LONGEST-RUNNING WEST END SHOWS

It’s deeply embedded in the national identity – a trip to see a West End musica. But what are the longest-running toe-tappers in West End history, by number of performances:

• Les Miserables – over 14,000 since 1985

• The Phantom of the Opera – nearly 14,000 since 1986

• Blood Brothers – around 10,000 from 1988†

• Cats – nearly 9,000 from 1981†

• Mamma Mia! – over 8,750 since 1999 • Disney’s The Lion King (below) – over 8,500 since 1999

• Starlight Express – over 7,400 since 1984

• Chicago – nearly

6,200 since 1997 revival†

• Wicked – over 5,600 since 2006 • Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – over 5,200 since 1989†