The longest runners and riders in the West End in 2024!
The Longest Runners And Riders In The West End In 2024!
From an Agatha Christie mystery to life in the Savannah, the West End has a lot of legendary shows, but which is the longest-running this year?
The Mousetrap St. Martin's Theatre Opened in October 1952. Now approaching 72 years of almost continuous performances, Agatha Christie's classic whodunnit is not only the longest-running play in the West End, but the world! Famed for its tradition of secrecy, the production urges audiences not to spoil the ending for their friends. If you're wondering where the film version is, the story is that Christie apparently forbade any film from being made until the show was finally closed!
Les Miserables Sondheim Theatre Opened October 1985. While there is a substantial gap between Les Mis and The Mousetrap, the former takes the prize for the current longest-running musical in London! Originally created for the Royal Shakespeare Company the first cast of this iconic tale of rebellion included Roger Allam as Javert, Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, Patti Lupone as Fantine, and Michael Ball as Marius. The first reviews were not exactly glowing, but it's safe to say that Les Miserables has shown them!
The Phantom of the Opera His Majesty's Theatre Opened October 1986 Another 80's survivor, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom continues to haunt its London home, which recently changed its name to reflect the crowning of King Charles III. Lavish, melodramatic, and instantly recognisable, by 2019 it had reportedly been seen by 140 million people in 183 cities across 41 countries! Replaced by an updated production when the show re-opened after COVID, Phantom remains a spectacular experience and like its near neighbour Les Mis in this list, is a must-see for all theatre fans.
Mamma Mia! Novello Theatre Opened April 1999 Beating 1999's other long runner by six months, ABBA-tastic Mamma Mia has been whisking audiences to a madcap wedding in sunny Greece for nearly 25 years! Reigniting the great Swedish foursome's popularity across the world and breeding two blockbuster films, this musical defines the 'jukebox' genre. With hit after hit wrapped up in Catherine Johnson's witty script, it remains a huge draw for West End audiences, reflecting the timeless nature of ABBA's music.
The Lion King Lyceum Theatre Opened October 1999 Currently the biggest live-action musical earner in the world with profits in the billions, this adaptation of Disney's 1994 film, with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, still garners a breathless reception to this day. From the magnificent opening act to the joyful finale, its superb theatrical design, puppetry, and soaring score create a very special live experience - the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the magic of live theatre!
Wicked Apollo Victoria Theatre Opened September 2006 With a starry film adaptation on the way, the enchantment of Wicked shows no sign of wearing off yet! Created by Stephen Schwartz of Godspell and Pippin fame, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel of the same name. Telling the story of the Wicked Witch of The West's university years, it represents a return to the world of Oz, created by Frank L. Baum. A blockbuster musical that represents the best of Broadway, Wicked is a modern classic that resonates particularly with teens and young adults.
Matilda Cambridge Theatre Opened November 2011 Now entering its teenage years, Tim Minchin and the RSC's glorious adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel represents another fantastic British musical, showing the world how it's done. Telling the story of the precocious Matilda using a rotating weekly cast of young stars, it broke records on its premiere, scooping seven Olivier Awards, becoming the first show to ever do so! While it enjoyed a film adaptation in 2022, there really is nothing like seeing this hilarious, innovative and heartwarming show live.
The Book of Mormon Prince Of Wales Theatre Opened March 2013 A game changer in the world of theatre, Trey Parker and Matt Stone's brash, buoyant and sometimes genuinely touching lampooning of the Mormon Missionary tradition remains a divisive show to this day. While some may be turned off by its 'equal opportunity' approach to offending, it also represents a fantastic understanding and love of musical theatre from its creators, with many of the songs parodying classic musical moments, such as the belter 'I Believe' - a mirror to Maria's 'I Have Confidence' in The Sound of Music.
The Play That Goes Wrong Duchess Theatre Opened September 2014 Proving that the appetite for slapstick will never abate, Mischief Theatre's tentpole production The Play That Goes Wrong is a classic British comedy that continues to go wrong nearly over nearly a decade. For founders Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong is the start of an empire that includes a BBC TV series, a beloved Christmas show, a magic edition and now Mind Mangler, opening at the Apollo Theatre on March 14, 2024!
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