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Complete West End theatre guide: Shows, venues, and more

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Further casting has been announced for Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier’s new version of Chekhov’s *The Seagull*, which opens at the Barbican Theatre in London from February 2025 for a six-week run.

Joining the previously announced Cate Blanchett as Arkadina and Tom Burke as Trigorin are Priyanga Burford (Polina), Emma Corrin (Nina), Zachary Hart (Medvedenko), Paul Higgins (Shamrayev), Tanya Reynolds (Masha), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Konstantin), and Jason Watkins (Sorin).

Directed by...

Emma Corrin, Tanya Reynolds, and more to join Cate Blanchett in 'The Seagull'

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Priyanga Burford (*An Enemy of the People*), Emma Corrin (*The Crown, Orlando*), and Olivier Award winner Tanya Reynolds (*A Mirror*) join the cast of Chekhov’s masterpiece.

Seeing a West End show during the Christmas period will add a festive flair to any trip to London. Throughout the Christmas season, many West End shows will add more performances, giving you even more opportunity to catch the shows you've missed out on all year. Or if you're looking to find an extra-special present for somebody this Christmas, why not take that special someone to a show on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. 

We've listed all the West End performances...

All the West End shows you can see at Christmas

West End

From *Guys & Dolls* to *Wicked* and *The Lion King*, this is your ultimate list of shows that will be playing in the West End during the Christmas period.

New lead casting has been announced for *[Hadestown](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets)* in the West End, as the production extends its booking period through 28 September 2025.

Trevor Dion Nicholas, who recently starred in *Next to Normal* in the West End, will play Hades, while Rachel Tucker (*Sunset Boulevard, [Wicked](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked-tickets), Come From Away*) will play Persephone. They will appear in the production until 9 February...

Rachel Tucker and Trevor Dion Nicholas join the cast of 'Hadestown' in London

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Trevor Dion Nicholas recently starred in *Next to Normal* in the West End, while Rachel Tucker is known for her performances in *Sunset Boulevard*, *Wicked*, and *Come From Away.* 

One for the road! [*The Choir of Man*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23760-the-choir-of-man-tickets) has announced that its final performances at the Arts Theatre in the West End will be on 31 December, as the venue closes for planned redevelopment.

The show, which follows nine performers as they bring chart classics to life in a pub environment, opened in the West End in October 2021 and has welcomed over 280,000 audience members through its doors.

Future plans for the show in London...

'The Choir of Man' to close in West End as venue undergoes redevelopment

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*The Choir of Man* first opened at the Arts Theatre in the West End in October 2021 and has welcomed over 280,000 audience members through its doors.

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance's production of *Kyoto* will transfer to @sohoplace in the West End for a limited 16-week run next year. The show will open on 9 January, running until 3 May.

The political thriller, which was part of Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey’s inaugural programme as RSC Co-Artistic Directors, charts the negotiations leading up to the historic 1997 Kyoto climate summit, which brought about the world’s first legally binding emissions targets. [*Stranger Things:...

'Kyoto' to transfer to the West End's @sohoplace in 2025

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The political thriller charts the negotiations leading up to the historic 1997 Kyoto climate summit, which brought about the world’s first legally binding emissions targets. 

The full cast has been revealed for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s *The Producers*, which opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London on 9 December.

Directed by Tony Award winner Patrick Marber (*Leopoldstadt*), *The Producers* tells the story of two underperforming producers who scheme to get rich quick with a Broadway flop.

Joining the previously announced Andy Nyman (*Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Ghost Stories*) as Max Bialystock, Marc Antolin (*I Wish You Well*) as Leo Bloom,...

Full casting announced for 'The Producers' revival at the Menier Chocolate Factory

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Trevor Ashley and Raj Ghatak join Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Harry Morrison, and Joanna Woodward in the musical comedy about two down on their luck producers.

The music of the night will continue to play. One of the longest-running musicals to be produced on the West End and on Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber's [*The Phantom of the Opera*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets) extends its booking period to 27 September 2025 at [His Majesty's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/his-majestys-theatre). 

From the chandelier to the iconic music, with songs like "Masquerade" and "All I Ask of You", one of the...

'The Phantom of the Opera' extends booking period

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The immortal Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, an acclaimed West End staple since 1986, now has tickets available for purchase through September 2025. 

If you have been waiting for tickets for *Godot*, you're in luck. The critically acclaimed production of Samuel Beckett's essential absurdist masterpiece [*Waiting for Godot*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/42509-waiting-for-godot) at [Theatre Royal Haymarket](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/theatre-royal-haymarket) will extend its run an additional week until 21 December. 

