The magic of theatre is woven into the very fabric of London, intrinsic to the city as its iconic skyline, red phone boxes and black cabs. Whether you’re a regular theatregoer or just visiting, it’s nearly impossible to ignore the buzz reverberating from the capital’s many celebrated venues. With so much on offer, choosing what to see can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve highlighted productions generating the most excitement right now, from award-winning shows celebrating milestones to dazzling new arrivals lighting up the stage.
Many of these shows sell out quickly but with Mastercard Priceless Experiences, Mastercard card holders can get access to some of the best seats even at hard to book venues.
Phantom of the Opera
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, it has played to more than 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and 21 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Masquerade and the iconic title song.
Experience the thrill of the West End’s most haunting love story, starring Dean Chisnall as The Phantom, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Christine Daaé and Ashley Gilmour as Raoul.
Jesus Christ Superstar
This summer, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar comes to one of London’s most celebrated venues, the London Palladium. The show’s impressive cast is led by Sam Ryder as Jesus, with six star performers sharing the role of King Herod, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Boy George and Julian Clary.
With a strictly limited run through early September, early booking is strongly recommended.
Billy Elliot the Musical
It’s finally coming back! Billy Elliot the Musical will be gracing the Adelphi Theatre stage from early 2027, a full 10 years since its last UK run. Seen by more than 12 million people worldwide, the production combines grit, spirit, and an uplifting score from Elton John, making it a modern British classic – a show that continues to capture the hearts of audiences of all ages.
Matilda the Musical
For more than 15 years, The RSC’s Matilda the Musical has been lighting up the Cambridge Theatre stage in Covent Garden with its effervescent charm, quirky characters and seriously catchy tunes. Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel is a true celebration of the story we all know and love, while its inventive staging and brilliant casting keeps it feeling fresh. For families, or anyone who appreciates clever musical theatre, it remains a solid, satisfying choice.
My Neighbour Totoro
What do you get when you cross one iconic Studio Ghibli story adored by millions, with a live adaptation under the lights of an epic theatre? Six Olivier awards, countless five-star reviews, and a glittering reputation that’s impossible to ignore.
Presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company and executive producer Joe Hisaishi, in collaboration with the theatre company Improbable and Nippon TV, My Neighbour Totoro was described by The Stage as a “huge, healing hug of a show”. One definitely not to be missed.
You can book this show at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until August, so don’t be slow or you’ll miss out on one of the most exciting productions in London.
