2025 has proved a big year for West End theatre, with a number of long-running London shows hitting major milestones.
From the record-breaking longevity of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and blockbuster musical Les Misérables, to the 13 millionth visitor to Wicked, 2025 has seen a record number of production birthdays, performance tallies and visitor numbers.
But these milestones aren’t just about numbers; they represent millions of standing ovations, thousands of stage door memories, and the continued attraction of these special West End shows.
So let’s dive in and reflect on some of the significant landmark moments for West End shows in 2025.
February 2025: The Lion King celebrates 10,000th performance
In February 2025, Disney’s The Lion King hit the milestone of 10,000 West End performances at the Lyceum Theatre – Read more
Also in March 2025, The Lion King overtook Blood Brothers to become the sixth longest-running show in West End history – Read more
Lyceum Theatre, London
March 2025: The Mousetrap hits 30,000 performances
In March 2025, The Mousetrap – Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit and the world’s longest running show – celebrated its 30,000 performance in the West End – Read more
St Martin's Theatre, London
May 2025: Wicked welcomes its 13 millionth visitor
In May 2025, epic musical Wicked celebrated welcoming its 13 millionth visitor to the West End – Read more
Also, in November 2025 Wicked became the 9th longest-running show in West End history – Read more
On 27 September 2026 Wicked will celebrate its 20th birthday in the West End, having opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London on 27 September 2006 – Read more
Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
May 2025: ABBA Voyage third birthday
Also in May, ABBA Voyage celebrated its third birthday in London.
Packed with the hits of ABBA, the show is housed in the purpose-built ABBA Arena in London – Read more
ABBA Arena, London
May 2025: Matilda The Musical hits 5,000th performance
Finally in May 2025, the RSC’s smash-hit Matilda The Musical celebrated hitting 5,000th performances in the West End – Read more
Also, in August, Matilda overtook Buddy to become the 10th longest-running show in West End history – Read more
On 24 November 2026, Matilda will celebrate its 15th birthday in the West End, having opened on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre in London – Read more
Cambridge Theatre, London
June 2025: The Play That Goes Wrong hits 4,001 performances
Also in June, long-running farce The Play That Goes Wrong hit the milestone of 4,001 performances in London – Read more
Duchess Theatre, London
June 2025: The Book of Mormon becomes the 15th longest-running musical
Also in June 2025, The Book of Mormon became the West End’s 15th longest-running musical – Read more
Coming up in 2026, The Book of Mormon will become the 16th longest-running show in West End history, and the 12th longest-running musical – Read more
Prince of Wales Theatre, London
July 2025: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child celebrates 9 years
In July 2025, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child celebrated 9 years at the West End’s Palace Theatre in London – Read more
Also in February 2025, Harry Potter celebrated its 2 millionth visitor in London – Read more
Coming up in 2026, Harry Potter will reach a major milestone, celebrating 10 years in London – Read more
Palace Theatre, London
July 2025: Cabaret celebrates 1,500 performances
Also in July, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club celebrated 1,500 performances in London.
Since transforming the Playhouse Theatre into the immersive Kit Kat Club, Rebecca Frecknall’s Olivier Award-winning revival has redefined the theatre-going experience in London – Read more
This year, in 2026, Cabaret will also celebrate 5 years playing in London – Read more
August 2025: Operation Mincemeat 1,000 West End performances
In August 2025, Operation Mincemeat celebrated 1,000 performances in the West End.
The little-musical-that-could continues its improbable march to glory, from fringe hit to 1,000 West End performances – Read more
Fortune Theatre, London
August 2025: Back to the Future The Musical 2 millionth visitor
Also in August, Back to the Future The Musical hit the milestone of its 2 millionth London visitor – Read more
Adelphi Theatre, London
October 2025: Les Misérables 40th anniversary
On 8 October 2025, smash-hit musical Les Misérables celebrated its 40th Anniversary in London with a special gala performance at the Sondheim Theatre.
Already London’s longest-running musical in West End history, Cameron Mackintosh’s iconic production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical saw a special company of artists put together for the anniversary season who had all been part of Les Mis history, including Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Bradley Jaden as Javert.
Read more about the Les Mis 40th anniversary
Sondheim Theatre, London
October 2025: Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular 1st birthday
Also in October, Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular celebrated its first birthday in London with a celebrity gala.
Featuring the songs from hit movie The Greatest Showman, Come Alive! blends circus, acrobatics and song, in a purpose-built Big Top in London – Read more
Empress Museum, London
November 2025: Moulin Rouge! The Musical 4th West End birthday
Also in November, blockbuster show Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrated its 4th West End birthday. The Baz Luhrmann musical, based on his award-winning movie, also became the Piccadilly Theatre’s longest-running show ever – Read more
In May the show also celebrated its 10 millionth visitor – Read more
And in 2026, Moulin Rouge! will celebrate 5 years in London – Read more
Piccadilly Theatre, London
November 2025: Magic Mike Live 7th anniversary in London
November also saw hit dance show Magic Mike Live celebrate its 7th anniversary in London – Read more
The Theatre, Hippodrome Casino, London
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