The production stars Lucian Msamati as Estragon and Ben Whishaw as Vladimir, two men who wait endlessly for a...

'Waiting for Godot' announces another week of performances

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Due to popular demand and critical acclaim, Samuel Beckett's dark comedy, starring Ben Whishaw and directed by James Macdonald, extends its booking period.

Neither Alexander Hamilton nor Aaron Burr, the protagonists of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical phenomenon, ever came to London. Thomas Jefferson, the Act II antagonist, visited for six weeks in spring 1786. He described the architecture as “in the most wretched stile I ever saw” and "both town and country fell short of my expectations." Ouch. However, Jefferson certainly made the most of the entertainments and shopping the city had to offer. 

On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin, who first visited...

Make a day out of 'Hamilton' in London

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Explore some fascinating Anglo-American ties, including the Benjamin Franklin House, Kew Palace, and two historical churches.

*The Phantom of the Opera* is here… with a new cast! [*The Phantom of the Opera*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera) company will change from 1 August, and *The Phantom of the Opera* performances are now confirmed at [Her Majesty’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/her-majestys-theatre) to 17 Dec. 2022. [Book *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets on London Theatre. ](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera)

[Killian Donnelly](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/killian-donnelly) will continue as The Phantom alongside [Lucy St. Louis](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/lucy-st-louis) as Christine Daaé. [We spoke to Lucy St. Louis about what it means to be the first actress of colour to play Christine Daaé in the London production.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/lucy-st-louis-on-making-history-in-phantom-importance-of-representation)

Matt Blaker will take over the role of Raoul in *The Phantom of the Opera*. Kelly Glyptis will also join the show as Carlotta. 

*The Phantom of the Opera* cast includes Matt Harrop as Monsieur Firmin, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Greg Castiglioni as Ubaldo Piangi, Francesca Ellis as Madame Giry and Ellie Young as Meg Giry, Holly-Anne Hull as the alternate Christine Daaé, Hollie Aires, Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Edward Court, Michelle Cornelius, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faul, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Thomas Holdsworth, Olivia Holland-Rose, Jacob Hughes, Grace Hume, James Hume, Tim Morgan, Michael Robert-Lowe, Eve Shanu-Wilson, Tim Southgate, Anouk Van Laake, Jasmine Wallis, Rafe Watts, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker, Lizzie Wofford and Andrew York.

*The Phantom of the Opera* sees a half-masked Phantom grow obsessed with Christine, a young soprano at Paris Opera House. [Find out more about *The Phantom of the Opera* in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-about-andrew-lloyd-webbers-the-phantom-of-the-opera)

## Who plays The Phantom in *The Phantom of the Opera*?

Killian Donnelly stars as the Phantom in *The Phantom of the Opera* in London. Donnelly's West End credits include *Memphis,* *Kinky Boots,* and *Les Miserables.*

*The Phantom of the Opera* is at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Book *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets on London Theatre.

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*Photo credit: The Phantom of the Opera (Photo by Johan Persson)*

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ announces new cast from August 2022

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Ages 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 has to be accompanied by an adult (18+). Under 4s will not be admitted.

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The Phantom of the Opera

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Hannibal with the Ensemble. Photo by Johan Persson

Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Jon Robyns as Phantom.

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Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Jon Robyns as Phantom and Lily Kerhoas as Christine.

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Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Lily Kerhoas as Christine and Joe Griffiths-Brown as Raoul. 

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Production shot of The Phantom of the Opera in London, with Kelly Glyptis as Carlotta.

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Poster of The Phantom of the Opera in London

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Hear the music of the night at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational, spellbinding musical. *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

*The Phantom of the Opera* began previews at the then-named Her Majesty's Theatre in London on 27 Sept. 1986, with an original opening night on 9 Oct. 1986. Even though a reworked version opened in 2021, the show boasts memorable music alongside stunning set design, costumes, and special effects. 

A truly romantic tragedy, this beautiful story is set against one of the West End's most memorable scores that includes hit songs such as “The Music of the Night”, “All I Ask of You”, “Think of Me”, and of course, “The Phantom of the Opera”. [Find out more about *The Phantom of the Opera* in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-about-andrew-lloyd-webbers-the-phantom-of-the-opera) *The Phantom of the Opera* musical is one of the most successful pieces of entertainment in history — global audience numbers tally over 130 million people in 145 cities across 27 countries. 

Having spawned a sequel musical *Love Never Dies* and a successful film adaptation starring Gerard Butler, the glorious production in London's West End continues to draw audiences from all over the world. 

