One isn’t enough. Musicals that called me back

Have you ever gone to see something, a film at the cinema, an artist at a concert, or a musical at the theatre, and thought once just isn’t enough? Over the years, I’ve found myself returning to certain musicals, each time discovering something new about each one. I’ve seen quite a few more than once, always wondering why they drew me back to a second viewing.

The Lion King was the first musical I ever saw. I can’t even remember how old I was, but I do remember being in the front row, feet barely touching the ground, neck craning up at the stage. I couldn’t have been more than six years old, but the experience became ingrained in my memory. As a child, I was entranced by the familiar characters: Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumba. Seeing them come to life was something my young brain could hardly comprehend. Don’t even get me started on the elephants, giraffes, and zebras parading down the aisles. I was probably convinced that it was all real.

It felt like I was watching my childhood memory from above, gazing down at a new generation of children being mesmerised in the front rows.

Fast forward to early 2023, at least 12 years later, my sister and I decided to take a trip down memory lane. This time we were in the Dress Circle, a completely different viewpoint to our original front row seats. It felt like I was watching my childhood memory from above, gazing down at a new generation of children being mesmerised in the front rows. The songs were just as nostalgic, and the puppetry (yes, I know they aren’t real now) was still magnificent. Our second viewing was absolutely worth it.

Les Miserables has, and always will be, my favourite musical of all time. The first time I saw it live, I was already crying by the end of the first number. I’d listened to the soundtrack and watched the film but seeing it on stage was a level up. The ensemble and production design are what elevate Les Mis for me. The set is so immersive, and the performances are so convincing – everything blew me away. So, when tickets went on sale during London Theatre Week, I didn’t hesitate. I had to return. For my second viewing, knowing every lyric by heart gave me the freedom to focus on the background. The ensemble, swings, and understudies – all unsung heroes of musical theatre. Leaving the theatre that night, I realised I had fallen deeper in love with Les Mis, something I didn’t think was possible.

I can confirm that seeing Hadestown more than once was definitely worth crossing the ocean for.

I’ve seen Hadestown twice, and both times involved a battle in the Ticketmaster queues. The first time was with the original West End cast: Donal Finn, Grace Hodgett Young, Gloria Onitiri, and Zachary James. My sister and I had signed up for every early access email we could find and, after an intense ticket battle, we secured our seats. The performance was outstanding, and Hadestown instantly became one of my all-time favourites. The second time, I was studying abroad in Sweden when I heard the original Broadway cast were coming to the West End for a limited run. Once again, I found myself signing up to pre-sale and waiting in the dreaded Ticketmaster queue. Full déjà vu moment. A couple hours later, I had three tickets and one small problem…I was in Sweden and the show was in London. That didn’t stop me. I flew home with zero regrets. Even though we were seated farther back this time, the experience was just as enjoyable as I remembered. Everyone around us was in tears by the end. I can confirm that seeing Hadestown more than once was definitely worth crossing the ocean for.

Like The Lion King, my first experience of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a hazy childhood memory. I saw it when I was very young and can only remember snippets: Violet Beauregarde turning into a giant blueberry and Veruca Salt being attacked by ballet-dancing squirrels. Years later, while still in Sweden, my mum told me the local opera house in Gothenburg was putting on a production of Charlie och Chokladfabriken. Despite assuming the whole thing would be in Swedish, we booked tickets anyway. Once seated, we were surprised, and secretly relieved, to see English subtitles projected above the stage. We were fully prepared to guess our way through the show based on vibes alone, but the subtitles were a welcome bonus. The Swedes can clearly do musical theatre just as well as the Brits. I was also thrilled in the programme to see the role of Charlie being played by both girls and boys, something I hadn’t heard of in the West End version. Though it was a unique experience, it was just as magical as the first time.

I may be the slightest bit embarrassed to say that I’ve seen Shrek the Musical more than once, but I’m going to just embrace it. The first time was pure magic for my younger self. I don’t know a single child who doesn’t love Shrek, so seeing it all come to life on stage was unforgettable. Donkey in human form was slightly unsettling, but the songs and costumes more than made up for it. My second viewing came years later at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre where the touring production featured Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton as Fiona. It was a perfect day out, even for those of us who still feel young at heart. The evil Lord Farquaad, the fairy-tale characters, the dragon – it all felt like a trip to my childhood days. Going to a musical for the nostalgia alone is a good enough reason to see it again.

You might assume that knowing all the jokes and punchlines would ruin the experience, but seeing my friend react was just as entertaining

I had to save the best for last. Operation Mincemeat holds a special place in my heart, and I’ve recently booked my third trip to see it. It will officially be the first musical I’ve seen more than twice. The first time, I went in completely blind. I hadn’t even heard of Operation Mincemeat, despite it being one of the most successful British deception operations of WWII. I didn’t even know it was a comedy! So, imagine my surprise when the cast came out dressed as Nazis rapping about destroying democracy. It was chaotic. Maybe even brilliant.

My second viewing was with my sister and a friend who is a history buff, and Horrible Histories fanatic, the perfect companions. We sat in almost the same seats as before, and it was just as good the second time round. You might assume that knowing all the jokes and punchlines would ruin the experience, but seeing my friend react was just as entertaining.

Only weeks later, that same friend messaged me to say that Operation Mincemeat was going on tour and would be performing at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury in May 2026. I’ve never booked anything faster in my life. Third time’s the charm, right? And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a fourth.