Hello! I'm Andrzej, the theatre editor of Time Out London, and me and my freelancers review a heck of a lot of theatre. This page is an attempt to distil the shows that are on right now into something like a best of the best based upon our actual reviews, as opposed to my predictions, which determine our longer range what to book for list.
It isn’t a scientific process, and you’ll definitely see shows that got four stars above ones that got five – this is generally because the five star show is probably going to be on for years to come (hello, Hamilton) and I'm trying to draw your attention to one that’s only running for a couple more weeks. Or sometimes, we just like to shake things up a bit. It’s also deliberately light on the longer-running West End hits simply because I don’t think you need to know what I think about Les Mis before you book it (it’s fine!).
So please enjoy the best shows in London, as recommended by us, having actually seen them.
What is it? The Almeida’s Tennessee Williams maestro Rebecca Frecknall tackles his classic 1955 drama about a wealthy Southern family on the verge of total collapse.
Why go? Frecknall’s doomy gothic production is alluring, unsetting and strangely compassionate; Daisy Edgar-Jones is a total revelation as a not-of-this-Earth Maggie.
What is it? Finally arriving in London 12 years after debuting off-Broadway, Dave Malloy’s legendary cult musical is adapted from a 70-page section of War & Peace.
Why go? It’s a totally singular work that kind of reimagines nineteeth century Moscow as an icy techno club, while wholeheartedly grasping the romance and sorrow of Tolstoy’s epic novel.
What is it? The cult immersive adventure for one is back in London after an eight-year absence – and it’s as good as ever.
Why go? Because it’s amazing, though we can’t tell you much more than than because they make you sign an NDA. It’s sold out but there are copious opportunites to volunteer, while it’s not impossible it might extend.
What it it? Oscar Wilde’s witty warhorse of a play, reimagined in dazzlingly OTT Technicolor by director Max Webster.
Why go? The superb ensemble cast headed by Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D Clarke have a whale of a time pushing Wilde’s classic into a wilder and gayer place than it was ever meant to go, and having a huge amount of fun as they do so.
What is it? Mel Brooks’s insanely successful ’00s musical returns in a luxuriantly tiny Menier production.
Why go? Maybe it’s not the show of the moment anymore, but it remains incredibly funny, and Patrick Marber’s tough, grimy production does much to address its more dated aspects.
What is it? Oh come on you know what Hamilton is.
Why go? Well if you don’t know what Hamilton is, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s virtuosic hip-hop inflected account of the life and times of relatively obscure US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is pretty much the biggest musical of our times. And it remains sensational an exhilarating celebration of multiculturalism that’s also a witty but broadlyt accurate romp through US history.
What is it? Having slowly worked its way up to the West End from humble fringe origins, the now expanded Benjamin Button relocates F Scott Fitzgerald’s short story about a man who ages backwards to rural Cornwall.
Why go? One of the quirkier and more unusual musicals to enter Theatreland in recent years, Jethro Compton’s sea shanty-driven musical is eccentric, lovable and in the end deeply, deeply moving.
What is it? The longest-running musical of all time needs no introduction whatsoever (but if you really need to know it’s an all-singing adaptation of Victor Hugo’s seminal novel about the Paris Uprising of 1832).
Why go? Although the current West End iteration is a ‘new’ version that was ushered in in 2019 – and indeed there have been judicous updates throughout its long life – Les Mis is popular for the reason it’s always been popular: soaring songs, stirring story, memorable characters and a commitment to keeping it stocked with world class singing talent.
What is it? Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magnum opus is still going strong in the West End after almost 40 years.
Why go? To this day it looks utterly ravishing, with jaw dropping sets and impressive special effects. The plot – about a brooding psychopath who stalks a Parisian opera house – is wildly problematic, but it’s just extremely impressive theatre, with some deliciously bombastic songs, and as with Les Mis, the dedication to keeping first rate performers has kept it fresh decades after other shows have gone off the boil.
What is it? A big hit off-Broadway, this extremely goofy musical parody of James Cameron’s Titanic retells events from the perspective of the film’s real star: Celine Dion.
Why go? Lauren Drew’s dotty, overbearing, perma-smiling Celine Dion is a truly wonderful creation, who lights up teh stage every second she’s on it. Things are a bit thinner in her absence, but it’s still a terriffic laugh.
Not sure whether to shell out for that show? Find out what our theatre team made of London's new openings.
Discover Time Out original video
