Theatre
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7 West End musicals based on true events
All singing, all dancing and all grounded in hard-hitting realism – these are the musicals that actually happened
Did you know that seeing West End musicals is actually the most effective way to study history? (We don’t stand by that.) Whilst plenty of West End shows begin life as popular books or films, plenty others are inspired by events in the real world – sometimes recent history, and sometimes centuries old. If you’re interested in discovering a real story through the medium of actors unrealistically breaking out into song mid-conversation, we’ve got you covered.
Just For One Day
This new show debuted at the Old Vic in 2024 and quickly became the theatre’s fastest-selling musical. It sets out to tell the story of the day music brought the world together in 1985, featuring songs from Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Queen, Diana Ross, Bryan Adams and more. Returning in May 2025 to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, Just For One Day will take audiences back in time to Live Aid, to relive the impact of one of the greatest concerts ever staged.
Hamilton
If you aren’t already familiar with this one then we’d be genuinely fascinated to know where you’ve been. The groundbreaking retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s life story made seismic waves when it opened on Broadway in 2015, eventually arriving at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2017 where it’s been ever since. A few liberties may have been taken with the source material – you try fitting half a century of US history into one West End show – but for the most part this is a pretty faithful recounting of Hamilton’s impact on modern-day America. It’s truly one of those shows that everyone should see at least once.
The Phantom Of The Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic doesn’t scream ‘faithful, historically-accurate retelling’, and that’s because it isn’t. But the story is partly inspired by real events at the Paris Opera House which found their way into Gaston Leroux’s original novel – including the fall of that huge chandelier. If you fancy dipping your toe into something historical without sacrificing any West End magic, this one’s for you. The Phantom Of The Opera has been running at His Majesty’s Theatre since 1986 and is considered a true West End staple.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Following Tina Turner’s journey from Nutbush, Tennessee to chart-topping success, Tina is one of the West End’s most recent hits, having run for five years at the Aldwych Theatre to a loving reception. The show is, of course, packed full of Tina’s biggest hits, but it also faithfully and sensitively tells her life story, with plenty of emotional gut punches lying in wait between ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and ‘Proud Mary’. It’s the catchiest history lesson we’ve ever had.
A Night with Janis Joplin The Musical
This multi award-winning show pays homage to the life of musical legend Janis Joplin – set to soundtrack featuring all of her biggest musical moments. It tracks Joplin’s journey from newcomer on the rock and roll scene in 1967 to ruling the charts and the genre, with lots of love shown also to her greatest musical influences. A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical is playing at the Peacock Theatre until the end of September, so be sure to get in to see it fast.
I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial Musical
If you like your history recent and ridiculous, this is the one for you. This new parody musical sets to song one of the campest celebrity trials in history, telling the (mostly) true story of Gwyneth v Terry. Not a single silly moment will be skipped over. Isn’t the purpose of art to hold a mirror up to life?
Titanique
Based on the 1997 film, which is in turn based on the true story of the unsinkable Titanic, Titanique offers a version of Jack and Rose’s story with a lot more Céline Dion. Featuring songs from the powerhouse vocalist’s discography, this promises to merge history, romance and absolute insanity.
