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- On May 21, 2025
‘What are the Best Theatre Shows in London?’ is the question we get asked most here at LSBO. The answer always is, “it depends who you ask!’. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure truly is the case when it comes to London’s West End. We like to think our staff here, however, know what they’re talking about. Between all of our box office staff, they have decades of experience working both here and within the London Theatre scene. We’ve asked them what their favourite shows in London are and why.
Helen’s Pick – Hadestown – Worked at LSBO for 2 years
“I love the beautiful music in Hadestown. The show is sad but uplifting. It’s great for young adults or anyone who loves classics – it’s also great if you want a love story that isn’t focused on romance.”
I think it’s safe to say, Helen is passionate about the show as she has in fact watched it 6 times in the short time it has been on at The Lyric Theatre! As far as she is concerned this is undoubtedly one of the best theatre shows in London.
Hadestown opened in the West End in February 2024 and is now booking until February 2026!
It is a modern retelling of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice told alongside the story of Hades and Persephone. The show also features famous names from Greek mythology, such as Hermes and the Fates.
Book your cheap tickets for Hadestown playing at The Lyric Theatre until 15th February 2026.
Gideon’s Pick – Les Miserables – Worked at LSBO for 24 years
“It’s well good, innit.”
A man of many words, but a recommendation none the less! Les Miserables is the longest running musical in the West End so it is certainly considered one of the best theatre shows in London by many. Gideon loves an opera and this musical is entirely sung through so would be great if you also like operas.
This epic musical is set in France during the french revolution. It follows the Victor Hugo novel of the same name. Les Miserables tells the story of a French peasant, and his desire for redemption. Having been released after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread, he decides to start a new life but a police inspector refuses to let him escape justice. Alongside this, a group of young idealists attempt to overthrow the government at a street barricade in Paris.
Book in advance for the best prices or, head to our box office in Leicester Square. If you’re lucky, you can get discounted tickets for this production!
Les Miserables plays at The Sondheim Theatre and is now booking until 28th March 2026.
Julia’s Pick – Hamilton – Worked at LSBO for 3 months
“It’s a very young, fresh and different show. Also it’s a really fun way to learn about history! It wouldn’t be a great choice though if English was your second language as they rap really quickly!”
Julia has chosen Hamilton as her choice for the Best Theatre shows in London. She may have only been with us here at LSBO for a short time but she didn’t want to be throwing away her shot to recommend this musical.
Hamilton is in its 7th year of performances on the West End and recently announced another cast change. It is written by Lin Manual Miranda who also wrote the music for Disney’s Encanto and Moana. His music has a unique sound and packs a punch when you hear it live. The show is a biography of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was an immigrant who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now.
Secure your cheap tickets for Hamilton which is playing at The Victoria Palace Theatre until 28th March 2026.
Saarangan – Six – Worked at LSBO for 3.5 years
“I like that it’s a high energy musical that’s diverse within its styles of songs. It’s really fun and short too. I also like that its can be eductional, it tells you a story that the history books don’t.”
Saarangan isn’t the only one who likes this show. The fact that the show sells out almost every night speaks volumes that many consider Six one of The Best Theatre Shows In London. Also, Six has fans who love the songs so much, they even do sing-a-long performances. Details on those performances can be shown here.
The show is about Henry VIII’s ex-wives as they rewrite her-story to tell their stories which are so often forgotten about. Audiences experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common.
Six is created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Each queen is an homage to a pop icon. They inspired the characteristics and vocal styles of each one. This adds to the concert feel that Six is going for. Furthermore it runs at an hour and a half with no interval adding to that gigging vibe.
Six is playing at The Vaudeville Theatre and is now booking until 28th June 2026.
Hannah’s Pick – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Worked at LSBO for 6 years
“I love a homegrown British musical and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is no different. The heartfelt and timeless tale is brought to life by a small cast of actor musicians and is absolutely mesmerising start to finish. An incredible new musical that you have to catch if you’re in town!”
Both Hannah and the Olivier Awards agree that this show is one of the Best Theatre Shows in London. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button won the 2025 Olivier Award for The Best New Musical. What’s more, the show won the award for best actor in a musical and for an outstanding contribution to music.
The show is based on the iconic short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and is reimagined in a Cornish fishing village. It follows the story of Benjamin Button who is born old and is bound to the fate of growing younger each day. Benjamin wants nothing more than to live a little life. It follows the relationship between him and a woman called Elowen as she grows older whilst he grows younger.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is playing at The Ambassadors Theatre until 30th August 2025.
Varun’s Pick – The Lion King – Worked at LSBO for 6 months
“It’s world famous for a reason! All of my friends told me I had to watch this show when I moved here, it is definitely one of the best theatre shows in London.”
The Lion King is now in its 26th year at The Lyceum Theatre. The musical is a reimagining of Disney’s beloved film that will redefine your expectation of theatre. With Elton John’s original score, the production utilises beautiful and imaginative puppetry to bring the wild animals to life.
The show follows the same story of the much loved Disney animation. When loveable lion cub Simba is forced into exile from his kingdom by his envious uncle, he meets the hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warm-hearted warthog pal, Pumba. Soon after, Simba adopts his carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” until he realizes his true identity and returns to claim his throne from his evil uncle.
The Lion King is currently booking until 29th March 2026 at The Lyceum Theatre.
Hannah’s Pick – Wicked – Worked at LSBO for 2 years
“The show is so powerful, from the opening number the music washes over you! Although the show is nearly 18 years old, it’s themes are both timeless and timely. It is the original villain origin story and great for a variety of ages.”
This is undoubtedly the best theatre show in London and I’ve seen it 6 times. First, at age 12 with my school and then my family who were equally impressed with it. I saw it for the 6th time just recently with their new cast and it was just as good as I remember. It follows the untold story of the witches of Oz. Its themes of acceptance, division and propaganda are so poignant. The show portrays a complex world in which Glinda the good witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch gained their titles.
Audiences love the musical so much in fact that it has been turned into a 2 part film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The second part will premiere in November this year.
Wicked is now booking until 31st May 2026 at The Apollo Victoria.
