London Theater - Is Monday "dark" - no shows like Broadway?
 

I am planning a short trip to London this December (right after Christmas and leaving on New Year's eve). We were planning on seeing a couple of shows. I live in New York and I know that Broadway is ususally dark on Monday nights. Is this the case in London? Is there a night that most of the shows are closed? Since this is just a 4 night trip, I would like to know if we will be able to catch at least 2 shows. Thanks!

We saw Mama Mia in London on Monday night last may. Packed house.
I think Sunday is the day off.
John

As a general rule, most London shows have Monday evening performances, but no Sunday performances (either matinee or evening). However, there may be exceptions to this general rule, and during the holidays some shows may deviate from their usual performance schedules, so it would be a good idea to check online before you go, to see what shows will be on while you're there.

http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/ is a good website for finding information about the London theatre, or you can just Google "London theatre" to find any number of similar websites.

About eight theatres have shows on Sunday about six, and those are indeed dark on Monday. But this is unusual. No website covers all London theatres, but if you buy the listings magazine Time Out at your arrival airport you can read the theatre lists on the boring train into town.

And welcome to all of you, who keep so many theatres open.

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WWW.tkts.co.uk WWW.whatsonstage.com

WWW.theatremonkey.co.uk /or.com

They are all bonafide theatre sites

As Ben says - Basically Sunday is the dark night in London. The very few theatres with Sunday matinees (Lion King) or evening performances (4 to 6 depending on openings/closings of runs) are dark on Monday. 90% of the theatres have Monday evening perfs.

because of the skimpy choice, I often go to concerts on Sundays.

Time Out or www.londontheatre.co.uk will give you all the info you need.

Hi,
WWW.Officiallondontheatre.com is a great site. It is the official site of the Society of London Theatre. Use the search box, type in Sunday and you will find a link to all the Sunday shows. I am going for the weekend arriving Sept 19 and wanted to see something on Sunday. May do the Globe Theatre (which will be closed when you are there) but there is a new comedy that is in previews that Sunday that I'll probably see. I also recommend Shakespeare, Abridged - It is hysterical and plays on Sunday
That site also has a listing of what was available that day at the TKTS booth at Leiscester Square. Have fun.
Cheers,
Pat

I am afraid that WWW.Officiallondontheatre.com is, as it says, for official theatre. It misses Sunday performances by some fringe theatres, such as the Croydon Warehouse.

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londontheatre.co.uk covers all the west end "legit" venues and most of the fringe theatres.

officiallondontheatre.com is the Society of West end theatres site so you don't get the "off-Broadway" sort of things.

www.londontheatre.co.uk covers hardly any fringe theatres, and certainly not the Croydon Warehouse. As I say, Time Out for them.

Ben Haines

I don't know Ben - I manage to keep up on what's playing at Brompton Cemetery Chapel, Bridewell, King's Head, Southwark, Etcetera, BAC, Putney Arts, Greenwich Playhouse, Soho, Hampstead, Chelsea, Finborough, New End, Chapel Bar, Orange Tree, Arcola, Millfield, Stratford East, Warehouse, Questors and several others I can't think of the names right now, using londontheatre.co.uk.

It does not cover EVERY single venue but I have found it to be the most help besides Time Out.

Dear Janis. Many thanks. I am embarrassed to say that I think I pressed the wrong buttons. But I have altered my note to record the wide range it does cover.

Ben Haines

Ben - I wasn't arguing w/ you. I agree entirely that Time Out is probably the best single source. Unfortunately it is hard to come by in many parts of the States and londontheatre.co.uk is good for pre-planning from home.

Everyone - even those not planning on going to the theatre - should pick up the current copy of Time Out as soon as they arrive in London. It is just so useful. With my Time Out and an A to Z, I really don't need much else . . .

Cheers.