Top 8 shows to see in London in 2024

Silence descending across the audience, the lights dimming, the curtain lifts and the fun has begun! Attending a show is a magical experience, for a couple of hours you are transported to another world and swept up in a maelstrom of drama. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, solve a murder mystery or cry with laughter at the hilarious antics onstage, there’s no better place to do it than London’s West End. Here are our top picks for the 8 London shows to attend this year:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Book of Mormon
The Phantom of the Opera
ABBA Voyage
The Mousetrap
The Play That Goes Wrong
Mamma Mia! The Party
Back to the Future: The Musical

These London shows span a range of genres, from comedy to immerse experiences and some unique showstoppers so have a browse and find your next West End show!

Why not share the experience with a loved one, go as a family or take a friend? Theatre tickets make a fantastic present so make the most of it with a theatre break in London.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

This epic saga takes place after the events of the original Harry Potter books and follows a new generation of witches and wizards at Hogwarts. The play is made up of two parts which you can either watch as a matinee and an evening performance on the same day or on separate days.

Since its premiere in London in 2016, the play has won numerous awards and productions have opened on Broadway, in San Francisco, Hamburg, Melbourne, Japan and Canada.

In the play, you can look forward to reprises of many beloved characters as well as meeting exciting newcomers and enjoying a thrilling plot. This is the perfect show for anyone who is still waiting for their Hogwarts letter!

©The Book of Mormon 2023

The Book of Mormon

This irreverent musical first took Broadway by storm in 2011 and is now one of the most successful musicals of all time. As the name suggests, The Book of Mormon follows two Mormon missionaries on their trip to Africa. This comedic extravaganza is bursting with catchy numbers such as Hello! and Tomorrow Is a Latter Day.

Be warned, this unique musical contains explicit language and will leave you in stitches.

©Jens Hauer

The Phantom of the Opera

This masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Webber is a classic West End musical and an absolute must-see. The score is lavish and dramatic, as are the costumes, and you will find yourself captivated by the masked Phantom and his tumultuous relationship with the heroine, Christine.

The musical was adapted into a film in 2004 but nothing beats the thrill of hearing this incredible show live. Goosebumps are guaranteed!

Whether you are entranced by the love between Christine and Raoul epitomised in their duet, All I ask of you, or you find yourself drawn to the Phantom and his Music of the night, this show makes for an unforgettable night out in London.

©Stage Entertainment

ABBA Voyage

If you’re looking for a unique experience for your minibreak in London, look no further. ABBA Voyage is a ground-breaking phenomenon which combines technology with live music. Enjoy a performance from digital versions of the four members of the ABBA supergroup accompanied by musicians playing live.

Grab your flares and platform boots and head to the ABBA Arena in London to watch this astounding performance and experience the music of this beloved band which rose to fame with songs like Dancing Queen, S.O.S and Waterloo.

Why not book a night at a premium hotel alongside your concert tickets with Travelcircus? That way, you can treat yourself to a night of fantastic music before collapsing into a comfortable bed! Book your ABBA Voyage tickets and hotel now.

©Matt Crockett

The Mousetrap

How better to spend your minibreak in London than enjoying a stalwart West End favourite? This murder-mystery play by Agatha Christie is the longest running show on the West End. The play first opened in 1952 and ran continuously all the way up until the Covid pandemic when performances were halted. The Mousetrap is now playing once more in London so you too can play detective in this gripping thriller which has enthralled audiences for over 70 years.

The play is a classic of London theatre and is a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter experience than a musical but still want to immerse yourself in the magic and tradition of the West End.

©Morris Mac Matzen

The Play That Goes Wrong

As the name suggests, this play is a side-splitting masterclass in the comedy of the absurd. The plot follows a theatre group who are attempting to stage a production of a murder mystery but their success is thwarted at every turn. The play’s popularity has taken it to Broadway and on tour within the UK.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, this play has it all and is suitable for ages 8 and up so it’s perfect for a trip to the theatre as a family. Grab your tickets and embrace the hilarity of this incredible production.

