London Theatre
London's West End is the Mecca of theatre, with nearly
50 major venues within a stones throw of the
Charing Cross Road/Shaftesbury Avenue axis. This vibrant
theatrical area is the nocturnal heartbeat of the
city, and all visitors to London should try and
catch at least a couple of shows in their time
here.
Below we've listed some of the best shows, theatres,
and other useful information for you...
Also check out our guide to Shakespeare's
Globe Theatre.
Recent Releases
A number of recent releases have revived the
West End musical scene, with the most popular being:
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - is a six million
pound production, complete with the famous flying
car. Click here for the official
website.
London Palladium, Argyll Street, London W1V 1AD. Phone
020 7494 5399 (24hrs).
Disney's The Lion King - This stage adaptation
of the hugely popular animated film remains one of
the hottest tickets in town for both kids and adults.
With an amazing cast of animals, puppets, and (of
course) humans, the Lion King is a feast for the eyes.
Evocative sets, effects that amaze without distracting
from the story, and engaging performances from the
large cast make this a deservedly popular hit show.
One of the best.
While you will need to book in advance for the best
seats, the box office may have seating available a
few days out from the show.
Lyceum Theatre, Wellington Street. Phone 0870 243
9000 or check out www.disney.co.uk.
Mamma Mia! - The songwriters of Abba have
reunited to bring you a bit of 70's nostalgia that
has the crowd dancing in the aisles. Prince Edward
Theatre, Old Compton Street Phone 020 7447 5400 or
check out www.mamma-mia.com.
Other Musicals
The big musicals are the real crowd-pleasers,
with the most popular enjoying runs in excess of 10
years. These include:
Blood Brothers - An excellent story of poverty
and parallel lives in the Liverpool of the post-war
years. At the Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road.
Phone 020 7369 1733.
Les Miserables - A highly recommended adaptation
of Victor Hugo's novel, with the violent Paris uprising
in 1832 as a backdrop. One of London's finest productions.
At the Palace Theatre, Cambridge Circus. Phone 020
7434 0909 or www.lesmis.com.
Phantom Of The Opera - Another Lloyd Webber
success, telling the story of the masked phantom who
haunts the Paris Opera House. Her Majesty's Theatre,
Haymarket. Phone 020 7494 5454. Check out www.thephantomoftheopera.com.
Plays
For those of you who prefer drama or comedy
without the chorus, there are a number of long-running
and new hits to choose from:
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
- 37 plays in 97 minutes are promised and delivered
in this humorous blend of comedy, drama, and slapstick.
Criterion, Piccadilly. Phone 020 7413 1437.
The Mousetrap - Agatha Christie's 'whodunnit'
that is the longest running play in the world (into
its 50th year!). St. Martin's Theatre, West Street.
Phone 020 7836 1443.
Stones In His Pockets won last year's Evening
Standard Best Comedy Award, and recounts the humorous
and dramatic events when a Hollywood film company
descends on a remote Irish village.
Amusing and emotional, this story of parallel lives
is stunningly played by the two leads. Successfully
combining a bitter sweet story of innocence lost with
quality comedic fare, Stones In His Pockets is highly
recommended.
At The Duke of York's, St. Martins Lane. Phone 020
7369 1791.
More Information
Check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk
or London Planner (from BTA offices) for full West
End information.
Most newspapers produce an arts listing with London-wide
theatre details, such as London List (The Times).
Time Out has comprehensive details for the excellent
range of Fringe Theatre.
Booking Tickets
How and when you purchase your theatre tickets
can significantly impact on the price you pay. So
what are your options?
1. Buy direct from the theatre - visit or
phone the theatre where the show or play is performed.
This may save you a booking fee, although in a recent
survey of 42 theatres, only 16 have no additional
charge. Ask first, and also check the seating plan
to make sure you get the seat you want.
2. Buy from one of London's many ticket agents
- you will have seen their booths, small shops, and
signs on your travels. Be prepared to pay a booking
fee (which can be up to 25% of the face value of the
ticket!).
3. Last minute ticket purchases are often
the cheapest, but it's first come, first served, and
no guarantees of success. Check the theatre on the
day, or try the Official Half Price Ticket Booth
on the south side of Leicester Square.
4. Book online where possible. Website details
have been listed after each show for your convenience.
Lastminute.com
also has offers and discounts.
5. Touts will loiter outside theatres selling
tickets; be wary, as you may not be buying what you
think you are.
For more information, check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk.
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