London's Top Musicals

The West End has always been the world's most exciting theatre scene and the musical is the cornerstone of its success. From long-running shows to contemporary productions, at every bend in Theatreland, hit musicals emblazon the streets. We've put together a list of our current must-sees.

When the curtain goes up, make sure you've got the best seats in town - at cut prices - by booking online.

Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre, SW1V 1LG
Until 27th October 2012

'The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz' introduces us to some very familiar characters, years before they met Dorothy. One of them is a clever, lively lady with green skin, the other is superficial, beautiful and popular. Wicked, the tale of how they became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, has broken box office records at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The musical is at its best in the first half, where a Hogwarts-esque school for witches forms the background for a very entertaining US High School comedy, with the usual mix of popular kids, geeks and rebels. Also familiar from the Harry Potter novels is the mixture of a serious political metaphor - the world of Oz slowly falling under the Wizard's fascist regime - and child-friendly fantasy involving thrilling, high-budget broomstick flying scenes. The second half is set during the events from The Wizard of Oz, weaving the plots together very neatly, including the backstories of The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, The Lion and those terrifying flying monkeys. Younger children will love the set and special effects, while older kids and teens will be thoroughly absorbed by the mythology and romance. For adults, the greatest pleasures come from some good jokes and the intricacies of the plotting. Though it lacks any truly memorable numbers, the score is brisk and catchy and this is a rewarding big-budget show. It's definitely worth refamiliarising yourself with the movie before you go.

Wicked - Information

The Phantom of the Opera

Her Majesty's Theatre, SW1Y 4QL
Until 28th April 2012

Andrew Lloyd Webber's most enduring hit has been running since 1984 and is still as popular with audiences and critics as it ever was. Phantom of the Opera tells the haunting tale of the tragic love between a beautiful singer and a scarred composer, who lives beneath the majestic Opera House in Paris. The fine Victorian auditorium of Her Majesty's Theatre sets the mood perfectly for a thoroughly sinister romance, with some great swashbuckling moments and some of the grandest musical set pieces of all time. One of the best from the master of musicals.

The Phantom of the Opera - Information

Mamma Mia!

Prince of Wales Theatre, W1D 6AS
Until 20th October 2012

Through the story-telling magic of the songs of ABBA, we meet Donna, a feisty forty-something single mum, who recalls the distant memories of carefree days and careless nights whilst her daughter Sophie dreams of tradition, romance and a big white wedding. Mamma Mia! is an infectious and funny musical featuring 22 of ABBA's best known songs at the Prince of Wales Theatre. It's a great night out with plenty of participation by the audience and some rousing moments.

Mamma Mia! - Information

Jersey Boys

Prince Edward Theatre, W1D 4HS
Until 21st October 2012

Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre is the tale of four blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who went on to become a chart-topping close harmony group. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are not quite so familiar over here as in America, but December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don't Cry and Can't Take My Eyes Off You remain cast-iron classics and ideal music for a stage show. The Four Season's entertaining backstory is told with laidback wit, comfortably mixing plot and music and finding straightforward entertainment from a classic rags-to-riches tale. It may not have quite the impact on UK audiences as it did on America (where it won four Tony Awards), but this bright and well-directed slice of New Jersey nostalgia is impossible to dislike.

Jersey Boys - Information

Legally Blonde - The Musical

Savoy Theatre, WC2R 0ET
Until 27th October 2012

The 2001 film Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon, really was a fabulous addition to the dizzy world of chick flicks, but whether the musical version can cut it at the Savoy Theatre largely depends on - well - the music. The British public were given a sneak peak of the manically smiling-and-bopping cast in action during the BBC's Children in Need, which left us in no doubt that The New York Times' sound bite describing Legally Blonde The Musical as "the nonstop sugar rush of a show" was indeed spot-on. The effect of all that fizzy choreography and bubble-gum pink glitz is somewhat nauseating but there's no escaping the all-singing all-dancing fact that little princesses everywhere will fall in love with this modern fairytale, in which Elle, dumped for being too silly, goes to Harvard Law School to prove herself but finds that she doesn't have to cast off her girly glamour to be a hit. The West End version has also adorned itself with some famous faces to bring in the crowds: Carley Stenson (of Hollyoaks fame), Lee Mead (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Peter Davison (Doctor Who) and Natalie Casey (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) chief among them.

