The 10 Best Musicals in London in October 2024
London's West End is home to some of the best musicals in the world, drawing theatre lovers from all corners of the globe. In October 2024, the city’s theatre scene is more vibrant than ever, with a stunning mix of long-running classics, new productions, and musical sensations that guarantee an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
October 2024 has been a month in the making for a long time with the opening of The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre. With music penned by Sir Elton John, this one of the most hotly anticipated musicals of the year. There’s also MJ The Musical which lands perfectly on Halloween, a real thriller of a show.
Whether you're seeking heart-warming stories, thrilling scores, or laugh-out-loud comedy, the West End is brimming with incredible options. Here’s a guide to the 10 best musicals you can catch in London right now.
London’s Must-See Musicals in October 2024
London's West End offers a mix of well-loved, long-running shows and fresh, exciting productions that cater to every taste. If you’re planning a trip to London, here are some of the top musicals to look out for:
1. The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada production photo
The brand new musical from Sir Elton John is now the hottest ticket in town. The musical is based on the famous cult film made famous by Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep. The Devil Wears Prada the musical is going to be just as vivacious and will be a welcome addition to the best musicals to see in London’s West End.
2. The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera has been enchanting audiences with its haunting melodies and gothic romance since 1986. As one of the longest-running musicals in the world, it offers a mesmerising experience with grand sets, dramatic performances, and an unforgettable score. The October 2024 performances promise to keep the magic alive at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Disney’s The Lion King production photo by Brinkoff and Mogenburg
This beloved Disney classic has become a must-see for families and theatre lovers alike. Since its premiere in 1999, The Lion King has dazzled audiences with its awe-inspiring stagecraft, puppetry, and stunning visuals. With its heartwarming story and famous soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice, this musical will continue to be one of the best shows in London for October 2024 at the Lyceum Theatre.
4. Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton has taken the world by storm, and London’s West End production is no exception. Blending hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes, Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the birth of the United States. It remains one of the hottest tickets in London, captivating audiences with its revolutionary storytelling and fresh take on history. Catch it at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
5. Wicked
Since its debut in 2006, Wicked has captured the imaginations of audiences with its story of friendship and betrayal in the magical world of Oz. A prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this spellbinding musical is filled with magical moments, spectacular performances, and powerful ballads like “Defying Gravity.” Wicked continues to bewitch audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
6. MJ The Musical
One of the most anticipated new shows in 2024 is MJ The Musical, a thrilling celebration of Michael Jackson's life and career. Featuring his greatest hits and electrifying choreography, this musical takes audiences behind the scenes of the King of Pop’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Expect to be swept off your feet by this high-energy production.
7. Hadestown
In Hadestown, Greek mythology meets folk music in this Tony Award-winning musical. With its lush score and poetic lyrics, Hadestown transports audiences to the underworld as it tells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Full of stunning performances and breathtaking visuals, Hadestown is one of the most innovative and captivating musicals on the West End today.
8. Mamma Mia!
With its infectious ABBA soundtrack, Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. Since 1999, audiences have flocked to see this sun-soaked show, which tells the story of a young bride-to-be searching for her father on a beautiful Greek island. The mix of catchy tunes, joyful performances, and emotional moments continues to make it one of London’s most popular musicals.
Les Miserables production photo by Deen Van Meer
Since 1985, Les Misérables has been the West End’s crowning achievement. This legendary musical, adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel, is filled with heart-wrenching performances, iconic music, and powerful storytelling that has mesmerized audiences for decades. The 2024 production continues to be a testament to the musical’s timeless appeal, with stunning vocals and moving performances.
10. Back to the Future The Musical
With Back to the Future day occurring on 21 October, it would be rude not to include the musical in this best musicals to see in October. The hit film takes it up a fear gears as the famous DeLorean hits the West End stage. With a roster of popular 80s songs and an incredible cast, this is one of the top shows to see again and again in London’s West End.
