Whether you’re looking for inspiring stories, uplifting songs or laugh-out-loud moments, our round-up of the best London musicals in August is guaranteed to keep you in high spirits. Alongside popular long-running West End musicals, the city is buzzing with exciting new productions as well as star studded new musicals and plays that are delighting theatregoers.
A whole host of new shows are coming to London this month, ready to dazzle audiences. Highlights include the long-awaited opening of Trainspotting the Musical, which brings Irvine Welsh's cult novel to the stage 33 years after the film was released. Another not-to-be-missed show is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical CATS, which returns in a brand new production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Featuring much-loved songs including “Macavity”, this revival runs until 19 September.
For theatregoers seeking a gripping comedy, The Comedy About Spies is making its return after roaring applause during its first run last year, bringing its madcap spy adventure back to the stage.
Why trust our list? We update our list monthly based on top-selling shows and our readers’ popular picks – so you’re always in the know! See all London musicals currently showing.
Jump to your favourite show from on our top 10 musicals in London:
- The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
- The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre
- MAMMA MIA! at the Novello Theatre
- The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre
- Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
- Wicked The Musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
- The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre
- Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
- Grease - The Immersive Movie Musical at Battersea Park
- Sinatra The Musical at the Aldwych Theatre
Check out the latest theatre news:
- Rising Stars in the West End: Summer Strallen joins the cast of Beetlejuice The Musical
- Editor's pick: See the London premiere of Death Note The Musical
Award-winning family show
The award-winning musical adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King continues to dazzle the West End after 26 spectacular years at the Lyceum Theatre – making it one of the longest-running shows in London. A true feast for the eyes, the show’s jaw-dropping costume design and puppetry steal the spotlight, with towering giraffes (standing at 18 feet) brought to life by actors on stilts.
Featuring more than 25 animal species and 232 puppets, the production’s most show-stopping moment comes when a life-sized elephant makes its way down the stalls, joined by the creatures of the Pride Lands – all set to the emotional power of the iconic song Circle of Life.
Book The Lion King tickets now to see this breathtaking scene that continues to captivate audiences of all ages – no surprise for a show that won an Olivier Award for Best Costume Design. Want to know everything there is to know about this iconic London musical? Make sure you check out our London review of The Lion King.
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
From £43.75
Based on 12,515 reviews
Showstopping costume design and staging
Celebrating an incredible 40 years in the West End in 2026, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera – the second longest-running musical in London – shows no sign of slowing down, continuing to captivate audiences night after night. Costume design plays a huge role, with more than 230 costumes, 111 wigs, and an entire behind-the-scenes team making the magic happen.
It takes a full two hours to transform the Phantom each evening – from prosthetics and makeup to wig fitting and the custom-made mask. Don’t miss your chance to see this remarkable transformation live by booking Phantom of the Opera tickets.
One of the most mesmerising moments? Christine and the Phantom gliding across the fog-filled lake, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles – pure theatrical magic.
Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
From £31.25
Based on 7,188 reviews
Disco energy and immaculate Greek vibes
Another long-running smash hit in the West End, MAMMA MIA! continues to light up London theatreland with pure feel-good energy. Expect dazzling, multicoloured costumes that sparkle across the stage, taking you right back to the disco era.
Think flared trousers and glitter galore in inspiring iconic Super Trouper outfits – which take a whopping 400 metres of Lycra to make! Don’t leave before the curtain call, as the cast returns to belt out ABBA classics inviting everyone to sing along as the show finishes on a high.
Want to know all about the top glitzy moments to look out for? Make sure you read our recent review of MAMMA MIA! The Musical on the Visit London blog.
Book MAMMA MIA! tickets now to secure a front-row seat to this feel-good musical extravaganza.
Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
From £18.75
Based on 3,294 reviews
High-stakes fashion extravaganza complete with show-stopping musical score
Prepare for plenty of glamour with the exclusive West End musical adaptation of the hit film The Devil Wears Prada, at the Dominion Theatre. Set to original music composed by Sir Elton John, this production immerses you in the ruthless world of fashion.
Relive the most memorable scenes from the film, featuring the formidable Miranda Priestley (played by Vanessa Williams) and Andy, who is trying to find her place in the demanding world of fashion. Make sure you secure your tickets for The Devil Wears Prada to experience this spectacular West End production.
Want to know how the first year of The Devil Wears Prada went in the West End? Read our Visit London review.
268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ
From £28.00
See theatre kids steal the spotlight
Be wowed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's multi-award-winning Matilda The Musical, where Roald Dahl's beloved story bursts to life with breathtaking stage design and showstopping performances.
