Classic movie musicals Londoners should watch

Explore five timeless musicals set in London, perfect for a Christmas watch with family and friends.

2024 truly has been the year of musical theatre. For many the release of Wicked, Part I awoke their inner thespian and paved the way (or should that be yellow brick road) for a new generation of musical theatre fans.

Mary Poppins starring Dick Van Dyke, as Bert, Julie Andrews, as Mary Poppins, and the Banks children

placeholder image — Mary Poppins starring Dick Van Dyke, as Bert, Julie Andrews, as Mary Poppins, and the Banks children

With Part II due to be released in November 2025, we thought we’d take a look at some other classic musicals, that we think deserve some love and attention.

Of course, this is London World, so we’ve picked shows that are set in or pay homage to our beloved UK capital.

We’ve included a bit about each of the musicals, the hit songs, and where to watch them. So get ready for a Christmas week full of singing and dancing (through life...)

1. Oliver!

Oliver Twist asks for some more gruel during the filming of the 1968 movie Oliver! (Picture: Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images)

Based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, this musical follows the story of an orphan navigating Victorian London's gritty streets.

Iconic songs: "Consider Yourself", "Food, Glorious Food"

Where to watch: Over the years there have been many adaptations of Oliver Twist, you can watch the musical rendition Oliver! on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Paramount.

2. My Fair Lady

Set in Edwardian London, it tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, and her transformation under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins.

Iconic songs: "Wouldn't It Be Loverly", "The Rain in Spain"

Where to watch: My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn is available to watch on Paramount +, Now TV and Amazon Prime.

3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd in 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' (Credit: Paramount) | Paramount

A dark tale of revenge and murder set in 19th-century London, centering around the vengeful barber Sweeney Todd.

Iconic songs: "A Little Priest", "Johanna"

Where to watch: You can watch the 2007 adaptation of the musical horror Sweeney Todd starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Apple TV.

4. Mary Poppins

Set in Edwardian London, it follows the magical nanny Mary Poppins as she transforms the lives of the Banks family.

Iconic songs: "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious", "Chim Chim Cher-ee"

Where to watch: You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to Mary Poppins. You can watch the original starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke on Disney +, Amazon or Sky.

Alternatively, watch the reprised version, Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt and Lin Manuel Miranda (musical theatre royalty) also on Disney +, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Sky.

5. Billy Elliot

Easington Colliery doubled as fictional Everington in the 2000 movie about the boy from a mining community who dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. The A streets - addresses beginning with the letter A - provided the backdrop. Some have been demolished although others survive.

Though not entirely based in London, the story of a young boy pursuing ballet dreams contrasts his mining-town upbringing with his move to a prestigious London ballet school.

Iconic songs: "Electricity", "The Stars Look Down"

Where to watch: Watch the 2014 classic adaptation of Billy Elliot starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.