A Guide to London’s West End: My Top 5 Shows Reviewed & How to Book
There’s something magical about the moment the curtain rises in London’s West End — the lights dim, the music swells, and you’re transported into another world. Whether you’re a theatre buff or just looking to add a little drama to your London itinerary, catching a West End show is a must-do experience.
Why I Always Make Time for a West End Show in London
If there’s one thing I must do every time I visit London, it’s catch a West End show. I’ve loved musical theatre for as long as I can remember, but growing up in Texas, it wasn’t easy to enjoy live performances regularly. Houston would occasionally host touring shows like The Lion King, but those opportunities were few and far between — and Broadway in New York? It is too far, expensive, and impractical for a student or weekend trip.
That’s why living in Scotland for four years changed everything.
Being just a train ride from London meant I could finally indulge in one of my favorite pastimes. Whenever I had a free weekend, I’d hop on a train, split a hotel room with a friend, and head straight to the West End. The cost? Surprisingly affordable. In fact, West End tickets were way cheaper than anything I’d seen on Broadway — and often even less expensive than local performances back home in Houston.
I’m talking front-and-center stall seats with perfect views for a fraction of what I’d expect to pay in the U.S. It felt like such a luxury — top-tier performances, intimate theatres, and sometimes even familiar faces from film and TV taking the stage (yes, I may have fangirled over a few British actors).
West End shows became more than just entertainment — they became part of my travel ritual. A reason to explore London again and again. And if you’re even remotely a theatre fan, trust me: catching a West End performance is an experience you won’t want to skip.
A Stage Steeped in History
Beyond the glittering marquees and velvet curtains, the West End holds centuries of theatre tradition. Its roots trace back to the 1600s, with iconic venues like Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which has been entertaining audiences since 1663. Over time, the area became a cultural epicenter — not just for London but for the world.
Many of the West End’s historic theatres are architectural gems, with grand interiors, ornate balconies, and stories hidden in every corner. Some have survived wars, fires, and even ghosts (seriously — ask any usher at Her Majesty’s Theatre).
Today, the West End is still evolving, welcoming new productions while preserving the legacy of classics. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster musical or an intimate play, you’re stepping into a space where generations have laughed, cried, and applauded before you.
I’ve picked up a few favorites after seeing more shows than I can count (and loving nearly all of them). If you’re heading to London and wondering what to see, here are my top recommendations.
My Top Five West End Productions
#5 – Mamma Mia!: A Feel-Good Classic with a Personal Twist
Okay, we’re not starting with the ultimate favorite — we’re working our way up! So, kicking things off at number five is Mamma Mia! This one earns its spot not just because it’s a West End staple but because it holds a special place in my heart.
Mamma Mia! was one of the very first theatre shows I ever saw, and I got to see it with my mom (because, really, who else would you see Mamma Mia! with?). We absolutely adored it. The set was simple but charming enough to let the characters shine. And shine, they did. Did the cast bring so much energy and personality to their roles and the songs? Yes! Pure ABBA magic. Every number was performed with so much heart, and the choreography was a chef’s kiss — especially during that one beach scene. If you know, you know. (Lay All Your Love on Me fans, where are you at?)
Also, I’ve always been Team Bill regarding Sophie’s potential dad, not to spark any debates. Maybe I’m biased after watching Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again too often, but can you blame me?
#4 – Romeo & Juliet (Jamie Lloyd’s Modern Take, Starring Tom Holland)
Next up on my list is a recent and bold take on a classic — Romeo & Juliet, directed by Jamie Lloyd. This 12-week limited run brought a modern edge to Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy and starred none other than Tom Holland as Romeo and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet.
Now, I’ll be honest: I had two primary reasons for snagging tickets to this one — 1) Tom Holland (obviously), and 2) my deep-rooted love for all things Shakespeare (shoutout to my junior high theatre teacher and those dual credit English courses that turned Shakespearean sonnets into my love language).
Walking into the theatre, I had no idea what to expect — the curtain was already raised, and in front of me was a minimalist, raw setup: bold block letters spelling out “Verona,” industrial fencing, and mic stands scattered across the stage. There was no elaborate set or dramatic costuming — just modern clothes and an atmosphere that felt more like a tech rehearsal than a polished final performance.
