Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
London is a city that never sleeps, especially when it comes to its vibrant theatre scene. From musicals to plays, from classics to new works, there is something for everyone in the West End and beyond. Whether you are a local or a visitor, a theatre lover or a newbie, you will find plenty of shows to entertain, inspire, and challenge you in 2024. Here are some of the best shows to see in London in the coming year, in no particular order.
Hamilton If you haven’t seen Hamilton yet, what are you waiting for? The smash-hit musical about the American founding father Alexander Hamilton, featuring a diverse cast and a hip-hop score, has taken the world by storm since its debut on Broadway in 2015. The show has won 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, a Grammy Award, and an Olivier Award, among many others. It tells the story of Hamilton’s rise from a poor immigrant to a revolutionary leader, his involvement in the American War of Independence, his role as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and his tragic death in a duel with his rival Aaron Burr. The show is a masterpiece of storytelling, music, and staging, blending history, politics, and culture in a thrilling and relevant way. Hamilton continues to run at the Victoria Palace Theatre, where it opened in 2017, and tickets are in high demand. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room where it happens.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you will love Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the two-part play based on the popular fantasy series by J.K. Rowling, co-written by Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. The play is set 19 years after the events of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and follows the adventures of Harry’s son Albus at Hogwarts, where he befriends Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Harry’s former enemy Draco. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest to change the past and save the future, while facing the dark legacy of Lord Voldemort and his followers. The play is a spectacular spectacle of magic, drama, and emotion, featuring stunning special effects, costumes, and sets. The play has won numerous awards, including six Tony Awards and nine Olivier Awards, and has been praised by critics and audiences alike. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened at the Palace Theatre in 2016, and is still running to sold-out crowds. You will need to book tickets well in advance, and be prepared to spend a whole day or two evenings at the theatre, as the play is divided into two parts, each lasting about two and a half hours.
The Lion King The Lion King is one of the most successful and beloved musicals of all time, and for good reason. The award-winning musical adaptation of the Disney animated film, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Lyceum Theatre in 2024. The show tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is destined to be the king of the Pride Lands, but is exiled by his evil uncle Scar, who kills his father Mufasa and usurps the throne. With the help of his friends Timon, Pumbaa, Nala, and Rafiki, Simba grows up and returns to reclaim his rightful place. The show is a feast for the eyes and ears, featuring amazing puppetry, costumes, and choreography, as well as iconic songs such as “Circle of Life”, “Hakuna Matata”, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. The show has won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has been seen by over 100 million people worldwide. The Lion King is a timeless and universal story of family, friendship, and courage, that will touch your heart and lift your spirit.
Wicked Wicked is another musical phenomenon that has captivated audiences around the world since its premiere on Broadway in 2003. The prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of the friendship and rivalry between Glinda and Elphaba, the good and wicked witches, remains one of the most popular shows in the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it opened in 2006. The show is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, and features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman. The show explores the origins and motivations of the two witches, their relationship with the Wizard, and their involvement in the events that lead to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. The show is a dazzling spectacle of music, comedy, and drama, with songs such as “Defying Gravity”, “Popular”, and “For Good”. The show has won three Tony Awards, including Best Actress for Idina Menzel, who originated the role of Elphaba, and ten Olivier Awards, including Most Popular Show. Wicked is a witty and wicked twist on a classic tale, that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Oz.
The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical in the West End, and one of the most successful and acclaimed shows in history. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, the show returns to the Her Majesty’s Theatre in 2024, after a major refurbishment that promises to enhance the already spectacular production. The show tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano who becomes the obsession of a mysterious and disfigured musical genius, who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. The Phantom lures Christine to his lair, where he teaches her to sing and declares his love for her, but she is torn between him and her childhood sweetheart, Raoul. The show is a masterpiece of romance, horror, and tragedy, featuring a haunting score, stunning sets and costumes, and memorable songs such as “The Phantom of the Opera”, “The Music of the Night”, and “All I Ask of You”. The show has won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. The Phantom of the Opera is a musical phenomenon that has captivated millions of fans for over 30 years, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Les Misérables Les Misérables is another musical legend that has stood the test of time and continues to draw crowds and acclaim. The epic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, set during the French Revolution, reopens at the Sondheim Theatre in 2024, with a new staging and cast. The show follows the lives of several characters, mainly Jean Valjean, a former convict who tries to redeem himself after being pursued by the ruthless inspector Javert, and his adopted daughter Cosette, who falls in love with the revolutionary Marius. The show is a powerful and moving saga of love, sacrifice, and redemption, featuring a magnificent score, impressive scenery, and unforgettable songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream”, “One Day More”, and “Do You Hear the People Sing”. The show has won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and five Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. Les Misérables is a musical masterpiece that has inspired generations of theatre-goers and has been adapted into several films, including the 2012 version starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe.
Matilda the Musical
Matilda the Musical is a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s book, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. The show tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant and precocious girl who loves reading and learning, but is neglected and abused by her ignorant and cruel parents and headmistress. With the help of her kind teacher Miss Honey and her extraordinary powers, Matilda stands up to the bullies and changes her destiny. The show is a delightful and hilarious celebration of imagination, intelligence, and courage, featuring catchy songs, witty dialogue, and impressive performances by the young actors. The show has won seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical. Matilda the Musical continues to delight audiences of all ages at the Cambridge Theatre, where it opened in 2011.
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a musical comedy by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the co-creator of Avenue Q, Robert Lopez. The show satirizes the beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church, as well as other religions and cultures, in a hilarious and irreverent way. The show follows the misadventures of two young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to Uganda to convert the locals, but face various challenges, such as warlords, AIDS, and famine. The show is a riot of laughter, featuring outrageous songs, clever jokes, and a surprising amount of heart. The show has won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. The Book of Mormon is one of the most popular and controversial shows in the West End, playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre since 2013. Be warned, though, the show is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended, as it contains strong language, adult themes, and explicit content.
Moulin Rouge!
The Musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s film, featuring a jukebox score of pop songs from the past and present. The show tells the story of Christian, a young writer who falls in love with Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge, a decadent and glamorous cabaret in Paris. However, their romance is threatened by the Duke of Monroth, a powerful and jealous patron who wants Satine for himself. The show is a dazzling spectacle of music, dance, and romance, featuring songs such as “Lady Marmalade”, “Your Song”, “Roxanne”, and “Come What May”. The show has been nominated for 14 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Moulin Rouge! The Musical opens at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2024, bringing the glamour and romance of the Parisian cabaret to London.
The Prince of Egypt
The Prince of Egypt is a musical adaptation of the DreamWorks animated film, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Wicked and Godspell. The show tells the biblical story of Moses and his brother Ramses, who grow up as princes of Egypt, but are separated by fate and destiny. Moses learns that he is a Hebrew, and is called by God to free his people from slavery, while Ramses becomes the Pharaoh, and refuses to let them go. The show is a epic and emotional journey of faith, family, and freedom, featuring stunning visuals, powerful songs, and a diverse cast. The show has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the film, as well as its original additions and enhancements. The show features songs such as “Deliver Us”, “When You Believe”, and “Through Heaven’s Eyes”. The Prince of Egypt opened at the Dominion Theatre in 2020, and is still running to enthusiastic crowds.
