- In |
- On August 12, 2025
London’s West End has a surprising amount of shows on at the moment which includes, bare with me: A show within a show. If you want to girl math that, that means you technically get two shows for the price of one!
What is “a show within a show”?
A show within a show is a trope which we see across film, theatre and TV. This is where the story features the characters putting on a show. This is usually because the story takes place in a theatrical setting. It could be that they are working on creating a show or that is simply the reason the characters know each other. Sometimes, it can even be less professional where they are just doing a small bit to entertain the other characters rather than it being the entire plot. Whatever the reason, it is always a fun addition to the story and there are plenty of shows with this trope to choose from in London’s West End.
What is London’s West End?
This is the theatre district of London. It is called the West End as it is in the West of London.
Tina
This Jukebox Musical is about the legendary Tina Turner. It follows her life story from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her superstardom. The musical features some of her biggest hits. Naturally, there are many shows within a show due to the nature of her job. In fact, the musical concludes with essentially a Tina Turner Concert!
This summer could be your last chance to see this show. It is unfortunately leaving London’s West End on 13th September this year.
How can I get discounted tickets for Tina?
You can grab your discounted tickets here for Tina at The Aldwych Theatre which must close 13th September 2025.
MJ the Musical
Similarly to Tina, this biopic, Jukebox musical follows a famous singer, it naturally contains a show within a show. MJ‘s particular show within a show is the 1992 Dangerous World Tour as this is what the musical focuses on. It aims to focus in on Michael Jackson‘s creative process in this new musical at the Prince Edward Theatre. The show also features some of MJ‘s biggest hits.
MJ the Musical is playing at The Prince Edward Theatre until 28th February 2026.
Where can I buy discounted tickets for MJ?
You can secure them with Leicester Square Box Office by calling us or visiting our kiosk in Leicester Square.
The Play That Goes Wrong
This show is actually the longest running comedy show on London’s West End. Audiences have been laughing along to this show for over 12 years now. The majority of the play is a show within a show. The whole plot is about an amateur dramatics society trying (and failing) to put on a classic murder mystery play. Mischief Theatre wrote and produced this show and have become wildly success creating this genre of shows both on screen and stage.
Watch the ultimate show within a show at The Duchess Theatre which is showing The Play That Goes Wrong, now booking until Sunday 30th August 2026.
The Phantom of The Opera
This classic musical features multiple shows within a show! The Phantom of the Opera is set in the Paris Opera House and the performers and producers who work there. We watch many dances and songs that are both rehearsed and performed within the story. The Phantom of the Opera is about a man who lives in the Opera House. He is a musical genius who “haunts” the venue and falls in love with his protegee, Christine Daee.
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular shows in London’s West End. In fact, it is the 2nd longest running musical in the West End and sells out nearly everynight.
Book tickets in advance for The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesties Theatre for the best prices. The show is booking until 28th March 2026.
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is another musical on London’s West End which is also set in Paris. This one more specifically is set in the Moulin Rouge. The show opens presenting the venue as you are an audience member to the actual show within the show. Later, as the characters need to raise money to save the venue, they rehearse and perform a brand new show within the show.
This musical is extremly popular and is adapted from the original Baz Lehrmann film of the same name. The original movie musical was all pop songs from the time. Many of those songs remain but the West End version has additional pop songs added to keep a modern audience engaged.
Secure your tickets for this spectacular show. Moulin Rouge is playing at The Piccadilly Theatre and is booking until 21st February 2026.
Cabaret
Again, this show is set in an envirnoment where shows are performed so naturally has many show within a show moments. Cabaret is one of the most popular shows on London’s West End. It opened in 2021 and is famous for often casting famous faces as the lead characters.
Cabaret is set in a Cabaret club in Berlin at the end of the 1920s. As the show progresses, as does the support for the Nazi’s in the outside world. This musical is based on a book from a man who actually lived in Berlin during this time period. It currently stars Rod Madge and Hannah Dodd as The Emcee and Sally Bowles respectfully.
Nab tickets for Cabaret playing at the Kit Kat Club. It is currently booking until 23rd May 2026.
Just For One Day
This musical is another one of London’s West End shows which features a concert as a show within a show. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is based on the Live Aid Event which took place 40 years ago. It was set up by Bob Geldof as a global fundraising event for the famine in Ethiopia. It was the fist event of its kind. The concert saw some of the biggest names in music come together for live performances in London and America simultaneously.
The musical recounts the event and has music by the big names that played there. This includes, Queen, Madonna, Diana Ross and David Bowie to name a few.
Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is playing at The Shaftesbury Theatre until 10th January 2026.
Where can I by discounted tickets for Just For One Day?
You can secure them with Leicester Square Box Office online, via the telephone or in person.
The Producers
This hilarious musical is set to open on 30th August on London’s West End at The Garrick Theatre. The musical is is based on the cult classic Mel Brookes film of the same name.
The Producers is about a producer and an accountant who want to create the worst musical you’ve ever seen! They don’t want the Taxman sniffing around so, in order to avoid that, they have to create the biggest flop the world has ever seen. Except it doesn’t flop. It’s a smash hit! They write the worst and most offensive show people have ever seen and they love it! Naturally, the show within a show takes part throughout this musical in both rehearsals and performances.
This production of The Producers marks the shows first ever major West End Revival. It moves to The Garrick following a sold out run in at The Menier Chocolate Factory last year.
Book cheap tickets for The Producers now at The Garrick Theatre which is playing from 30th August 2025 until 21st February 2026.
Burlesque
Burlesque the musical is the hottest New Show in London’s West End right now. It only opened last month and must close on 6th September. The show is a musical adaptation of the popular film which starred Christina Aguilera and Cher.
The story takes place in a struggling Burlesque club. When small town girl Ali chases her dreams as a singer, she finds herself working behind the bar. After she auditions to be in the show, she revolutionises the Burlesque club and tries to save it from going under which her incredible voice. We see the clubs Burlesque performances throughout the show which ticks the box for this theatrical trope.
Burlesque features songs from the movie which includes songs by Aguilera with additional material written by X-Factor’s Jess Folley and Drag Races, Todrick Hall.
Book tickets for Burlesque at The Savoy Theatre before it closes on 6th September 2025.
The Book of Mormon
This musical is a less obvious one which features a show within a show! It is only a small moment within it but it makes the list none the less.
The Book of Mormon is a comedy musical written by the creators of South Park. It is about Mormon missionaries who go to Africa to spread the word of the lord. Luckily for them, they have great success, just not with the truth. The village decide that when more people come from the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, they will put on a show to express just how much they love “The Book Of Mormon”.
The Book of Mormon is currently booking until 3rd January 2026 at The Prince Of Wales Theatre.
Leicester Square Box Office is a proud member of S.T.A.R. Secure your tickets with confidence today with Leicester Square Box Office.
