London Theatre Question

[wellesleyprincess]

Sorry to barge in on all of you. I'm currently planning a trip to London for January 07. Our primary focus is going to be to see theatre in the West End (We did a similar trip to Broadway last year). We've already decided on Les Miserables (our favorite show), Phantom of the Opera, and Mary Poppins. We want to add one more. I was wondering what you guys would reccomend. We saw Lion King and My Fair Lady on our last trip to london. Is there anything currently in London that hasn't or won't be making a US transfer we ought to consider? Also, is there anything like the TKTS booth in Times Square where you can discount tickets for day of performances? (We've already booked the three shows I mentioned, but I was thinking if we have a couple to decide between for the 4th). TIA!

 

[saratogagirl]

Hi

There are some new ones that I haven't got to see yet, but am hoping too shortly, Evita has recently opened, Dirty Dancing will open before your visit and also I believe the Sound of Music at the Palladium.

Dont know if any of these would be of interest to you ?

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Hi

Evita has recently opened, Dirty Dancing will open before your visit and also I believe the Sound of Music at the Palladium.

Dont know if any of these would be of interest to you ?

We saw the official equity tour of Evita about a year ago (it was directed by Hal Prince), so I don't know. Has anyone here seen it? What did you think of the new direction of it? (I've read mixed reviews) I've read how their doing the casting of Maria in Sound of Music, and it kind of scares me. (Both for that show and the future of theatre). I haven't heard anything about Dirty Dancing

 

[Funniebunny]

My Mother-in-law has just got back from a trip to London and she went to see 'We Will Rock You' and said it was fantastic

 

[saratogagirl]

We saw the official equity tour of Evita about a year ago (it was directed by Hal Prince), so I don't know. Has anyone here seen it? What did you think of the new direction of it? (I've read mixed reviews) I've read how their doing the casting of Maria in Sound of Music, and it kind of scares me. (Both for that show and the future of theatre). I haven't heard anything about Dirty Dancing

The show concerning the casting of The Sound of Music started on British Television last Saturday, despite the unusual way in which they are doing this, I would have no hesitation in going to see it. I believe that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber will agree to nothing that may compromise his reputation, he proved this last week when he contacted four girls who his panel had rejected but he maintained should go to training school.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

The show concerning the casting of The Sound of Music started on British Television last Saturday, despite the unusual way in which they are doing this, I would have no hesitation in going to see it. I believe that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber will agree to nothing that may compromise his reputation, he proved this last week when he contacted four girls who his panel had rejected but he maintained should go to training school.

That makes me feel better. I had nightmares of some American Idol (I think it's Pop Idol in Britain?) type of thing and them going with someone doing more like Madonna than Julie Andrews.

 

[Deedee]

if you like Freddie Murcury and Queen i would recommend we will rock you we have seen it twice and love it

 

[AnitaCB]

Also, is there anything like the TKTS booth in Times Square where you can discount tickets for day of performances? (We've already booked the three shows I mentioned, but I was thinking if we have a couple to decide between for the 4th). TIA!

There are some ticket booths in Piccadilly Circus selling returns and discounts.

I think We Will Rock You is finishing soon but I don't know when.

 

[Queenie]

Every time We Will Rock You has announced it's finishing it's had another few months added on as it's still hugely popular. I saw it last week and the entire place was packed out. Brian May was there too! I highly recommend it too.

 

[kkymmy]

Go and see We WIll Rock You....it is NOT closing soon (confirmed by a member fo the Cast) and you can get reduced tickets on the day of the show in Leicester Square (TKTS and loads of other cut price ticket dealers).

Even if you're not a huge fan of Queen there will be some songs you can sing along to, and the storyline is universal and really quite funny (although I'm not sure how many jokes are aimed specifically at the Brits).

Whatever you go and see I hope you have a wonderful time, but We Will Rock You would be my show of choice every time, no matter how many times i've seen it.

The theatre is at Tottenham Court Road (take exit 2 from the tube...I think) and you will find yourself on the doorstep of the theatre. there's load of places to eat and drink round there and after the show I always find it nice to walk down Oxford St to see all the shops lit

Enjoy....

 

[dossie]

Billy Elliot (not sure if that is transferring) and We Will Rock You definately!! Also, we are going to see Dirty Dancing and Wicked in October - can't wait.
Talking of theatre, does anyone know if Tarzan is transerring to West End or if there are plans for Hunchback (germany) to go elsewhere. I have read they are doing Little Mermaid on stage too.

