Seven of the best shows to see in London this summer

Best for: Lovers of glamour, big stars and sumptuous spectacle.

Currently a stonking great hit on both the West End and Broadway, this visually stunning musical adaptation of the F Scott Fitzgerald masterpiece is only playing a limited run in London, so get down there before it ends on September 7. If you do, you’ll be treated to a cast to die for – the absurdly stacked ensemble (perhaps attracted by the short engagement) has been referred to as ‘The West End Avengers’.

Andrzej says: It’s not just a pretty show, but what really stood out about The Great Gatsby for me was the truly ravishing design from the wonderfully named Paul Tate dePoo III. From gorgeous nocturnal landscapes to riotously blingy parties, there’s not a single scene that doesn’t look amazing.

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

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Best for: Decadent lovers and thrill seekers.

The single biggest hit to emerge from the West End in the post-pandemic era is Rebecca Frecknall’s arty, abrasive revival of Kader & Ebbs’ musical masterpiece about the eccentric inhabitants of a nightclub in the last days of Weimar Berlin. The daring, immersive production turns the entire Playhouse Theatre building into the transcendent Kit Kat Club. And it’s also been blessed with some wonderful celebrity leads: currently it’s Hannah Dodd as nightclub singer Sally Bowles and Rob Madge as the sinister Emcee.

Andrzej says: The raw, electrifying performance of the title song at the end is easily the best I’ve ever seen anyone perform it.

Nearest Tube: Embankment

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Best for: Families after a fun day out.

The short journey north to Wembley Park is well worth it: this new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express succeeds in holding on to everything that was fun about the original rollerskating trains production (to be clear, it’s still about rollerskating trains), while elevating the production to a completely immersive experience, a treat for the eyes and ears. The Troubadour Wembley Park it’s staged in is also a building like no other in the capital, and great for a bite to eat or drink.

Andrzej says: Luke Sheppard’s immersive production is just really cool – there’s not really another sensation comparable to a guy on rollerskates thundering a couple of inches past your head.

Nearest Tube: Wembley Park

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Best for: People with their finger on the pulse.

It’s rare for any piece of theatre to make global headlines. But ultimate visionary director Jamie Lloyd effortlessly racked up the column inches via the famous pivotal scene of this Andrew Lloyd Webber revival. In it, star Rachel Zegler performs big number ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ from the balcony of the London Palladium, for passers by to behold. A limited run until early September, it’s no exaggeration to say it’s already established itself as the must-see West End show this summer. 

Andrzej says: It’s a thrill that Evita’s one big moment is grabbing so much attention. But let’s not forget that it’s a great musical all round: Webber’s best, and Jamie Lloyd’s original 2019 outdoor version of it was great.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

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Best for: Those who want a cool alternative to showtunes and jazz hands.

The most gloriously unexpected hit musical of our age, Hadestown brings the tragic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to life with wit, beauty and rumbling demonic blues. Adapted from Anaïs Mitchell’s genre-blending concept album of the same name – but now mutated into something much bigger, more powerful and sonically expansive – each night is like the coolest concert ever staged, and it happens right here in the middle of Shaftesbury Avenue.

Andrzej says: The caustic rumble of ‘Why We Build the Wall’ is one of my favourite musical songs of modern times, an infernally catchy meditation on authoritarianism.

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

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Best for: Millennial nostalgia for all the family and perfect Insta opportunities.

It’s not theatre but you’ll feel like you’re a character in a show as you step into this nostalgic experience, which recreates some of the most iconic sets and scenarios of the staggeringly successful ’90s sitcom. Take a selfie on the settee by the fountain, visit the gangs’ apartments, quote away furiously to your heart’s content. As close as you can come to stepping into an episode of the show.

Andrzej says: There are various Friends Experiences around the world, but this is the only one with a replica set from the London episodes of the show – you too can recreate Ross and Emily’s disastrous wedding!

Nearest station: Customs House DLR/Elizabeth line

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Best for: Fans of all ages.

In an era in which it feels like there’s a new nostalgic adaptation around every corner, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi-award winning musical adaptation of Matilda has proved uniquely enduring, now standing in the elite echelons of the West End’s proper long runners. In fact, it has just celebrated 5,000 performances! Adapted by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, the stage version of Roald Dahl’s yarn about a supernaturally brilliant young lady underestimated by her boorish family and psychotic headmistress is a pure delight.

Andrzej says: A must see for all ages, this is definitely not just a kids show: it’s the work of a brilliant comedian – Tim Minchin – delivering some of the funniest and cleverest lyrics of his career.

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

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