The general worldwide consensus at the moment is clear to see every time we turn on the news, pick up a paper or scroll through Twitter – things are uncertain. This uncertainty is not limited only to politics and the Topic That Must Not Be Named (clue: it rhymes with Frexit); shows are coming and going on the West End like never before, staying for about as long as it takes Marius to get over Eponine’s death – so, not long at all.
There are a handful of shows however, such as the one referenced above, that are bucking this trend, and continuing to thrive in spite of the trying times and ever changing audiences. What is it about these productions that have cemented them in the edifice of theatre? Read on and find out…
The Mousetrap
As it prepares to enter its landmark 68th year, it’s fair to say that Agatha Christie’s ‘whodunit’ thriller won’t be going anywhere any time soon. As the world’s longest running show, and with over 28,000 performances under its belt, The Mousetrap continues to thrill audiences of every generation with its masterful, edge-of-your-seat plot – the kind that we could only expect from the “Queen of Mystery”.
If you haven’t yet experienced the suspense of this timeless classic, you can get tickets now from just £23.40.
Les Miserables
Boasting over 30 years in the West End, four different venues, three live concerts (all starring some of the finest talents the world has to offer) and a three-time Academy Award®-winning film adaptation starring Wolverine himself, Les Miserables seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. From the infamously heart-wrenching I Dreamed A Dream to the spine-tingling chorus of Do You Hear The People Sing?, Les Miserables tells the story of a French revolution, but it’s its own revolutionary triumphs that deserve to be celebrated for many years to come.
Les Miserables re-opens at the newly renovated Sondheim Theatre this December. Get tickets from £33 now.
Disney’s The Lion King
A musical that is both a modern-day classic and a state-of-the-art multi-sensory experience, The Lion King continues to flaw audiences worldwide and go from strength to strength. Adapted for the stage from the Academy Award®-winning beloved film, this multi Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, having just celebrated a monumental 20 years in the West End, will redefine your expectations of theatre.
Book tickets now for Disney’s multi-award winning international phenomenon.
The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical masterpiece is now celebrating 31 years at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. The Phantom of the Opera is gloriously grand in style. The show’s immense plot, scenery and, of course, its music, have drawn over 100 million people worldwide to see it. Powerful narrative and traditional illusion come together in this masterpiece to create one of the most successful theatre shows in history, and one of the longest running that the West End has to offer.
Experience the scintillating tale for yourself, with tickets from £30.
Winner of over 100 major awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and ten theatregoer-voted WhatsOnStage Awards, Wicked has now been seen by almost 10 million people in London alone. Boasting a stellar soundtrack and a witty retelling of one of the world’s most famous tales, the re-imagined world of Oz offers nothing but spellbinding theatrical magic.
Witness the magic of the Witches of Oz for yourself, with tickets from just £26.50.
With new shows popping up seemingly every week, from classic adaptations to groundbreaking new productions, it’s hard to imagine what the West End might look like in 20 or even 10 years. Which of these shows would you like to see continue on its legacy? Sound off in the comments below!
