Whether you're looking for a festive production that packs a punch or you're wanting a crowd-pleaser for all ages, spend your Christmas in the West End at these seasonal shows. Whatever age you are, there's a show to suit you. 

If you're wanting to create traditions with your children, nieces or nephews, then we recommend a pantomime that's packed with silliness and jokes a-plenty. There is also a fabulous range of festive dance, from *The Nutcracker* to *The Snowman*. Here, we round up the top...

Top 10 Christmas Shows in London

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Discover the best West End shows to see at Christmastime in 2024, including a fresh comic take on *A Christmas Carol*, and some glorious festive dance.

The full cast has been announced for Nicholas Hytner's new production of Shakespeare's [*Richard II*.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14375-richard-ii) *Bridgerton* and *Wicked* star Jonathan Bailey has already been announced as playing the title role when performances start at the Bridge Theatre on 10 February.

Michael Simkins (*The Crown, Silent Witness*) will star as the Duke of York, and is currently appearing in the Bridge Theatre production of [*Guys &...

Full cast announced for Jonathan Bailey-led 'Richard II' at Bridge Theatre

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Michael Simkins (*The Crown, Silent Witness*) will star as the Duke of York, and is currently appearing in the Bridge Theatre production of *Guys & Dolls*.

The West End works so brilliantly because it’s a mix of iconic long-running shows and new arrivals, meaning there’s always something fresh to see as well as the chance to revisit your favourites. But for those new productions to debut, we do have to bid goodbye to other shows.

As there are so many London plays and musicals to keep track of, we’ve put together a handy guide to West End productions with their closing dates, from shows closing in 2024 to those finishing in 2025 and the ones that...

Complete schedule of West End closings

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Learn all about these London shows' closing dates so you can catch them before they go! Get your last-minute tickets to the final performances of West End favourites today.

Mike Bartlett’s new play *Unicorn* will premiere in the West End next year. Performances will begin on 4 February at the Garrick Theatre for a strictly limited run.

Directed by James Macdonald, Bartlett's play follows couple Polly and Nick, who seemingly have it all. But something is missing from their lives, which is needed to add that spark.

The cast will include Nicola Walker (*Unforgotten, The Split*), Stephen Mangan (*The Split, Episodes*), and Erin Doherty (*Death of England: Closing...

Mike Bartlett’s new play 'Unicorn' to premiere in West End in 2025

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Unicorn will reunite James Macdonald, Mike Bartlett, and Kate Horton following their collaboration on the original production of Cock at the Royal Court in 2009.

Paul Mescal will reprise his Olivier Award-winning turn as Stanley in Rebecca Frecknall's production of Tennessee Williams’s *A Streetcar Named Desire* in the West End next year. The play will run for three weeks only from 3-22 February 2025 at the Noël Coward Theatre.

Known for his roles in *Gladiator II, Normal People*, and *All Of Us Strangers*, Mescal will be joined by Patsy Ferran (*Summer & Smoke*) as Blanche, Anjana Vasan (*We Are Lady Parts*) as Stella, and Dwane Walcott (*One Night in...

'A Streetcar Named Desire' starring Paul Mescal to return to the West End for limited run

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Paul Mescal is best known for his roles in *Gladiator II, Normal People*, and *All Of Us Strangers* alongside Andrew Scott. Patsy Ferran will also star.

*101 Dalmatians The Musical* will transfer to the Eventim Apollo in London for a six-week run next summer. 

The musical, which has music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight, was first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2022 and is currently on a UK tour starring Faye Tozer (Glasgow, Edinburgh) and Kerry Ellis (Oxford, Brighton) as Cruella De Vil.

Based on Dodie Smith’s classic book and adapted for the stage by Zinnie Harris (*The Duchess*), *101 Dalmatians*...

'101 Dalmatians' to transfer to London next summer

1200 LT 101 Dalmatians The Musical Tour (Landscape with no title). Photo credit is Oliver Rosser, Feast Creative.

The musical first opened at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2022 and is currently on a UK tour starring Faye Tozer (Glasgow, Edinburgh) and Kerry Ellis (Oxford, Brighton) as Cruella De Vil.

England’s capital city beckons travellers with its vast array of awe-inspiring attractions. London’s countless architectural wonders, cultural institutions, and rich history make the city a popular destination. 

Whether you are building an itinerary for a one-day trip to London Town or are fortunate enough to embark on a longer excursion, there’s plenty to do. We have curated a list of London’s top attractions to make for lasting travel memories. Stroll through the city’s many pristine parks,...

Top attractions in London

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Read our guide to London's top attractions to get tickets to, from Buckingham Palace to the London Tower, Wembley Stadium to Kew Gardens, and more.

