- Most West End shows have afternoon performances.
- Matinee shows take place two to three times per week.
- Shows usually start between 2pm and 3pm.
What is a matinee performance?
A matinee is an afternoon performance of a musical or a theatre play with sometimes some competitive prices compared to an evening show. It is as well an excellent option to consider if you are thinking of seeing more than one show on the same day. It is as well an excellent way for families to see a show during the day and a great option when planning to spend the day in the city.
When are West End matinees on?
Most West End shows have matinees two or three times a week. Matinees usually start between 2pm and 3pm, but make sure you check performance times in advance.
Which London theatre shows have matinees?
Most of London’s top musicals and West End theatre plays have matinee performances taking place during the week. Not every West End production offers matinees, making it essential to plan ahead and verify the matinee schedule for your preferred show. Matinee performances typically feature lower ticket prices and are commonly scheduled from Wednesday onwards, with fewer or no matinees at the beginning of the week, especially on Mondays.
Tuesday matinee shows in London
There is currently just one show that offers matinees on Tuesdays on the West End. Here is your chance to catch The Mousetrap, an enduring classic of the London's theatre scene. This classic production becomes the top pick for those looking to enjoy a weekday afternoon performance in the city.
The Mousetrap at St Martins Theatre
Head to St Martin's Theatre to see The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the world, with its first performance in London dating back to 1952. Written by Agatha Christie, creator of some of the greatest detectives in fiction, this is one of the West End's most popular shows. This masterpiece is currently showing until March 2025.
Matinees: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 3pm
Wednesday matinee shows in London
On Wednesdays, the West End presents a wide range of matinee performances to choose from. It's the perfect midweek entertainment for theater lovers of every preference.
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
See the award-winning adaptation of The Lion King, the famous Disney film, featuring music by Elton John, plus outstanding costumes and wonderful special effects. Follow the young cub Simba as he leaves his family's cocoon and grows up to be the king that his father always dreamed he would be. This popular show is currently running until October 2024.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
Wicked The Musical at the Apollo Victoria
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Wicked The Musical, a musical adaptation based on Gregory Maguire's novel. Delve into the untold story of the Witches of Oz, unravelling the mysteries of how one became known as 'good' while the other earned the label wicked. The show is currently running until June 2025.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
Book your tickets now to see the spectacular Wicked The Musical
Thursday matinee shows in London
Thursdays in London's West End buzz with the energy of matinee performances, with a wide selection of shows sure to delight theatre enthusiasts.
Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre
Prepare for an electrifying night down memory lane with Mamma Mia! Brace yourself for a night of dazzling performances and sparkling outfits on the groovy beats of 'Dancing Queen' and many other timeless hits making it one of the ultimate feel-good musicals in London. The smash hit show is running until March 2025.
Matinees: Thursdays and Saturdays at 3pm
Book your tickets now for Mamma Mia! as it celebrates 25 years in London
Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre
Matinees: Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm
Book your tickets now to see Les Miserables, a West End favourite
Friday matinee shows in London
Beat the weekend rush and treat yourself to a Friday afternoon matinee in London's theatre district. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in an afternoon of West End entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre
Travel beyond the pages of the books as the first theatre production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes the West End by storm. Harry’s youngest son befriends Scorpius Malfoy and find themselves facing dark magic, as they attempt to right the wrongs of the past. The award winning show is running until March 2025.
Matinees: Part one (Part two is scheduled on evenings): Wednesdyas, Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm, Sundays at 1pm.
Book your tickets now to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre
Treat yourself to Book of Mormon tickets, a hugely successful comedy musical that follows a pair of teenage Mormon missionaries sent to convert a village in a dangerous part of Uganda. This laugh-out-loud musical is currently showing until August 2024.
Matinees: Fridays and Saturdays at 2:30pm
Saturday matinee shows in London
Experience the buzz of Saturday matinees in London with an impressive selection of shows to choose from. Dive into the excitement of the West End and make the most of your weekend with a captivating afternoon performance.
Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre
See Andrew Lloyd Webber's epic musical The Phantom of the Opera, and follow the gothic romance between a mysterious masked figure who attempts to make his protégée, a young soprano singer, the leading lady of the Paris Opera. See this West End masterpiece at His Majesty's Theatre, currently running until March 2025.
Matinees: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm
Book your tickets now to see the breathtaking Phantom of the Opera
Moulin Rouge at the Piccadilly Theatre
Travel to Paris and enter a world where bohemians and aristocrats mingle for a night of glamour and enchantment at the Moulin Rouge. Follow the young poet Christian as he falls for Satine, the star of the show. See the extravagant production of the award-winning film on the stage of the Piccadilly Theatre until September 2024.
Matinees: Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm
Sunday matinee shows in London
Take a deep dive into London theatre scene on a Sunday with musicals and plays to choose from. It's a brillant way to end the weekend with a splash of culture and entertainment!
Mrs Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre
See the theatrical adaptation of the movie sensation Mrs Doubtfire with this delightful comedy at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Follow the antics of Daniel, a dad turned into a Scottish nanny, who attempts anything to spend time with his children. This musical has nothing to envy to the Hollywood blockbuster! The musical is running until February 2025.
Matinees: Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm and Sundays at 3.30pm
Book your tickets now for Mrs Doubtfire and prepare for the ride
Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
Be wowed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's multi-award-winning production of Matilda The Musical. Roald Dahl's celebrated story bursts into life in this West End musical by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin. Follow the story of Matilda, a brilliant young girl with extraordinary powers. See this outstanding musical before May 2025.
Matinees: Wednesdays at 2pm, Saturdays at 2:30pm and Sundays at 3pm
Buy your tickets now to see the award-winning Matilda The Musical
Find more London theatre shows and matinee information. Or check out the hottest musicals playing in London now.
Where can I buy London matinee tickets?
You can purchase matinee tickets in the same way as for evening performances: at the box office and online.
Is a matinee or evening show better?
When deciding between a matinee or evening show in London's West End,the quality of entertainment remains the same, and promise a world class performance London shows are known for. Attending a live performance, whether it is a musical or a play is always a captivating experience, and when it comes to planning your day out in London, looking at the schedule of theatre shows performing on that day is essential before booking your tickets.
Matinees offer a unique opportunity to enjoy theatre during the day, often providing a more relaxed atmosphere suitable for families. It's an ideal option to explore London's culinary scene in the evening, with cheaper ticket prices and greater availability.
Evening performances are a great way to enjoy a night out in London with many top productions showing on the London West End. With shows typically starting at 7pm, there's ample time to savor pre-show restaurant offers before immersing yourself in a night of entertainment.