As well as being fun and frivolous, London musicals can also be educational, giving an insight into society through the ages. From historical London musicals like Les Miserables, to modern day adventures like Legally Blonde, a trip to the theatre will transport you to another time and place, exploring a range of themes and issues.

Les Miserables

Now in its 25th year, Les Miserables, London’s longest-running musical, tells one of the most historically significant stories in a London West End theatre. The musical is set in early 19th century France, with the opening scene taking place in 1815. Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo, the complex plot is woven around the French revolution. This powerful tale follows the struggle of the characters in their dramatic search for love and redemption against the backdrop of civil war.

The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-loved London musical is based on Gaston Leroux’s novel about life beneath the stage of an Opera House in late 19th century Paris. The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most successful London musicals of all time, and is now in its 22nd year at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End. The story has recently been continued on stage in a sequel, Love Never Dies, which is set 10 years later.

Oliver!

Set in Victorian London, Oliver! is a heart-warming musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale of an orphan boy who has escaped from a workhouse. When he arrives in London, Oliver meets a colourful band of characters, including The Artful Dodger and Fagin, who take him under their wing. A lively score of much-loved sing-a-long tunes, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, and I’d Do Anything has made this show one of the most popular London musicals.

Jersey Boys

Follow the rags-to-riches story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the biggest selling US pop bands of the 1960s, in the fantastic musical Jersey Boys.
This award-winning London musical includes some of the bands greatest hits including Oh, What A Night, and Big Girls Don’t Cry. The show charts their rise to success from blue-collar New Jersey boys to one of the biggest pop music sensations of all time.

Billy Elliot

Set against the backdrop of the UK miners’ strike in 1984-1985, Billy Elliot is an uplifting and inspirational London musical. Billy follows his dreams to dance, despite coming from an impoverished Northern mining town where boxing is far more acceptable than ballet. Based on the award-winning film of the same name, the musical first opened in London in 2005, and has since won four Laurence Olivier awards, including Best New Musical.

Legally Blonde

One of the latest musicals to hit London’s West End, Legally Blonde is set amongst the glitz and glamour of Californian campus life. Featuring Elle, a ditzy Homecoming Queen, the talented cast includes Sheridan Smith and Duncan James. This all singing, all dancing, feel-good show is based on the hit movie of the same name.

We Will Rock You

Set in a futuristic world where rock music has been banned, We Will Rock You is a vibrant musical that has proven itself one of London’s most popular shows. It has been enjoyed by audiences all over the world, and has sold almost 5 million tickets at London’s Dominion Theatre during its eight-year run. Created by Ben Elton and the remaining members of the rock group Queen, this smash-hit musical includes 32 of the band’s hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody and Radio Ga Ga.

Author Bio: Visit the Visit London site for more information about London Musicals

Category: Entertainment
Keywords: musicals, theatre, west end, entertainment, london