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.
Operation Mincemeat
Set in 1943, this new musical made some history of its own when it debuted, racking up 77 five-star reviews and becoming the best-reviewed show ever to appear in the West End. It follows the story of the strange mission that won us World War II, and how gambling the fate of the nation on a stolen corpse turned out to be the best card we could have played. With an acclaimed original score and a ton of awards backing it up (including Best New Musical at the 2024 Oliviers) there’s never been a better time to see this one – especially since it’s now coming to a theatre near you on its UK tour.
Six
Henry VIII’s six wives may have not actually formed a chart-topping girl group (jury’s still out) but all their real stories are woven into this riotous good time of a West End musical. Experience a pop concert like no other as you travel through the life and times of the six women who were once married to the Tudor king, and watch them define their stories beyond Henry’s influence.
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.
A Mirrored Monet
It’s 1916 in Paris and Claude Monet is struggling to complete the painting that will come to define him for decades to come. There’s more than just the weight of history resting The Water Lilies though – his survival may depend on it too. Composer and lyricist Carmel Owen brings Monet to life in this brand new musical inspired by the painter’s real letters and diaries, and takes the audience on an unforgettable trip through his memories.
Sinatra The Musical
The latest major jukebox musical features over 20 of Sinatra’s classic songs, following the singer from skinny 27-year-old preparing to step onto the stage at the Paramount Theatre to maligned star organising a major comeback. Arriving at the Aldwych Theatre this June, this promises to be an unmissable look at the singer’s life and career, with a rich score of hits.
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, it promises to merge history, romance and absolute insanity.
