Broadway vs West End - which one is better?

Before moving to London, my ultimate dream was to perform on Broadway. To me, Broadway was the pinnacle of theatre — dazzling lights, grand productions, and the birthplace of musical theatre as we know it. But after living in London and immersing myself in the West End, I realized that the two theatrical giants are not so different after all. If you've ever wondered how Broadway compares to the West End, this blog will break down five key aspects that define both and help you decide where to catch your next show.

1. History & Origins

Broadway is often seen as the birthplace of modern musical theatre, with landmark productions like Show Boat and Oklahoma! shaping the genre in the early 20th century. The West End, however, has a longer theatrical legacy rooted in Shakespearean drama and classic plays. While Broadway grew into the musical powerhouse it is today, the West End evolved from a more traditional theatre background. That said, both now embrace a diverse mix of musicals and plays, often producing the same high-quality shows.

2. Ticket Prices

Broadway is notoriously expensive. On average, you’ll pay significantly more for a ticket in New York than in London — even for the same show. Productions like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King offer identical quality in both cities, but West End tickets are often half the price. This is due to several factors: it’s three to five times cheaper to stage a show in London, UK government tax relief supports production costs, and there are publicly funded institutions like the National Theatre helping keep prices competitive. In contrast, Broadway is entirely commercial, and higher wages and production costs push prices up.

3. Talent

There’s a common belief that Broadway hosts superior talent, but this simply isn't true. Both cities are home to world-class drama schools and produce incredible actors, singers, and dancers. Big stars appear on both sides of the Atlantic — for instance, Sunset Boulevard with Nicole Scherzinger originated in London before transferring to Broadway. With actors like Tom Holland, Lily Collins, and Sarah Snook appearing in West End productions, London has become just as attractive for celebrity debuts as New York.

4. Shows & Productions

Many productions transfer between Broadway and the West End — and not just the blockbusters. London-originated shows like Six the Musical and Operation Mincemeat have made successful Broadway debuts, while Broadway hits like Hadestown and Shucked have crossed the pond. Both cities nurture original stories and groundbreaking new works. Whether you're after long-running favorites or experimental new plays, both theatre districts offer an abundance of choice and creativity.

5. Capacity & Audience Reach

While Broadway has 41 official theatres (each seating over 500 people), the West End has 39 major venues, including smaller ones with as few as 350 seats. However, in 2024, the West End actually welcomed 5 million more audience members than Broadway — a surprising statistic given the population difference between the US and UK. This growth proves theatre’s thriving popularity and the global appeal of London’s theatre scene.

In conclusion, there's no clear winner in the Broadway vs. West End debate. Both offer world-class productions, talented performers, and unforgettable theatre experiences. Whether you find yourself in New York or London, you're guaranteed to witness the magic of theatre at its finest.