10 Best Theatre Shows in London 2023

Looking for some inspiration for your next trip to London's West End? Holiday Extras is here to help. We've put together a handy guide of the top 10 best London theatre shows to see in 2023. Featuring a mixture of long-standing favourites and exciting new shows, performances that will tug on your heartstrings, make you laugh out loud and have you singing the songs for days after, we're sure you'll find your next favourite show in this bunch.

Want to stretch your theatre trip into an unforgettable London break? Here at Holiday Extras you can pair the best West End shows with a top, nearby hotel (and complimentary breakfast) in a money-saving package. You choose the seats and hotel you want then voila! We'll send you all the details you need for your Theatre Break. Enjoying a show stopping getaway couldn't be easier!

1. The Lion King

Lyceum Theatre 2hrs 30mins Age 4+

If you're looking for the best theatre shows in London, The Lion King is almost certainly already on your radar. And for good reason! Disney's award-winning musical has felt the love of audiences for a whopping 23 years. The beautiful costumes, puppetry and set designs, along with the breathtaking effects and incredible soundtrack, featuring all the songs you know and love, truly make this musical adaptation of the 1994 animated film come to life.

Book The Lion King

2. Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre 2hrs 45mins Age 7+

This smash-hit musical is an extremely 'Popular' choice - it's even got 100 major international awards to prove it! Wicked the Musical is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and centres around the unlikely friendship of Elphaba (a young Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (the future Good Witch of the South). The show is sure to leave you spellbound and with 'Defying Gravity' stuck in your head for days.

Book Wicked

3. Matilda

Cambridge Theatre 2hrs 35mins Age 6+

Based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, Matilda the Musical, has been playing to full houses and standing ovations since it burst onto the West End in 2011. Created by comedian Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly, the multi-award winning show is packed with pizazz, fun and heart, set to a brilliantly smart soundtrack. Matilda is considered by many as one of the best West End shows for families, with gags for both adults and little ones to enjoy.

Book Matilda

4. Back to the Future

Adelphi Theatre 2hrs 40mins Age 6+

Great Scott! Don't be late getting your tickets for 1.21 gigawatts of electrifying, wonderfully nostalgic fun with the Back To The Future The Musical. Filled to the brim with in-jokes, popular hits including 'The Power of Love' and 'Johnny B. Goode', gravity-defying effects, and exuberant dance routines, fans of the blockbuster film will love this feel-good production. And just you wait 'till you see that iconic DeLorean roaring onto the stage! Genuine theatre magic.

Book Back to the Future

5. Hamilton

Victoria Palace Theatre 2hrs 45mins Age 10+

The critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning production of Hamilton has taken the West End by storm, so it should come as no surprise that it's made our list of best theatre shows in London. The musical tells the extraordinary story of Alexander Hamilton, a pivotal figure in America's history, from his humble immigrant beginnings to his profound impact on shaping the United States. Lin-Manuel Miranda's masterpiece seamlessly merges history, incredible storytelling, and music, captivating audiences with an addictive score that fuses hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway.

Book Hamilton

6. Jersey Boys

Trafalgar Theatre London 2hrs 20mins Age 12+

If you're a Rock 'n' Roll fan, looking for the best London theatre shows, we've got the perfect one for you. Audiences are taken on a nostalgic ride as they follow the story of The Four Seasons, from their formation, meteoric rise, and eventual disbandment. Jersey Boys pays tribute to the band's timeless songs, featuring toe-tapping hits such as "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and many more.

Book Jersey Boys

7. TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

Aldwych Theatre 2hrs 45mins Age 12+

Following the inspiring story of Tina Turner, as she rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become the queen of Rock 'n' Roll, this brand new jukebox musical, presented in association with the legend herself, is simply 'the best' . It's got the anthems, it's got the moves and it's got the heart - without a doubt a must for Tina Turner fans.

Book TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

8. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Piccadilly Theatre 2hrs 35mins Age 12+

Next up on our best West End shows of 2023 list is the "Spectacular Spectacular" Moulin Rouge! The Musical - a fabulous, jukebox musical inspired by Baz Luhrmann's iconic 2001 film. Be enchanted by a world of splendour, passion, and dazzling extravagance as the love story of Christian, a hopeful writer, and Satine, a cabaret performer, unfolds before your eyes. This theatrical spectacle features the beloved songs from the original film, such as "Come What May" and "Your Song," plus incredible additions from Adele, Beyoncé, David Bowie, and Tina Turner. Brace yourself for a true musical fusion extravaganza that will leave you spellbound.

Book Moulin Rouge! The Musical

9. Les Misérables

Sondheim Theatre 2hrs 50mins Age 7+

Dreaming a dream of your next theatre trip? Look no further than the powerful and fully immersive Les Misérables, the longest-running musical in the history of the West End, which is currently playing its 37th year at the Sondheim Theatre. With some of the most recognisable songs in musical theatre, come and experience Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed masterpiece for yourself.

Book Les Misérables

10. MAMMA MIA!

Novello Theatre 2hrs 35mins Age 5+

Our best London theatre shows list wouldn't be complete without mentioning this West End staple! This abba-solutely sunny rom-com is bursting with drama, comedy, fabulously choreographed dance numbers and, of course, a soundtrack featuring the ABBA's timeless hits, including 'Dancing Queen' and 'The Winner Takes It All'. MAMMA MIA! is a real crowd pleaser, satisfying ABBA enthusiasts and inspiring a new generation of fans.

Book MAMMA MIA!