Don’t Miss These Six West End Shows While You’re in London

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The West End is one of the most exciting parts of London. It’s home to dozens of award-winning shows and musicals.

But with so many five-star West End shows to choose from, how do you make the decision on what to watch. To help you choose, our staff have put together a list of their six favourite West End shows.

Six

Six cast (Photo by Pamela Raith)

You don’t have to be a fan of history to enjoy this musical, which tells the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII in a unique and distinctive style.

We won’t spoil it too much, but each of the six wives take their turn on the microphone to share the details of how they have been wronged and why they deserve to lead the pop group.

The show is funny, the songs are catchy, and it also delivers an uplifting message about female empowerment.

Six is currently showing at The Vaudeville Theatre. 

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Photo by Elizabeth Jamieson

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you absolutely must go and watch this two-part play which is currently being performed at the Palace Theatre.

This original story picks up the Harry Potter saga almost two decades after the events of The Deathly Hallows, and introduces us to a whole new generation of students at Hogwarts.

If you can, we’d recommend trying to book both parts of the play on the same day for the best experience.

Hamilton

Photo by Matthew Murphy

This award-winning show is another must-watch for any history fans, although the unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, rap and R&B makes Hamilton enjoyable for anyone that appreciates a good musical.

Playing at the Victorian Palace Theatre, this world-renowned show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers who became the right-hand man to George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

With an amazing score written by Lin Manuel Miranda, a lot of humour and some powerful messages – Hamilton really does live up to the hype.

Les Misérables

Photo by Matthew Murphy

The longest-running musical in the West End probably doesn’t need too much introduction.

This powerful production tells the story of Jean Valjean as he tries to start a new life after years working on the chain gang.

With a soundtrack that almost everyone will recognise, Les Misérables explores themes of justice, love and redemption and can be quite emotional to watch.

Les Misérables is currently playing at the Sondheim Theatre.

The Lion King

Photo by Johan Persson

Featuring music from Elton John, The Lion King is based on the Disney movie of the same name.

The animated feature film has been transformed into a stage spectacular, with some amazing visual effects and costumes, and creative choreography.

Since opening in the Lyceum Theatre in 1999, The Lion King has had a run of over 7500 performances and remains one of the most popular shows in the West End.

& Juliet

Photo by Matthew Murphy

If you’re a fan of quirky comedy and catchy pop songs, you’ll love this reimagined adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

This modern musical comes from the mind of David West Read (writer of Schitt’s Creek) and tells the story of Juliet after she decides not to end her life, and instead to pursue a new path with her friends in Paris.

If you’re looking for something a little different in the West End, we’d recommend giving this show a look.

How to get to the West End from The Belgrave

The West End is just over two miles from the hotel. So it is within walking distance, but it might take 40 minutes or so.

If you don’t fancy a walk, or if the weather isn’t in your favour, the 24 bus takes you from Belgrave Road to Leicester Square in just over 20 minutes.