What is the West End?

One of the best things to do in London, in my opinion, is go to a musical! The West End refers to an area of Central London full of theatres. West End theatre is considered to be the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world and, with 38 West End theatres, you are spoilt for choice!

Days, times and prices

Most shows are performed every day Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm and there are always two matinees (2.30pm) a week. For the best prices download the TicketTix app or go to the Leicester Square Box Office on the day of the show you want to see. Prices vary between £15-£65.

Here are my recommendations for the best 5 musicals to watch if you are learning English.

MATILDA

What is it?

Based on the Roald Dahl Book (which is totally worth reading by the way), Matilda tells the story of a young girl with a big imagination and magical powers. Whilst dealing with her horrible parents and evil headteacher Miss Trunchbull, Matilda finds comfort in her school teacher and friends who show her to fight for what you believe in and that education is very important!

Why I recommend this show for English students

• All the characters in the show have British accents and speak very clearly, meaning that it is an easy show to understand and follow.
• Because it is based on an English book, you could read it before or after seeing it on stage, which would help enhance your experience.
• The child performers will take your breath away with their incredible singing and dancing talent.

Read more about the show here: https://uk.matildathemusical.com

COME FROM AWAY

What is it?

Back in 2001, when the World Trade Center in New York was hit by a terrorist attack, the US air space was closed and a lot of airplanes were diverted to a city called Gander in Canada. Come From Away is the true story of the ‘plane people’ who landed in Gander from all over the world and the relationships they created even in the darkest and scariest of times.

Why I recommend this show for English students

• You can read all about the true story of Come From Away in the news before seeing the show, which will help your understanding of the story.
• The storyline is easy to follow even though the accents can be a little difficult to understand (B1+) sometimes.
• The songs are fantastic!

Read more about the show here: https://comefromawaylondon.co.uk

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

What is it?

This is one of the most famous musicals, based on the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours from the Bible’s Book of Genesis. It features one of the most famous musical theatre songs, Any Dream Will Do and was written by one of the most famous British musical theatre composers, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Why I recommend this show for English students

• It is a biblical story, common in British Culture.
• Although the show is sung-through (only singing and no speaking), the accents are British so it is not too difficult to understand.
• It is a show that will leave you with a big smile on your face!

Read more about the show here: https://www.josephthemusical.com

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

What is it?

This musical has been playing in London for 33 years, which shows just how popular it is! It is another Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The story is of a physically disfigured man who lives in the shadows underneath the beautiful Opera House in Paris. He has powerful love for a beautiful soprano singer who performs there.

Why I recommend this show for English students

• This is a classic musical that has been performed all around the world in over 15 different languages - you may have even seen it in your own country!
• The story is a classic, the music is completely beautiful and is quite easy to understand with American accents.
• We also have a graded reader of Phantom of the Opera in the school library. Ask Reception for more details!

Read more about the show here: https://uk.thephantomoftheopera.com

THE LION KING

What is it?

The Lion King is probably the most famous Disney film turned into a musical! The story is known by most of the Western world; set in Africa, it follows the adventures of young lion Simba, his wicked Uncle Mufasa and his new best friends, Timon the meerkat and Pumba the warthog.

Why I recommend this show for English students

• When learning English, understanding the language is much easier if you already know the story.
• The Lion King is a classic, the music is amazing (you may already know some of it) and the set and costumes are incredible. The show makes you feel like you are really in Africa among the animals!
• The accents are American and quite easy to understand.

Read more about the show here: https://thelionking.co.uk/london/