Guide to West End shows for non-English speakers

Learn all about translation resources available at West End theatres, plus we've got recommendations for the most spectacular shows that transcend language.

One of the great joys of theatre is that it can bring us all together: people of different ages, different backgrounds, different points of view, and even different countries. London’s West End attracts audiences from all over the world, eager to see what this internationally famous theatre district has to offer.

Most of those shows are performed in English, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to non-English speakers or those who speak English as a second language. There is plenty to enjoy even if you don’t catch every word, from the hilarious slapstick of The Play That Goes Wrong to the incredible sets, costumes, singing and dancing of London’s spectacular musicals.

Read on for our answers to some frequently asked questions about West End translation services, plus our top tips for wonderful shows that transcend language.

Book West End tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Are West End shows performed in other languages?

The majority of West End shows are performed exclusively in English. You might hear the odd lyric or line of dialogue in another language: for example, there’s a smattering of French in Les Misérables.

Sometimes a show will reflect its setting or cultural heritage through the inclusion of other languages. One excellent example of this is Disney’s The Lion King, which is largely performed in English, but which features African languages such as Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Congolese.

More rarely, the West End will host a show which is performed entirely in another language. The recent epic production of Spirited Away, which transferred from Tokyo to the London Coliseum, featured Japanese dialogue with English surtitles displayed around the stage.

Do West End shows have translations?

Some West End theatres offer language translation via the GalaPro app, which you can download onto your mobile phone from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. You then select the show you’re attending and choose between Closed Captioning and Audio Description in your preferred language (although the options may vary).

LW Theatres and Delfont Mackintosh both partner with GalaPro, so you can use the app for leading West End shows such as Hamilton and Back to the Future.

Do West End shows have subtitles?

Most West End shows are not performed with subtitles. However, there are usually several scheduled accessible performances during the run – you can find out more about that in our accessibility guide.

Those accessible performances include shows with BSL signing, captioning, and audio description. Some venues also have assistance such as a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system, which works on all performance dates. But most accessibility options, where language-based, are usually just offered in English.

Best West End shows for non-English speakers

If you’re eager to attend a show while you’re in London, but only have limited understanding of English, you’ll have a brilliantly entertaining time at productions which have a familiar story – so you can still follow the plot – or that put a greater emphasis on incredible music and visuals. Check out our top picks.

The Lion King

Most of us will be familiar with the tale of the lion cub, Simba, who is destined to be a great king like his father Mufasa, but who loses his way after a tragic loss, and finally finds his way home with the support of his friends, Timon and Pumbaa.

If you’ve seen the Disney film, then you’ll easily be able to follow the action in this award-winning stage musical, as well as appreciate the astonishing puppets, ravishing design, and catchy Elton John and Tim Rice songs like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”.

Book The Lion King tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Back to the Future

Great Scott! Another hugely popular film-to-stage transfer, this zany sci-fi musical comedy also follows the plot of a beloved movie. Catch it before you come to London and you’ll have no problem keeping up with teenager Marty McFly as he accidentally time-travels from the 1980s to the 1950s.

Part of the excitement of this hit production is the jaw-dropping special effects, bringing all of the iconic scenes to stage – including Marty’s scientist pal Doc Brown scaling a clock tower during a storm, and, of course, that time-travelling DeLorean car, which actually flies!

Book Back to the Future tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Wicked

You’ve seen the spellbinding Hollywood movie, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as two young witches who strike up an opposites-attract friendship, so you’ll be fully prepared to experience the sheer wonder of this imaginative, funny, and deeply moving West End musical.

It also helps that the plot is a riff on The Wizard of Oz, especially the show’s second half. But this extraordinary show, with its eye-popping design and Stephen Schwartz’s soaring music, is accessible anyway, as are its central themes: the importance of love, friendship, acceptance, and courage in standing up for others.

Book Wicked tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

MJ The Musical

If you’re looking for a real thriller of a West End outing, moonwalk over to the amazing MJ The Musical. This dynamic show tells the story of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, from his family beginnings to the way that he completely revolutionised the music industry.

It’s a well-known story, so not too tricky to follow, but most importantly the production showcases Jackson’s iconic songs and dances. It’s teeming with legendary hits, from “Billie Jean” and “Smooth Criminal” to “Beat It” and the mighty “Thriller”.

Book MJ The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

JK Rowling’s boy wizard is all grown up, and now it’s his son who’s heading off to Hogwarts. But Harry, Ron and Hermione must reunite when the forces of darkness once again threaten their world – and this time, Harry also has to navigate parenthood.

You’ll already know lots of the characters in this enchanting two-part show from the book series, plus you can experience the wonder of seeing all of their sorcery live, from Polyjuice potion transformations to spells cast via the flick of a wand – all thanks to theatre magic.

Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

The Play That Goes Wrong

Laughter is a collective joy, and there’s loads of it to be had at Mischief’s mega-hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong. This hilarious farce features an unfortunate theatre troupe whose performance of an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery descends into total catastrophe.

It’s a familiar genre, but the details of the story don’t matter as much as the utter mayhem that’s gloriously unleashed in the show. The characters have to deal with forgotten lines, rogue props, and the whole set collapsing – slapstick which will have you in stitches.

Book The Play That Goes Wrong tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Opera shows

London is also home to some of the world’s most acclaimed opera companies, such as the Royal Opera and English National Opera. They perform work in a range of languages, including but not limited to English, so you might find a production in a language that suits you perfectly.

But even if it’s not your native tongue, you can still find so much to enjoy in an opera delivered by an incredibly skilful cast and orchestra: the music, the performances, the elaborate sets and costumes, and the emotions unleashed by these great enduring works.

Book tickets to opera shows on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Dance and ballet shows

The one absolutely universal language is dance. You don’t need to worry about translation or subtitles when you’re watching bodies in motion – and there are plenty of opportunities for that in London, thanks to companies such as the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, plus everything from jazz and tap to contemporary dance.

Lots of shows have an age-old story as their basis (think fairytales like Cinderella), or relatively simple plots that you can look up beforehand. But even the more abstract productions are hugely engaging through the sheer talent and energy of the performers: no words needed.

Book tickets to ballet and dance shows on LondonTheatre.co.uk