The Ten Best London West-End Musicals That You Must See

London’s West End is truly the UK’s homeland of theatre and musicals, and going there to see a show is always a special occasion.

Whether it’s romance, laughter, tears, or something for the family, you can be sure that London has an array of shows to make your theatre experience a memorable one. And, it's even better when you travel to your London theatre break by coach, because everything's booked for you: Coach seats, theatre tickets, your hotel room. You're driven to your destination (no need to worry about the roads), and you're picked up from your hotel and taken to the theatre (forget navigating London transport!).

You might get food and drink included, you might get free time in London. You might get even more! What a way to complement your trip to see a fantastic stage musical in the capital of England!

There are new West End shows and new musicals in London being announced all the time. Here's our list of the ten best must-see West End musicals...is your favourite is in there…?



Frozen – The Musical

Disney’s spectacular Frozen is a magical musical, with a stunningly beautiful backdrop, incredible special effects and packed with iconic music that the whole family will enjoy.

Do you want to build a snowman? The answer is always a resounding yes! And, when the land of Arendelle is plunged into eternal winter by Queen Elsa’s powers, Anna tries to save it – and this show becomes something beautiful.

It’s not just a show for the kids.  It’s for everyone. A London theatre break to see Frozen? You just can’t…Let It Go…!



Hamilton

Now, this is a show that’s found huge critical acclaim since it arrived in the West End in 2017, and it promises to be a big hit for years to come.

The story of American Statesman Alexander Hamilton tells of his rise from poor immigrant, to a key figure in the founding of the United States of America.

Slavery, democracy, and 18^th Century hip-hop? It’s an important story told in a unique kind of way, with incredible sets and an impressive wardrobe. Hamilton is a show that everybody should see once.  Young and old speak so well of it, because it’s just so good.



Les Misérables

One of the biggest and best musicals in the world, ‘Les Mis’ is quite rightly a favourite among generations of theatre lovers, with sell-out show after sell-out show in the West End, or when it tours the UK.

Set in France in the early 19^th century, it follows the lives of many, one of whom is Jean Valjean – a former convict seeking forgiveness and focusing on the French Revolution and love.

‘I Dreamed a Dream’ originates from Les Miserables, and the powerful ballad is renowned for being one of the greatest musical numbers of all time.  If you haven't seen it yet, join the predicted 130million people worldwide who have.



ABBA Voyage

Swedish icons ABBA will have you on your feet singing, dancing and staring at the stage in awe!

With ABBA Voyage you take one step back in time and another into the future, as the immersive illusion of Anni-frid, Benny, Bjorn and Agnetha avatars (or should that be Abbatars?) take the audience on a jaw-dropping trip down memory lane of crowd-pleasing hits, with you quickly forgetting that you’re not watching human beings in action up on the stage.

The effects are incredible, and so is the music. ‘Does Your Mother Know’, ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ and ‘Waterloo’ are all there in this ‘real’ gig.  And it promises to take your breath away.

Take A Chance on a London Theatre Break with Caledonian Travel, and book your next London theatre break today.



MJ – The Musical

The King of Pop Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers of all time.  He was one of the biggest selling artists of his generation, with dance moves that left his fans in bewilderment.

MJ The Musical dazzles.  The story takes the audience on a journey through the making of his 1992 Dangerous world tour, and flashes back to periods of the performer’s life that add heart, soul and darkness to the story.

Including hits such as 'Beat It', 'Billie Jean', 'Smooth Criminal' and more, the costume and scenery in MJ - The Musical is something to marvel at. A real treat for those wanting an insight into the life of one of music's most iconic individuals.



Grease – The Musical

Tell me more, tell me more – did you get very far?  Well, you’ll get all the way to London and Rydell High School easily by Caledonian Travel coach, before you watch the Danny and Sandy love story bloom on stage in Grease - The Musical.

Did you know, the stage musical came before the big-screen version of Grease? It premiered In Chicago in 1971, before opening on Broadway in 1972, with the film release starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John hitting cinemas in 1978.

With plenty of numbers to singalong to, including ‘You’re The One That I Want’ and ‘Summer Nights’, you don’t want to miss out on seeing this one!

A London theatre break to see Grease – The Musical? Think about it…stud.



Moulin Rouge

Truth, beauty, freedom and love. That’s what you get at the Moulin Rouge, and this musical promises an abundance of cabaret and showbiz.

Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris during the Belle Époque at the turn of the 20th century, the plotline is the same as you saw in the film version, changed up a little with an offering of new songs (check them out....)

As young composer Christian falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, Sarine, they tackle the glitz, glamour, trials and tribulations of the cabaret world.  Society poses problems for them, as does a jealous Duke.

It's a brilliant musical, and what Moulin Rouge guarantees is a night of high-octane entertainment, sensational bright lights and luscious, colourful outfits.

Only Fools and Horses – The Musical

Stick a pony in your pocket, and fetch your suitcase to the coach...

Comedy great Paul Whitehouse stars as Grandad in this hilarious adaptation of one of the worlds greatest ever sitcoms. With loveable rogue Del-boy Trotter and brother Rodney, that yellow Robin Reliant van, and as much hooky gear as you can handle (or not!), John Sullivan’s legendary television show is brought to the stage for this feel good, laugh-a-minute, family show.

It's had rave reviews, and when you go and see Only Fools and Horses - The Musical for yourself, we know you’ll think it’s “cushty”.



The Lion King

Another Disney award winner, The Lion King needs no introduction.  The incredible stage musical is a kaleidoscope of colour, a whirlwind of culture and brings an impressive array of music – with numbers written by Elton John, Hans Zimmer and and Mark Mancina.

It’s a spectacular and world famous show that transforms the London stage into the African Pridelands, with a huge array of animals and beautiful effects that leave audiences gasping.

Be prepared to let Simba, Nala and Rifiki make you smile and cry, and let Timon and Pumbaa have you howling in hysterics!



Tina – The Musical

This musical about the legendary Queen of Rock n’ Roll sees some powerful storytelling of Tina Turner’s rise to fame alongside Ike Turner, from humble beginnings in Nutbush to worldwide fame with hits such as ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’

It's a whirlwind through the superstar's life, serving as a reminder of how well loved she was and what an impact she had on the music world in a career spanning over 50 years.

It’s a remarkable story, profound in places, and hard hitting in others. But, Tina - The Musical brings a euphoric feel factor to the stage, promising fans great music, amazing outfits, and one very memorable night.



Wicked

Remember the horrors that Dorothy went through at the hands of the Wicked Witch of the West? Well…just how Wicked was she? This show, that’s won over 100 awards takes you back to the college days of Elphaba (the wicked witch), and Glinda (later known as Glinda the Good Witch of the North) and adds a spellbinding twist to The Wizard Of Oz story that we all know.

It tells us the tale of their unlikely friendship, how their personalities clash and come together, and offers a fresh perspective on the events leading up to Dorothy’s arrival.

With one of the best closures to a first act that the stage has ever seen, Wicked is a wonderful musical, that’ll make you laugh and grab at your heartstrings. And, it'll make you want to be one of those people who go back to see the show again and again.