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Top 8 shows to see in London in 2024

Silence descending across the audience, the lights dimming, the curtain lifts and the fun has begun! Attending a show is a magical experience, for a couple of hours you are transported to another world and swept up in a maelstrom of drama. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, solve a murder mystery or cry with laughter at the hilarious antics onstage, there’s no better place to do it than London’s West End. Here are our top picks for the 8 London shows to attend this year:

  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
  • The Book of Mormon
  • The Phantom of the Opera
  • ABBA Voyage
  • The Mousetrap
  • The Play That Goes Wrong
  • Mamma Mia! The Party
  • Back to the Future: The Musical

These London shows span a range of genres, from comedy to immerse experiences and some unique showstoppers so have a browse and find your next West End show!

Why not share the experience with a loved one, go as a family or take a friend? Theatre tickets make a fantastic present so make the most of it with a theatre break in London.

Where to eat before seeing a West End show?

Whether you’re enjoying a matinee in the afternoon or treating yourself to an evening in London, you will undoubtedly want to grab a bite to eat before you settle in for the main event. The area around the West End is brimming with restaurants but they are often jam-packed, especially on popular theatre nights like Saturday. So here are some suggestions for more casual, varied places to eat before your show so you can get there in time for curtain up and still enjoy a delicious meal!

  • South Bank Centre Food Market: This food market takes place across the river from the West End. You can either take the tube to Waterloo and walk from there or you can wander over the Thames. The market is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but opening times can vary so make you check before your trip. The market offers a mouthwatering range of food, from Pasteis de Nata and vegan Ethiopian food to Polish sausages and Korean BBQ.
  • Chinatown: This is by no means the quietest spot in London to grab a bite to eat but the incredible selection of restaurants here is well worth the hustle and bustle of the streets. Whether you want to tuck into some crispy duck or warm steamed buns, you’re bound to find something here, and it’s a stone’s throw from many of London’s theatres.
  • Seven Dials Market: This food market is tucked away a couple of streets from the magnificent Covent Garden. The Seven Dials area is popular for its quaint, narrow streets and the bright facades of Neal’s Yard. The food itself represents the most vibrant side of London cuisine with everything from Israeli street food to Latino fried chicken and fluffy waffles.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Shows in London

Which day is best to see a show in London?

Shows in London generally run throughout the week but certain shows have a day off during the week. Matinee performances can be excellent for children and certain shows may put on more family-friendly performances at matinees. It also depends on your plans for your time in London. For example, a Saturday evening show combined with a hotel stay makes for the perfect weekend getaway in the UK capital and gives you plenty of time to explore London.

Which shows can I see in London?

The West End show scene is very dynamic with plenty of exciting new shows appearing. Certain shows only have a short run but others are classics of the London stage and have been running for years, such as the Phantom of the Opera and The Mousetrap.

How much do tickets for London shows cost?

Tickets for London shows vary in price significantly. Many shows have tickets starting from around £20 but prices increase for seats which are closer to the stage. Certain shows release reduced tickets on the day but the best way to get the seats you want at a reasonable price is to book your tickets quite some time in advance.

Which are the best seats London shows?

The most expensive tickets for shows in London are normally seats at the very front of the theatre or closest to the action if the shows does not take place in a traditional theatre. These seats can be fantastic for being able to see all of the detail up close but the seats are often below the level of the stage, so you end up looking up at the performers which can become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Seats at the front of the lowest circle or tier of seating can therefore be the most comfortable, as you can soak up everything that’s going on with an uninterrupted view of the stage and no craning your neck!

Where is the West End in London?

The West End is the area of London on the North bank of the Thames around Covent Garden between Holborn and Soho. These streets are densely populated with theatres and are considered the heart of the London theatre scene. It is by no means the only place in London to see fantastic shows as there are theatres and venues dotted all over the city, from around Victoria to the O2 Arena.