The Best London Shows: What to See During Your Stay

Best Shows in London – From Classic Musicals to Sci-Fi Mysteries

We know here at the Mentone that seeing a West End show is high on the list for many visitors to London. From big-name musicals and family favourites to long-running plays and newer productions, there’s usually something to suit just about everyone.

Whether you’re planning your trip around a particular show or simply fancy adding a night at the theatre while you’re here, choosing what to see isn’t always easy.

So I’ve rounded up some of the currently playing best shows in London, with a few different options depending on who you’re travelling with and the kind of night out you’re looking for.

For a classic West End musical

For the full West End experience, it’s hard to go wrong with one of London’s long-running musicals.

Les Misérables has been playing in London for more than 40 years and is now at the Sondheim Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel and set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, it’s known for its powerful story and some of musical theatre’s most famous songs.

Another London institution has to be The Phantom of the Opera, running in the West End since 1986. You’ll find it at His Majesty’s Theatre, where the combination of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music, elaborate sets and the historic surroundings makes it a real West End experience.

Both are good choices if you’re visiting London and want to see one of the shows that has become part of the city’s theatre history.

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

Sondheim Theatre – 30 minutes walking, 12 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

His Majesty’s Theatre – 36 minutes walking, 15 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

For a family theatre trip

If you’re visiting London with children, Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre is a great introduction to the West End. Based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, it’s celebrating 15 years in London in autumn 2026. It combines humour with music by Tim Minchin and a story that adults can enjoy just as much as younger members of the family.

For something on an even bigger scale, there’s Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. The costumes, puppetry, music and staging have helped make it one of London’s best-known family shows, and it’s a good choice if you’re looking for the full West End spectacle.

Or, for something newer, Paddington The Musical is now playing at the Savoy Theatre. Based on the famous marmalade sandwich-loving bear and inspired by the 2014 film, it’s a popular choice for a family trip to London. Just bear in mind that demand is high, so you’ll likely need to book well ahead.

All three of these shows are said to be suitable for children aged six and over, but I’d recommend checking the individual show’s age guidance before booking.

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

Cambridge Theatre – 25 minutes walking, 10 minutes taxi, 17 minutes public transport

Lyceum Theatre – 30 minutes walking, 10 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

Savoy Theatre – 30 minutes walking, 15 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

For a modern West End favourite

If you’re looking for something a little different from the traditional West End musical, Hamilton is still one of London’s biggest shows.

Playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, the musical tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, combining history with hip-hop, R&B and musical theatre.

It’s been a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic and remains a popular choice for London theatre-goers. If it’s on your list, definitely book ahead, especially if you have a specific date in mind.

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

Victoria Palace Theatre – 23 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

For a fun night out

If you fancy something upbeat, Mamma Mia! has been entertaining West End audiences for more than 25 years.

Built around the songs of ABBA, the story follows bride-to-be Sophie as she tries to discover the identity of her father before her wedding on a Greek island. You’ll probably know many of the songs even if you’ve never seen the musical, from Dancing Queen and Super Trouper to, of course, Mamma Mia.

Playing at the Novello Theatre, it’s a lively, feel-good choice if you’re looking for a fun night out and for sure a guest favourite here at the Mentone.

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

Novello Theatre – 27 minutes walking, 10 minutes taxi, 18 minutes public transport

For a bit of magic

If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz then you’ll get to see the story from a completely different perspective with Wicked.

Playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda long before Dorothy arrives in Oz, exploring how they eventually become known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

With spectacular sets, costumes and some very well-known songs, it’s another long-running West End favourite and a good choice if you enjoy fantasy, big productions and a bit of magic.

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

Apollo Victoria Theatre – 22 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

For something without the singing

If musicals aren’t really your thing, you could opt for one of London’s most famous plays instead.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been entertaining audiences since 1952, making it the world’s longest-running play. This classic murder mystery is currently at St Martin’s Theatre and follows a group of guests who find themselves snowed in at a country house after a murder.

Part of the fun is trying to work out whodunit before the truth is revealed. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil the ending!

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

St Martin’s Theatre – 27 minutes walking, 10 minutes taxi, 18 minutes public transport

For something a bit more mysterious

If you’re more into sci-fi than singing and dancing, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is worth looking at, combining theatre with science fiction, supernatural mystery and impressive special effects.

The play is based on the hugely popular Netflix series Stranger Things, but takes place decades before the events shown on screen.

You don’t need to have watched the TV series to follow the story, although if you’re a fan then you’ll recognise some familiar characters and connections.

Playing at the Phoenix Theatre, it’s an interesting option if you enjoy science fiction, mystery or horror, or simply fancy something different from a traditional West End musical.

Theatre distances from Mentone Hotel:

Phoenix Theatre – 25 minutes walking, 13 minutes taxi, 20 minutes public transport

Visiting the best shows in London? Make a night of it!

If you’re heading to the West End during your stay, why not make a night of it? You could book dinner near the theatre before the show, stop for a drink afterwards or, if you’re going to a matinee, find a nearby café for coffee and cake.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink around London’s theatre district, but you don’t necessarily have to stay in the West End. Back around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross, you’ll find a huge choice of restaurants, pubs, afternoon tea venues and cafés and coffee shops if you’d prefer to eat before you head out or finish your evening somewhere closer to the hotel.

And if you’re not sure where to go, just ask our helpful reception staff or email us ahead of your stay. Having been based in Bloomsbury for decades, we’re always happy to share our own recommendations and point you towards somewhere that suits what you’re looking for.

With all the theatres listed in this post within easy reach of the Mentone, you can enjoy your show and then head back to the peace and quiet of Cartwright Gardens at the end of the evening.

Planning a London theatre break? Book a Room at the Mentone Hotel!

If you’re planning to see a West End show during your visit, the Mentone Hotel makes a comfortable and convenient base, with all the theatres featured above within easy reach.

Situated in the heart of historic Bloomsbury and close to an array of attractions, restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops, parks, museums and retail outlets, our Grade II listed hotel overlooks the tranquil Cartwright Gardens.

We have 40 rooms, free Wi-Fi and luggage storage, and guests who book directly enjoy a 10% discount plus an unlimited complimentary breakfast.

Please get in touch to check availability. And if you’d like any recommendations for places to eat or drink before or after the show, just ask. We’ll be happy to help you plan your evening.

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