars while reviewing it (read my review here). I was disappointed by the main actors and their lack of chemistry on stage. But – and that’s a big but – even months after seeing the play, I’m still in awe of the interior design of the theatre and fabulous songs. Important: the play is sexy and touches sensitive issues, I wouldn’t recommend taking kids to see it. It is, however, a great occasion for a romantic date!
So there you go, my 5 picks for best West End shows to see if you’re coming to London or want to start your adventure with theatre.
.
.
Let me just add a small bonus: my controversial opinion a play you should NOT see as your first London play:
Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre
Why?
I love this show and I adore Lin Manuel Miranda (he’s my favourite musical creator forever and ever). But. Unless you are American (=familiar with the history of Hamilton) or a native speaker, I recommend watching “Hamilton” online first – with subtitles. The pace of rapping on the stage is so fast, that a lot of people just don’t understand the plot while seeing it live. It’s also quite a serious story and heavily based on politics – not everyone’s cup of tea. If you see the show online and love it, I definitely recommend seeing it live as the next step!
Leave a Reply