### What is *The Phantom of the Opera* about?

The haunting *The Phantom of the Opera* musical story is adapted from Gaston Leroux's novel of the same name and is set in the heart of the Paris Opera House. As young ballet dancer Christine Daae becomes the object of The Phantom's secret affection, he manipulates her career at the expense and horror of the Opera House staff and stars.

### Where is *The Phantom of the Opera* playing in the UK?

*The Phantom of the Opera* is currently playing at [His Majesty's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/his-majestys-theatre) (previously Her Majesty's Theatre) in London. The production began performances on 27 September 1986 and is the second longest-running musical in the West End.

Tickets to *The Phantom of the Opera* are available now. Book your *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets on London Theatre today.

The Phantom of the Opera - LON - London Theatre

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets | London Theatre

Come and hear the music of the night. One of the longest-running musicals in West End history, this Andrew Lloyd Webber piece is a global hit for a reason. Telling the tragic and romantic take of opera singer Christine and the mysterious man who haunts her, you’ll experience classic songs like "Music of the Night" and "The Phantom of the Opera" in their original staging. Get *The Phantom of the Opera* tickets at His Majesty’s Theatre today. 

While *The Phantom of the Opera* may be one of the oldest West End musicals, its blend of gothic and opera sounds gives the musical a timeless quality. Enjoy the magnetic combination of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive music and Maria Björnson’s striking scenic and costume design. Pack your tissues!  

*The Phantom of the Opera* London is now a reworked update of the original production. A new set was brought into the then-named Her Majesty’s Theatre in 2021, bringing the action further into the audience and immersing audiences in the Paris Opera House. Sit in the first few rows and you’ll feel as if you’re the next budding soprano to take centre stage. *The Phantom of the Opera* performances now take place at His Majesty's Theatre.

Even though the show is based on Gaston Leroux’s novel of the same name, the *Phantom* musical popularised the story. You can see *Phantom* worldwide, but there’s nothing quite like watching the musical at its first home. Witness musical theatre’s tragic love triangle for yourself.

## What to Watch For:

- 6,000 beads, with 35 beads to an individual string, make up the iconic chandelier featured in *The Phantom of the Opera*. At a whopping three metres wide, and with a weight of one ton, it’s not exactly one for your living room.
- It takes 130 people to put on a performance of *The Phantom of the Opera* in London. That includes the cast, creatives and backstage crew. Included in this team are 14 dressers who manage the 230 costumes in the show. They're in charge of everything from ballet shoes to ballgowns.
- Creating the eerie effects in the Phantom's lair in *The Phantom of the Opera* requires a lot of effort. Each performance uses 50 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines to capture the haunting atmosphere.

The Phantom of the Opera [308] - LON  - TodayTix

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets | London | TodayTix

Experience the music of the night with this ground-breaking Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. As the second-longest-running musical in London's West End, the musical has delighted audiences for over 35 years. Step into the grand Paris Opera House to witness a riveting tale of love, desire, and haunting secrets.

The Phantom of the Opera - LON - Box Office

Buy tickets for The Phantom of the Opera at the Her Majesty's Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets | Box Office

Stop a person on the street and ask them to name a West End musical, they'll probably say one of two things: <a href="/show/les-miserables">Les Mis</a>, or <a href="/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera">The Phantom of the Opera</a>. The latter has been impressively running non-stop at <a href="/theatres/her-majestys-theatre">Her Majesty's Theatre</a>&nbsp;for over 3 decades now, but does Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical still have the same sense of wonder as it did all that time ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no question that it's a complete classic: the story tells of the titular phantom who haunts an opera house, the tales of his presence in the building are now common gossip amongst the casts. During rehearsals for the company's latest offering, an unknown chorus girl, Christine, is forced to thrust into the lead role, with the producers assured she has been taught well. Taught, it turns out, by the 'Angel of Music', the Phantom whose voice rings around in her head.During her triumphant performance, an old friend Raoul rekindles his love for Christine, while the Phantom reveals himself to Christine, luring her to his underground lair. As he tells her how she's been chosen to perform his work-in-progress opera, she lifts his mask to reveal his gruesomely disfigured face, and this begins a tale of jealousy and control.While its reputation as the ultimate romantic musical precedes it, watching the show in the #MeToo era throws up for a few uneasy moments. As the Phantom's manipulation and desire to control Christine become more and more apparent - through some pretty no-nonsense lyrics like "You will curse the day you did not do /All that the Phantom asked of you" - it's difficult not to feel for her as she is trapped and manipulated by a selfish, jealous man.It did create two of the most desirable roles for any musical theatre performer. Originated by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, the production currently features an excellent leading cast of <a href="/theatre-news/interviews/ben-lewis-interview-meet-the-west-ends-new-phantom-of-the-opera">Ben Lewis</a> and Kelly Mathieson. Lewis commands every corner of the stage with the menace of the Phantom, while treating his more tender moments with the deluded pain the character demands. Mathieson plays Christine with the kind of innocent naivety that makes the part convincing, and nails some of the most challenging songs written for the stage.There is still something special about Lloyd Webber's score. Its songs were revelations that shook musical theatre, standards that entered the public consciousness. The '80s synth-opera fusion might seem a little dated, but there's no disputing that descending motif still conjures goose bumps. At the heart of "The Point of No Return" - the Phantom's composition - are the satisfying resolved phrases that are a trademark of the score.In 2018, it's difficult for one to imagine the reaction this production would have received in the '80s. It's wildly over the top - complete with its iconic set pieces, fireballs, and an elephant &nbsp;- and some of these elements raise a chuckle or two at the confidence it must have taken to pull them off. Some of the tricks wouldn't look out of place in <a href="/show/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</a>, while others laid the groundwork for a show like <a href="/show/bat-out-of-hell-the-musical">Bat Out of Hell</a> to exist at the heightened level it does.While we could dissect the reaction the show would get if <a href="/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera">Phantom</a>&nbsp;was presented as a new work today, there's no question that it's still wild, it's still joyous, and it's still deserved of its place as the pride of the West End.<a href="/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera">The Phantom of the Opera</a> is currently booking at the <a href="/theatres/her-majestys-theatre">Her Majesty's Theatre</a>.

