A number of blockbuster West End shows will be celebrating big birthdays and major milestones in 2026.
The West End has always been a place where records are made to be broken, and 2026 is shaping up to be a statistical powerhouse.
This year, the London stage celebrates a rare “Sextuple threat” of anniversaries: a 40th, a 20th, a 15th, a 10th and two 5th birthdays for six of theatreland’s biggest global brands.
Meanwhile, modern classics like The Book of Mormon continue to climb the all-time leaderboards, cementing their places in West End history alongside legends like Les Misérables and Wicked. From His Majesty’s Theatre to the Apollo Victoria, here are some of the shows making history this year.
Also see: West End milestones of 2025
The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre, London. (Photo via PR)
January 2026: The Book of Mormon becomes the 12th longest-running musical
It’s good to start 2026 as we mean to go on, and we already have a record to celebrate. On 3 January 2026 the smash-hit musical comedy The Book of Mormon became the 12th longest-running musical in West End history, and the 16th longest-running show overall.
The outrageous musical leapt over famous West End long-runners We Will Rock You, Thriller Live and Billy Elliot The Musical to take the title – making the achievement all the more impressive. Read more about The Book of Mormon’s new milestone.
It was only last year that The Book of Mormon became the West End’s 15th longest-running musical – Read more
Book tickets to The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. David Ricardo-Pearce. Photo by Manuel Harlan
July 2026: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child marks its 10th birthday in London
On 30 July 2026, acclaimed West End drama Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will reach an important West End milestone.
The hit show will celebrate a decade of performances in London, having opened ten years ago at the Palace Theatre on 30 July 2016.
Featuring a cast of over 40, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one play presented in two parts, featuring Harry, Ron and Hermione nineteen years after they saved the wizarding world, as they embark on an extraordinary new adventure.
Other recent Harry Potter milestones include celebrating 9 years in London last July; and hitting the milestone of its 2 millionth visitor in London in February 2025.
Book tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London
Wicked London. Emma Kingston. Photo by Mark Senior
September 2026: Wicked celebrates 20 years in London
On 27 September 2026, blockbuster musical Wicked celebrates its 20th birthday in the West End, having opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London on 27 September 2006.Â
Wicked is on a milestone roll, last year having achieved a number of highs including welcoming its 13 millionth visitor to the West End in June, and becoming the 9th longest-running show in West End history in November.
The production currently stars Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as Glinda and Emma Kingston (Heathers The Musical) as Elphaba.
Book tickets to Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London
The Phantom of the Opera. Dean Chisnall as The Phantom. Photo by Johan Persson
October 2026: The Phantom of the Opera turns 40
On 9 October 2026, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera will celebrate 40 fabulous years at His Majesty’s Theatre in London.
Opening in October 1986 produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Lloyd Webber’s hit show is the second longest-running musical in West End history, only beaten by Les Misérables.Â
Last year saw Phantom celebrate its 39th birthday in London with a low-key celebration, clearly saving itself for the big birthday this year. Plans for the 40th anniversary celebrations are to be announced later in 2026.
Book tickets to The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre London
Matilda The Musical. Photo via PR
November 2026: Matilda The Musical celebrates its 15th birthday
On 24 November 2026, the RSC’s smash-hit Matilda The Musical will celebrate its 15th birthday in the West End, having opened on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre in London.
Other recent key milestones for the Tim Minchin musical include celebrating hitting 5,000 performances in the West End in May 2025; and overtaking Buddy to become the 10th longest-running show in West End history in August.
Book tickets to Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in London
Moulin Rouge The Musical – Karis Anderson & Alistair Brammer. Photos by Matt Crockett
November 2026: Moulin Rouge! The Musical turns 5 years old
On 13 November 2021, Baz Luhrmann’s epic Moulin Rouge! The Musical started previews at the West End’s Piccadilly Theatre. That means the blockbuster show celebrates its 5th birthday this November.
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning movie, Moulin Rouge! currently stars Karis Anderson (Tina) as Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, and Alistair Brammer (Miss Saigon) as lovesick American writer Christian.
Last year Moulin Rouge! celebrated its 4th West End birthday in style, and also became the Piccadilly Theatre’s longest-running show ever. In May the show also celebrated its 10 millionth visitor.
Book tickets to Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre in London
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London. Eva Noblezada. Photo by Marc Brenner
December 2026: Cabaret celebrates 5 years at London’s Kit Kat Club
On 12 December 2026, Rebecca Frecknall’s multi-award-winning revival of Kander & Ebb’s Cabaret will celebrate five years in the West End.
The show officially opened at the Kit Kat Club (formerly the Playhouse Theatre) in London on 12 December 2021, having started previews on 15 November.
Cabaret currently stars Eva Noblezada as Sally Bowles and Reeve Carney as The Emcee until 24 January, and then Katie Hall as Sally Bowles and Matt Willis as the Emcee from 26 January to 23 May. Casting for the 5th birthday is to be announced.
In July last year, Cabaret celebrated 1,500 performances in London.
Book tickets to Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London
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