Top 5 West End Shows to see this Summer

London’s Theatreland is a must-visit when you’re in the capital. With bustling streets, fancy restaurants and bright lights it’s the place to catch one of the world’s most iconic shows. But which productions should be on your list this summer? Here are five of the best.

1. 2:22 A Ghost Story

If you love horrors, suspenseful thrillers and anything that goes bump in the night, don’t miss this tense, supernatural drama currently starring Joe McFadden, Stacey Dooley, Donna Air and James Buckley. Playing at the Gielgud Theatre this summer, 2:22 A Ghost Story documents a dispute between a married couple in their new home. Jenny thinks the house is haunted. Her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They debate the question with guests at a dinner party, but the only way to be sure that something strange is happening is to stay awake until 2:22am.

2. Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)

If you’re looking for family theatre shows to enjoy with your loved ones, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) is perfect for anyone aged 12 and above. This is a new British musical from writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. It follows the relationship between Doug - a naive and upbeat Brit who is flying to New York for his Dad’s second wedding - and Robin, the sister of the bride and a native New Yorker with very little patience. Anything could happen in this tale of twists and turns at the Criterion Theatre.

3. The Baker’s Wife

Just off the West End, you’ll find the picturesque and relatively small Menier Chocolate Factory. This iconic venue will host The Baker’s Wife between 6 July and 14 September 2024, a production that’s sure to have you hooked from start to finish. Based on the film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono, this show follows the arrival of a new baker and his young wife to a provincial French village and all the drama that ensues. This cult classic musical from the legendary Stephen Schwartz (composer of Godspell, Wicked and Pippen) is a welcome addition to the summer theatre line-up.

4. Jerry’s Girls

Don’t miss Jerry’s Girls before it’s replaced by The Baker’s Wife at the Menier Chocolate Factory. This wonderfully upbeat production celebrates the life and music of legendary award-winning composer Jerry Herman. Enjoy timeless songs from hit musicals such as Mame, Hello Dolly!, Milk & Honey, Mack & Mabel, and La Cage Aux Folles.

5. Starlight Express

The West End and Broadway spectacular written by Andrew Lloyd Webber is back, playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre this summer. Enjoy the magical story of a locomotive race and a little steam engine that dares to dream big. See an incredible cast of 40 whizz around on roller skates and experience a production like no other.

Family fun days don’t get much better than a trip to the West End, so, research ‘fun days out near me’ and book a production that takes your fancy.