Pop the champagne because *The Great Gatsby* is coming to the West End! The new Tony Award-winning musical, which opened on Broadway in April 2024, will arrive at the London Coliseum on 11 April 2025, running until 7 September.

An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, *The Great Gatsby* follows mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, who hosts decadent parties but pines for his former flame Daisy Buchanan. The novel was adapted for the screen in 2013 by Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo...

'The Great Gatsby' musical to transfer to the London Coliseum 

1200 LT The cast of The Great Gatsby (c) Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

The new musical opened at The Broadway Theatre in April 2024, following a world premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in late 2023. 

Help is on the way, dears! Everyone’s favourite Scottish nanny – first inhabited in the 1993 comedy film by Robin Williams, playing a divorced dad who disguises himself as Mrs Doubtfire so he can see his children – is now a West End star.

The inventive, heartfelt and raucously funny stage musical adaptation has become a new audience favourite, packed with gags, big musical numbers, and a touching reflection on how family can come in different forms, as long as there is love.

As you prepare for...

Make a day out of 'Mrs Doubtfire' in London

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Make your family visit to West End musical comedy *Mrs Doubtfire* a sure-fire hit by adding even more fun activities to your London trip.

Further casting has been announced for the Brie Larson-led production of Sophocles’s [*Elektra*,](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/42608-elektra) which begins performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End on 24 January, 2025.

Larson, who is making her West End debut, will be joined by Stockard Channing (*The West Wing, The Good Wife*), Marième Diouf (*Romeo and Juliet*), Greg Hicks (*Grapes of Wrath, Coriolanus*), and Patrick Vaill ([*Stranger Things: The First...

Further casting revealed for Brie Larson-led 'Elektra' in the West End

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Stockard Channing, Marième Diouf, Greg Hicks, and Patrick Vaill will join Brie Larson in Anne Carson's translation of Sophocles's great tragedy.

[Her Majesty’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/her-majestys-theatre), the West End home of [*The Phantom of the Opera*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets), will be renamed to mark King Charles III as the sitting monarch. 

[Her Majesty’s Theatre will be renamed His Majesty’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/her-majestys-theatre-to-be-renamed-to-his-majestys-theatre-queen-elizabeth-ii-death) on 6 May 2023, the same day as King Charles III’s coronation. 

The decision to change the theatre’s name is in line with a historic precedent dating back to the 1700s. The last name change took place in 1952, from His Majesty's Theatre to Her Majesty's Theatre for Queen Elizabeth II. 

*The Phantom of the Opera* will continue at His Majesty’s Theatre, with performances currently through 2 Mar. 2024. 

Book *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png) ](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=308&content_product_id=308&venue_id=161)

*Photo credit: The Phantom of the Opera (Photo courtesy of production)*

Her Majesty’s Theatre to be renamed His Majesty’s Theatre on King Charles III’s coronation day

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Ages 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 has to be accompanied by an adult (18+). Under 4s will not be admitted.

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The Phantom of the Opera

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Hannibal with the Ensemble. Photo by Johan Persson

Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Jon Robyns as Phantom.

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Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Jon Robyns as Phantom and Lily Kerhoas as Christine.

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Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Lily Kerhoas as Christine and Joe Griffiths-Brown as Raoul. 

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Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Kelly Glyptis as Carlotta.

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Poster of The Phantom of the Opera in London

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Hear the music of the night at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational, spellbinding musical. *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

*The Phantom of the Opera* began previews at the then-named Her Majesty's Theatre in London on 27 Sept. 1986, with an original opening night on 9 Oct. 1986. Even though a reworked version opened in 2021, the show boasts memorable music alongside stunning set design, costumes, and special effects. 

A truly romantic tragedy, this beautiful story is set against one of the West End's most memorable scores that includes hit songs such as “The Music of the Night”, “All I Ask of You”, “Think of Me”, and of course, “The Phantom of the Opera”. [Find out more about *The Phantom of the Opera* in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-about-andrew-lloyd-webbers-the-phantom-of-the-opera) *The Phantom of the Opera* musical is one of the most successful pieces of entertainment in history — global audience numbers tally over 130 million people in 145 cities across 27 countries. 

Having spawned a sequel musical *Love Never Dies* and a successful film adaptation starring Gerard Butler, the glorious production in London's West End continues to draw audiences from all over the world. 

### What is *The Phantom of the Opera* about?

The haunting *The Phantom of the Opera* musical story is adapted from Gaston Leroux's novel of the same name and is set in the heart of the Paris Opera House. As young ballet dancer Christine Daae becomes the object of The Phantom's secret affection, he manipulates her career at the expense and horror of the Opera House staff and stars.

