Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 – The Top Ten!

=10. Benjamin Button

Fresh from its Olivier win, this British original stood out for its storytelling ambition and performances that anchored its fantastical premise.

=10. Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat has amassed SO MANY five star reviews they keep having to update their posters – Made it’s Broadway transfer this Spring and won Tonys to add to it’s Oliviers! UK tour in 2026!

09. Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace brought star wattage and fresh interpretations to the show, keeping Cabaret one of London’s most electrifying tickets.

=09. Pirates!

The Pirates of Penzance sailed back onto Broadway in spectacular style in 2025, powered by a genuinely starry cast. Jinkx Monsoon brought scene-stealing comic brilliance, while David Hyde Pierce delivered classic precision and wit. Add powerhouse vocals from Ramin Karimloo, and the result was a revival bursting with energy, personality and theatrical confidence. This was Pirates! at full sail, reverent to tradition, but unmistakably alive, contemporary and led by performers who knew exactly how to own the stage.

08. Oliver!

Classic casting and strong ensemble work ensured this West End revival continues to connect with audiences old and new. Although it wasn’t crowned Best Musical Revival at the 2025 Olivier Awards, Oliver! earned industry acclaim with an Olivier win for Best Lighting Design for Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs, highlighting the visual brilliance of this West End revival. Well worth a watch!

07. K-Pop Demon Hunters

One of the year’s boldest new entries, blending contemporary K-Pop animation with epic musical numbers – it was a global box office triumph.

06. Maybe Happy Ending

This beautiful romantic Broadway musical was a big winner at the Tonys in 2025

= 05. Titanique

Still playing to appreciative crowds in the west end, this parody musical thrives on excellent comedy casting, fearless performances and full-throttle comedy.

= 05. Hamilton

Still a box office triumph, Hamilton continues to pack houses in its tenth anniversary year, bolstered by the headline return of Leslie Odom Jr. to the Broadway production, reminding audiences why the show remains a modern classic.

04. The Devil Wears Prada

With its West End run gaining momentum, the show’s cast (including the majestic Vanessa Williams) leans into its high-fashion energy and Elton John’s punchy score.

03. Evita

A commanding revival led by Rachel Zegler reminded audiences why the role of Eva Perón remains one of musical theatre’s greatest star-making parts.

02. Wicked – “For Good”

Still bringing audiences to tears, with Elphabas and Glindas across productions delivering one of the most emotional duets in musical theatre.

01. Paddington

At the Savoy Theatre, Paddington emerged as one of 2025’s most heart-warming West End successes. Featuring an original score by Tom Fletcher, the show paired warmth with wit throughout. James Hameed voiced Paddington alongside Arti Shah on stage, while Amy Ellen Richardson and Adrian Der Gregorian brought genuine warmth to the Browns. Bonnie Langford was a standout as Mrs Bird, anchoring a cast that radiated charm and heart. This was like watching the best family film on the best Christmas Day ever – it’s a truly magical experience and a worthy musical to top our chart.