Madrid is recognised worldwide as the capital of musicals in Spanish. It is the third favourite destination in the world to enjoy the best musicals on the national and international scene, only behind London's West End and New York's Broadway.

Musicals have become one of Madrid's favourite entertainment plans, both for the locals and for the millions of visitors and tourists who choose Madrid as one of the main cultural destinations every year. 

This sector, which plays a leading role in Madrid's theatrical agenda, reaps numerous successes each season, given the wide range on offer on its billboard and the high quality of its technical and artistic production. The great deployment of resources, scenery, costumes, actors and actresses, singers and dancers, makes it difficult to choose just one show.

Music and theatre come together once again this season to offer the best shows in 2023, with a great diversity of proposals for all audiences and tastes: from biographical musicals to comedies and fantasy stories with famous soundtracks.

These are the musicals that can be enjoyed in the coming months in the theatres and halls of the capital:

The Lion King
This super-production is the show that has captivated more than 100 million spectators around the world. A unique stage adaptation of the famous children's story, with universal music for both adults and children, a must-see!

The musical is the largest musical production ever staged in Spain and the show that has been on the bill for the longest time. Thanks to the talent of the great artists who composed this wonderful work - Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Tim Rice and Lebo M - as well as the impressive execution by a cast of more than 50 actors from all over the world, you will be transported to the savannah and experience the story of Simba.

The elaborate costumes and staging will immerse you completely in this high quality play. A variety of African, Asian and Western performing arts techniques were used in the creation of this work.  Throughout its career, which began in 1997, the musical has not ceased to receive awards and excellent reviews. It has won up to 70 international awards. 

The Lion King is one of the essential musicals, an experience that must be lived and a must-see for all those who come to Madrid, get your tickets!

More information: The Lion King, the musical

We Will Rock You
This musical co-produced by Brian May, guitarist of the rock band Queen, pays homage to this famous musical group through a peculiar futuristic story. 

The story is set in a dystopian future where music has been banned. Killer Queen is responsible for a society in which everyone is equal and any sign of originality or artistic creation is punished. But there are some rebels who defy repression as they await the arrival of the Dreamer, Galileo, a leader who will bring back music through rock and play a decisive role in restoring freedom.

The story of one of the most world-renowned bands in the history of music awaits you in this unique stage adaptation. Great Queen classics will be played and fans of the band will find a multitude of historical references.

You can enjoy it at La Estación - Gran Teatro CaixaBank Príncipe Pío.

More information: We Will Rock You

Aladdin
Aladdin, the long-awaited musical created by Disney and produced by Stage Entertainment comes to Madrid's Coliseum Theatre on 24th March 2023.

A surprising journey in which we will discover the fantastic story of Aladdin, a young dreamer who, together with the cheeky and funny Genie, will embark on a great adventure full of dreams, intrigues and friendship.

In this musical you can enjoy one of the most outstanding soundtracks of all time and a majestic staging.

Magic, spectacle and fun, in a splendid production that has already been enjoyed by 14 million spectators around the world and is considered one of the best musicals of all time.

More information: Aladdin, the musical

The Neverending Story 
The Neverending Story, the musical that will make all generations dream, returns to the Calderón Theatre in Madrid in a show based on the unforgettable novel by Michael Ende where music, magic and special effects will take us back to the Kingdom of Fantasy, which conquered our hearts in the 80s. 

This musical, which deals with the desire to find the reality that surrounds us through imagination, opened on 5th October 2022 and will be on again from Tuesday 14th February until 9th April 2023.

More information: The Neverending Story, the musical

MAMMA MIA! The Musical
MAMMA MIA!, the legendary musical comedy, triumphs at the Rialto Theatre in Madrid with a new production by SOM Produce.

MAMMA MIA! The Musical, based on the greatest hits of the musical group ABBA, is a tribute to mothers and their daughters, love and old friends. A musical for all ages and audiences, to be enjoyed as a couple, in groups of friends or with the family, singing, dancing and being moved to the rhythm of such popular songs as "Dancing Queen", "Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme" or "Chiquitita".

More than 65 million viewers around the world have already travelled to the idyllic Greek island to attend the party of the year, fall in love with its characters and get infected with its positive energy. Now you have the chance to do the same.

More information: Mamma Mía! The Musical

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the legendary novel written by the British author Roald Dahl, is brought to the Teatro Ibercaja Delicias in Madrid by the production company LETSGO.

The musical tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a boy surrounded by extreme poverty, whose destiny changes when he meets the eccentric Willy Wonka, the owner of an ostentatious chocolate and candy factory.

Directed by Federico Bellone, the musical stars actor and singer Edu Soto in the role of the disturbing protagonist: Willy Wonka. He will be accompanied by a cast of 28 performers on stage, backed by a live band that will play the original songs from the musical that premiered in London's West End in 2013, where it broke box office records for four consecutive years.

More information: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the musical

WAH Madrid
The greatest show in the world comes to IFEMA Madrid for you to enjoy an immersive experience, both gastronomic and musical show, which mixes the best of Las Vegas and Broadway with the greatest hits in the history of music. 

At WAH you can enjoy the best after-show party in a spectacular club without leaving your seat. Music and gastronomy in a wide and varied Street Food Market where you can taste cuisine from the 5 continents and the best cocktails in town.

Life is just an excuse to celebrate, WAH is the perfect place to do it.

More information: WAH show Madrid 

Malinche, the musical by Nacho Cano
Discover the Musical Malinche, Nacho Cano's new musical project where he narrates a historical moment: the birth of mestizaje. 

Meticulously elaborated over more than a decade with the most outstanding collaborators in the artistic field, Malinche has resulted in an effective renovation of the genre. A total experience that breaks the moulds of the traditional show and renews its patterns.

Malinche is more than a musical, it is a leisure and gastronomic experience. 'Malinche Templo Canalla' and the 'Jardines de México' are the leisure areas for you to enjoy before, during and after the musical with a Mexican-Spanish fusion gastronomic offer.

After decades of interior and exterior journeys, Malinche is the most ambitious project in the career of Nacho Cano, a multifaceted author at the peak of his creative performance.

More information:  Malinche the musical

Image Credits: ©Stage: Aladdin, the musical