As a theatre enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the magical world of West End productions, I must say that the current lineup is simply breathtaking! From the timeless tale of Wicked, which has been enchanting audiences for 13 years at Apollo Victoria Theatre, to Matilda The Musical, a delightful family musical with over 100 international awards and running strong for a decade at Cambridge Theatre.
In simpler terms, when people refer to “The West End,” they’re talking about a famous district in London that is renowned for its theater scene. It’s where you’ll find the best of British and international musicals and plays. While Broadway in New York City often gets the limelight, the West End holds a special place as the world’s capital of live theatre. In essence, it’s a historic and cultural hub that reflects London’s rich arts and entertainment heritage.
To qualify as a West End theater, the venue should be located on any of these main streets in London: St Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross Road, Covent Garden, Covent Garden North, Shaftesbury Avenue, or The Strand. However, there is some flexibility regarding the exact location within these areas.
So far, London’s West End boasts a total of 39 recognized theaters, ranging from the colossal Apollo Victoria Theatre, seating more than 2,000 people, to the diminutive Arts Theatre with only 350 seats. The oldest among these is the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which made its debut in 1663.
Given its extensive and captivating past, it’s no wonder that some productions in the West End have been running for quite a while. Among them, which one has been on the longest? We aim to find out!
Below, you’ll find a list of the top 20 longest running West End shows, from oldest to newest. We’ve also got a roundup of the top 10 oldest shows still running to this day, plus a little help on how to see them.
What are the longest-running shows in West End history?
Here’s a list of the top 20 longest-running West End shows of all time, from oldest to newest.
- The Mousetrap – 72 years (since 1952)
- Les Misérables – 39 years (since 1985)
- The Phantom of the Opera – 38 years (since 1986)
- The Woman in Black – 34 years (1989 – 2023)
- Mamma Mia! – 25 years (since 1999)
- Disney’s The Lion King – 25 years (since 1999)
- Blood Brothers – 24 years (1988 – 2012)
- Cats – 21 years (1981 – 2002)
- Starlight Express – 18 years (1984 – 2002)
- Wicked – 18 years (since 2006)
- No Sex Please, We’re British – 16 years (1971 – 1987)
- Stomp – 16 years (2002 – 2018)
- Chicago – 15 years (1997 –2012)
- Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – 13 years (1989 – 2002)
- Matilda The Musical – 13 years (since 2011)
- We Will Rock You – 12 years (2002 – 2014)
- Thriller Live – 11 years (2009 – 2020)
- Billy Elliot The Musical – 11 years (2005 –2016)
- The Book of Mormon – 11 years (since 2013)
- Miss Saigon – 10 years (1989 – 1999)
What are the longest-running shows still playing at the West End?
1. The Mousetrap
How long has The Mousetrap been running? 72 years (since 1952)
When and where can I see The Mousetrap? Monday to Saturday at St Martin’s Theatre.
For over seven decades, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the longest-running play worldwide, has found its permanent residence in London, starting its run back in 1952. To date, it has surpassed 28,000 performances!
For quite some time now, this popular show has featured an incredible total of 460 different actors and actresses in its cast, among them David Raven, who holds the Guinness World Record for ‘Longest Continuous Performance by an Actor’, with a staggering 4,575 performances as Major Metcalf. Additionally, Nancy Seabrooke notably held the position of understudy for a record-breaking 15 years.
2. Les Misérables
How long has Les Misérables been running? 39 years (since 1985)
When and where can I see Les Misérables? Monday to Saturday at the Sondheim Theatre.
As a devoted theater enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring legacy of Les Misérables, a musical that, despite being eclipsed in years by The Mousetrap, maintains its title as the world’s longest-running musical. This masterpiece, penned by Boublil and Schonberg, has captivated over 130 million souls across 53 different nations. Yet, it is in the heart of the West End where one truly experiences the enchantment this production weaves.