### Where is *The Phantom of the Opera* playing in the UK?

*The Phantom of the Opera* is currently playing at [His Majesty's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/his-majestys-theatre) (previously Her Majesty's Theatre) in London. The production began performances on 27 September 1986 and is the second longest-running musical in the West End.

Tickets to *The Phantom of the Opera* are available now. Book your *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets on London Theatre today.

The Phantom of the Opera - LON - London Theatre

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets | London Theatre

Come and hear the music of the night. One of the longest-running musicals in West End history, this Andrew Lloyd Webber piece is a global hit for a reason. Telling the tragic and romantic take of opera singer Christine and the mysterious man who haunts her, you’ll experience classic songs like "Music of the Night" and "The Phantom of the Opera" in their original staging. Get *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets at His Majesty’s Theatre today. 

While *The Phantom of the Opera* may be one of the oldest West End musicals, its blend of gothic and opera sounds gives the musical a timeless quality. Enjoy the magnetic combination of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive music and Maria Björnson’s striking scenic and costume design. Pack your tissues!  

*The Phantom of the Opera* London is now a reworked update of the original production. A new set was brought into the then-named Her Majesty’s Theatre in 2021, bringing the action further into the audience and immersing audiences in the Paris Opera House. Sit in the first few rows and you’ll feel as if you’re the next budding soprano to take centre stage. *The Phantom of the Opera* performances now take place at His Majesty's Theatre.

Even though the show is based on Gaston Leroux’s novel of the same name, the *Phantom* musical popularised the story. You can see *Phantom* worldwide, but there’s nothing quite like watching the musical at its first home. Witness musical theatre’s tragic love triangle for yourself.

## What to Watch For:

- 6,000 beads, with 35 beads to an individual string, make up the iconic chandelier featured in *The Phantom of the Opera*. At a whopping three metres wide, and with a weight of one ton, it’s not exactly one for your living room.
- It takes 130 people to put on a performance of *The Phantom of the Opera* in London. That includes the cast, creatives and backstage crew. Included in this team are 14 dressers who manage the 230 costumes in the show. They're in charge of everything from ballet shoes to ballgowns.
- Creating the eerie effects in the Phantom's lair in *The Phantom of the Opera* requires a lot of effort. Each performance uses 50 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines to capture the haunting atmosphere.

The Phantom of the Opera [308] - LON  - TodayTix

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets | London | TodayTix

Experience the music of the night with this ground-breaking Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. As the second-longest-running musical in London's West End, the musical has delighted audiences for over 35 years. Step into the grand Paris Opera House to witness a riveting tale of love, desire, and haunting secrets.

The Phantom of the Opera - LON - Box Office

Buy tickets for The Phantom of the Opera at the Her Majesty's Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets | Box Office

Stop a person on the street and ask them to name a West End musical, they'll probably say one of two things: <a href="/show/les-miserables">Les Mis</a>, or <a href="/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera">The Phantom of the Opera</a>. The latter has been impressively running non-stop at <a href="/theatres/her-majestys-theatre">Her Majesty's Theatre</a>&nbsp;for over 3 decades now, but does Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical still have the same sense of wonder as it did all that time ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no question that it's a complete classic: the story tells of the titular phantom who haunts an opera house, the tales of his presence in the building are now common gossip amongst the casts. During rehearsals for the company's latest offering, an unknown chorus girl, Christine, is forced to thrust into the lead role, with the producers assured she has been taught well. Taught, it turns out, by the 'Angel of Music', the Phantom whose voice rings around in her head.During her triumphant performance, an old friend Raoul rekindles his love for Christine, while the Phantom reveals himself to Christine, luring her to his underground lair. As he tells her how she's been chosen to perform his work-in-progress opera, she lifts his mask to reveal his gruesomely disfigured face, and this begins a tale of jealousy and control.While its reputation as the ultimate romantic musical precedes it, watching the show in the #MeToo era throws up for a few uneasy moments. As the Phantom's manipulation and desire to control Christine become more and more apparent - through some pretty no-nonsense lyrics like "You will curse the day you did not do /All that the Phantom asked of you" - it's difficult not to feel for her as she is trapped and manipulated by a selfish, jealous man.It did create two of the most desirable roles for any musical theatre performer. Originated by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, the production currently features an excellent leading cast of <a href="/theatre-news/interviews/ben-lewis-interview-meet-the-west-ends-new-phantom-of-the-opera">Ben Lewis</a> and Kelly Mathieson. Lewis commands every corner of the stage with the menace of the Phantom, while treating his more tender moments with the deluded pain the character demands. Mathieson plays Christine with the kind of innocent naivety that makes the part convincing, and nails some of the most challenging songs written for the stage.There is still something special about Lloyd Webber's score. Its songs were revelations that shook musical theatre, standards that entered the public consciousness. The '80s synth-opera fusion might seem a little dated, but there's no disputing that descending motif still conjures goose bumps. At the heart of "The Point of No Return" - the Phantom's composition - are the satisfying resolved phrases that are a trademark of the score.In 2018, it's difficult for one to imagine the reaction this production would have received in the '80s. It's wildly over the top - complete with its iconic set pieces, fireballs, and an elephant &nbsp;- and some of these elements raise a chuckle or two at the confidence it must have taken to pull them off. Some of the tricks wouldn't look out of place in <a href="/show/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</a>, while others laid the groundwork for a show like <a href="/show/bat-out-of-hell-the-musical">Bat Out of Hell</a> to exist at the heightened level it does.While we could dissect the reaction the show would get if <a href="/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera">Phantom</a>&nbsp;was presented as a new work today, there's no question that it's still wild, it's still joyous, and it's still deserved of its place as the pride of the West End.<a href="/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera">The Phantom of the Opera</a> is currently booking at the <a href="/theatres/her-majestys-theatre">Her Majesty's Theatre</a>.

