The 10 Most Significant Musicals That Landed In London's West End

Whether you’re a musical nut or just visiting London, you must spend a night in Theatreland, aka the West End. Almost 15 million people visit West End theatres every year to take in some of the most spectacular shows in the world. We look back at the 10 productions that put London’s theatre scene on the map and made it the global attraction it is today.

1. Les Miserables

Theatre

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Les Mis –– based on the novel by French author and poet Victor Hugo –– made its musical debut under Cameron Mackintosh and the Royal Shakespeare company in 1985. It was originally met with frosty reviews by the Sunday Telegraph and the Observerbut after three months, was still selling out. Set in Paris during the French Revolution, Les Mis tells the story of human sacrifice for love, family, and country. Theatre goers were overcome by songs such as ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and ‘On My Own’. Its recent movie adaptation is a testament to the impact the musical has made worldwide and it continues to be an inspiration, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

2. Cats

Theatre

The jellicle cats go to the jellicle ball and their leader makes the decision to pick only one to go to the Heaviside Layer, where they will be reborn into a new jellicle life. No matter how crazy you think this sounds, this is an instalment from Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats – a force to be reckoned with. It played for 21 record breaking years –– rivalled only by Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mouse Trap’ and the ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Its unique story was inspired by T.S Eliot’s original book of poems titled ‘Practical Cats’. Eliot made the decision to make it entirely about cats, as he felt it ‘impolite to wrap cats up with dogs’. Yet, even without the inclusion of dancing dogs, Cats went on to win seven Tony awards, toured around 26 countries and is still playing in London today. © Title Card/WikiCommons

3. The Phantom of the Opera

Opera House, Theater

Adapted from the work by French author Gaston Leroux, Andrew Lloyd Webber has made this timeless story one of London’s most successful musicals. The story is set below a Paris Opera house where the Phantom lurks, ashamed of his deformed appearance and madly in love with his protégé Christine Daaé. This is a remarkable musical that showcases wonderful scenery, special effects and heart wrenching songs of tragic love. So spectacular is it, that it is in its record breaking 29th year in Her Majesty’s Theatre, not to mention being made into a film in 2004 by Joel Schumacher.

4. The Lion King

Theatre

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Why wouldn’t a Disney adaptation be an outright success on the London stage? The Lion King, currently in its 16th year in London’s Lyceum Theatre, is a one of a kind production. The Serengeti plains have never been staged in such a way before – using puppetry, movement, colour and mask to create a wondrous spectacle for people of all ages. Julie Taymor’s innovative production made her the first woman to be awarded a Tony for ‘Best Director of Musical’. Along with Elton John’s and Tim Rice’s music, her incredible design made this one of the most influential modern day musicals.

5. Miss Saigon

Theatre

Set during the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon portrays how conflict can bring two people together and can just as easily tear them apart. The fall of Saigon sees the relationship between an American G.I and his Vietnamese girlfriend put to the test. Cameron Mackintosh’s production –– first shown in 1989 –– closed after 4264 shows and has returned to London once again as part of the 2014 revival, breaking box office records. © BradleyPJohnson/WikiCommons

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

Based on Gregory Maguire’s interpretation of Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked is from the point of view of the witches of the Land of Oz; how Elphaba falls from grace when her friendship with Glinda the Good is put under strain. Premiered on Broadway in 2003, The Times refers to tihs show as ‘the biggest thing in musicals since The Phantom of the Opera’. Winning 90 international awards and an Olivier, this is probably one of the best shows to have been brought over the Atlantic to London.

See website for locations and venues.

Oliver!

Based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, Oliver! looks at the cruelty inflicted upon Orphans in mid-19th century London and the reality of living a criminal life. This British musical took to the West End in 1960. Composed by Lionel Bart and awarded a Tony, its success has led to such a demand that there have been continuous revivals since the 70s. In its most recent tour 2011 to 2013, its residence in Drury Lane played to 1.5 million people. Although it is not on tour in London at the moment, keep your eyes peeled for another revival.

6. Mamma Mia!

Theatre

Inspired by Abba’s incredible GOLD album, Mamma Mia! was bound to be a success. Written by Catherine Johnson, a daughter decides to get married on the same Greek Island where her mother met three men 20 years ago. She must find out which man is her Dad before her wedding day. This is a hilarious production, told through the powerful music of Abba. It made its debut in 1999 at the Prince Edward Theatre and today has played to 54 million people. It was adapted into a blockbuster in 2008 and if anything, this has made even more people hit the theatres.

7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Theatre

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Based on the play by Christopher Bond, Sweeney Todd went on to become a musical thriller in 1979. This is a gruesome tale, unlike any other to come before a London audience. Its tragic story is set in 19th century London, where Sweeney Todd seeks revenge on the judge that wrongfully imprisoned him and tore him away from his family. Its immense cast, staging and witty lyrics earned it both a Tony and Olivier award for ‘Best Musical’ in 1980. In 2007, it was made into a Tim Burton film and has returned to London as a semi-staged and semi-operatic version, with Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel. Catch it before it closes on April the 12th.

8. Billy Elliot

Theatre

Reversing the stage to screen trend, this production is based on the hit 2000 movie Billy Elliot. With music by Elton John, this is an outstanding show that sees a young boy who has lost his mother discover his true calling as a dancer. It’s a heart-warming story that links the County Durham mining community’s struggle with Billy’s own internal battles as he takes to ballet instead of boxing. Premiering in 2005 on the West End, it won 4 Olivier Awards, 10 Tonys and in 2014, it was broadcast live to cinemas around the UK.

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