Hi Theater People in the Know. Will be in London from Sept 9 - 15. What are/will be the must see shows/concerts (classic rock fan).

Also, should I book in advance or get tkts 1/2 day of show?

Have already seen Phantom, Les Mis, Wicked, Chicago, and the Producers in the States.

Thank you in advance, John

'Billy Elliott-The Musical' is suppose to be a hot ticket in London right now. Also 'We Will Rock You' about rock group Queen has been very popular. Check out this web site for other musicals: http://www.officiallondontheatre.co..../genre/musical
You can take your chance and buy half price tickets day of performance at the Leicester Square ticket booth. It is the little stone building right on the Square.

Billy Elliot is pretty likely to still be a very hot ticket in September, and there is little to NO chance of getting tickets for it at TKTS. I would suggest you call the theatre direct as soon as possible to order the best seats possible if you want to see it -- it is a great show.

You'll probably want to see We Will Rock You, a sort of over the top but fun musical featuring the music of Queen. It's been playing a long time and is booking until October, but you will most certainly be able to get good half price tickets for then at the TKTS booth when you get there (same day as show).

Not all shows sell tickets at the tkts booth. If you call the theatre box office the morning of the show, you may be able to get a cheap return ticket (unless the show is usually a sellout).

Thanks for the tips. I'll book ahead for Billy Elliot. Any new shows coming out that are must sees?

I suggest you follow www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk for a while before you go. I just ran your dates, but the hottest "new" tickets coming up seem to be Wicked and perhaps Avenue Q opening late this summer. There is a new production of Evita opening in June which I look forward to seeing. You can go to that site, enter your dates and it will tell you what will be playing. Shows tend not to book so far ahead in London as they do on Broadway, so you will want to follow the list for a couple months yet.

Sadly the rave review production of Hay Fever (presumably a very hot ticket) which opened last week starring Judi Dench will close before you get there.

Probably a bit late, but I second (third?) the suggestion about seeing Billy Elliot. It's an absolutely fantastic show - I only went because I was wondering what all the hype was about but enjoyed it so much that I saw it an additional 3 times before I left London. I hope you enjoy it too =).

I loved Billy Elliot and also Mary Poppins. I highly recommend both.

Idina Menzel will open Wicked in London - as she did on Broadway. Worth seeing it twice perhaps just to see her?

Thanks everyone for your input. Have booked Mary Poppins in the center row c of the dress circle and Billy Elliot in the center section of Row M of the stalls. Need an ailse seat to stretch out my bad knee, plus I'm 6'3".

My wife and I saw Wicked in Boston, it was very well done.

Am thinking of getting tickets to see Blood Bros the day of the shjow at TKTS. Anyone recommned a pre or post theatre pub/restaurant in the Covent garden area? Any good places to hear some jazz singers?

Thanks again!

Oh, so many restaurant recommendations.
I love the bargain pretheatre three course menu at L'Estaminet on Floral Street right off Garrick. French, candlelight, lovely atmosphere and good food -- something like $15 pounds for three courses.

Also like the pre-theatre (or post theatre) menu at Le Deuxieme on Long Acre. Striking contemporary interior, small place, nice service, primarily fish.

Another great French place with a bargain theatre menu is Mon Plaisir just north of Seven Dials across from the Covent Garden Hotel.

A little more of a splurge but a great bargain is the theatre special at Rule's, "London's oldest" restaurant. Very neat place, game and British specialties.
www.rules.co.uk

Hi MarchMadness
If you want jazz, check out Ronnie Scott's in Soho. They've been around a long time, and get top-of-the line musicians. It's a small club, so book ahead for anyone you really MUST see. As I recall, 2 shows a night, and you can eat there as well (but you don't have to).

I just googled, and see that they closed in March for "refurbishment" and plan to reopen in early summer '06. http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/