Review - The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre

This multi-award winning musical continues to captivate audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, after more than 12,000 performances.

Read our review of The Phantom of the Opera starring Kelly Mathieson at Her Majesty's Theatre on London Theatre.

The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre Review | London Theatre

His Majesty’s Theatre is an iconic venue located in the heart of London. This historic venue's grandeur and legacy heighten the aura of the performances it hosts. Nestling in the Theatreland, the edifice is an embodiment of architectural finesse and historical significance, it is an epitome of classic Victorian design with hints of French Renaissance, designed by the celebrated architect Charles J. Phipps and first opened its doors to the theatre-loving public in 1897. Known for churning out some of the best works in dramatic art, the theatre serves as a platform for emerging stars and industry veterans alike. From local productions to international plays and musicals, the theatre has housed a wealth of performances that have touched the hearts of millions. As you walk through its dignified corridors and lush seating areas, you can still feel the legacies of the great actors who graced the stage. One remarkable feature of the theatre is the royal box, which used to be reserved for royal figures. It provides an exceptional viewing experience that makes a trip to His Majesty’s Theatre truly unforgettable.

 **Getting to the Venue**

His Majesty's Theatre is easily accessible from any part of London. It is just a minute away from Piccadilly Circus tube station and many bus routes stop nearby. There are car parking facilities available in the vicinity as well.

His Majesty's Theatre - LON

His Majestys Theatre LON

His Majesty’s Theatre

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A theatre has stood on the site of His Majesty's Theatre since 1705. This incarnation of His Majesty’s Theatre opened in 1897. The theatre changed names from Her Majesty's Theatre to His Majesty's Theatre on 6 May 2023, in line with King Charles III's Coronation.

The His Majesty's Theatre auditorium is appropriately scaled to house musicals. Throughout the 20th century, a host of musicals played at Her Majesty's Theatre: *Brigadoon*, *Paint Your Wagon*, *Bye Bye Birdie*, *West Side Story*, *On The Twentieth Century*, *Fiddler on the Roof* and *Bugsy Malone*. 

The theatre’s current tenant is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *[The Phantom of the Opera](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/308-the-phantom-of-the-opera)*, which opened in October 1986 and is the theatre’s longest-running production. His Majesty's Theatre is currently owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatres Group.

## His Majesty's Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has four levels – Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.

Views from the Stalls are very good. Other than the front row, the legroom is good throughout the Stalls.

The Royal Circle offers good views of the stage. The overhang of the Grand Circle could affect the view from seats in Row E onwards.

The Balcony's sharp rake of the seating ensures good views.

## Where is *The Phantom of the Opera* in London?

*The Phantom of the Opera* is at His Majesty's Theatre in London. His Majesty's Theatre is located on Haymarket. It's close to the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus.

His Majesty’s Theatre - London Theatre

Experience the historic His Majesty's Theatre, home to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Get your tickets today for a captivating West End show.

His Majesty’s Theatre - TodayTix

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His Majesty’s Theatre, a historical London venue, showcases exceptional dramatic art. It is centrally located near Piccadilly Circus tube station.

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ announces new cast from August 2022

Who plays The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera?

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