The Five Longest Running West End Shows in History

Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson

Rarely will you meet a person who does not know the significance of the west end in London, or, for that matter, a person who would say no to tickets to one of the dozens of shows that are running there on any one night. It might be more difficult to find someone who can name the five longest running west end shows in history, though they are sure to give a good stab at it.

While might seem impressive that Billy Elliot the musical has already entered its sixth year on stage, following its opening in 2005, and the current jersey boys theatre extravaganza, telling the history of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, opened in 2006, these modern hits come nowhere near the tenures of the west end reliables.

The Mousetrap

This is the longest running show in the west end by far and, in fact, is the longest running show in the world. Since its opening night on November 25, 1952, the mousetrap has clocked up more than 24,000 performances over 58 years. It is strange, given that the identity of the killer in this quintessential murderer mystery has been revealed in countless reviews and newspaper articles.

Written by Agatha Christie, the author herself revealed in her autobiography that she had given the show eight months on the west end. However, its continuing success is mostly down to the excellence in its plot and production, and perhaps the charm of a time in British history that is now long gone.

Les Miserables

Based on the 1862 classic novel written by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is one of the most famous musicals in history. Originally produced in Paris, it arrived in the west end in 1985 and has since been a constant presence on the theatre listings, with more than 10,000 performances already under its belt. Surprisingly, the first reviews of this show were largely critical, prompting some to believe that its run would be short. However, the public took to it, ensuring that its initial booking of three months was extended.

The Phantom of the Opera

Having opened in the west end in 1986, it is now one of the best known musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It too is based on a classic French novel of the same name, which was written by Gaston Leroux in 1910. For many, it is the quintessential romance story, with the phantom a disfigured musical genius obsessing over a beautiful soprano, who shows him compassion despite the ordeal he puts her through. The show has won the hearts of millions of people around the world, with a quarter of a century spent in the west end so far.

Blood Brothers

Recognised as one of the great contemporary social commentaries, this musical hit the west end in 1983 after success in Liverpool. Its initial run lasted only for six months, but it returned to London in 1988 at the Albery Theatre where it has already run for more than 22 years. The plot centres around the separation of twins and their respective lives at opposite ends of the social spectrum, one amongst the upper crust and the other being working class but unemployed. Their love for the same girl brings them together with tragic consequences.

Cats

Another Andrew Lloyd Webber creation, Cats is one of the most talked about musicals. However, it is the only one of the list of five to have closed in the west end, with its final performance occurring on May 11, 2002, precisely 21 years after its opening night in 1981. So far, it has been produced in 20 languages and was an equally notable phenomenon on Broadway between 1982 and 2000, with more than 6,000 performances in New York. Its final show in London was broadcast on a giant screen in Covent Garden to fans not able to acquire a ticket to the final show.

The full list of great west end shows is significantly longer, and the new generation of classics are surely on their way to securing equally impressive runs. Amongst the favourites is Billy Elliot the musical, which is based on the successful 2000 Oscar nominated movie of the same name. It is already an award winner on stage and looks set for its own place in history.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson - west end shows and Billy Elliot the musical, you have to see when you are in London.

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