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CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Long Running Shows in London - October 2015

Published on

October 2, 2015

By

stephencollins

What long running show should you see first in London?

We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It's just our view - and everyone has one - based on our Reviewers' thoughts. We will update the list regularly so that cast changes can factor into the mix.

Only Plays and Musicals which have been running for more than three years are included in this is list.

These are our Top 10 Long Running Shows in London. So go see them!

Join our mailing list to get special offers on this and many other great shows.

1. Wicked Wicked is tremendous shape and the current cast gives it full value. If you have never seen it or if you have seen it, now is the time to go again – you too could be changed for the better. We went back to Wicked this week and it's still in terrific shape. A full house with a standing ovation. Congratulations! READ OUR REVIEW | BOOK TICKETS

2. Les Miserables If you have never seen Les Miserables, this is a good year to see it; if you have seen it, this cast provides fresh approaches and interesting nuance to scenes you think you know very well and characters you think can no longer surprise you. READ OUR REVIEW | BOOK TICKETS

3. Phantom of the Opera Although there are a few moments when the old girl creaks slightly, for the most part the staging feels contemporary and interest is snapped to attention right from the very start, when the slightly menacing words of the auctioneer herald the commencement of proceedings. The sequences in the Phantom’s lair, complete with boat, candles and ornate organ are almost hypnotic; tendrils of smoke wrap around the imagination, infusing the action and music with intrigue. Harriet Jones is beautiful, petite and alluring, exactly as Christine Daaé should be. Vocally, as the Phantom, Kieran Brown’s fine, high-baritone is silky, seductive, and powerful. READ OUR REVIEW | BOOK TICKETS

4. Jersey Boys The jukebox bio-musical that charts the beginnings and career of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. All of the groups hits are charted including Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don't Cry, Can't Take My Eyes Off You and Oh! What A Night. BOOK TICKETS

5. War Horse The National Theatre's epic tale about a boy and his horse set against the first World War has won multiple theatre awards around the world and conquered hearts wherever it has played. The London production continues to be one of the most popular shows around. BOOK TICKETS

6. Matilda Roald Dahl's popular tale is bought to the stage by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly. Matilda is now weaving her magic in London, on Broadway and in Australia and the popularity of this tale presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company shows no sign of abating. Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty. BOOK TICKETS

7. Billy Elliott Ten years after he first danced onto the West End stage Billy is still sending electricity through the Victoria Palace Theatre. With a score by Elton John and book by Lee Hall, this fabulous British musical will leave you full of joy. BOOK TICKETS

8. The Lion King Disney's popular animated classic has been turned into a fully fledged stage musical with songs by Elton John and Tim Rice and new material by Lebo M. Julie Taymor's production will leave you wide eyed as the movies famous characters along with many others from the plains of Africa are bought to life before your eyes. Wonderous! BOOK TICKETS

9. Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! is an enormous feel good hit featuring the songs of Bjorn Ulvaeus and Beny Andersson, the writing duo and one half of the pop mega-group ABBA. All of your favourite songs are there - Dancing Queen, Chiquitita, Does Your Mother Know, Money Money Money and many more. You'll be dancing in the aisles! BOOK TICKETS

10. The Woman In Black There’s nothing like a good ghost story to get the heart racing and give you a good scare. The Woman In Black has now been doing just that for twenty-eight years and it’s still managing to deliver the thrill of a well told ghost story night after night. READ OUR REVIEW | BOOK TICKETS

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