Legally Blonde - The Musical - Information

The Wizard Of Oz

London Palladium, W1F 7TF
Until 15th January 2012

We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! Following a televised talent show search for a Dorothy to star in his West End production of The Wizard of Oz, Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical arrives at the London Palladium early in 2011. Follow the yellow brick road to see this adaptation of the well known story of Dorothy and her dog Toto who, together with their three friends - Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion - set out on a journey to meet the mysterious Wizard. Classic songs from the 1930s film are combined with original works by Mr Lloyd Webber so there'll be lots of familiar tunes including 'If I Only Had a Heart', 'We're Off to See the Wizard', and 'Over the Rainbow' - the title of the BBC TV show. But it's not all songs and merrily skipping along. Look out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys who'll be doing their best to stop the intrepid travellers reaching the Emerald City. Luckily Dorothy and her friends have some help from the Good Witch of the North and those sparkling ruby red slippers - covered in Swarovski crystals and worth £2,500. Given the popularity of the TV show, this stage version is sure to sell out fast. NOTE: the winner is not guaranteed to play Tuesday evening performances after Tuesday 1 March 2011). The winner will NOT perform on Monday 14 or 21 February 2011 and their holiday weeks have been confirmed as week commencing 2 May, 5 September & 12 September 2011.

The Wizard Of Oz - Information

We Will Rock You

Dominion Theatre, W1T 7AQ
Until 24th March 2012

A Freddie Mercury soundalike leads the Bohemians in a rebellion against the boy and girl bands who control Planet Mall, under the leadership of the Killer Queen... You can see where this is going, can't you? There's even a character called Scaramouche, who does the fandango. The plot of We Will Rock You - playing at the Dominion Theatre is simply an excuse to make a roster of Queen songs even crazier, with a selection of ever-more-extravagant 70s sci-fi outfits and sets. If you're a fan then this is top entertainment, a live performance jam-packed with special effects and the kind of figure-hugging costumes that guarantee a falsetto just like Freddie's. The songs are recreated with superb attention to detail and there's a rousing singalong finale. Ben Elton's all-conquering Queen musical has defied critical opinion to become a massive West End favourite.

We Will Rock You - Information

Shrek The Musical

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, WC2B 5JF
6th May 2011 - 21st October 2012

Given Shrek's popularity at the Box Office it was only a matter of time before a live version took to the West End stage. Starting in May and running through to early 2012 - and possibly beyond - the eagerly-anticipated Shrek The Musical brings the much loved characters from the Oscar-winning animation film to life and features all new songs as well as cult Skrek anthem I'm a Believer. Join Shrek (Nigel Lindsay), our unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey (Richard Blackwood) as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona (Amanda Holden) from her tower guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad (Nigel Harman), a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you've got this year's must-see new musical comedy. On the stage of the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the world of fairytales is turned upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance.

More info: Shrek The Musical Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Lion King

The Lyceum Theatre, WC2E 7RQ
Until 1st April 2012

The Lion King tells the story of Simba - the epic adventure of his battles, his friendships, his dreams and his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the African Pridelands. It's the costumes and puppetry at the Lyceum Theatre that have made this one of the most successful musicals of all time as a whole menagerie of wild beasts are created from masks, stilts and superb dancing. The ever-changing set and the addition of Zulu chants to Elton John and Tim Rice's catchy songs all add to an extraordinary atmosphere. A triumphant, genre-defying adaptation and one of the few family plays that is genuinely as much fun for adults as children.

The Lion King - Information

Ghost The Musical

Piccadilly Theatre, W1D 7DY
22nd June 2011 - 13th October 2012

This classic 1990 movie starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore has been given the musical treatment and arrives on the London stage in June 2011 at the Piccadilly Theatre. Fans of the original film will already know the story: Sally and Sam are mugged while walking back to their apartment one night, leaving Sam trapped as a ghost between this world and the next, desperately trying to protect Sally with the help of a phony psychic called Oda Mae Brown. Olivier Award-nominated director Matthew Warchus takes the helm of Ghost The Musical, with brand new music and songs provided by Grammy award-winners Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (producer of Alanis Morrisette's Jagged Little Pill).

More info: Ghost The Musical Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube