We’re almost halfway through the year and it’s been an exciting year of theatre so far in London’s West End. Over 5 brand new shows have opened and 11 have closed. I thought I would take this opportunity to reminisce and round – up the best west end shows we were saddest to see go and the ones we’re excited are staying.

Olivier Award Winners

Firstly it would be unwise to not mention the Olivier’s that took place a month ago. Best new musical winner, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, saw a huge boost in popularity beyond it’s already dedicated fan base. A home-grown British triumph which extended their run earlier this year and is now booking until August 30th. Alongside this musical, the play that got the most love was Mark Rosenblatt’s Giant starring John Lithgow as Roald Dahl. With Lithgow’s performance being a standout and securing him the Best Actor Award. The show transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre in April and is playing until the 2nd of August.

Shows closing soon

Some surprising closes this year starts with the shocking announcement that Tina will be ending in September after 7 years. Despite long running success and when it’s run ends it will be the longest show to stay at the Aldwych Theatre. Many people are eagerly awaiting the news of what will be taking up home in the Aldwych instead. It’s not all sad news though as it will be heading off on tour next year. In the meantime, don’t miss your chance to see this uplifting show this summer!

Alongside this, Mean Girls which was even more successful here than on it’s previous Broadway run announced a closing date of 8th June. Despite attracting an audience of 350,000 and garnering an Olivier nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Tom Xander as Damien. This is potentially to make way for the Burlesque Musical and subsequently Paddington the Musical, the Savoy is a very sought after theatre. The musical still has a huge life ahead as a tour in 2026 has already been announced. Make sure you sit with them before then with our exclusively discounted tickets!

New Plays

It’s been the year for plays it seem as a litany of new thought-provoking plays landed. A personal favorite, Kyoto that tackles the key issue of climate change in a human and nuanced way. A newly opened exciting piece is My Master Builder currently on at the Wyndhams Theatre. Starring Ewan McGregor as a genius architect, this spin on Ibsen classic is where you want to be for an exciting night of drama. Set on the eve of July 4th whilst Elena throws a party for her husband Henry Solness. Unbeknownst to him she has also invited Mathilde a former student of Henry’s with who he had a short affair. McGregor’s co-leads are Kate Fleetwood and Elizabeth Debicki. Fleetwood in particular brings a level of passion and real pain to Elena that steals any scene she’s in.

New Musicals

The musicals are not far behind. Just For One Day also recently opened following a successful run at The Old Vic. The Live Aid Musical have just started previews with a special gala performance on the 13th July to honor the 40th anniversary. It is already booking till Jan 2026 and will hopefully be appearing on some best west end shows lists. The latter half of the year is when more musicals will start appearing like The Producers and Disney’s Hercules.

Frozen’s closing last year was a huge loss but soon the West End will have two Disney musicals again with Hercules attracting a new audience at the Drury Lane theater and The Lion King still going strong at the Lyceum after 26 years. With the popularity of all Disney properties it’s always wise to book in advance to ensure the best seats for great prices.

Shows on their way to be classics

It can sometimes feel like theres two categories of shows that get the most attention. The long running classics like Les Miserables or Hamilton and the new shows that have just opened. But not enough attention to the best West End shows that have been successfully delighting audiences for years but haven’t yet become a classic.

Hadestown transferred to the West End in feb 2024 from Broadway and it going strong at the Lyric Theatre. When the original Broadway cast was announced, every ticket for that month sold in just a few hours. And now, with their new cast they are selling well. It will hopefully be a staple on Shaftesbury Avenue for years to come. Back to the Future, although closing on broadway a few months ago, has been going strong at the Adelphi for almost 4 years now. This Tony-winnning musical promises a fun night out with the most outstanding stage production currently found on the West End.

Transfers from Broadway seems to be the trend as MJ the Musical is booking until march 2026 already. Although Tony-award winner Myles Frost has left, the titular role Jamaal Fields-Green replaced him and is garnering positive reviews for his nuanced portrayal of MJ‘s vulnerability and artistry.

Six

Some could argue Six is already a classic having now run at the Vaudeville Theatre since it first opened in July 2019. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s hit debut has attracted a dedicated fan base and played successfully to audiences from New York to Sydney.

With talented swings and stunts such as the Japanese queens coming over for a week this is a musical you can watch again and again. The proshot with the original cast was released last month and has further incentivized people to watch this glamorous production. As the performers bring so much of themselves into the role it truly does feel new each time you go. The fact it sells out practiculary every night says it all. If you want last minute exclusive seats book with us here or in person on the day!

Book tickets for the shows mentioned above here!

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