The kids truly steal the show, delivering powerhouse performances that could rival West End stars. From the hilarious opening number Miracle to the heartwarming When I Grow Up and the cheeky favourite Naughty, it’s impossible not feel hyped up by the performance. Keep an eye out for the flying paper planes – said to be school reports – launched into the crowd during the rousing number Revolting Children.
Want to know more? Read our Matilda review before you book your tickets to see Matilda the Musical.
Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
From £25.00
Based on 5,097 reviews
A family hit: magical extravaganza
As cinema-goers' excitement lingers from the second part of the blockbuster adaptation last autumn, the original West End phenomenon Wicked the musical continues to defy gravity at the Apollo Victoria, whisking audiences away on a spellbinding journey with the Wicked Witch of the West.
One of the show’s biggest surprises? A giant, roaring dragon that looms over the stage and comes to life throughout the performance. The costumes are just as spectacular: from all shades of green in the Emerald City’s Victorian-inspired looks, to Glinda’s pastel ballgowns and sparkly school uniforms, to Elphaba’s iconic witch hat and feathered dark dresses. Her full green transformation takes a whole 30 minutes with a makeup artist – all leading to that signature emerald look.
Get Wicked tickets to make sure to witness this spellbinding transformation. Want to fully immerse yourself in the world of the Wicked Witch of the West? Make sure you read our Wicked-themed London itinerary!
17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG
From £31.25
Based on 7,651 reviews
A laugh-out loud West End success story
Get ready to enter a church like no other with the four-time Olivier Award-winning The Book of Mormon – a musical that will have you laughing to the end. This outrageous satire, created by none other than South Park’s Matt Stone and Trey Parker, follows two newly appointed Mormon missionaries as they hop on a plane… destination: Uganda.
Opening number Hello – sung by all the Mormons – will have you chuckling straight away and might just get stuck in your head. Watch out for pop culture references scattered throughout the show. This musical is nothing like you’d expect – from the founder’s absurd conversations with a golden Jesus Christ, to laugh-out-loud choreography featuring Mormon elders tap dancing.
Secure your tickets for The Book of Mormon and experience the ultimate musical comedy on the London West End.
Want to delve deeper into The Elders' whirlwind of an adventure? Read our Visit London review.
Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS
From £25.00
Based on 6,295 reviews
Immersive staging into 19th-Century France
See London’s longest-running West End musical at the Sondheim Theatre, a spellbinding production that continues to captivate audiences. Follow ex-convict Jean Valjean on his lifelong struggle for freedom while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, from Fantine’s heartbreak to the defiance of the barricades.
The stage production of Les Misérables is more than a classic – it’s a vivid reimagining of a tale of redemption that still resonates today. Ideal for a first West End experience, it immerses audiences in revolutionary France with a mesmerising score and dramatic staging.
Get tickets for Les Misérables and see a show that remains one of the very best musical in London, a must-see for first-time visitors and those returning for another dose of West End magic.
Shaftesbury Avenue, St James, London, W1D 6BA
From £31.25
Based on 8,860 reviews
Immersive theatrical experience paired with a live musical performance
There’s nothing quite like getting dressed up for a night out and letting your inner Sandy take over. As soon as theatregoers arrive at the Grease Immersive Experience in Battersea Park, it feel like stepping straight into Rydell High. Arrive with plenty of time to spare, as the outdoor funfair is a key part of the experience with plenty of rides to enjoy before the show begins. Once inside, you’re free to roam the set, with action happening across multiple spaces at once, meaning every visit can feel slightly different depending on where you are.
As you move into the school hall and explore the large space, actors begin to appear, replaying iconic scenes from the film while the movie is displayed across large screens in the background. Combined with immersive sets that recreate famous locations from the film, including Frosty Palace, the Auto Shop and the Drive-In, the show will have you singing along to “Summer Nights” and “Beauty School Dropout” in no time.
Book your tickets now for Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, and join fellow students at Rydell High to relive your favourite scenes from the film!
Evolution London
From £42.50
An extraordinary and lavish production featuring the crooner's best hits
This summer, Sinatra The Musical has been lighting up the London West End with nostalgia and sing-along hits, bringing a celebration of Frank Sinatra’s legacy and most beloved music to the stage. Created by an award-winning team, the show transports audiences to 1942, when a young Italian-American singer took to the stage in a performance that would change the course of music history. Playing Sinatra is Joel Harper-Jackson, who stars alongside Ana Villafañe as Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Nancy Sinatra. Sinatra was not only the voice that captured the nation’s heart, but also an artist grappling with family life and temptations that led to scandal. This ultimately caused the press to turn against him, setting the stage for one of the greatest comebacks in showbiz.