At first, I was hesitant. Before moving back home, this was my final West End show, and I wanted it to be memorable for the right reasons. But what unfolded was a surprisingly fresh, emotionally charged reinterpretation of the classic. Jamie Lloyd’s choice to use live camera work — with operators following actors and broadcasting scenes onto a massive screen — added an oddly adequate cinematic layer. It pulled the audience deeper into the intimacy and tension of each moment and even incorporated parts of the theatre space most productions ignore (yes, even the roof!).
And while the spotlight was certainly on Tom and Francesca — whose chemistry in Act II was electric — the ensemble cast was just as impressive. They deserve just as much appreciation, bringing raw energy and authenticity to every scene they touch.
Truthfully, the entire production reminded me of London itself — if that makes sense. The style, the modern clothing, the subtle shifts in dialogue with bits of local slang in place of traditional Shakespearean English... it all felt like a love letter to present-day London. Gritty, diverse, contemporary, and proud of its roots. While many critics weren’t entirely sold on the adaptation, I surprisingly enjoyed myself. It wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful and stuck with me.
Curtain Call : Romeo and Juliet
#3 – The Lion King (UK Tour – Edinburgh)
Sliding into the number three spot is a production that absolutely roared with beauty — The Lion King. I caught the UK touring performance in Edinburgh, and as soon as we saw the posters go up around the city, my friends and I were sold. It made the perfect girls’ night out — we started the evening with cocktails at Slug & Lettuce, then strolled a few blocks over to the theatre, buzzing with excitement.
Now, I’d heard the hype. People constantly say you have to see The Lion King live. And spoiler alert: they’re absolutely right. Maybe I’m biased (again), thanks to my soft spot for Disney and musical theatre, but this show really lives up to every bit of praise it receives.
Admittedly, I was curious — how would they pull off such a visually demanding production? I’d seen photos of the costumes, but pictures don’t come close to capturing what unfolds on stage. I was swept into a bright, vibrant, and deeply cultural world when the show began. The fusion of music, movement, storytelling, and stunning design created a completely immersive atmosphere.
What truly blew me away was the intricate puppetry. The performers didn’t just play characters — they became each character. The way they moved with their costumes and headdresses in perfect sync brought each beloved character to life in a hauntingly beautiful way. Whether it was the majesty of Mufasa, the sass of Timon, or the powerful grace of Rafiki, every movement was intentional and mesmerizing.
And yes — I’d see it again in a heartbeat. Whether it’s a new cast or the same performers, I have no doubt each company brings magic to the stage. Unsurprisingly, The Lion King has been touring the world and receiving rave reviews since 1997. It’s one of those productions where the theatrical experience speaks louder than words — and you walk out feeling like you’ve witnessed something timeless.
#2 – Hamilton (London Production)
We’re inching closer to that top spot. Still, before we get there, we have to talk about one of the only productions I’ve heard hyped up as much as The Lion King: The one and only Hamilton — written by the legend himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda (seriously, who doesn’t love him at this point?).
Like The Lion King, I had long wanted to see Hamilton. But funnily enough, my obsession didn’t start with the original Broadway buzz — it started thanks to a little thing called COVID. I was in high school when the musical first made its rounds, and all the theatre kids were raving about it. (And no, I wasn’t a theatre kid — shocking, I know.) I didn’t pay much attention at the time… that is, until lockdown.
If you’re from the U.S., your lockdown experience might’ve been looser, but the UK was locked down tight. I moved in with my then boyfriend’s family just three months into dating (yes, insert shocked face here). During one of those long lockdown days, I stumbled across the original Broadway cast recording of Hamilton on Disney+. Let’s just say... I watched it a lot. Like, probably a hundred times. I sincerely apologize to that family for the endless soundtrack on the loop (once was likely more than enough for them).
So when the world started reopening and Hamilton announced its London run, it was a no-brainer. I dragged my then-boyfriend and his best friend (plus his girlfriend — shoutout to the girls for carrying this plan) to the theatre. Our pitch to the boys? “It’s not your typical musical — it has rap!” And off we went to make a whole day trip to London out of it.
