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.
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.
Evita
Based on the incredible true story of Eva Perón, Evita follows the life of the actress turned political leader who became the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The new revival from the Jamie Lloyd Company appears at the London Palladium for just 12 weeks this summer, with performances beginning 14 June. Rachel Zegler, who you may recognise from films like West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, will play the titular role.
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.