The production is brought to life by two-time Tony Award-winning writer Joe DiPietro (What's New, Pussycat?, Memphis) and Olivier and three-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes, Top Hat). It features more than 20 of Sinatra's greatest songs, including "For My Baby", "The Best Is Yet to Come" and "I've Got the World on a String".
Get your tickets now for Sinatra: The Musical and discover the man behind the iconic entertainer.
Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF
From £35.00
Experience the vibrant energy of the West End theatre scene and secure your tickets to some of the best musicals in London, including Hamilton, The Lion King and Wicked.
Book theatre tickets in advance for the best choice of seats and to make sure you don't miss out on the best musicals in London right now, including long-running favourites The Phantom of the Opera, MAMMA MIA! and Les Misérables. If musicals aren't your thing, find a play instead of a musical, or explore even more London theatre.
Rising Stars in the West End: Summer Strallen joins the cast of Beetlejuice The Musical
Joining the hauntingly funny world of Beetlejuice The Musical as the eccentric Delia is Summer Strallen, who will take on the role for a strictly limited run from 3 August until 2 November. Fresh from its Broadway transfer, Beetlejuice The Musical has already cast its spell over London theatregoers, bringing Tim Burton’s cult classic film to life on stage with its mischievous green-haired ghoul at the centre of the story. The show combines outrageous humour, larger-than-life characters, an unforgettable musical score and uncanny special effects inspired by the film’s supernatural 90s universe.
Summer Strallen plays Delia, Lydia’s self-proclaimed life coach and soon-to-be stepmother, bringing her own energy to the quirky character who delivers some of the show’s funniest moments. With her unconventional advice and belief in her own spiritual guidance, Delia quickly becomes one of the musical’s most memorable characters.Strallen is no stranger to the West End, having starred in Young Frankenstein, Top Hat, Love Never Dies, The Sound of Music, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Cats.
Read our recent review of Beetlejuice the Musical for the lowdown on all the showstopping moments to look out for.
Book your tickets for Beetlejuice the Musical and prepare for a night of supernatural mayhem that's unlike anything else in the West End.
Editor's pick: See the London premiere of Death Note The Musical
Landing at the Barbican Theatre this summer is the much-anticipated stage adaptation of Death Note The Musical, based on one of the most famous manga series created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. Playing for a strictly limited 50 performances until 12 September, this English-language production brings the hit Japanese musical to London audiences for the first time, in collaboration with the original production team. The musical also features a captivating score by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Frank Wildhorn.
The story follows Light Yagami, a gifted young student who discovers a mysterious notebook that gives its owner the power to decide who lives and who dies. Determined to use this power to create a better world, Light begins a mission to eliminate criminals and reshape society. However, his mission soon catches the attention of detective L, as the pair find themselves questioning what justice really means and how far someone should go to achieve it.
Secure your tickets for Death Note: The Musical and dive into this thrilling battle for justice
How far in advance should I book West End musical tickets?
It really depends on the show you’re planning to see during your visit to London. Whether it’s one of the West End’s long-running hits such as Phantom of the Opera or Wicked, which tend to have more availability ahead of time, or one of the latest productions making a splash, which often have shorter runs and sell out faster, especially if there's a hit cast involved.
That said, the West End is buzzing with theatre lovers all year round, so we’d recommend booking your tickets as soon as you’ve picked your show – especially if you want a good view.
Which London musicals sell out quickly?
New productions landing on the West End are usually the talk of the town, often featuring star-studded casts and bold, fresh takes on classic stories or brand-new work, usually as short runs. Shows such as Hamilton tend to top the list of best-sellers, along with Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, known for its immersive staging and big-name leads.
Top hits, including the effervescent and hilarious musical comedy Titanique, and the joyous revival of Oliver! The Musical, are making waves in Theatreland – so it’s worth snapping up tickets while you can.
With the highly anticipated revival of the musical Avenue Q landing on the West End on 31 March, now is the perfect time to start planning your next theatre outing. Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as this puppet-filled musical featuring all the top songs from the original production is sure to be a crowd favourite!
Which London musicals are good for first-time visitors?
London is bursting with captivating theatre productions, from long-standing classics to bold new musicals and revivals featuring unforgettable scores.
First-timers are spoilt for choice, with shows that have been wowing theatre lovers for years. From the acclaimed adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables, to the haunting gothic world of The Phantom of the Opera, and the infectious, feel-good energy of MAMMA MIA!, lighting up the West End since 1999.
