What are the long running and popular musicals in the west end and on broadway?

Some long-running musicals include “The Phantom of the Opera,” which debuted in 1986 and is still running on Broadway, “Les Misérables,” which debuted in 1985 and has had multiple productions around the world, “The Lion King,” which debuted in 1997 and is still running on Broadway, “Chicago,” which debuted in 1975 and has had multiple productions around the world, and “Cats,” which debuted in 1981 and has had multiple productions around the world.

Longest running west end show is not a musical but is The Mousetrap, St. Martin’s Theatre.

10 Longest-running shows now playing in the West End

The Mousetrap, St. Martin’s Theatre
Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre
The Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre
The Woman In Black, Fortune Theatre
Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
Disney’s The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre
Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre
Matilda The Musical, Cambridge Theatre
The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre

Most London musicals are traditionally located in the main theatre district, more commonly known as Theatreland. The West End area – home to some of the most famous theatre streets in the world, including Shaftesbury Avenue, The Strand and Drury Lane – plays host to musicals which are attended by millions of visitors from all over the world each year. You can see find plenty of venues which host them on one of the many Theatreland Tours available.

There’s no shortage of variety in London musicals, with their rich diversity ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. From popular long-running shows to exciting new productions, there’s something sure to interest all ages.

Get the inside track on London musicals

Some London musicals are staple must-sees for any theatre fan in the West End, playing to standing ovations night after night and year after year. But the West End also sees just as many new stories, exciting production announcements and all-star casts throughout the year.

The 5 Most Popular Musicals in the UK according to poll of 1000 people conducted by MarkMeets is The Lion King, Oliver, Mamma Mia, The Sound Of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

“Mamma Mia!” (1999)
“Wicked” (2003)
“The Book of Mormon” (2011)
“Hamilton” (2015)
“Dear Evan Hansen” (2015)
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (2016)
“Come From Away” (2017)
“Hadestown” (2016)
“The Band’s Visit” (2017)
“Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations” (2018)
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” (2018)
“Jagged Little Pill” (2019)

Note: These productions have been popular in recent years and have been successful in Broadway and West End, but the list is not exhaustive and other productions might have been popular in different regions and time.

What is the most successful musical on the West End?
The Phantom of the Opera. One of the most famous shows, this adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber came from a French work by Gaston Leroux

What is the best show in the West End? Best West End shows to see in London in 2023

We Will Rock You.
The Great British Bake Off: The Musical.
Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical.
Come From Away.
Six the Musical.
Hamilton.
Matilda the Musical.

What is the most watched musical?

The Lion King sits at the top, with a gross of $8.2 billion worldwide.

West End Musicals often have longer runs than plays or dramatic theatre, which means there should be plenty of opportunities to grab a seat to your favourite show. Musicals in London such as Les Misérables (the West End’s longest-running musical) and The Phantom Of The Opera have run for decades, playing thousands of performances over the duration of their West End runs.

More and more people are also getting to see musicals in action on their television sets, encouraging them to come to the theatre. Many have performed in high-profile live broadcasts up and down the country, and most have casts featuring star names which capture the imagination of theatregoers.

Follow MarkMeets.com for more west end news and broadway updates.