Official Theatre Tickets
London Theatre Musicals in the West End & Beyond
Family-Friendly Musicals in London
Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre adapts Roald Dahl's story with a witty score by Tim Minchin. The production celebrates reading, imagination, and standing up against unfair authority, perfect for children aged 6 and up. Miss Trunchbull's tyranny is played for laughs rather than genuine scares.
Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre brings the DeLorean to the stage with impressive special effects, including the car appearing to fly. Great Scott, they really did figure out how to make it work. Suitable for ages 6 and over, with shows running through April 2026.
Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre puts performers on roller skates for Andrew Lloyd Webber's train racing musical. The new production features an in-the-round staging where trains zoom past you at incredible speed. Children absolutely love it, and the venue is a short walk from Wembley Park Tube station.
The Gruffalo at the Lyric Theatre brings Julia Donaldson's beloved picture book to life in a production perfect for young children aged 3 and up. At just 55 minutes with no interval, it's an ideal introduction to live theatre.
My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre is an extraordinary adaptation of Studio Ghibli's animated classic, featuring life-sized puppetry that brings the forest spirits to breathtaking life. The production transferred from a sold-out run at the Barbican and has won multiple Olivier Awards. Recommended for ages 4 and above.
Paddington the Musical is coming soon to the West End, bringing the marmalade-loving bear from Darkest Peru to the stage. Perfect for families with young children.
Off West End & Immersive Experiences
ABBA Voyage at the purpose-built ABBA Arena in Stratford is unlike anything else in London. Digital avatars of the original band members perform a 90-minute concert backed by a live 10-piece band. The technology, created by Industrial Light & Magic, is genuinely astonishing. The venue is accessible via Pudding Mill Lane DLR station or a 15-minute walk from Stratford.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical at the Cambridge Theatre creates an entirely new musical each night based on audience suggestions. The cast has performed the format thousands of times and the results range from ridiculous to genuinely moving.
Titanique at the Criterion Theatre is a comedic retelling of the Titanic disaster set to the music of Céline Dion. The humour is campy, irreverent, and very, very funny. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Come Alive! at the Empress Theatre in Earls Court combines the songs from The Greatest Showman with live circus acts for a spectacular family experience. Children aged 6 and above are welcome.
Why See a Musical in London?
World-class theatre district. The West End rivals Broadway as one of the two great English-language theatre capitals. Many shows premiere here before transferring to New York, and several long-running West End productions have outlasted their Broadway counterparts.
Historic venues with character. London's theatres date back centuries. His Majesty's Theatre opened in 1897, Theatre Royal Drury Lane has stood on its current site since 1812, and the Lyceum has roots going back to 1765. These aren't generic performance spaces. Each venue has architectural quirks, perfect sightlines from unexpected spots, and atmosphere you simply won't find in modern buildings.
Variety beyond Broadway. While New York excels at glossy productions, London offers everything from immersive shows where you're part of the action to tiny fringe venues testing tomorrow's hits. You can see a £150 premium musical and a £15 experimental show in the same weekend.
Accessible from anywhere in the UK. King's Cross, Euston, Paddington and other major stations put the West End within easy reach for day trips or overnight stays. Most theatres are clustered within a 10-minute walk of Leicester Square, making it simple to grab dinner before a show.
Competitive ticket prices. While premium seats can cost over £100, most West End musicals offer seats from £20 to £50 with excellent views. Midweek performances typically have better availability and sometimes lower prices than weekend shows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most popular musicals in London right now?
The shows with the highest demand currently include The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked and Les Misérables. ABBA Voyage continues to sell out regularly, and newer productions like Hadestown and Oliver! are generating significant buzz. Check our listings for real-time availability.
Where can I buy tickets for London musicals?
You can purchase official London theatre tickets right here on tickadoo. We offer a wide selection of seats at competitive prices, and you can choose your exact seats on an interactive seating plan before you book.
Are there any discounted tickets for London musicals?
Yes. tickadoo+ members save up to 15% on every booking. We regularly feature special offers and promotional pricing for select performances. Weekday performances, particularly Tuesday through Thursday evenings, often have better availability and pricing than weekend shows. Booking further in advance typically offers more choice at each price level.
Which London musicals are suitable for families?
The Lion King (suitable for ages 6+), Matilda (ages 6+), Back to the Future (ages 6+), and Starlight Express (all ages) are excellent choices for families. For younger children, The Gruffalo (ages 3+) runs just 55 minutes and is designed specifically for little ones. Always check the age recommendation before booking, as some shows contain themes or language unsuitable for children.
How long do West End musicals usually run?
Most West End musicals run between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 hours including one interval of 15-20 minutes. Hamilton is notably longer at 2 hours 45 minutes with no interval. ABBA Voyage runs 90 minutes without an interval. Running times are listed on each show page.
Do I need to book London musical tickets in advance?
For popular shows like The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked, booking several weeks ahead is strongly recommended, especially for weekend performances and school holidays. Some of the most in-demand musicals sell out months in advance for premium seating. Less busy periods include January through March (excluding half-term) and late autumn.
What should I wear to a London musical?
There's no dress code for West End theatres. You'll see everything from jeans and trainers to cocktail dresses. Most people opt for smart-casual, something comfortable enough for sitting in theatre seats for 2-3 hours. For shows like Moulin Rouge! many audience members dress up as part of the experience.
Can I take photos inside West End theatres?
Photography is prohibited during performances at all West End theatres. You can usually take photos in the auditorium before the show starts and during the interval, but never during the actual performance. Phone screens are distracting for performers and other audience members.
Are West End theatres accessible for wheelchair users?
Most West End theatres offer wheelchair-accessible seating, though due to the historic nature of many venues, step-free access can be limited. It's always best to contact the theatre directly or check accessibility information on the show page before booking. Many theatres also offer hearing loops, audio description performances, and captioned shows on specific dates.
Still have questions?