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The Best Last Minute Shows In London

You can catch the best of the West End, from plays to musicals, and find a great deal with last minute ticket booking

Sometimes it’s fun to plan ahead for your theatre trip, and sometimes you fancy catching a show on the spur of the moment. Luckily you can do both when it comes to top-notch London shows. In fact, you can often find good West End seats, at low prices, if you book last minute London theatre tickets.

That applies to everything from the big, spectacular musicals, such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, to thrilling plays such as Agatha Christie’s whodunit The Mousetrap, and fun for the whole family in the form of shows like Disney’s The Lion King. You can read our round-ups of the best family shows and all the best London shows for more inspiration.

You can even find fantastic deals on same day London theatre tickets if you wake up feeling like you want to hit the West End. Although the big shows remain popular, they don’t tend to sell out every performance, and they often have some excellent seats available for those willing to take the gamble. Plus it can be fun to suddenly find yourself in a magical world, transported by the world’s greatest theatre.

So, check out our list of the best last minute shows in London, as recommended by the Telegraph’s expert team of reviewers, and get booking!

Back to the Future: The Musical, Adelphi Theatre Back to the Future: The Musical Credit: Sean Ebsworth Barnes In a nutshell: You might not be able to travel as fast as Marty McFly, who hits 88mph in his time-travelling DeLorean in order to jump from the 1980s to the 1950s, but you can definitely book last-minute tickets pretty quickly for this romp of a musical. It’s an epic adaptation of the sci-fi film adventure, bringing 1.21 gigawatts of jaw-dropping fun to the West End via its astonishing special effects (including a flying car!) and super-cool rock score, from original songs to film favourites like The Power of Love and Johnny B Goode. Great Scott!

“Excitement builds before curtain-up, the mother-board styled auditorium pulsing with tributaries of light… An exhilarating all-American entertainment drive-thru.” Read the full review of Back to the Future

Booking until: Jul 27 2025

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre In a nutshell: Whether you book in advance or go for a last minute deal or same day theatre ticket, Tina is simply the best. It’s an enthralling, dramatic telling of her extraordinary life story, filled with Tina Turner’s indelible hits: think A Fool in Love, River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, and of course The Best. This biographical musical begins in Nutbush, Tennessee, and follows her into fame and fortune, but a violent marriage to Ike Turner, and then through her remarkable reinvention as a solo rock legend.

“Born in the USA, made in England. That’s the thesis of this slickly choreographed, beautifully designed and roof-raisingly well-sung bio-musical about Tina Turner.” Read the full review of Tina

Booking until: Jul 27 2025

Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre In a nutshell: Fear not, dearies: the classic Robin Williams-starring comedy is just as joyful and heartfelt as a stage musical – plus there are original songs and witty dance numbers to add extra zany invention to this kooky tale. It’s even more incredible watching out-of-work actor and divorced dad Daniel doing his quick-change into Scottish nanny Mrs Doubtfire, in order to secretly see his kids, in a breathless live show, plus its core message about how families can come in different forms, as long as there’s love, is a beautiful one.

“It’s a truly multi-generational family show, with entertainment ranging from Austin Powers and Riverdance references through to fart jokes and pure slapstick silliness.” Read the full review of Mrs Doubtfire

Booking until: Feb 16 2025

The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre

The Lion King Credit: Alastair Muir In a nutshell: The West End Disney musical has been a family favourite for generations, and no wonder: it’s the perfect transition from home entertainment, watching the delightful animated movie, to the theatre, as Julie Taymor’s spectacular production wows audiences of all ages. Elton John and Tim Rice’s catchy songs are all in there, including Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Hakuna Matata, plus wonderful puppets that bring the animals to life. It’s the perfect pick for a last minute family theatre trip.

“Watching the show alongside my rapt children, I was struck by how much it succeeds in speaking to the heart rather than the head… A deeply felt celebration of life.” Read the full review

Booking until: Mar 30 2025

Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre In a nutshell: The only thing better than Abba songs is hearing them as part of a gloriously escapist stage musical set on a fantasy Greek island. Mamma Mia! has, of course, spawned two Hollywood movies, but there’s nothing quite like the live stage experience, where you get to share the magic with fellow Abba fans. The story around cash-strapped hotelier Donna and daughter Sophie, who has invited three prospective dads to her wedding, is also surprisingly moving – a lovely portrait of friendship, family and dancing queens.

Phyllida Lloyd’s slick production is still a tremendous crowd-pleaser… Buoyed by Abba’s enduring brilliance, it’s a welcome shot of pure sunshine.” Read the full review

Booking until: Mar 29 2025

The Mousetrap, St Martin’s TheatreIn a nutshell: It’s the longest-running play in the world, and this record-setting whodunit is still enthralling budding detectives as they try to match wits with the Queen of Crime: Agatha Christie. Her classic murder mystery tale is set in a remote country guesthouse where a collection of strangers are trapped together by a snowstorm. A policeman soon joins them, but the phone is now dead and there’s a killer on the loose.

