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. Mary Poppins

Prince Edward Theatre 2hrs 30mins Age 7+

Everyone's favourite nanny is floating back onto the stage to put on a practically perfect performance. While based on the 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins the Musical has been thoughtfully re-imagined to suit musical theatre and modern audiences. With stand out performances, 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' music, whimsical sets and choreography, plus plenty of magical effects, it's no surprise that this joyful musical has made our list of best theatre shows in London.

Book Mary Poppins

6. & Juliet

Shaftesbury Theatre 2hrs 30mins Age 6+

If you're a pop music fan, looking for the best London theatre shows, we've got the perfect one for you. We all know Shakespeare's tale of star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, but what would happen if Juliet put the dagger down and recovers from heartbreak with a girls trip? In this irreverent rewrite, that's exactly what happens. From the writer of Schitt's Creek, & Juliet is jam packed with fun and pop anthems like '…Baby One More Time', 'Since U Been Gone', and 'Roar' that will have you dancing in your seat from start to finish.

Book & Juliet

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. Come From Away

Phoenix Theatre 1hrs 40mins Age 6+

Next up on our best West End shows of 2023 list is an uplifting, foot-stomping, new musical. Come From Away is based on the incredible real-life event of the 7,000 passengers from all over the world who were grounded in the small Canadian town of Newfoundland during the wake of the 9/11 attacks. If you're looking for a performance that will have you laughing to crying and back again in seconds, and leave you feeling full of warm fuzzy feelings, this is the show for you.

Book Come From Away

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!