5 Shows to See If You Loved The Greatest Showman

There has been a lot of excitement around The Greatest Showman the Musical since Disney announced the stage adaptation, but details about a West End premiere are scarce. If you loved The Greatest Showman, here are some alternatives you can see in London right now.

Ever since it hit screens in 2017, The Greatest Showman has become a phenomenon. The film was a box office success, and the soundtrack spent several weeks at number one in the charts, in both the US and the UK.

When Disney announced a stage adaptation in the works, it was a natural progression of the popular film. The musical had a brief run in Bristol earlier this year and both a Broadway and West End premiere are expected, but Disney officials have been tight lipped about details

If you’re eager to relive some of the Greatest Showman magic before the show officially makes its appearance in the West End, here are five shows you can watch right now.

If you loved The Greatest Showman, you’ll love:

Come Alive the Greatest Showman Spectacular

Empress Museum

Booking to 14 February 2027

Why see it? It brings the circus to life with iconic songs from the film

While Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular isn’t a like for like production of The Greatest Showman, it does offer a delightful show that features iconic songs from the film like ‘This Is Me,’ and ‘Rewrite the Stars’.

Inspired by the film, Come Alive! is an immersive experience that brings the circus world to life. World class acrobats and circus performers put on a showcase of aerial hoop, tightrope walking, and fire juggling, trapeze and more.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

Empress Museum, London

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Moulin Rouge! the Musical

Piccadilly Theatre

Booking to 24 October 2026

Why see it? It’s similarly an iconic film that’s translated to the stage with success and features similar story elements to The Greatest Showman.

Set in Montmartre at the turn of the century, a few decades after the events of The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge! the Musical is an electrifying stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film. Moulin Rouge! certainly serves as a shining example of an adaptation gone right.

Directed by Alex Timbers (Here Lies Love, Beetlejuice the Musical) the musical takes the instantly recognisable soundtrack and adds even more unforgettable pop anthems, transforming the Piccadilly Theatre into the vibrant nightclub that gives the show its name. Much like the film, worlds collide as the sparkling star of the Moulin Rouge, Satine, and idealistic young writer Christian fall in love under the demands of a world where everything has a price.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Piccadilly Theatre, London

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Hercules

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Booking to 5 September 2026

Why see it? Hercules was directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, who helmed The Greatest Showman The Musical in Bristol.

Now in its final months, Hercules brings the beloved animated classic to life in the West End. It’s an over-the-top and fun interpretation of the film, though not a like for like adaptation. More creative license is taken with Hercules, but it keeps the spirit of the original film intact with plenty of heart.

Original songs from the film also feature, including ‘Go the Distance,’ ‘Zero to Hero’ and ‘I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),’but Alan Menken and David Zippel have reunited to pen new songs for the musical. Closing in September, Hercules is a colourful reimagining of the myth: a battle between good and evil and a delightful reminder of what it is to be human.

Disney's Hercules

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London

Hamilton

Victoria Palace Theatre

Booking to 13 March 2027

Why see it? Both explore historical figures who achieve incredible successes, with plenty of parallels between the two.

Much like The Greatest Showman shows how PT Barnum became the man we know him to be, Hamilton tells the story of a man who would go down in history as one of the founding fathers of the United States. Alexander Hamilton and PT Barnum’s lives have many similarities: both came from poverty, both faced public scandal and both achieved their goals with the help of a small, dedicated group of people.

Hamilton is of course known for its blend of hip-hop, R&B and musical theatre, adding a modern touch to history. If you’re looking for a similar story told in a totally unique way, Hamilton is one to see.

Hamilton

Victoria Palace Theatre, London

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Hadestown

Lyric Theatre

Booking to 27 June 2027

Why see it? Though different in tone, the music has a similar emotional connection to the story, and both shows feature a protagonist who has a vision of a better world.

The music is certainly a star in The Greatest Showman, full of heart and emotional connection. Hadestown offers a similar moving experience, though the music pulls in different musical influences. Largely inspired by modern American folk music with vintage New Orleans-inspired jazz, the music feels contemporary and has plenty of emotional punch, just like The Greatest Showman.

Hadestown reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, as Orpheus must journey to the Underworld to save the woman he loves. Much like The Greatest Showman, Orpsheus is a protagonist who has a vision of a better world but must grapple with the conflict of dream versus reality. Both characters also prioritise those dreams at the expense of those they love.

Hadestown

Lyric Theatre, London

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