Shows similar to Les Misérables
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It’s the longest-running musical in the world and has arguably some of the best songs in musical theatre history. No wonder you love *[Les Misérables](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/les-miserables-tickets)*.
The story of redemption set against the French Revolution has been seen by millions of people. It’s so well-loved around the world, it’s become one of London’s biggest tourist attractions,
putting the [Sondheim Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/sondheim-theatre-london) on the map.
But if you’ve faced the barricades a few too many times and want to try something new, here are some musicals similar to Les Misérables that you’re bound to love.
### **What musical is most like Les Misérables?**
In many ways, the musical most like Les Misérables is *[Hamilton](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hamilton-west-end-tickets)*. Both shows take place during a revolution. Both shows feature a protagonist trying to prove himself. And they both completely changed musical theatre forever.
Les Misérables put megamusicals on the map. It was one of the first large-scale productions that had a huge budget and the spectacles to match. It popularised the use of revolving stages, and the music was like nothing seen in musical theatre before. Basically, Les Mis walked so Hamilton could charge.
Not only did Les Mis change the visuals of theatre, it also helped fuel a change in sound… just like Hamilton. In 1985, it was groundbreaking to use electronic instruments. It was also one of the first major musicals to use continuous storytelling through song, and is now one of the most famous sung through musicals in the world.
Just like Les Mis, **Lin-Manuel Miranda**’s Hamilton shattered people’s expectations and popularised the use of rap in musical theatre. It’s also rapped/sung through.
### **What should I watch if I loved Les Misérables?**
Okay. We’ve already mentioned Hamilton. If that’s not for you, there are loads of other musicals similar to Les Misérables to see in London.
Protests take form in many ways. So if you like Les Misérables for its depiction of justice and standing up for what’s right, *[Cabaret](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/cabaret-london-tickets)* could be the musical for you. Set in an underground
nightclub in Berlin just before World War II, Cabaret explores life for the misfits living under a militant regime. Unsettling, raw, and unforgettable, Cabaret gives a human voice to a darker time in history.
Wanted more from Gavroche? Then join *[Oliver!](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/oliver-gielgud-tickets)* and Fagin’s Gang at the [Gielgud Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/gielgud-theatre-london). **Lionel Bart**’s iconic stage-adaptation of the **Charles Dickens** novel is not only set in the early to
mid-1800s, it also follows a young orphan boy who will do anything he has do to survive.
Another megamusical that opened just one year after Les Misérables is *[Phantom of the Opera](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/phantom-of-the-opera-tickets)*. Also taking place in France in the 19th-Century, both Les Mis and Phantom of the Opera feature outcast protagonists who have faced prejudice.
Was it the fated love in a tragic setting that pulled you in? Then *[Moulin Rouge The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/moulin-rouge-tickets)* could scratch that itch you’ve been experiencing. Once again, we’re in 19th-Century Paris, where one man falls head over heels for a showgirl who can’t afford to love him back. Exploring life and love without freedom, it’s a beautiful show packed full of well-known songs.
### **What is the best musical to see after Les Misérables?**
Based on reviews and notoriety alone, the best musical to see after Les Misérables would be [Hamilton](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hamilton-west-end-tickets). But it really depends on what you’re looking for. For those who want a show for its
nostalgia and history, [Phantom of the Opera](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/phantom-of-the-opera-tickets) is probably your best bet.
With so many amazing shows on in London right now, why not check out our [What’s On](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/all-events?sorting=3) pages to find the show that suits you best.
### **Is Les Misérables suitable for children?**
Les Misérables deals with some very adult topics, including suicide and violence. With that in mind, it’s recommended for children aged 8+