Shrek The Musical
From the creative mind of Mike Myers comes Shrek The Musical. Based on the beloved animated film it tells the story of a grumpy ogre named Shrek who loses his solitude when the evil Prince Farquhar exiles all fairytale creatures to the ogre’s swamp. To regain peace and his home, Shrek goes on a quest to find Princess Fiona so she can marry the prince and the life he loves can be restored.
Currently playing at the Eventim Apollo, it’s a must-see show for all millennials, Gen Zs, and children this summer.
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers - The Play
The TV show only had 12 episodes in total, but they made a lasting impression. The ludicrous, sarcastic and all-round silly play retells the story of Basil Fawlty and his attempts to “raise the tone” of his rundown seaside hotel.
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers - The Play has all your favourite characters, jokes and mayhem, making it not only one of London’s best comedy shows but the world’s. And as it’s one of the best TV comedies of all time, it’s definitely one of the best comedy shows in London.
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!
If you want something new and modern, get down to Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! The fast-paced whodunnit follows two true crime podcasters who find themselves at the centre of a real-life murder. The pair decide to use their self-taught detective skills to try and solve the mystery while the police launch a real investigation.
The hilarious show is currently playing in one of the West End’s smallest venues, The Ambassadors Theatre, and the cosy atmosphere makes it even more charming.
The 39 Steps
Four actors. 139 roles. 100 minutes of laugh-inducing comedy. That’s The 39 Steps in a nutshell. Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller, The 39 Steps follows Richard Hannay as he gets mixed up in murders, secret agents, and beautiful women.
The parody play won the 2007 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and was nominated for the 2008 Tony Award for Best Play. It’s making its triumphant return to the West End at one of our best theatres in London, Trafalgar Theatre.
The Book of Mormon
The West End loves comedy, and that's why another of London’s longest-running shows is on our list.
When it opened in 2013, The Book of Mormon shocked audiences with its crude jokes, questionable subject matter, and eye-opening songs. It also won audiences over with its crude jokes, questionable subject matter, and eye-opening songs. Packed with catchy numbers, memorable characters, hard-hitting topics and a satirical deep dive into religion, it’s unforgettable.
Written by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, with songs from Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, it’s one of the best comedy shows in London, New York and beyond.
What is the most famous comedy club in London?
Tourists from around the world know the name The Comedy Store. First opened in 1979, it launched many famous names into the limelight. Comedians Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayall, Ade Edmondson, French & Saunders, Paul Merton, Ben Elton, Jo Brand, and more all stood at the mic of the legendary club before they were household names. Though the venue location has changed, the star quality of its performers hasn’t.
Other famous comedy clubs include the Angel Comedy Club, The Top Secret Comedy Club, and The Boat Show Comedy Club.
Where can I see standup in London?
If you want standup instead of theatre, every corner of London has a comedy club hidden somewhere. From Up The Creek in Greenwich to Downstairs at the King’s Head in Crouch End, stand-up comedians are ready and able to make you laugh all over town. For more established and famous comedians, you can book dedicated comedy shows at the Eventim Apollo, The O2, London Palladium, Hackney Empire and more. Many well-known comedians also practice their work-in-progress routines at venues like Leicester Square Theatre and Soho Theatre. For up-and-coming comics, new material and Edinburgh previews, head down to The Camden Head.