Top Five Funniest West End Shows
The West End might be known for its incredible musicals, but comedy plays in London are some of the best all-rounders that anyone can enjoy! With a bigger variety of shows on the West End than ever before, we’ve put together a list of the top five funniest shows in London that are guaranteed to get even the most miserable theatregoer cracking a smile!
5. Back to the Future the Musical
Whilst not a strict “comedy”, the Back to the Future musical does not hesitate to bring the laughs. This musical adaptation of the classic sci-fi film is a turbo-charged adventure live on stage, with eye-popping special effects and buckets of fun.
With jokes and one-liners you know and love and snappy, fresh rapport between Doc Brown, Marty and more, this is an out-of-this-world musical comedy that combines nostalgia and awesome stagecraft for one of the most fun and funniest nights out in the West End.
Where: Adelphi Theatre
Age Recommendation: 6+
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4. The Play That Goes Wrong
Mischief Theatre’s original farce continues to reign supreme as one of the funniest comedy shows in London! Playing to packed-out audiences every night, the production follows the ill-fated Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to put on a very serious murder mystery. Unfortunately, things could not go worse for the clumsy thespians, as cast disputes, hilariously bad effects and set malfunctions cause the show to come wildly off the rails.
An Olivier Award-winning comedy that continues to stand the test of time, The Play That Goes Wrong guarantees laughter so strong that you will be physically doubled-over! A perfect show for those who love a traditional slapstick comedy.
Where: Duchess Theatre
Age Recommendation: 8+
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3. SIX The Musical
History has never felt more fun than at this pop-fuelled musical, inspired by the six wives of Henry VIII! Join them as they battle it out to prove who’s had it worse in an X Factor-style sing-off.
SIX is a homegrown British musical with its tongue firmly in its cheek. Songs inspired by the likes of Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Pink are belted out by the Queens as they tell you all about married life with the worst husband of all time. Boleyn, Parr & co. are super-competitive and armed with plenty of witty comebacks and scathingly hilarious putdowns that will have you laughing and cheering from start to end!
If you want a history lesson that’s far from dusty, join the Queens for divorced, beheaded, live in the West End at this 5-star musical comedy.
Where: Vaudeville Theatre
Age Recommendation: 10+
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2. Mamma Mia!
Sun, sea, ABBA… and three dads?! Mamma Mia! The Musical is an absolute sensation, made famous worldwide by the hit film adaptations starring Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan. The zany story of a young woman who invites three of her mother’s former conquests to her wedding is a hilarious romp soundtracked by ABBA’s greatest hits.
Each song is perfectly matched to emotional, touching and, most importantly, laugh-out-loud moments and this feel-good show is packed full of physical comedy, outlandish encounters and an invitation to not take life so seriously.
For an escape to the sunny Greek islands with a cast that wants nothing more than to entertain you, don’t miss Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre.
Where: Novello Theatre
Age Recommendation: 5+
1. The Book of Mormon
Holding the top spot of the West End’s funniest shows is the genius, irreverent, side-splitting The Book of Mormon, which has been entertaining audiences since 2013 at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre. This outrageous musical follows an unlikely Mormon duo as they are sent to Uganda to carry out their mission to help the local people see the light.
Featuring a well-known score that includes songs such as “You and Me (But Mostly Me)”, “Hasa Diga Eebowai”, “Turn it Off” and “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” amongst many, many others, The Book of Mormon is guaranteed to leave you in stitches. Created by South Park writers Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this naughty musical is not recommended for those who are easily offended… But we love it!
Where: Prince of Wales Theatre
Age Recommendation: 18+