The 10 Best London Shows 2020
Our pick of the 10 best London shows to see in 2020. With so many musicals, plays and new productions taking place in London’s West End, here’s our choice of some of the unmissable productions of the year. From classic toe-tapping musicals and popular plays to world-premieres hitting the West End stage for the first time, including the highly-awaited Frozen.
1. Mary Poppins
See Mary Poppins the Musical on show in London until 26 July 2020. This is one of the most famous stories of all time, brought to the stage for a toe-tapping West End musical production. Get ready for wonderful songs, amazing special effects and dazzling choreography in one of the best London shows in 2020.
Find out more: Mary Poppins
2. Les Miserables
Les Miserables is the longest-running West End musical, and in January 2020 reopened at the newly refurbished Sondheim Theatre. Discover Victor Hugo’s timeless story about Jean Valjean, a French peasant who searches for redemption having served 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf a bread. One of the best shows in London and amongst the greatest musicals of all time.
Find out more: Les Miserables
3. The Lion King
There’s nothing quite like The Lion King, the award-winning musical based on the Walt Disney animated film. The show first opened in London’s Lyceum Theatre way back in 1999 and it’s still running today, a testament to its wonderful songs, sets and choreography. Songs include I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, The Circle of Life, Endless Night and Shadow Land.
Find out more: The Lion King
4. Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman: The Musical is on in London’s West End from 14th February 2020 until January 2021. The timeless Hollywood romance is adapted to stage and comes to London from Broadway where it enjoyed a record-breaking run. Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac take on the starring roles of Vivian and Edward, with choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell. This is set to be one of the best new London shows this 2020!
Find out more: Pretty Woman
5. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is the smash-hit musical featuring your favourite ABBA songs. It’s been on show in London for over 20 years and seen by millions of people worldwide. This feel-good musical is a must-see for all theatre lovers!
Find out more: Mamma Mia!
6. Frozen
Frozen the Musical is coming to London in Autumn 2020. One of the best shows on in Broadway at the moment, it’s London debut is eagerly awaited. Frozen is based on Disney’s 2013 animated film of the same name, which quickly became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The magical world of Arendelle comes to life, with songs including ‘Let It Go’, ‘Vuelie’, ‘Let the Sun Shine On’ and ‘Colder by the Minute’. Specific dates for the shows 2020 London debut have yet to be announced but it will be on in the West End sometime during Autumn 2020.
Find out more: Frozen
7. Thriller – Live
Your last chance to see Thriller – Live, which comes to a close on 6 April 2020 after 21 years on the West End stage. This has been one of the best London shows of the past decade, celebrating the music of The Jackson 5 and the solo work and life of Michael Jackson. Songs include I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, They Don’t care About Us and Thriller along with many more!
Find out more: Thriller – Live
8. To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, comes to London’s West End from 21 May to 6 September 2020. Transferring from Broadway, the stage adaptation is written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his award-winning screen works including The West Wing, The Social Network and Charlie Wilson’s War. Rhys Ifans stars as Atticus Finch in this captivating tale of racial injustice and child poverty.
Find out more: To Kill a Mockingbird
9. Sunday in the Park with George
Sunday in the Park with George is on in London for a 12-week run at the Savoy Theatre, from 13 June to 5 September 2020. One of the best limited-run productions to hit the stage this year, with a star-studded cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford. Tickets are expected to sell out fast for this celebrated musical inspired by George Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
Find out more: Sunday in the Park with George
10. Uncle Vanya
Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya is on show at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 14 January to 2 May 2020. It’s one of the best plays to look forward during 2020, and amongst the greatest of Chekhov’s works. This production sees Toby Jones, famous for his roles from Capote to Hitchcock to Captain Mainwaring, play Uncle Vanya. The local doctor Astrov is played by English actor Richard Armitage, whilst Aimee Lou Wood who is best known for her role as Aimee Gibbs in the Netflix original comedy-drama series Sex Education takes on the role of Sonya.
Find out more: Uncle Vanya
