June 29, 2025, 12:27 pm | Read time: 10 minutes
When the curtain rises and the spotlights come on, London transforms into a different world. The West End stages are home to grand emotions, captivating music, and often quite a bit of humor. If you’re in London, you simply must see one of these shows. But which one? London expert Doris Tromballa presents her five musical highlights.
Yes, they exist, the classics: “Les Misérables,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child“–big names, big productions, big emotions. And they are rightly crowd-pullers in London’s West End. But: If you think that’s all the musical world of the British capital has to offer, you might miss the best. Here are five musicals that absolutely blew me away–and that everyone should see if they’re ready to try something new. Promise: It’s worth it.
Overview
My 5 Musical Highlights in London
“Hamilton”–History That Grooves
What happens when you mix America’s founding years with hip-hop? You get Hamilton. Don’t worry: The musical is not a historical lecture with a costume wig–it’s an energetic musical mega-mix. A show that combines the political foundation of the U.S. with wit and stage magic.
The story? Alexander Hamilton, an orphan from the Caribbean, fights his way to New York and becomes a co-founder of a nation. Along the way, he meets George Washington, his later nemesis Aaron Burr, and the love of his life. But as fascinating as the story is, the truly revolutionary aspect is the musical execution: The style mix brings people to the theater who usually aren’t into musicals. Rap, R’n’B, pop, and soul, with even Beatles echoes, are all there. Plus, “Hamilton” offers much to ponder, about big dreams, tough decisions, and a world that constantly changes. Yet, the piece manages to make the entire Victoria Palace Theatre laugh and sing along in the first act–the audience often knows the lyrics by heart. The second act becomes highly dramatic, and I shed a tear or two.
Must-See Because …
I was quite skeptical because I don’t particularly like hip-hop. That’s why I honestly resisted Hamilton for a long time. But the show delivers a truly exceptional musical mix of rap and singing that even won me over as a non-hip-hopper!
“The Devil Wears Prada”–Fashion Spectacle with Depth and Star Cast
The novel about the brutal working conditions at a fashion magazine by Lauren Weisberger was a global hit in 2003. The 2006 film adaptation even earned Meryl Streep an Oscar nomination. And since October 2024, the “Devil” with world star Vanessa Williams (“Save the Best for Last”) in the title role has been at the Dominion Theatre in London. At the center is the character of the young New York journalist Andrea, who more by chance than intention becomes the assistant to the legendary Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of the fictional fashion magazine “Runway.” Her dull but stressful everyday life consists of fetching coffee and lowly errands for the eccentric boss. While she rolls her eyes at the superficial glamour world, her perpetually stressed, mega-ambitious colleague Emily tells her she should try harder–”It’s a privilege to get burned out here!”
If you’re hoping for grand costumes–after all, it’s about the glittering world of fashion–I can promise you: They’re there, and they’ll make your eyes pop! I’ve probably never seen a musical where the actors change clothes so often. And it’s all there: from cool office chic to brightly colored, psychedelic wardrobe dreams to extravagant haute couture on the red carpet. Amidst all this, the music shouldn’t be forgotten: It’s composed by Elton John. It demands everything from its performers, and they deliver: Vanessa Williams’ mega-cool, smoky voice sends shivers down your spine, while Georgie Buckland (Andrea) practically pins you to your seat with her passionate vocal power. My favorite, however, was Emily (Amy di Bartolomeo), who is constantly on the verge of a nervous breakdown and frantically herds everyone through the newspaper’s corridors.
Must-See Because …
World-class talent (Elton John, Vanessa Williams) meets glamour and social critique–those expecting a light comedy will be surprised. It’s about ambition, self-fulfillment, and whether sacrificing for the “perfect job” is really such a good idea.
“Back to the Future”–Time Travel at 140 km/h
Take a seat, buckle up, and off we go: “Back to the Future” is the musical version of the cult 80s film. For me, it was an absolute must, simply because this film was (and is) one of my favorites! But can a musical really bring the “DeLorean” feeling to a theater? If you haven’t been to a musical in a while, you’ll be overwhelmed. The production crew has turned the Adelphi Theatre in London into a time machine! Even before it starts, you feel like you’re in a tunnel in the space-time continuum: The hall has been transformed with light strips, installations, and projections into a show before the show.
Then the story begins, which many probably know: The student Marty McFly accidentally lands in 1955 with the help of a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown. There, his mother (of all people!) falls in love with him, and he must get his shy father to invite her to the school dance so that the space-time continuum doesn’t tear–and he is never born. Meanwhile, he must fend off the dim-witted but nasty school bully Biff Tannen and get his time machine running again.
For the stage, great effort has been made to retain the iconic film elements: Marty on the skateboard, the sprawling guitar solo at the school dance, and George McFly’s wooden stammering, all included. The most applause, unsurprisingly, went to Cory English as Doc Brown: At one point, he lovingly sings about all the scientists who never made the big breakthrough, then celebrates himself and his invention with a disco ball and a horde of adoring dancers. The secret audience favorite is the obnoxious Biff Tannen, who rants about Marty McFly in his top-10-worthy song “Something About That Boy.” And in the end, you understand why the front seats are so expensive–the finale is a showdown that almost knocked me out of my chair. But I won’t reveal more, of course.
