London is one of the top theatre cities in the world, with a long history of staging incredible musicals, dramas, and comedies — some of them running for decades to packed houses. The West End, in particular, is the city’s artistry epicenter, with about 40 historic venues, both large and small, concentrated in the area.
There are hundreds of shows running in London in 2025 (and into 2026), including a wild west retelling of Romeo and Juliet, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, and longtime favorites such as The Lion King and Hamilton.
With a loaded calendar of excellent shows to choose from, we’ve picked five of our favorites that we think are must-see experiences if you’re spending time in London this year.
1: ABBA Voyage
- Run Time: 1h 40m
- Location: ABBA Arena in Stratford, East London
- Opened May 2022; running at least through January 2026
This unique concert experience takes you on a journey through the music of Swedish supergroup, ABBA, with original members taking to the stage in the form of virtual reality avatars alongside a ten-piece live band. Visual effects, a dance floor and kinetic lighting add to the immersive experience. Ages 6+.
About the venue: ABBA Arena is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art venue located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Its distinctive hexagonal shape and high-tech light and sound systems create a one-of-a-kind setting for ABBA’s virtual reunion residency.
2: Wicked
- Run Time: 2h 45m (with one intermission)
- Location: Apollo Victoria Theatre in West End
- Opened 2006; running at least through January 2026
Winner of more than 100 global awards, this imaginative prequel to L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz introduces the backstory of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Through show-stopping tunes, dazzling costumes, and effects, the audience follows the unlikely friendship of the two famous witches and explores themes of love, acceptance, and the complexities of good and evil. Ages 7+.
About the venue: The Apollo Victoria Theatre first opened as a cinema in 1930. Known for its unique interiors and art deco design, it reopened as a 2,328-seat theatre in 1981, hosting musicals such as The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof.
3: Les Misérables
- Run Time: 2h 50m (with one intermission)
- Location: Sondheim Theatre
- Opened 2004; running through 2026 and beyond
This iconic stage musical, inspired by the classic French novel of the same name, tells the tale of newly freed prisoner Jean Valjean as he seeks to build a new, respectable life for himself. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the show also introduces the audience to famous characters, Fantine, Eponine, and Cosette, as well as the prison guard Javert, who is hunting for Valjean. This production is a fully-staged, new production of the classic musical, and is being hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st century.” Ages 7+.
About the venue: Originally named the Queen’s Theatre, Sondheim first opened in 1907 to pair with the Gielgud Theatre on the adjoining corner of Shaftesbury Avenue. The theatre’s lobby and façade were rebuilt in a modern style after being bombed in WWII, though the 1,137-seat auditorium still retains the venue’s original Edwardian charm.
4: Hadestown
- Run Time: 2h 30m (with one intermission)
- Location: Lyric Theatre in West End
- Opened February 2024; running through February 2026
Set against a Depression-era, New Orleans backdrop, this award-winning, creative telling of an ancient Greek myth interweaves jazz and American folk music with the story of Eurydice (as she works in Hades’ hellish factory to escape poverty and the winter cold) and Orpheus’ quest to bring her back. Other iconic Greek figures, such as Hermes and the Fates, also make appearances throughout the musical. Ages 8+.
About the venue: Originally built in 1888, the 967-seat Renaissance-style Lyric Theatre in West End is the oldest surviving theatre on famous Shaftesbury Avenue. It underwent a major restoration in the 1990s, though it still retains its elegantly ornate style and charm, with intricate details throughout.
5: The Devil Wears Prada
- Run Time: 2h 30m (with one intermission)
- Location: Dominion Theatre
- Opened October 2024; running through January 2026
Based on the blockbuster film of the same name, this stage musical starring Vanessa Williams as the formidable Miranda Priestly takes you behind the scenes of the cut-throat fashion industry and features a score by the legendary Elton John. The play follows the journey of aspiring journalist, Andy Sachs, as she takes a job as an assistant to Priestly, the stylish editor-in-chief of a renowned fashion magazine. Along the way, Andy learns to navigate the demands of her powerful boss and discovers that the high fashion world is both glamorous and brutal. Ages 12+.
About the venue: The 2,069-seat Dominion Theatre is a historic, Grade II listed Art Deco venue in the heart of the West End. Built in the late 1920s, the theatre still retains its original light fittings and plasterwork and features a two-level auditorium. Once the site of a brewery and funfair, today it’s considered one of the city’s most iconic performance venues.
Your Equity Estates Home in London:
Your spectacular three-bedroom Equity Estates flat is located in the heart of London’s Covent Garden Piazza, close to West End theatres, popular cafes, bars, and shops. With stunning views over the Piazza and Opera House, a gourmet kitchen and spacious floor plan, the home is perfect for a romantic getaway, a friends trip, or a family vacation.
Your Destination Manager will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice.
If you would like more information about Equity Estates, please call 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call.
