6 West End shows to see if you love the big musicals

If, like many around the world, you’ve sung along to Les Mis, been swept away by Wicked and marvelled at Hamilton, you might be on the hunt for something new to see. If you’ve already ticked off London’s biggest hits, here are some of our top recommendations on what to see next.

There are some musicals that have taken the world by storm, claiming a spot as one of the big must-see musicals in the West End. Les Misérables has been in the top spot since it opened in the 1980s, closely followed by Phantom of the Opera, both of which have been seen by millions around the globe. While The Lion King has been bringing families to the Lyceum since 1999, the juggernaut Hamilton has also become one of the most popular musicals to see in recent years, since it first appeared on Broadway in 2015.

For many theatregoers, these are the musicals that started it all. If you’ve already seen them, it can be hard to know where to go next. The good news is, there are plenty of shows that have more in common with those classic big musicals than you might thing. Here are six lesser known shows you’ll want to see next.

6 shows to see if you like the big musicals

Martin Guerre

Old Vic

Booking to 31 October 2026

For those who loved: Les Misérables

Why see it? This imagined musical comes from Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the creators of both Les Misérables and Miss Saigon,. Expect a similar sweeping and emotional sound.

If you’re a fan of the historical backdrop of Les Misérables as well as the sweeping storytelling, you’re going to want to catch the limited run of Martin Guerre at the Old Vic. Set in 16th-century France, this musical takes inspiration from a true story, as it follows a soldier who returns home after years away, but is he really who he claims to be? It’s a story of identity, love and faith, set against war and religious conflict.

Much like Les Misérables, this musical features a similar sung-through style as well as soaring ballads. This new production, a rare staging, also sees the creative duo return to give their musical a revamp under the direction of Matthew Warchus.

Martin Guerre

Old Vic, London

Operation Mincemeat

Fortune Theatre

Booking to 20 February 2027

For those who loved: Hamilton

Why see it? In much the same way that Hamilton reimagines an under-explored moment in history, this musical shines a light on a true story with plenty of energy and fast-moving storytelling.

It’s an unexpected moment from World War II that takes the stage in Operation Mincemeat. Rather than focusing on a founding father a la Hamilton, this irreverent musical comedy tells the true story a secret plan to fool the Nazis that involved a corpse, a fake identity and a fabricated paper trail.

While the tone of the two musicals differs, their exploration of real historical moments offer plenty of entertainment alongside plenty of story and wordplay. The cast of five plays dozens of characters at breakneck speed, many of whom are real people in this very real story.

Operation Mincemeat

Fortune Theatre, London

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Titanique

Criterion Theatre

Booking to 3 January 2027

For those who loved: Mamma Mia!

Why see it? It’s a joyful take on a jukebox musical, designed to get audiences dancing along. Both Celine Dion and ABBA have global appeal, and are used to tell a fun story.

Much like Mamma Mia! uses the rich pop catalogue of ABBA to tell it’s story, Titanique uses the songs of Céline Dion, to reimagine the film that gave us ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ When the Queen of the Power Ballad hijacks a Titanic Museum tour, she uses her extensive back catalogue to share her take on the story.

It’s hilarious and heart-warming even before you add iconic songs like ‘A New Day Has Come,’ ‘All by Myself’ and even ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Titanique doesn’t take itself seriously and that’s all part of the fun.

If you love a feel-good night out built around songs you already know, this is a great choice.

Titanique

Criterion Theatre, London

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Jesus Christ Superstar

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Booking 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027

For those who loved: The Phantom of the Opera

Why see it? Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the first big hit from Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer behind The Phantom of the Opera.

This rock opera is a must-see for any Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, and it’s in the West End for a limited time. It carries some of his signature style, like sweeping themes and a score that sings all the way through. Both also feature plenty of spectacle and theatricality.

Jesus Christ Superstar has returned to the West End, following an acclaimed run at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and a summer at London Palladium. Another draw of this production is the rotating line-up of well-known stars set to play Herod, including Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Layton Williams and Michael Ball, who starring in Phantom as Raoul in the West End.

If you want something that has a similar scale and lots of big vocals, this is a chance to see where another one of Lloyd Webber’s hits.

Jesus Christ Superstar - Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London

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My Neighbour Totoro

Gillian Lynne Theatre

Booking to 3 January 2027

For those who loved: The Lion King

Why see it? Like The Lion King, it fills the stage with spectacular puppetry and a sense of theatrical wonder that works for all ages. It’s a great family friendly show with lots of heart.

Based on the beloved Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbour Totoro was an instant hit when it first appeared at the Barbican, before transferring to the West End. New audiences are regularly discovering this wonderful and inventive production.

It follows two sisters who move to the countryside and meet the gentle forest spirits living nearby. The spirits are brought to life with imaginative craft as well as giant puppets, much like The Lion King. It’s a magical production the whole family will enjoy.

My Neighbour Totoro

Gillian Lynne Theatre, London

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Into the Woods

Noël Coward Theatre

Booking to 9 January 2027

For those who loved: Wicked

Why see it? Much like Wicked offers a twist on a familiar story, Into the Woods takes familiar fairytale characters and shows what happens beyond the “happily ever after.”

Sondheim’s Into the Woods, while not strictly ‘lesser-known’ doesn’t make it to the West End as often as some other hit musicals do. This current West End darling is the first major West End revival since 1991, so see it while you can.

Where Wicked sheds new light on The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods weaves together four fairy tales, with each character chasing their happily ever after. The musical asks how far they’ll go to get it, and ultimately, what it costs them.

It’s funny, clever and surprisingly moving, with a catchy score that entertains from start to finish, though they’re more intricate than Stephen Schwartz’s music. Tonally, they also differ, with Into the Woods moving into slightly darker more psychological territory, but both do a great job of challenging our perception of who is good and what a happy ending means.

Into the Woods

Noël Coward Theatre, London

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