LEs Miserables - One Day More. Photo: Johan Persson
Have you ever wondered what the longest running shows were in London's West End? The attached list is the current state of play and whilst the obvious candidates Les Miserables, Blood Brothers and The Phantom Of the Opera remain unassailable, this year should see some shake-ups as both Thriller Live and Wicked move ever closer to the Top 10.
There aren't many new candidates looking set to move into the Top 20 as the days of the mega-musical seem to be over, this does lead to a dynamic West End though as more and more great shows are seen and have respectable runs before touring.
What were your favourites on this list?
The West End’s Longest Running Shows
(as at Sunday 18 December, 2016)
1. Les Misérables, 1985
still running, over 12,884 performances
Book Now for Les Miserables 2. The Phantom Of The Opera, 1986
still running, over 12,552 performances
Book Now for The Phantom Of The Opera 3. Blood Brothers, 1988
(closed, 10,013 performances)
4. Cats, 1981
(closed, 8,949 performances)
5. Mamma Mia!, 1999
still running, over 7,409 performances
Book Now for Mamma Mia! 6. Starlight Express, 1984
(closed, 7,406 performances)
7. Disney’s The Lion King, 1999
still running, over 7,175 performances
Book Now for The Lion King 8. Chicago, 1997 revival
(closed, 6,187 performances)
9. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, 1989
(closed, 5,140 performances)
Book Now for Buddy on tour 10. We Will Rock You, 2002
(closed, 4,659 performances)
11. Billy Elliot The Musical, 2005
(closed, 4,566 performances)
Book Now for Billy Elliot on tour 12. Wicked, 2006
still running, over 4,291 performances
Book Now for Wicked 13. Miss Saigon, 1989
(original 1989 production / closed - 4,264 performances)
14. Jersey Boys, 2008
still running, over 3,657 performances
Book Now for Jersey Boys 15. Jesus Christ Superstar, 1972
(original 1972 production / closed, 3,357 performances)
16. Thriller Live, 2009
still running, over 3,304 performances
Book Now for Thriller Live 17. Me And My Girl, 1985
(1985 revival / closed – 3,303 performances)
18. Evita, 1978
(original 1978 production / closed – 2,900 performances)
19. Oliver!, 1960
(original 1960 production / closed – 2,618 performances)
20. Grease!, 1993
(1993 revival / closed – 2,529 performances)
Editorial Staff is a contributor at British Theatre, covering West End productions, London theatre news, casting updates, and UK stage trends.
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