I was first bitten by the theatre bug a few years ago when my mum took me and my sisters to see Wicked in London. I'd read the novel ("Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire) a few years earlier, so was familiar with the story. Seeing it all played out on stage was magical, and when Elphaba started singing "Defying Gravity" I got goosebumps!
Since then I've been lucky enough to see several theatre shows in London. If you're heading to London soon and are thinking about going to see a show, here are a few I would recommend...
Wicked
Location: Apollo Victoria Theatre
As I've already mentioned, Wicked was the first London theatre show I ever saw. It tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the events which led up to The Wizard of Oz. It ties into the film really well, and if you love musicals then it's worth seeing just for the soundtrack alone!
It's also suitable for most ages (the show's website recommends ages 7+ as a general guide). My youngest sister was 11 when we went in 2015 and enjoyed it as much as us adults.
The Book of Mormon
Location: The Prince of Wales Theatre
I saw The Book of Mormon in September 2018 after my boyfriend got us tickets for our anniversary. The story follows two Mormon missionaries who travel to Uganda from the United States to try and teach the locals about the Mormon church. When the arrive, they find the locals are resistant to their teachings. After all, they have more concerning issues such as AIDS, famine and defending themselves against the local warlords.
I'd wanted to see The Book of Mormon for a long time, and it didn't disappoint. It was hilarious and I loved the musical numbers! I'm no longer religious, however I used to attend the Mormon church when I was a kid and my Dad is still a member today. He actually lives around an hour's drive from Salt Lake City.
One thing I wasn't expecting was just how rude it is (!) There's A LOT of adult content and it's recommended for over 18s (under 15s aren't permitted in the theatre).
Book tickets to see The Book of Mormon
The Lion King
Location: Lyceum Theatre
I saw The Lion King in October 2015 with my mum and 3 sisters. If you're a Disney fan then this is a must-see! The costumes are incredible and the whole production was so colourful and vibrant.
I'm pretty sure everyone knows the story of Disney's The Lion King, but if you don't it basically follows Simba the lion as he journeys from young cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. As a lifelong Disney fan I got very emotional in parts. In fact, I was crying my eyes out before they'd even finished The Circle of Life!
If you are planning to see The Lion King, the one thing I'd recommend is NOT to watch the film immediately beforehand. The main reason for this is the stage show is very similar to the film, almost word-for-word. One of my friends went to see it the year before me and felt the same.
The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 years and up (children under 3 are not permitted inside the theatre and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).
Book tickets to see The Lion King
Les Misérables
Location: Queen's Theatre
Unlike my mum and sisters, when we went to see Les Misérables in May 2018 I had never seen the film. I didn't really know anything about the storyline, which meant I was able to watch it with a fresh pair of eyes.
Les Mis tells the story of Jean Valjean, who is seeking redemption after serving nineteen years in prison (five for stealing bread for his starving sister's son, and the rest for trying to escape). After breaking his parole to start a new life, he is pursued relentlessly by police inspector Javert. Several years later Valjean assumes a new identity as a wealthy factory owner, where a young woman named Fantine is working to support her illegitimate daughter Cosette.
I really liked Les Mis. It was more intense than previous shows I'd seen, but the soundtrack was incredible and I found myself becoming absorbed in the story. I still haven't seen the film, but it's now on my list!
I struggled to find any information on whether Les Mis has any ages restrictions, however several independent websites I checked recommend it for ages 7+.
Book tickets to see Les Misérables
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Location: Palace Theatre
As soon as I heard they were planning a Harry Potter Play in London, I was desperate to go. When Si got me tickets for Christmas, I almost cried!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The opening scene is basically the epilogue of the last book/movie, where Harry and Ginny are taking their youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, to the Hogwarts Express to start his first year at Hogwarts.
I won't say any more on the story (#keepthesecrets), but if you're a Harry Potter fan then this is a must-see!
The production was fantastic. I felt like I was watching real magic happen. The play is split into two parts, and they generally recommend that you see them both on the same day to ensure consistency with the performers.
We saw the show on a Wednesday and I don't think Si had any problem getting us good seats. If you're looking to go on a weekend, you'll need to book quite far in advance. The show is extremely popular, so tickets sell out quite quickly.
You could also try your luck at getting tickets in ‘The Friday Forty’. This is where, every week, 40 tickets for performances the following week are released at only £40 (£20 per part).
Book tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
What do you think are the best London theatre shows? Are there any you recommend I go to see next?
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I've only seen Wicked so far. I far London theatre too expensive to go regularly.
Yeah I find once you've added travel and accommodation it can be expensive.
I try to go to London at least once or twice a year, but I've also seen a few shows at the Hippodrome in Birmingham (closer to home!) which have been pretty good x
Wicked has to be my top show. I'd love to go and see it again. I can often be found singing along to the soundtrack when I'm working or doing housework!
Aww this makes me want to go to the theatre so much! My favourite London theatre shows are probably Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory :)
I would love to see Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda in particular has been on my list for years!
Wicked is my favourite musical (we'll maybe along side Grease) but The Lion King has been on my list for years too! <3
G is for Gingers xx
I don't know why auto-correct keeps changing well to we'll... sorry!
To date I've only been to see one musical in London, which was The Book of Mormon! It's my favourite and I'd totally travel down to London to watch it again! :D
However, I'm going to the opening night in Manchester in a couple of weeks, which I'm equally excited for.
I'd love to go and see a couple more shows in London, so this post is amazing for that. ^_^
https://theremightbecoffee.wordpress.com/
I've always wanted to see Wicked and The Book Of Mormon. Both look like great shows, I wish my local area had shows like they do in London. x
A couple of my friends saw Wicked at the Birmingham Hippodrome last year while it was on a tour of the UK.
I've started keeping an eye on the Hippodrome website as it's so much closer compared to London! I've seen Mary Poppins and Billy Elliot there and both were really good :)
I have seen all four of these but I'm keen to go and see Wicked again as it's been a long time since I saw it and I don't remember it as well x
The Book of Morrmon is definitely something I would love to see in theatre one day, thanks for the other recommendations
You are very welcome :) Yes, The Book of Mormon is so good! So funny!
My daughter really wants to see Mamma Mia this year
I didn't think that Les Mis was for me, probably because I didn't really know the story behind it but The Lion King and Wicked I loved. Another I've really enjoyed in London is Tina The Musical. SO SO GOOD I would really recommend it xxx
Les Mis is the only one I have seen out of these, and it was my first London show! I loved it, I just think it's so powerful. The others are so high up on my list though, really want to watch them. Wish London wasn't so far away from me!
I've not yet seen any live theatre shows, but I have heard such great things about Wicked.
I've not seen nowhere near enough West End shows. I have seen Wicked though and it was absolutely incredible. The goosebumps I got during that performance was unreal! I'd love to see The Lion King too <3
Jenny
http;//www.jennyinneverland.com
I absolutely adore musical theatre and I have to say, your favourites are very similar to mine! I'm desperate to see Dear Evan Hansen when it comes to the UK next year and I'd love to see Six as well!