West End Musicals 2026: What’s Playing in London Now

Looking for the best West End musicals in 2026? This is your complete, up-to-date guide to the musicals playing in London right now — from record-breaking long-runners to the biggest new openings of the year. For each show you’ll find the theatre, a link to its box office guide, and where to book official tickets. If you’re weighing musicals against plays — or booking for kids, a first visit or a date night — start with our guide to the best West End shows in London.

Long-running West End musicals playing in 2026

These are the blockbuster musicals that have made the West End world-famous — all currently booking in 2026 (and if you have ever wondered why these shows run for decades, we break it down here):

• The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre — book tickets
• Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre — book tickets
• Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre — book tickets
• Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre — book tickets
• The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre — book tickets
• Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre — book tickets
• Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre — book tickets
• The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre — book tickets

New and returning musicals in 2026

2026 brings a fresh wave of musicals to London, alongside much-loved titles returning to the stage:

• Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre
• Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre
• Oliver! — Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed revival
• Miss Saigon, Amadeus and Into the Woods among the titles returning to the West End

Line-ups and booking periods change through the year, so always check our What’s On guide for the latest confirmed dates.

West End musicals by theatre

Planning around a particular venue? Each box office guide below covers opening hours, address, seating, accessibility and how to book:

• Lyceum Theatre — The Lion King
• Apollo Victoria Theatre — Wicked
• Sondheim Theatre — Les Misérables
• Victoria Palace Theatre — Hamilton
• Prince of Wales Theatre — The Book of Mormon
• Novello Theatre — Mamma Mia!
• Prince Edward Theatre — Beetlejuice

How to book West End musical tickets

You can book West End musical tickets online through each show’s official box office page, or in person at the venue. For the widest choice of dates and seats, booking online in advance is usually best — especially for the most popular shows, where the best seats sell out weeks ahead. Always book with the official box office or an authorised, STAR-member ticket seller to avoid inflated resale prices.

West End musicals 2026 — FAQ

What are the biggest West End musicals in 2026?

The biggest draws in 2026 include The Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and The Book of Mormon — all currently booking in London.

What is the longest-running West End musical?

Les Misérables is the world’s longest-running musical, having played in London continuously since 1985. The Phantom of the Opera is another of the West End’s longest-running productions. See the full list of longest running West End shows and what keeps them open.

What is the cheapest way to get West End musical tickets?

Booking early, choosing weekday performances, and looking out for day seats, lotteries and off-peak offers are the best ways to save. Always buy from the official box office or an authorised seller.