The Most Popular Musical in London, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the musical you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:21
When it comes to the vibrant theater scene in London, choosing which musical to watch can be an overwhelming task. The city is always buzzing with a variety of shows, each bringing its own flavor of drama, comedy, and spectacle. A ranked list of the top musicals, based on audience votes, offers a clear picture of what’s capturing the hearts of theater-goers, making the decision-making process much easier and more enjoyable.
This live ranking is constantly updated based on the votes cast by viewers like you, reflecting real-time shifts in the popularity of each show. By participating, not only do you get insights into the trending favorites, but you also contribute to a communal guide that helps future audiences navigate London's dynamic theatrical offerings. Your vote matters, and here, every vote helps steer someone to their next great theater experience.
What Is the Most Popular Musical in London?
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152votesThis long-running musical, based on the beloved Disney movie, is a favorite among London theater-goers for its stunning costumes, vibrant choreography, and unforgettable songs.The Lion King is an animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1994. It tells the story of a young lion prince named Simba, who must overcome various challenges to claim his rightful place as the king of the Pride Lands. The film incorporates themes of friendship, family, and the responsibilities of leadership.
- Release Year: 1994
- Animation Style: Traditional Hand-drawn
- Running Time: approximately 88 minutes
- Music by: Hans Zimmer, Elton John, Tim Rice
- Box Office Revenue: $968.5 million worldwide
The Lion King in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beloved Disney movie
- Position 8 of 10 in Most successful Disney franchise
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246votesThis hit Broadway musical has taken London by storm with its innovative blend of hip-hop, history, and storytelling. The show tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton and features a diverse cast and a mix of musical styles.Hamilton is a city in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is located on the westernmost part of Lake Ontario, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Toronto. Known for its industrial history, Hamilton is also famous for its scenic natural beauty, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the city. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural scene, offering a blend of urban and outdoor experiences.
- Population: approximately 536,917
- Area: approximately 1,138.11 square kilometers
- Nickname: The Hammer
- Official Language: English
- Mayor: Fred Eisenberger
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326votes
Émile Bayard · Public domainThis classic musical has been a mainstay of London's West End for over three decades. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the show tells the story of a group of people struggling against poverty and oppression in 19th-century France.Les Misérables is a popular musical that tells the gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and revolution, set in 19th-century France. It is based on the epic novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, and has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The musical's emotional and powerful story is brought to life through beautiful music and poignant lyrics.- Genre: Musical drama
- Premiere Date: September 24, 1980 (French version)
- Broadway Premiere: March 12, 1987
- Number of Songs: 49
- Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes
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414votesThis imaginative retelling of the Wizard of Oz story has been a hit with audiences around the world, and London is no exception. The show explores the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and features memorable songs and stunning visuals.Wicked is a highly popular musical that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is based on Gregory Maguire's novel 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West'. The musical explores the early lives of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy's arrival in Oz. With a captivating storyline and enchanting music, Wicked has been praised for its themes of friendship, acceptance, and the search for identity.
- Genre: Musical
- Premiere Date: October 30, 2003
- Book: Winnie Holzman
- Music: Stephen Schwartz
- Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
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518votesThis haunting musical, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, has been a favorite of London theater-goers since it premiered in 1986. The show tells the story of a mysterious figure who haunts the Paris Opera House and falls in love with a young soprano.The Phantom of the Opera is a renowned musical that is currently one of the most popular shows in London. It is based on the French novel 'Le Fantôme de l'Opéra' by Gaston Leroux. The musical tells a haunting and romantic tale set in the Paris Opera House where a mysterious and disfigured composer, known as the Phantom, falls in love with a young soprano named Christine. As he becomes obsessed with her talent, he lures her into his world of darkness and secrets.
- Premiere Date: September 27, 1986
- Genre: Musical, Drama, Romance
- Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Number of Songs: 22
- Set Design: Impressive sets depicting the grandeur of the Paris Opera House
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612votesThis charming musical, based on the book by Roald Dahl, is a hit with audiences of all ages. The show follows the adventures of a young girl with extraordinary powers and features catchy songs and clever choreography.Matilda is a popular book week costume inspired by the beloved character from the classic children's novel by Roald Dahl. Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, who loves reading and stands up against injustices. Her costume typically includes the following elements: a blue dress, a red ribbon tied in the hair, black shoes, and a pile of books. The costume represents Matilda's iconic look as described in the book.