Review - The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre

This multi-award winning musical continues to captivate audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, after more than 12,000 performances.

Read our review of The Phantom of the Opera starring Kelly Mathieson at Her Majesty's Theatre on London Theatre.

The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre Review | London Theatre

His Majesty’s Theatre is an iconic venue located in the heart of London. This historic venue's grandeur and legacy heighten the aura of the performances it hosts. Nestling in the Theatreland, the edifice is an embodiment of architectural finesse and historical significance, it is an epitome of classic Victorian design with hints of French Renaissance, designed by the celebrated architect Charles J. Phipps and first opened its doors to the theatre-loving public in 1897. Known for churning out some of the best works in dramatic art, the theatre serves as a platform for emerging stars and industry veterans alike. From local productions to international plays and musicals, the theatre has housed a wealth of performances that have touched the hearts of millions. As you walk through its dignified corridors and lush seating areas, you can still feel the legacies of the great actors who graced the stage. One remarkable feature of the theatre is the royal box, which used to be reserved for royal figures. It provides an exceptional viewing experience that makes a trip to His Majesty’s Theatre truly unforgettable.

 **Getting to the Venue**

His Majesty's Theatre is easily accessible from any part of London. It is just a minute away from Piccadilly Circus tube station and many bus routes stop nearby. There are car parking facilities available in the vicinity as well.

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His Majestys Theatre LON

His Majesty’s Theatre

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A theatre has stood on the site of His Majesty's Theatre since 1705. This incarnation of His Majesty’s Theatre opened in 1897. The theatre changed names from Her Majesty's Theatre to His Majesty's Theatre on 6 May 2023, in line with King Charles III's Coronation.

The His Majesty's Theatre auditorium is appropriately scaled to house musicals. Throughout the 20th century, a host of musicals played at Her Majesty's Theatre: *Brigadoon*, *Paint Your Wagon*, *Bye Bye Birdie*, *West Side Story*, *On The Twentieth Century*, *Fiddler on the Roof* and *Bugsy Malone*. 

The theatre’s current tenant is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *[The Phantom of the Opera](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera)*, which opened in October 1986 and is the theatre’s longest-running production. His Majesty's Theatre is currently owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatres Group.

## His Majesty's Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has four levels – Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.

Views from the Stalls are very good. Other than the front row, the legroom is good throughout the Stalls.

The Royal Circle offers good views of the stage. The overhang of the Grand Circle could affect the view from seats in Row E onwards.

The Balcony's sharp rake of the seating ensures good views.

## Where is *The Phantom of the Opera* in London?

*The Phantom of the Opera* is at His Majesty's Theatre in London. His Majesty's Theatre is located on Haymarket. It's close to the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus.

His Majesty’s Theatre - London Theatre

Experience the historic His Majesty's Theatre, home to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Get your tickets today for a captivating West End show.

His Majesty’s Theatre - TodayTix

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His Majesty’s Theatre, a historical London venue, showcases exceptional dramatic art. It is centrally located near Piccadilly Circus tube station.

The renaming of the West End theatre follows tradition that the playhouse honours the reigning British monarch. King Charles III's coronation takes place on 6 May. 

Her Majesty’s Theatre to be renamed His Majesty’s Theatre on King Charles III’s coronation day

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