And what’s that saying? Once you see Hamilton, you never go back? It was so good that the boys even started quoting the songs afterward. If that’s not high praise, I don’t know what is.
Now, let’s talk about the show itself. Hamilton is one of those rare productions that stands apart from everything else — not just because of its reputation but because it completely redefined what live theatre can look like. From the historical storytelling with a POC-led cast to the layers of irony in having actors of color play the Founding Fathers (if you know, you know), it was powerful from start to finish.
One moment that gave me full-body chills? “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down).” Not only is the choreography absolutely electric in this scene, but when Lafayette and Hamilton deliver the iconic line — “Immigrants... we get the job done” — the whole theatre lit up. You could feel the energy shift. That line, followed by the crowd’s reaction, said everything about how this show speaks to modern audiences.
Speaking of Lafayette — every actor who tackles both Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson deserves so much praise. The vocal control, the energy, the speed — that song as Lafayette? I honestly have no words. It was astonishing. That role alone should come with a standing ovation.
And then there’s King George (the only non-POC role in the entire production). Pure comedic gold. Watching this in London made it even better because every time he stepped on stage, the audience of Brits absolutely lost it — which, considering the context, is hilarious. The way he sings “You’ll be back” with such petty sass? 10/10.
The music is completely addictive — but that’s classic Lin-Manuel Miranda. (Moana? Encanto? Bangers only.) Of course, he cast himself as Hamilton in the original run. I would’ve, too. (Non-Stop, anyone?)
And don’t get me started on the revolving stage — it was genius. It added so much movement and emotion to every scene and gave real Hadestown vibes with that choreographic twist.
Yes, Hamilton may not have been the first production to incorporate rap and hip-hop into musical theatre, but it was the one that hit at the perfect time, in an ideal way, to break the mold and reach an entirely new audience. Lin’s earlier work In the Heights (another gem!) deserves its flowers, but Hamilton was the one that exploded.
All in all? Believe the hype. Hamilton is that show.
And honestly? Hamilton’s written piece deserves to be listened to — truly listened to. Everyone should take the time to comprehend and dissect the meaning behind the story’s overall structure and even the specific lyrics. There’s so much woven into the narrative — about the founding of America, the complexities of legacy, and above all, the essential role of immigrants. We often forget that America was built on the backs and contributions of immigrants, but maybe that’s just me (history has its eyes on you).
All that said — this is why Hamilton sits proudly at number two on my list.
And finally, taking the top spot… my all-time favourite West End show: Hadestown
I was very late to the Hadestown hype. The first time I even heard of it was through TikTok (thank you, algorithm gods), and I genuinely don’t know how I managed to miss such a hauntingly tragic yet heart-wrenchingly beautiful show for so long.
For those unfamiliar, Hadestown is a musical retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice — and as a big Greek mythology lover, I walked into the theatre fully aware of the emotional destruction I was about to endure. Spoiler: I was right. I cried. A lot.
I had the incredible luck of seeing Dónal Finn as Orpheus — and apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks he’s one of the best to ever take on the role (especially in the UK scene). His voice was unreal. It carried this gritty rawness that pulled every emotion from the room. As Orpheus — the ultimate hopeless romantic, the softhearted “loverboy” — Dónal had everyone absolutely enamored. His emotional range? Ridiculous. He made me swoon, scream internally, and break my heart in two acts.
Madeline Charlemagne, who was on as Eurydice (understudy queen!), owned the role. I honestly can’t picture anyone else in that part now. She was radiant and heartbreakingly good — and yes, stunning to the point that it almost felt unfair. Her chemistry with Dónal? Electric. You couldn’t take your eyes off them, even when all you wanted was to look away from the pain that was about to unfold.
I also caught Waylon Jacobs as Hermes (an understudy that night), and wow. He was phenomenal. Waylon brought this incredible, collected energy to the role, laced with quiet emotion that had you hanging onto every word. Melanie La Barrie was initially cast in the role (yes, a woman as Hermes — we love a powerful casting twist, and honestly, could Greek mythology get any more on brand?). I would’ve loved to see her, too, but I was thrilled with Waylon’s performance.
