Theatre musicals have been filled with rousing tunes and memorable anthems since time immemorial, and over the years we’ve heard so many classics that it’s very difficult to pick our favourites.

In fact, it’s so difficult that we’re not going to even try, but instead, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great songs that showcase theatre and musicals at their best. If you need some inspiration, look no further…

Great Theatre Songs

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical

Beautiful – Carole King Musical has the soundtrack to a generation, with countless Carole King classics such as Take Good Care of My Baby, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, It Might as Well Rain Until September, Up on the Roof, and The Loco-motion.

(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life

The 1987 song composed by Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz. It was recorded by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and used as the theme song for the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. The song has won a number of awards, including an Academy Award for “Best Original Song”, a Golden Globe Award for “Best Original Song”, and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Defying Gravity, Wicked

A stunning female duet that concludes Wicked Act 1. The complex storytelling is key to this song.

The Sound of Music, The Sound of Music

The title song from one of the most successful musical soundtracks ever, and the definitive reason why hilltops are made for singing.

America, West Side Story

Endlessly covered: featured by Glee, Admiral Insurance, the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Vice, and The Simpsons, to name just a few.

Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror show is the biggest party and features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvicthrusting show stopping Time Warp.

Seasons of Love, Rent

A stirring ballad from the cast of Rent that questions how we measure our lives. Keep your handkerchiefs close!

Alexander Hamilton, Hamilton

The opening song of the outstanding Hamilton sets the tone for the rest of the soundtrack, and never lets you go after you’ve heard it.

The Godspeed Titanic, Titanic The Musical

With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year and 1776), the pair have collectively won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award and three Tony awards. The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.

One Day More, Les Miserables

Combining melodies from Who Am I?, I Dreamed a Dream and Master of the House (all individually superb), this is surely the conclusive epic.

Great Theatre Songs

If you’re a lover of musicals then these songs – not to mention the full shows they’re from – are some of the best in the genre. But if you’re a true fan, why stop there? There are plenty of great musicals at Blackpool Grand Theatre to enjoy in person, including shows like Menopause The Musical 2, Shrek The Musical coming up in April.

Book your tickets today and make your 2020 as musical as possible!