In light of so many show closures and new openings. I thought this would be an interesting time to look back at some of the true long runners of the industry and how they have stayed so popular in such a competitive environment. This list will also show the true history of the West End as the theatre hub officially started with Theatre Royal Drury Lane opening all the way back in 1663. During this time the West End has grown to 39 theatres from massive playhouses like the Apollo Victoria with a capacity of over 2000 to small intimate venues like the Arts theatre with only a 350 capacity. There has been countless shows playing at a near constant turnaround but these are the 6 shows that are the longest-running west end shows.
The Mousetrap – 73 years
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie is the longest running show in the entire world. Starting all the way back in 1952 the show has become a bit of a legend. And many tourists and locals flock to it daily to see how this murder mystery secret has been kept for all these years. Based on the classic Agatha Christie novel the Mousetrap tells the story of this unlikely group of characters. Who become trapped in a hotel during a snow storm before one mysteriously turns up dead. We then follow along the investigation and the audience is kept guessing over whodunit. The play also famously ends with the cast telling the audience to help them keep the secret.
Tickets for the show are always very hot but everyday they release cheap front row seats in the stalls. Visit us at our ticket booth in Leicester square for £27 seats on the day.
Les Miserable – 30 years
Les Miserable is the longest running musical in the world playing now in the West End for 30 years. The show has played over 15,000 performances. It is now celebrating it’s 30th anniversary with a special cast from alumni of the show. The musical follows Jean Valjean, a french peasant, who is released on parole after 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. Over decades we follow him on his new life searching for redemption as the revolutionary period in France commences. The musical is the most awarded show in the world with some of the most famous songs being “I dreamed a dream”, “Do you hear the people sing” and “At the end of the day”.
The Phantom of the Opera – 29 years
The Phantom of the Opera is the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about the tragic story of Christine Daae, who becomes the obsession of the mysterious musical genius. Who live below the Paris Opera House, The Phantom. The show has been seen by 20 million people an is praised for it’s grandeur and simplicity. It also tackles the classic themes of love and obession, which means it connects well with international audiences as well. The show includes the iconic titular song “The Phantom of the Opera” and other classics like “Music of the Night” and “All I Ask of You”.
Mamma Mia – 26 years
Mamma Mia is the first and only jukebox musical on this list composed by Catherine Johnson. And based on the songs by ABBA the Swedish group. The musical is named after the 1975 chart topper “Mamma Mia! and the original band members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were involved in the entire process. The musical features all of Abba’s greatest hits like “Super trouper”, “Dancing Queen”, “Knowing me, Knowing you” and “Voulez-Vous”. It has also been adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried in 2008. The story follows Sophie who is looking for her real father to attend her wedding. Guaranteed to be a fun night filled with joyous songs the show has drawn over 70 million people worldwide.
The Lion King – 26 years
The Lion King is the most successful Disney musical based on original animated film. The show debuted 1997 three years after the film and was an instant success. It feature actors in animal costumes as well as giant hollow puppets. The show won many awards including best musical at the Tony’s but also won Best Costume across the board. For it’s revolutionary use of puppets and animal costumes. The show blends a beloved story with captivating visuals and universally loved music to create a show that has been simultaneously running in the West End and Broadway for over 20 years. It is also the first show on the list to delight audiences across the ocean for this long. As it’s still playing after Phantom, Mamma Mia and Les Mis closed on Broadway.
Wicked – 19 years
Wicked has been running for 18 years at the Apollo Victoria theatre in London and shows no sign of lowing down after the film came out last year to massive commercial success and praise from critics. The musical is loosely based on the book by Gregory Maguire. It tells the unheard story of the Wicked Witch of the West from the classic story The Wizard of Oz. The show has been seen by over 12 million people in London alone. And has won awards all over the world including three tony’s and a Grammy for Best Musical Album. The film Wicked: For Good adapts the second half of the stage show and is due to be released this November.
Honorable Mention: Starlight Express – 18 + 1 years
Starlight Express is an honorable mention for this list as the revival currently playing isn’t the same production as the one that ran for 18 years but it is notable as one of the few cases of a long runner closing and then coming back. Starlight Express is another Andrew Lloyd Webber show and is about a child’s train-set coming to life in his dreams and competing to become the fastest engine in the world. Playing in the specially built Troubadour Theatre the show famously has all the actors on rollerskates. The theatre is split into Platforms, carriages and the locomotive for a immersive experience.
Book in advance with theatrebookings for great prices to these shows!
