London is synonymous with world-class theatre. Each year, there’s an array of musicals and plays to enthral audiences, and this year is no different.

There’s a lineup of shows running till the end of the year. And if you think you have to try your luck by playing the lottery on sites like Lottoland to be able to attend these musicals and plays, you are wrong, because they cost an average of £50.

So, if you are wondering which one to attend, below are six of London’s Best Musicals and Plays to look forward to this year.

1.   Spirited Away 30th April – Aug 2024

What would you do if your parents turned into pigs while you were trapped in a magical world? Chihiro uses her wits to survive the spirit world while desperately looking for a way to turn her parents into humans and return to her world.

This enchanting Japanese tale is a stage adaptation of the popular anime Spirited Away, released by Studio Ghibli in 2002. Before premiering in London’s West End on 30th April, it has been on a tour across Japan. The show is an adaptation of John Caird, famous for “Les Miserables”.

2.   Kathy and Stella Solves a Murder (Ambassadors Theater May 25 – 14 Sep 2024)

Are you ready to laugh your head off? Then you cannot miss this comedy-crime-solving musical termed by Daily Mail as an “unmissable show”.

The show is produced by the team behind The 39 Steps, Baby Reindeer and Fleabag. The show has received overwhelming praise from fans across the UK, with their shows in Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh selling out.

The hilarious Kathy and Stella, who host a true crime podcast, took the matter into their own hands to solve the murder of their editor. While they lack detective experience, they rely on their experience on the podcast to find clues. Can they solve the murder? We have to wait and see.

3.   Mean Girls (Savoy Theatre, Strand, 5 Jun27- Oct 2024)

Mean Girls musical is an adaptation of the 2004 Mean Girls film. It features the adventure of Cady Heron, a 16-year-old girl who joins high school after years of homeschooling.

With no experience in high school, Janis and Damian persuade her to infiltrate a girl squad headed by Regina George.

Before making its first appearance in the West End, the musical premiered on Broadway in 2018, making 833 appearances before it closed due to the pandemic.

4.   Les Miserables (Sondheim Theatre)

Les Miserable is a classic that has been around since the 80’s. Although its critical reviews were initially negative, it was overhauled to become one of the best musicals, winning 8 Tony Awards.

The story follows the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant who was put in jail for nineteen years for stealing bread. After being released from prison, Jean works harder to better his life, but his parole officer, Javert, will not leave him alone and is ready to put him back in prison once he makes any mistake.

It gets even more complicated when his daughter Cosette falls in love with an activist. While the original has been around for the longest time, this one has a new production team, cast, and set.

5.   The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre)

This musical featuring stunning puppetry is an adaptation of the 1994 Disney animation Lion King. It follows the story of Simba, a young cub who flees from Pride after his uncle Scar kills his father, Mufasa.

Scar convinces everyone Simba is responsible for his father’s death so that he can be crowned king. Later, a grown Simba returns and is determined to overthrow his uncle and return pride to its former glory.

6.   Mrs Doubtfire (Shaftesbury Theatre)

How far would you go to stay in the lives of your kids? Daniel, an ex-actor who loses his job and custody of his children after a divorce, disguises himself as a Scottish nanny called Euphegenia Doubtfire to stay close to his kids. At some point, his children find out but keep the secret.

However, driven by jealousy, he put powdered cayenne in his ex-wife’s boyfriend’s food. When the boyfriend starts choking, Daniel tries to help him, but his mask falls, and his identity is revealed. This hilarious play with many lessons on family and life after divorce is directed by four times Tony Awards winner Jerry Zaks.

Conclusion

There you have it: six of the best London musicals and plays to look forward to in 2024. Remember, if any of these are on your must-see list, check ticket availability early enough to secure a discount and avoid missing a spot.