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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