Sometimes you want to see something brand new, and sometimes you’re just in the mood for an old classic. Here’s a list of the three longest-running and three newest musicals on the West End right now.
Longest Running
Les Misérables
Seen by over 150 million people worldwide in 57 countries, 455 cities and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. The show opened in London in 1985, and has been playing ever since.
Taking place during the early-to-mid 19th centuries, Les Misérables follows convict Jean Valjean on his journey of redemption. With a sweeping score and stirring story, it’s no wonder this is the longest running musical of all time.
The Phantom of the Opera
The mid-1980s was the perfect time to see musicals set in 19th century France! The Phantom of the Opera debuted a year after Les Misérables, and likewise has been playing ever since.
At the Paris Opera, gifted singer Christine Daaé is caught between her childhood friend Raoul and the mysterious Phantom, a musical genius living beneath the opera house. Their gothic love triangle explores the tension between familiar reality and dark fantasy.
The original London production still plays today. It remains breathtaking, romantic, and technically exacting, a living piece of theatre history that continues to welcome new audiences as well as devoted ‘Phans’.
Mamma Mia!
And now for something completely different!
Since premiering in London’s West End over 27 years ago, ‘the ultimate feel-good show’ (Classic FM) has thrilled over 70 million people around the world.
Mamma Mia is the irresistibly funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless songs.
Newest Shows
*For the purposes of this article, we’re defining “newest” as the shows most recently written.
Sinatra The Musical
Start spreadin’ the news: the West End’s newest musical biography is here! After opening this past June, Sinatra the Musical is the newest musical currently playing!
It is New Year’s Eve, 1942. A skinny 27-year-old Italian-American singer is about to step onto the stage and change music history. As Frank Sinatra’s voice captures a nation, his heart is torn between his wife, Nancy, and movie goddess, Ava Gardner. When scandal and a hostile press send his career into a tailspin, the young crooner fights back and stages the greatest comeback in show business history.
Titaníque
Celine Dion just sang the theme song, she wasn’t really on board the Titanic… or was she?
Titaníque is the Olivier Award-winning musical comedy bursting with nostalgia, non-stop laughs and killer vocals. It’s the musical that’s making hearts go on… and on, so get on board as this ship of dreams is one voyage you simply can’t miss!
The Devil Wears Prada
Whether you’re a fan of the film or not, The Devil Wears Prada has something for everyone. It premiered on the West End in October on 2024, and just last week welcomed Teri Hatcher into the role of Miranda Priestly.
Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon – editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. But how far will she go to succeed… and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she’s always wanted?