Can this group, all with their own secrets to hide, unmask the murderer in their midst before they strike again – and can you guess Christie’s fiendish twist? Grab your last minute tickets for this criminally good play and find out…

Booking until: Mar 1 2025

MJ The Musical, Prince Edward Theatre

MJ The Musical Credit: Johan Persson In a nutshell: The King of Pop lives again in this electrifying bio-musical. It begins as Michael Jackson is rehearsing for his soon-to-be-legendary 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and looks back at how the Jackson 5 became a sensation, how MJ found his own path, and at the creative influences which led to revolutionary hits like Thriller. Featuring incredible dance numbers created by Christopher Wheeldon, and an astonishing lead performance by Tony winner Myles Frost, it’s a last minute ticket winner – and a must for all MJ fans.

“Goodness can Myles Frost dance, capturing precisely Michael Jackson’s sublime, peculiarly agitated grace, his limbs seemingly made from tensile liquid as he thrusts and coils, shimmers and spins.” Read the full review

Booking until: Mar 29 2025

Les Miserables, Sondheim TheatreIn a nutshell: Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the 100th, the power of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s French Revolutionary musical is undeniable. Adapted from Victor Hugo’s stirring novel, this multi-generational story refracts the politics through the lives of individuals, from the reformed convict Jean Valjean to the street gangs and the ardent student radicals who take to the barricades. Packed with passionate songs like Dreamed A Dream and Bring Him Home, there’s nothing quite like Les Mis.

“Les Miserables, bolstered in its urgency by topical tumult the world over, might once again be the hottest ticket in town… It represents what theatre should be.” Read the full review of Les Miserables

Booking until: Mar 29, 2025

The Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre In a nutshell: If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping last minute ticket, you’ve definitely found it with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spine-tingling musical about a musical genius who lurks in the sewers beneath the Paris Opera House. From the candlelit boat rice to that mighty chandelier, it’s a visual marvel, and a dramatic one too as beautiful young soprano Christine is torn between two suitors. And of course it’s one of Lloyd Webber’s most gorgeous scores, featuring The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, and the famous title number.

“The unveiling of the cast arrayed across a grand staircase – dressed in the multicolours of the most resplendent commedia dell’arte troupe – for the second act Masquerade drew gasps.” Read the full review of The Phantom of the Opera

Booking until: Mar 29, 2025

Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre

Wicked Credit: Matt Crockett In a nutshell: As the global hit musical finally comes to the big screen, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading an all-star Hollywood cast, visit the stage show that began it all. Wicked takes the Wizard of Oz story and turns it on its head, giving us a sympathetic look at the misunderstood green-skinned witch Elphaba and her opposites-attract friendship with blonde Glinda. This heartfelt musical feels more relevant than ever, and Stephen Schwartz’s powerful anthems like Defying Gravity are well worth a last minute ticket.

“The detailed, fabulously over-the-top steampunk design features a smoke-puffing dragon, while Susan Hilferty’s lavish costumes include towering fascinators, and Kenneth Posner’s lighting is otherworldly.” Read the full review of Wicked

Booking until: Dec 15

Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre In a nutshell: Nicholas Hytner has completely transformed the Bridge Theatre for his exciting, fresh take on this iconic musical comedy. Both standing and seated audience members get an immersive experience as the action moves around the space, with the set itself seeming to dance as platforms shoot up and down. It matches the energy of this witty New York tale with its fast-talking hustlers and wise-cracking dames, moving from nightclub to diner and even to Havana. Take a gamble on a last minute ticket and you’ll definitely win.

“The choreography evokes a joyous hustle and bustle, while lending an edge to peacockish prancing in the sewers for Luck, Be a Lady and generating a forcefield of energy for Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Read the full review

Booking until: Jan 4 2025

The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales TheatreIn a nutshell: This side-splitting musical satire is still the most shocking comedy in the West End – and a guaranteed uproarious night out. Created by the magic combination of South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the Tony- and Oscar-winning composer Robert Lopez (Frozen, Avenue Q), this fearless satire follows two Mormon missionaries on a doomed trip to Uganda, who make a splash by inventing wild stories and also form an unlikely friendship. With daring jokes and big production numbers, it’s a heaven-sent romp.

“The pacing is lightning-fast, Lopez’s toe-tapping songs never outstay their welcome, and the show takes crazy huge swings… It feels like a miracle that this comic gem is still perfectly intact.” Read the full review of The Book of Mormon

Booking until: Nov 2

Frequently asked questionsHow to get last minute theatre tickets London?You don’t always have to plan a theatre trip far in advance – you can also look at shows that are on this week, or even get same day tickets. If you head to the theatre box office from about 10am onwards, you should find tickets released for that day’s matinee and/or evening performances.

You can also look at the Telegraph’s West End tickets site for all the latest ticket deals and discounts. There’s even a dedicated page for all the best West End deals and last minute tickets, including exclusive prices, big savings, and no-fee offers. That covers a huge range of shows, so whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling play, a stirring musical or some family fun, you’ll find a deal to suit.

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