- In |
- On May 5, 2025
Here’s our handy list of the longest running West End shows still playing in town. All of these shows have been hits on the West End for many years. In fact, they are so popular that 7 out of the 10 have had film or TV adaptations made of them. Stick around to see which show is coming in at number 1 and why not play along? See how many you can guess!
10 – The Play That Goes Wrong – 10 Years
Currently playing at The Duchess Theatre
The Play That Goes Wrong is the 10th Longest Running West End show. In fact, it’s also the longest running comedy play in the West End. The story follows the (attempted) performance of a murder mystery play. This show started in Fringe Theatre venues before it moved to The Duchess Theatre in 2014 which has been the home for the play ever since. The show is the first creation of comedy production team Mischief Theatre. Their creations are so popular that they have even had specials comissioned for the BBC.
9 – The Book of Mormon – 12 Years
Currently playing at The Prince of Wales Theatre
Coming up in 9th place is The Book of Mormon which opened in the West End in 2013. Interestingly, before the show had to close during the pandemic, it sold out every single performance until that point. This musical is written by the writers of South Park and the dark humour has kept many a West End audience entertained. It follows two mormon missionaries on their placement into Africa and their unlikely friendship as they attempt to spread the word of The Lord. Along the way, they encounter many internal (and external) conflicts.
8 – Matilda – 14 Years
Currently playing at The Cambridge Theatre
Matilda opened in 2011 as recently celebrated its 5000th performance in the West End. It is based on the classic Roald Dahl book and has music written by comedian Tim Minchin. What’s more, the show has been so popular that a film was made of this musical adaptation. The story is about an extraordinary girl who, takes a stand and changes her own destiny. The cast is made up of children and adults who are both astonishingly talented. Minchin’s music and Dahl’s classic story is extremely moving and also a great choice for a families first trip to the theatre.
7 – Wicked – 16 Years
Currently playing at The Apollo Victoria
Wicked is an extremely popular show and is one of our great discounted ticket options here at LSBO. It is the 7th longest running west end show and opened in 2006 at the Apollo Victoria. It serves as a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, telling to story of the witches of Oz. Wicked asks the question, is one born wicked or do they have wickness thrust upon them? This is the original villian origin story which saw a wave of similar concepts being produced its wake. Not only is the story original and beautiful but the songs also pack a punch as do the visual aspects of the show.
6 – Starlight Express – 18 years
Currently skating at The Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park
Now this one is a controversial 6th place. The newest revival of this production has only been open for a year. However, the original production ran for 17 years. Therefore, it’s made our list as it is currently in the West End. The Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park is its new home. It has a purpose built stage to facilitate the cast who perform on roller skates! They play trains in a fantasy world where a childrens toy train set comes to life.
The Top 5 Longest Running Shows!
5 – The Lion King – 25 years
Currently playing at The Lyceum Theatre
Following a successful opening in Broadway, The Lion King hit the West End in 1999. It is currently in it’s 26th year at The Lyceum Theatre. With music by Elton John, the Lion King continues to be a hit show with us here at LSBO. The musical is based on the classic Disney Hit animated movie which is also based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The Lion King follows Simba in his journey to adulthood and to reclaim the throne from his usurper uncle. Furthermore, the show utilizes stunning puppetry to bring the Sahara to life!
4 – Mamma Mia! – 26 Years
Currently playing at The Novello Theatre
Mamma Mia has rocked for 26 super trouper years in the West End. It opened at the Prince Edward theatre then moved to The Prince of Wales before settling in at its current home of The Novello Theatre in 2012. Set in Greece, it follows the story of Sophie as she prepares for her wedding and invites the previous beaus of her mother Donna to find out who her father is. Featuring some of ABBA’s greatest hits, this musical is a real feel good show. In fact, people love it so much it has had 2 blockbuster films made out of it starring Meryll Strep and Colin Firth to name a few.
3 – The Phantom of the Opera – 38 Years
Currently play the His Majesty’s Theatre
Taking 3rd place in the competition for the longest running West End show is The Phantom of The Opera. It is based on a french novel by Gaston Leroux written in 1910. The musical opened in 1986. Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the adaptation which is argueably his most famous show to date. It is definitely his most popular if this list is anything to go by. In fact, it is even popular across the Atlantic where it is the longest running show on Broadway. The story is about the “phantom” who resides in the Paris Opera House. He is shamed for his disfigured appearance and he composes songs for his protogee Christine Daae. It is a tragic love story with a beautiful score and scenary.
2 – Les Miserables – 39 Years
Currently playing at The Sondheim Theatre.
Les Miserables takes 2nd place for the longest running show in the West End but wins first place out of all the musicals. French composers Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boubil wrote the adaptation. They adapted it from Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. The show premiered in Paris and was translated into English in 1985. Its West End original home was the Palace Theatre and it is now housed at the Sondheim Theatre. It certainly is a pillar of the West End as you take a stroll down Shaftesbury Avenue. Interestingly, the show did not recieve great reviews when it first opened however, it goes to show that a show that one person hates the masses can love. In fact, over 130 million people have seen the show worldwide. In 2012 it was even produced as a film starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.
1 – The Mousetrap – 72 Years
Currently playing at The St. Martin’s Theatre
Lastly, in first place we have The Mousetrap. This classic Agatha Christie murder mystery opened in 1952 at The Ambassadors Theatre. After 21 years, it moved to The St. Martin’s Theatre just next door where it has stayed ever since. The Moustetrap is THE original murder mystery. When a murder rocks London, seven strangers find themselves snowed in with nowhere to hide. When the police sergeant arrives, the real mystery begins as they discover one of them is a killer. The show is still wildly popular and plays to a packed house every night. If you haven’t seen it yet, why not? Book your cheap tickets today and you can say you’ve finally seen the show frequented by the royal family themselves.