The ensemble cast was just as captivating as our leads — they all deserve flowers. And that opening number, “Road to Hell”? It immediately transported me. The jazzy New Orleans-style vibe pulled you into this mythic Underworld with a smoky ambiance and soul. The soundtrack as a whole? An easy 10/10 — absolutely no notes.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, here’s a quick version for context: Orpheus, a legendary musician, falls in love with Eurydice, a wood nymph. On their wedding day, she’s bitten by a snake and dies. Devastated, Orpheus travels to the Underworld to plead with Hades for her return. Hades agrees — but only if Orpheus leads her out without looking back at her. As they near the exit, doubt creeps in… and he turns around. Eurydice is lost forever.
It’s a story about love, loss, trust, grief, and the unknown. People debate endlessly why Orpheus turned around, was it because he heard her stumble? Thought she’d already crossed the line? But at the core of every theory is one truth: he loved her so deeply that he had to look.
The West End production, like most retellings, adds its own flair — but stays true to the tragedy. The final song is a reprise of their love story, looping back to the beginning, making you feel the weight of their journey again.
And maybe you’re wondering: why would anyone willingly watch a musical that ends in heartbreak?
Because that’s the whole point. You leave the theatre with a lump in your throat, questioning what could’ve been — but also carrying this overwhelming appreciation for the beauty of love, even when it doesn’t end happily ever after. And that’s what makes Hadestown so unforgettable.
Whether you walk into the theatre for dazzling choreography and powerful vocals or to get swept away in a different world for a few hours, Hadestown delivers it all with gut-wrenching beauty. It reminds us that storytelling, even when rooted in ancient myth, can still hit us in the heart in the most modern, relevant ways.
This one stayed with me the longest of all the shows I’ve seen. It left me thinking, feeling, and aching, making a production unforgettable.
So, if you ever get the chance… take the road to hell. You won’t regret it.
From timeless tales to modern masterpieces, the West End is a must-stop on any travel itinerary. Whether you’re planning a solo city escape, a girls’ weekend, or just looking for a new excuse to fall in love with London — let this be your sign to add a show (or three) to your plans. Because when travel and theatre meet, the memories are truly show-stopping — trust me, there’s always a seat waiting for you in the stalls. Until the next curtain call… see you at the theatre.
How to Book West End Theatre Tickets
So you’ve got your shortlist of must-see shows — now let’s get you the best seats (without the stress). Whether you’re planning months ahead or looking for last-minute deals, here’s how to book West End tickets like a pro:
Book in Advance for Popular Shows
Big titles like Hamilton, Les Misérables, or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child often sell out well in advance — especially on weekends or during school holidays. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific show, book early via:
Official London Theatre (run by the Society of London Theatre)
Pro tip: Matinee performances often have better availability and lower prices.
Looking for a Deal? Try These Tips:
TKTS Booth in Leicester Square offers discounted same-day tickets (which are now available online).
TodayTix App has flash sales, lottery tickets, and rush deals — perfect for spontaneous travelers.
Day Seats: Some theatres sell a limited number of cheap tickets when the box office opens in the morning. Get there early!
Where to Sit?
Each theatre is different, but in general:
Stalls (orchestra level) = closest to the stage
Dress Circle = great elevated view
Upper Circle/Balcony = budget-friendly but can be pretty steep or distant.
Check SeatPlan or Theatre Monkey for real audience photos and seat reviews before you buy.
Timing & Planning Ahead
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Most shows last 2–3 hours with an interval
Evening shows typically start around 7:30 PM; matinees around 2:30 PM
Want Help Booking?
If you’d prefer someone else to handle the research, snag great seats, and align showtimes with the rest of your trip, I’m happy to help! As a travel advisor, I can bundle theatre nights into your London itinerary — hotel proximity, pre-show dinner reservations, etc.
Not Visiting London Soon?
If you’re a fan of West End productions but don’t live in the UK or aren’t planning a trip, you can still enjoy the magic from home. Digital Theatre is a fantastic platform that offers high-quality recordings of London stage productions — often featuring well-known actors and acclaimed performances. It’s the next best thing to being in the audience.
They offer two subscription options:
£9.99/month for flexible viewing
£100/year if you prefer an annual pass with savings
And no, this isn’t sponsored — just an excellent resource for theatre lovers who want a front-row seat from the comfort of their couch.
