West End shows climb rankings for longest running productions according to new data

Several current West End musicals have climbed the rankings of the longest-running shows in theatre history, according to newly released figures from the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre.

The latest rankings, based on performance totals to the end of July 2026, show that long-running productions including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, Wicked, Matilda The Musical and The Book of Mormon have all strengthened their positions.

Les Misérables remains the West End’s longest-running musical, with more than 16,189 performances since opening in 1985, ahead of The Phantom of the Opera, which has now played more than 15,897 performances since 1986. Mamma Mia! remains third on the list.

Among the most notable changes, The Lion King has moved into fourth place after overtaking Blood Brothers, while Wicked has risen to seventh place, passing Starlight Express. Matilda The Musical has entered the top ten, and The Book of Mormon has climbed from 16th to 12th place after adding more than 650 performances since the previous ranking in 2025.

The figures also show movement in the list of the West End’s longest-running productions overall. The Mousetrap continues to hold first place with more than 30,642 performances, while The Play That Goes Wrong has entered the top 20 for the first time with more than 4,489 performances.

Two more current musicals are approaching a place in the top 20. Hamilton has reached more than 2,991 performances since opening at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2017, while Six has played more than 2,830 performances since 2019. Both are now close to overtaking Evita.

Top 20 longest-running productions: 

1. The Mousetrap – Over 30,642 performances

2. Les Misérables – Over 16,189 performances

3. The Phantom of the Opera – Over 15,897 performances

4. The Woman in Black – 13,232 performances

5. Mamma Mia! – Over 10,865 performances

6. Disney’s The Lion King – Over 10,622 performances

7. Blood Brothers – 10,013 performances

8. Cats – 8,949 performances

9. Wicked – Over 7,720 performances

10. Starlight Express – 7,406 performances

11. No Sex Please, We’re British – 6,761 performances

12. Stomp – 6,512 performances

13. Chicago – 6,187 performances

14. Matilda The Musical – Over 5,555 performances

15. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – 5,140 performances

16. The Book of Mormon – Over 4,890 performances

17. We Will Rock You – 4,659 performances

18. Thriller Live – Over 4,657 performances

19. Billy Elliot The Musical – 4,566 performances

20. The Play That Goes Wrong – Over 4,489 performances

Top 20 longest-running musicals: 

1. Les Misérables – Over 16,189 performances

2. The Phantom of the Opera – Over 15,897 performances

3. Mamma Mia! – Over 10,865 performances

4. Disney’s The Lion King – Over 10,622 performances

5. Blood Brothers – 10,013 performances

6. Cats – 8,949 performances

7. Wicked – Over 7,720 performances

8. Starlight Express – 7,406 performances

9. Chicago – 6,187 performances

10. Matilda The Musical – Over 5,555 performances

11. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – 5,140 performances

12. The Book of Mormon – Over 4,890 performances

13. We Will Rock You – 4,659 performances

14. Thriller Live – 4,657 performances

15. Billy Elliot The Musical – 4,566 performances

16. Miss Saigon – 4,264 performances

17. Jersey Boys – 3,787 performances

18. Jesus Christ Superstar – 3,357 performances

19. Me and My Girl – 3,303 performances

20. Evita – 3,176 performances