- Character: Matilda
- Book: Matilda by Roald Dahl
- Dress Color: Blue
- Hair Ribbon: Red
- Shoe Color: Black
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712votes
Daniel Åhs Karlsson · CC BY 3.0This feel-good musical, featuring the music of ABBA, is a crowd-pleaser that has been entertaining London audiences for over two decades. The story follows a young woman as she tries to discover the identity of her father before her wedding day.Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical that features the hit songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA. Set on a Greek island, the story revolves around a young bride-to-be and her attempts to identify her father among three possible candidates, all while her mother navigates the reunion with her former bandmates.- First performance: 6th April 1999
- Genre: Musical, comedy
- Running time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Number of songs: Over 20 songs by ABBA
- Setting: A taverna on a Greek island
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811votesThis colorful and energetic musical, based on the Disney movie, is a family-friendly favorite that has been wowing London audiences since it premiered in 2016. The show features memorable songs, dazzling choreography, and a cast of talented performers.Aladdin is a beloved Disney movie that tells the enchanting story of a young street urchin named Aladdin who embarks on an incredible adventure after discovering a magical lamp. With the help of a wisecracking genie, Aladdin transforms into a charming prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and defeat the evil sorcerer Jafar. Filled with memorable songs, stunning animation, and delightful characters, Aladdin is a timeless tale of love, friendship, and the power of being true to oneself.
- Release Date: November 25, 1992
- Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
- Producer: Ron Clements, John Musker, Amy Pell
- Writer: Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio
- Music: Alan Menken
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99votes
Come From Away
Irene Sankoff and David HeinThis heartwarming musical, based on the true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed stranded airline passengers after the 9/11 attacks, has been a hit with London audiences since it debuted in 2019. The show celebrates the power of human kindness and features a talented ensemble cast.Come From Away is a Broadway musical set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the days following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It tells the heartwarming true story of how the townspeople embraced and accommodated 7,000 stranded airplane passengers from around the world. The musical showcases themes of kindness, acceptance, and the power of community coming together in times of adversity.- Genre: Musical
- Premiere: Broadway: March 12, 2017
- London Premiere: February 18, 2019
- Original Language: English
- Setting: Gander, Newfoundland
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102votesThis fresh and innovative musical, which reimagines the lives of Henry VIII's six wives as a pop concert, has been a sensation in London's West End. The show features catchy songs, witty lyrics, and a talented all-female cast.Six is a British musical that retells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII in a modern and pop-infused way. This electrifying production features a cast of six fierce and talented performers, each portraying one of Henry's wives as they reclaim their stories and voices. Through dynamic songs and powerful performances, the musical explores themes of empowerment, sisterhood, and female strength.
- Genre: Musical
- Premiere Date: 11th August 2017
- West End Opening: 17th January 2019
- Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes
- Number of Performers: 6
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Ranking factors for popular musical
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Box office revenueThe amount of money generated by ticket sales can also be a strong indicator of a musical's popularity.
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Audience reviewsFeedback and reviews from audiences who have watched the show can provide insight into its popularity. Positive reviews often lead to better word-of-mouth marketing and increased ticket sales.
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Awards and nominationsWinning or being nominated for prestigious theatre awards is indicative of a musical's success and popularity.
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Longevity and show runThe duration of a musical's run can be a good indicator of its popularity. A long-running show is generally well-received and has sustained interest from audiences, often leading to a long and successful run in London's West End.
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Cast and creative teamA popular and talented cast or creative team can attract audiences to a show, leading to increased popularity.
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Publicity and marketingThe level of exposure a musical receives through promotional activities and marketing can impact its popularity, piquing public interest and resulting in more ticket sales.
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Social media buzzThe extent to which a show is talked about on social media platforms can be an excellent indicator of its popularity among the general public.
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Cultural impactA musical that has a significant cultural impact on society or is associated with a particular movement or trend can gain popularity even outside of traditional theatre-going audiences.
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Genre and subject matterThe theme and overall content of a musical can play a crucial role in determining its popularity. Shows with a universal appeal or engaging storylines often perform well in terms of ticket sales and audience interest.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular musical in London. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or musical is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1629 views
- 200 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each musical once every 24 hours. The rank of each musical is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular musical in london
London is renowned for its thriving theatre scene, featuring some of the world's most prestigious productions. As a hub for musical theatre, London has played host to a range of iconic shows over the years, from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera to Les Misérables. With so many outstanding productions on offer, it can be difficult to determine which musical reigns supreme. So, we set out to answer the question - what is the most popular musical in London? Through our extensive polling and analysis, we've uncovered the top musicals that have captivated audiences and secured their place as must-see shows in the West End.
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