3. The Phantom of the Opera
How long has The Phantom of the Opera been running? 38 years (since 1986)
When and where can I see The Phantom of the Opera? Monday to Saturday at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Immediately following Les Misérables comes another acclaimed musical by Andrew Lloyd-Webber – The Phantom of the Opera. This timeless production tells a chilling tale of a mysterious figure dwelling within a Parisian opera house. Over the years, it has garnered more than 70 significant theatre awards and continues to feature one of the highest sung notes in musical theater – an E6, which is impressively performed by the actress portraying Christine.
4. Mamma Mia!
How long has Mamma Mia! been running? 25 years (since 1999)
When and where can I see Mamma Mia? Monday to Saturday at Novello Theatre.
Regarding Mamma Mia!, we owe a debt of gratitude to ABBA for its captivating music, while applauding Judy Craymer for breathing life into this luminous stage production. Over the past 25 years, it has brought laughter and happiness to dancing queens across the globe, even making history as the first Western musical ever performed in the People’s Republic of China.
Currently, the production boasts a cast drawn from the reality TV series “Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream,” starring Stevie Doc portraying Sophie and Tobias Turley in the role of Sky.
5. Disney’s The Lion King
How long has Disney’s The Lion King been running? 25 years (since 1999)
When and where can I see Disney’s The Lion King? Tuesday to Sunday at Lyceum Theatre.
The Lion King musical has been staged approximately 9,000 times in the United Kingdom, making it one of Broadway’s longest-running shows, ranking fourth in this regard. With a poignant tale and music composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, this adaptation of the beloved Disney movie features an extensive catalog of memorable songs like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.”
6. Starlight Express
How long has Starlight Express been running? 18 years (1984 – 2002/2024 – now)
When and where can I see Starlight Express? Wednesday to Sunday at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
The classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Starlight Express, has returned to the West End and can now be seen at the uniquely designed Starlight Auditorium situated within Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Unlike other shows on the West End, Starlight Express is an extraordinary production where all performances are carried out while roller-skating.
The vintage toy train named Rusty, known for its mystical ability to animate, aspires to challenge the title of ‘The Fastest Engine in the World!’ This popular series originally aired from 1984 to 2002 but has recently been brought back to life for another run.
7. Wicked
How long has Wicked been running? 18 years (since 2006)
When and where can I see Wicked? Tuesday to Sunday at Apollo Victoria Theatre.
This musical, “Wicked,” based on the tale of The Wizard of Oz, has an extraordinary appeal that transcends ordinary measures of success. It has amassed more than 100 international accolades, among them three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy Award. Remarkably, this production is being transformed into a movie, and it’s estimated that over 12 million people have watched it in London alone.
8. Matilda The Musical
How long has Wicked been running? 13 years (since 2011)
When and where can I see Matilda The Musical? Tuesday to Sunday at Cambridge Theatre.
Boasting over 100 international accolades, including 24 wins for Best Musical, Matilda is an enchanting theatrical production that offers catchy tunes, stunning stage designs, and a host of thrilling acrobatics! Adapted from the beloved Roald Dahl novel, this musical follows the tale of a brilliant girl who finds herself overlooked by her family, only to discover she possesses extraordinary psychokinetic abilities.
9. The Play That Goes Wrong
How long has The Play That Goes Wrong been running? 12 years (since 2012)
When and where can I see The Play That Goes Wrong? Tuesday to Sunday at Duchess Theatre.
The long-running West End comedy “The Play that Goes Wrong,” which created quite a buzz in 2012 across the country, has also graced Broadway and inspired numerous adaptations such as “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” and “A Comedy About a Bank Robbery.”
10. The Book of Mormon
How long has The Book of Mormon been running? 11 years (since 2013)
When and where can I see The Book of Mormon? Monday to Saturday at Prince of Wales Theatre.
The Book of Mormon is a hilarious musical satire brought to you by the creators of South Park. It follows Elder Price, a rising star in the Mormon church who struggles with his faith after being sent to Uganda.
Initially released on Broadway, the original soundtrack swiftly turned out to be the quickest-selling Broadway soundtrack on iTunes ever and soared into the top 5 of the Billboard 200 rankings.
Be sure not to miss the complete cast of White Rabbit Red Rabbit, along with Cate Blanchett’s comeback on the London stage.
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2024-08-27 17:04