©Grant Walker

Mamma Mia! The Party

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mamma Mia! This interactive experience sees you seated in a traditional Greek taverna on the island of Skopelos as the drama unfolds around you. Take a seat at the O2 Arena and tuck into a heart-warming story served alongside a four-course Greek meal. Round off the night with dancing at the ABBA disco!

One of the enchanting features of this immersive experience is the decor, which was featured in the original films, so you can soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere, indulge in delicious food and enjoy fantastic music.

©Sean Ebsworth Barnes

Back to the Future: The Musical

This newcomer to the West End has made quite the splash. The musical, which premiered in 2020, is an adaptation of the cult classic film which was released in 1985. The story of Marty McFly charmed audiences over 20 years ago and is at it again in this retelling. You can look forward to the classic songs from the film such as The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode as well as all-new catchy tunes all amidst the time travelling escapades of the storyline.

This high-voltage production has been awarded Best New Musical three times and promises an evening of nostalgic fun and full-throttle thrills!

Where to eat before seeing a West End show?

Whether you’re enjoying a matinee in the afternoon or treating yourself to an evening in London, you will undoubtedly want to grab a bite to eat before you settle in for the main event. The area around the West End is brimming with restaurants but they are often jam-packed, especially on popular theatre nights like Saturday. So here are some suggestions for more casual, varied places to eat before your show so you can get there in time for curtain up and still enjoy a delicious meal!

South Bank Centre Food Market: This food market takes place across the river from the West End. You can either take the tube to Waterloo and walk from there or you can wander over the Thames. The market is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but opening times can vary so make you check before your trip. The market offers a mouthwatering range of food, from Pasteis de Nata and vegan Ethiopian food to Polish sausages and Korean BBQ.
Chinatown: This is by no means the quietest spot in London to grab a bite to eat but the incredible selection of restaurants here is well worth the hustle and bustle of the streets. Whether you want to tuck into some crispy duck or warm steamed buns, you’re bound to find something here, and it’s a stone’s throw from many of London’s theatres.
Seven Dials Market: This food market is tucked away a couple of streets from the magnificent Covent Garden. The Seven Dials area is popular for its quaint, narrow streets and the bright facades of Neal’s Yard. The food itself represents the most vibrant side of London cuisine with everything from Israeli street food to Latino fried chicken and fluffy waffles.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Shows in London

Which day is best to see a show in London?

Shows in London generally run throughout the week but certain shows have a day off during the week. Matinee performances can be excellent for children and certain shows may put on more family-friendly performances at matinees. It also depends on your plans for your time in London. For example, a Saturday evening show combined with a hotel stay makes for the perfect weekend getaway in the UK capital and gives you plenty of time to explore London.

Which shows can I see in London?

The West End show scene is very dynamic with plenty of exciting new shows appearing. Certain shows only have a short run but others are classics of the London stage and have been running for years, such as the Phantom of the Opera and The Mousetrap.

How much do tickets for London shows cost?

Tickets for London shows vary in price significantly. Many shows have tickets starting from around £20 but prices increase for seats which are closer to the stage. Certain shows release reduced tickets on the day but the best way to get the seats you want at a reasonable price is to book your tickets quite some time in advance.

Which are the best seats London shows?

The most expensive tickets for shows in London are normally seats at the very front of the theatre or closest to the action if the shows does not take place in a traditional theatre. These seats can be fantastic for being able to see all of the detail up close but the seats are often below the level of the stage, so you end up looking up at the performers which can become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Seats at the front of the lowest circle or tier of seating can therefore be the most comfortable, as you can soak up everything that’s going on with an uninterrupted view of the stage and no craning your neck!

Where is the West End in London?

The West End is the area of London on the North bank of the Thames around Covent Garden between Holborn and Soho. These streets are densely populated with theatres and are considered the heart of the London theatre scene. It is by no means the only place in London to see fantastic shows as there are theatres and venues dotted all over the city, from around Victoria to the O2 Arena.

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