How exciting!

 

[kkymmy]

I can't WAIT to go and see Wicked...we're going as a big group and we've got £5 tickets

 

[missingthemagic]

Went to see the blue man group last saturday, it was amazing!!!. kids still havent stopped talking about it. Great show and its in drury lane right next to covent garden, so good shopping before or after the show.
dan

 

[ely3857]

Another vote for We Will Rock You



Jodie

 

[TracyK]

The official ticket booth is in Leicester Square. You can buy tickets from there on the day of the show. You have made a great choice with the musicals you've already booked.

I was in London last week and saw Les Mis, Phantom (both with backstage tours) and The Producers. Les Mis has long been my favourite though it was the first time I had seen it at the Queen's Theatre. It seems so small for such a big production and I was a bit apprehensive but it was so much more intimate here than at the Palace Theatre. They had to redesign the whole set to fit it in.

I have seen Phantom both on Broadway and in the West End and I can't say why but I preferred the West End production. On the backstage tour we were told that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh come to see the show on a regular basis though the staff never know when they'll be there, perhaps this keeps them on their toes.

The Producers was fantastic, absolutely hysterical but you have probably seen it already and I'm not sure how much longer it's running.

Another of my favourite musicals is Blood Brothers, I would definitely recommend this one. It is a very powerful, moving story.

We also enjoyed Whistle Down the Wind which is currently showing at the Palace. We saw the original version so I can't vouch for this one, they have changed the setting to the Deep South.

Nearer the time you may be able to get some really good theatre deals on this site http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/

Hope you have a great visit. Have you booked your accommodation yet? If so, where are you staying?

Tracy

 

[PigSoldier]

There are lots of unofficial half price ticket booths in Leicester Sqaure, but look out for the official one, it has a lot more tickets, and will serve you much faster.

There's a new production of Cabaret opening soon, as well as Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, neither of which are on Broadway at the moment, which you might be interesting. Guys and Dolls is absolutely fantastic too, I'd really recommend it! Maybe think about Blood Brothers as well, it's a very British musical that's blown me away everytime I see it, and gets a standing ovation virtually every time it's performed!

As an aside, I found We Will Rock You a traumatising experience (sorry everyone! ), as did everyone I was with, so bear in mind it's not for everyone.

 

[ukeeyorelover]

Oooo, I love threads like this........this is my thing


Avenue Cue (Not suitable for kids)
Sunday In the park with George
Mamma Mia (AMAZING)
Fame
Saturday Night Fever (but if im not mistaken, its closed now)
Blood Brothers
Mack and Mabel (Pure Genius)
Footloose (REALLY energetic)
Into The Woods (HUGELY talented cast and crew)
WICKED! (Fantastic Score, great idea, cant wait to see it)

P.S. You have definitely chosen wisely with Les Mis..........makes me cry everytime!

Hope you have fun!

 

[PigSoldier]

I forgot Sunday In The Park With George! If it's still playing when you go (they keep extending the run), try and see it, it's amazing, well acted, beautifully set up, and well written.

Do let us know what you decide on!

 

[SammieG]

the last Five Years is also currently on at the Menier chocolate Factory..

this is an acclaimed broadway writer called Jason Robert Brown. This show was an off broadway production in 2003 I think.. and is rarely performed.
Its a two person show showing the breakdown of a relationship.
he starts at the beginning and her at the end of the relationship, and they meet in the middle on their wedding dday...
its a wonderful piece.

I too recommend WWRY (although only as my friend is in it!)
Billy Elliot I guess is the one that I would recommend the most as they others are on, or expecting to be transferred to the US..

Blood Brothers if youve not seen it - although its somewhat dated now..
Evita, or the UKs version of Avenue Q.. as its a little differnt from the US vsn.
Spamalot opens in September at the Palace theatre..

Have fun though! There is so much on in the west end!


S

 

[wellesleyprincess]

I absolutely adore Jason Robert Brown but I think the Last Five Years is supposed to close before we get there (I saw the original off-broadway production in 2003). Unfortunately, I'd heard the samething about Sunday in the Park with George but its good to know they've extended it in the past.
If anyone's seen it or has any good links could someone tell me more about Mack and Mabel? I haven't heard anything about it.
Also, how is the revival cast of Evita?
SammieG, if you don't mind me asking who is your friend in We Will Rock You? I've read that this cast is one of the best it's had.