Must-See Because …
One hundred percent nostalgia factor, a time travel at 140 km/h! And of course with the world-famous film songs “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.”
“Starlight Express”–Traction 2.0
The “Starlight Express” has been rolling over international musical stages for a long time: It premiered in London more than 30 years ago. Now the cult roller-skate musical is back, completely revamped. They even built a new, dedicated theater in London for the show!
The musical doesn’t have much of a plot: It’s about an old steam locomotive competing in a race against other, much more modern trains. Between self-doubt and confidence, train “Dusty” hits the track to try his luck. Nevertheless, the spectacular roller-skate show by star composer Andrew Lloyd Webber was a global success: After London, there was also a version on New York’s Broadway–and in Bochum, the “Starlight Express Theatre” was built, where the musical has been running since 1988, holding the record for the longest-running musical at one location. Many years ago, I also saw “Starlight Express” there. So I was very curious about how the new version in London was designed. New costumes, new songs, a completely new theater–does it work?
Choo-choo–full steam ahead! Yes, it works! The “facelift” has turned “Starlight Express” into a hyper-modern 360-degree spectacle. Not only do the costumes make you rub your eyes (blinking LEDs, huge inflatable parts in the suits), but the characters are now up to date. New (and my favorite) is especially the wagon “Hydra,” which carries hydrogen (Jaydon Vijn). He casually and confidently promotes himself in an electro-hip-hop song: It’s not a question of if, only a question of when the environmentally friendly future potential of his cargo will finally be recognized. Then there are the stunt performers who flip over the stage’s half-pipe on scooters, making the audience hold their breath in excitement. When the train race has the performers whizzing past the audience just inches away on tracks laid through the auditorium, you feel almost like at a Formula 1 race–including live camera transmission on a screen.
Must-See Because …
“Starlight Express” is now not only cult but also cool: Sustainability meets neon party. Plus, in the new “Starlight Auditorium,” you’re almost up close with the performers, right in the middle!
“Tina”–The Legend Lives!
“Tina–The Tina Turner Musical” at London’s Aldwych Theatre is far more than a musical; it’s a musical monument. It premiered in London in 2018. What’s special about it: Tina Turner herself worked on the musical. After all, it tells her very personal story. And so the story begins in the parental home of little Anna Mae Bullock (that was Tina Turner’s real name), who often clashes with her big plans and imaginative ideas. Even in church, she gets into trouble for allegedly singing too enthusiastically and too loudly. As a teenager, she meets Ike Turner in a club, who has already achieved some success with his band. When he hears the young Anna Mae sing, he immediately hires her as the lead singer for his band. Anna Mae becomes Tina Turner. And Ike becomes her husband. The musical takes its time to tell the highs and lows of Tina Turner’s life: Ike’s abuse and affairs, the exhausting concert tours, finally the escape from the cruelties and the new beginning, until Tina finally brings everyone to their feet as a superstar at a mega-concert.
And that’s exactly what happens in “Tina–The Musical”: Karis Anderson performs the stage “Tina” so powerfully that at the end, I was completely floored, wondering how a person can deliver like that for two and a half hours. Her voice carries through goosebump ballads, roaring rock numbers, and ecstatic final songs–so powerful and authentic that you almost forget that it’s not Tina herself on stage. In an interview, Anderson described how happy she was when she landed the title role–and at the same time how nervous: “Private Dancer,” “Proud Mary,” and “The Best” are demanding, challenging songs. Her strategy against nervousness: “Always one song at a time…”
The only downside: During the performance, you’re asked not to sing along. It’s hard not to, with this hit parade. But it’s probably for the best. And during the encore, which actually feels like a real Tina concert, you can! “Better than all the rest!” Of course, Ike Turner is booed during the curtain call–but it’s certainly not personal. Actor Rolan Bell delivers a mega-strong performance.
Must-See Because …
Tina is simply a legend! That’s why the show not only guarantees earworms but also a story that gets under your skin. Plus, many of Tina Turner’s world hits are newly and excitingly staged and surprisingly integrated into the plot. And in the end, no one is left sitting in their seat, guaranteed! Oh yes: be quick. “Tina–The Musical” runs only until September 13 in London, then the show goes on tour.
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How to Get Cheap Musical Tickets in London
And the best part? The musical world in London never sleeps. New productions are constantly being added–Disney’s “Hercules” has just started, and the 1920s show “The Great Gatsby” is on until September 7. Tickets are best bought very last minute, through the website officiallondontheatre.com/tkts. There you can find tickets for performances on the same day–sometimes up to 30 percent cheaper. Or you can go to the TKTS booth at Leicester Square and get the tickets in person.