Stephen Sondheim wrote a song called There's No Place Like London – but was he right?

Advertisement

While the West End is undoubtedly the birthplace of musicals (sorry Broadway, but it's true), we can't help but notice that most major shows have outgrown their London home and moved out over the last few years.

From renowned classics like The Wizard of Oz and Chicago to more recent hits like Dear Evan Hansen, many shows are making their way across the country on tour.

This recent upswing in travelling musicals can only be considered a good thing as, instead of spending your weekends buying expensive train tickets into town, you can find a top quality West End show right on your doorstep.

Most of these touring shows also bring big names to your local area, like Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots.

Plus, seats are bound to be cheaper - as we've covered in our how to get cheap theatre tickets piece, the cost of West End performances has gone up massively in the past few years.

Not convinced? That's OK, you can still take a look at our guide to the best West End shows. But otherwise, here are the best musicals to see on tour.

Wondering about the best family-friendly options? Here are the best kids theatre shows, or check out the best Shakespeare plays. Plus, the longest-running West End shows and the biggest celebrities coming to the West End in 2025.

Jump to:

Or, find your nearest city:

What musicals are on tour in the UK for 2025?

Six

Six the musical
Six the Musical

It's the six wives of Henry VIII as you've never seen them before— funny, sexy and honest. This spectacular musical is a great night out, with pop and ballad earworms coming to cities across the UK from February until December 2025.

Buy Six tickets at ATG Tickets

Hamilton

Wk 50 10 Questions Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty

This iconic rap musical was an instant smash hit ever since it was first released in 2015. Now fans in Liverpool, Sunderland and Glasgow can catch the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton live on their doorstep in 2025.

Buy Hamilton tickets at ATG tickets

And don't forget to read our Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder review.

Here You Come Again — The New Dolly Parton Musical

Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

If you can't get enough of the legendary Dolly Parton, then you'll be delighted to hear that another musical that showcases her songs is coming to the UK. Catch Here You Come Again in York, Sunderland, Wimbledon, Glasgow and Manchester in 2025.

Buy Here You Come Again — The New Dolly Parton Musical tickets at ATG tickets

Only Fools and Horses the Musical

only fools and horses still showing the cast leaning on the iconic three-wheeler
You'd be a plonker to miss out. Only Fools and Horses The Musical

This September, Only Fools and Horses the Musical will be heading out on tour, starring comedy legend Paul Whitehouse as Grandad. Whether you're a fan of the TV series or not, prepare to laugh your head off at the antics of Del Boy and Rodney, as they get caught in yet another whacky scheme. Plus, you'll be treated to musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins applying make-up
Mary Poppins. SEAC

You won't need a spoonful of sugar to enjoy this classic musical. From April 2025 to November 2025, Mary Poppins is taking her bag and umbrella to Manchester, Milton Keynes and Sunderland.

Shop Mary Poppins tour tickets at ATG Tickets

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen still showing the main character walking with a tray of food
Dear Evan Hansen. Universal

Dear Evan Hansen follows a young - and very anxious - boy who gets unintentionally caught up in a web of lies of his own making. The musical shot to fame in 2016, featuring Pitch Perfect star Ben Platt, and now it's heading on its first ever UK tour this year. Kicking off in September, the show will be heading to 26 venues across the country – does anybody have a map?

Shop Dear Evan Hansen tour tickets at ATG Tickets

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Sally Ann Howes in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Sally Ann Howes in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang United Artists

Who doesn't love a classic? Everyone's favourite flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is returning to the UK stage throughout 2025 with Eastenders star Liam Fox playing the role of Grandpa Potts.

Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tickets at ATG Tickets

Chicago

Chicago tour poster showing five women posing
Chicago. ATG Tickets

Chicago's tour will get going in October and run all the way until August 2025. It's a show of lies, murder and fame - but above all, jazz. Make sure you don't miss this razzle-dazzling musical when it arrives.

Shop Chicago tour tickets at ATG Tickets

Here & Now — The Steps Musical

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Lee Latchford-Evans, Lisa Scott-Lee, Claire Richards, Ian "H" Watkins and Faye Tozer of Steps perform during the Brighton & Hove Pride 2023 on August 06, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns)
Steps performing in Brighton Lorne Thomson / Getty

This jukebox musical tells the story Caz, who works at seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, all soundtracked by the music of the iconic band Steps. Catch this production across the UK from February 2025 until April 2026.

Buy Here & Now — The Steps Musical tickets at ATG Tickets

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon at the London Theatre as men in suits dance
The Book of Mormon. London Theatre

Hello! Iconic comedy musical The Book of Mormon will be stopping in Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and more this autumn.

Shop the Book of Mormon tour tickets at ATG Tickets

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Donny Osmond in a black and gold suit
Donny Osmond. Ticketmaster

Not only is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat going on tour, but the Edinburgh date will star musical theatre icon Donny Osmond as the Pharaoh. This fabulously colourful musical is not one to miss when it arrives in your city.

Shop Joseph tour tickets at ATG Tickets

Hairspray

Marissa Jaret Winokur, Harvey Fierstein and the cast perform as Winokur returns to her Tony Winning role as Tracy Turnblad in the hit musical Hairspray on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre on December 10, 2008 in New York City
Hairspray at the New Simon Theatre NYC Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic/Getty

Never mind Good Morning Baltimore; in 2025, it's going to be Good Morning Glasgow, Aylesbury, Bristol, Woking and Sunderland, as the iconic musical Hairspray makes its way around the UK.

Buy Hairspray tickets at ATG Tickets

Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane poster showing a woman in a brown frilled jacket and black hat
Calamity Jane. Calamity Jane live

We're slightly jumping the gun (as it were) with this one, but Calamity Jane is heading on tour in 2025 from January to September. Starring West End legend Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity herself.

Buy Calamity Jane tickets at ATG Tickets

Musicals on tour near me

Still not sure what to see? That's OK - below we've also broken down the touring musicals by city, so you can see what's coming into your area and when.

Musicals on tour in Manchester

Musicals on tour in Birmingham

Musicals on tour in Oxford

Musicals on tour in Milton Keynes

Musicals on tour in Bristol

Musicals on tour in Edinburgh

Head to our Going Out section for the latest releases, including our mammoth guide on what to do in London this weekend.

Advertisement

Here's our Witness for the Prosecution review and Standing at Sky's Edge review. Plus, how to get tickets to see Jonathan Bailey in Richard II.

Authors

Olivia Garrett
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement