From: Beauty and the Beast

History and content:
Beauty and the Beast is based on Disney’s animated film, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. The musical tells the story of Belle, a young woman who becomes a prisoner in an enchanted castle, where she discovers that the Beast and his servants are living under a spell.

“Be Our Guest” is one of the most joyful and theatrical numbers in the show. Lumière, Mrs Potts and the enchanted servants welcome Belle to the castle with a grand musical feast, turning dinner into a full stage spectacle.

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From: The Little Mermaid

History and content:
The Little Mermaid is based on the Disney animated film and the classic Hans Christian Andersen story about Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of life in the human world. The stage version includes music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright. It brings Ariel’s underwater world to the stage through a mix of fantasy, romance and theatrical spectacle. 

“Poor Unfortunate Souls” is Ursula’s big villain number. In the song, she tempts Ariel into making a dangerous bargain, offering her the chance to become human while demanding her voice in return. It is theatrical, darkly comic and full of character, showing Ursula’s manipulation, charm and power.

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From: The Little Mermaid

History and content:
“Part of Your World” is Ariel’s dream song. It reveals her longing to leave the sea and discover the human world above. The song is gentle, emotional and full of wonder, giving the audience a clear look into Ariel’s heart. It is one of the defining songs of the Disney musical tradition, because it expresses a character’s deepest wish through music. 

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From: Mamma Mia!

History and content:
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical built around the songs of ABBA, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and a book by Catherine Johnson. It opened in London in 1999 and tells the story of Sophie, a young woman on a Greek island who invites three men from her mother Donna’s past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father.

“Mamma Mia!” is one of Donna’s key moments in the show. When the men from her past suddenly return, the song captures her shock, confusion and unresolved feelings. It is energetic, emotional and instantly recognisable, combining pop joy with theatrical storytelling.

From: Mamma Mia!

History and content:
“Money, Money, Money” is Donna’s frustrated and comic fantasy about how life might be easier with wealth. In the story, she is struggling to keep her taverna running while preparing for Sophie’s wedding. The song is funny, stylish and full of character, while also showing the pressure Donna carries beneath the show’s bright surface.

From: The Phantom of the Opera

History and content:
The Phantom of the Opera is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s gothic romantic musical, based on Gaston Leroux’s novel. It opened in London in 1986 and became one of the most successful musicals in the world, known for its grand theatrical design, haunting score and tragic love story between Christine Daaé and the mysterious Phantom.

“Think of Me” introduces Christine’s voice to the opera company and to the audience. It begins as a performance within the opera house, but it also marks the moment Christine steps out of the shadows and reveals her talent. The song is elegant, classical in style and filled with innocence.

From: The Phantom of the Opera

History and content:
“The Phantom of the Opera” is the title song of the musical and one of its most dramatic moments. It accompanies Christine’s journey into the Phantom’s hidden world beneath the Paris Opera House. With its powerful organ sound, driving rhythm and gothic atmosphere, the song captures the mystery and theatrical grandeur of the entire musical. 

From: Funny Girl

History and content:
Funny Girl tells the story of Fanny Brice, her rise to stardom and her complicated romance with gambler Nick Arnstein. The musical features music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill, and it became strongly associated with Barbra Streisand, who originated the role on stage and later starred in the film version.

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is Fanny’s declaration of ambition and independence. It is bold, determined and full of fire. The song shows a woman refusing to be stopped, choosing risk, love and her own path even when others doubt her.

From: Chicago

History and content:
Chicago is a sharp, stylish satire with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in the Jazz Age, it follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they turn crime, fame and courtroom drama into entertainment. The show is famous for its Fosse style, dark humour and commentary on celebrity culture.

“All That Jazz” opens the show and immediately sets the world of Chicago. Velma invites the audience into a smoky, dangerous and glamorous world where performance and scandal go hand in hand. It is seductive, stylish and iconic.

From: Mamma Mia!

History and content:
“Dancing Queen” is one of the feel good highlights of Mamma Mia! In the show, Tanya and Rosie use it to lift Donna’s spirits and remind her of the confident, glamorous woman she used to be. It is a celebration of friendship, freedom and joy, and it always brings the audience into the party spirit.

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From: Mamma Mia!

History and content:
“Waterloo” is usually performed as part of the encore or finale in Mamma Mia! rather than as a main story scene. It sends the audience out with pure ABBA energy, colour and celebration. The song also carries special history because ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo” in 1974, the breakthrough moment that helped launch their international fame.