I saw Democracy in March, when it was still at the National. I was somewhat disappointed in it, but in retrospect I think that may have been because I had such high expectations for it after Copenhagen (Michael Frayn's previous play), which I liked very much. Despite my disappointment, I wouldn't discourage you from seeing it, because it's very well acted, and it might be just the thing for a history buff (especially if you know something about post-WWII German history, which is essential for an understanding of the play).

I can't help with your other choices, because I haven't seen them -- although if I were heading to London this summer, The History Boys would be the play I'd most want to see, because I love Alan Bennett's plays (The Madness of George III, Talking Heads, etc.). I believe it opens tomorrow night (May 18), so you might want to check the London papers for reviews on Wednesday.

The only thing I know about When Harry Met Sally is that it's playing at the Haymarket, which is the theatre that had the falling-ceiling-plaster incident a couple of nights ago (a chandelier started to drop, was fortunately caught by its safety rope, but in the process dislodged some ceiling plaster which fell into the audience and slightly injured several audience members).

Thank you! When Harry Met Sally is now out of the question.

The History Boys should be very good. Is the theatre it is running in nice? I'm weird and enjoy a pretty theatre along with the play itself.

That is also a good idea about the london papers. I will definitely do that.

I leave Monday, I'm so excited!

The Lyttleton Theatre, where The History Boys is playing, is one of three theatres within the National Theatre complex. The National was built in the 1960's, so its theatres don't have the charm of older theatres, like the Haymarket (before it started falling apart, anyway). So I think the play would have to be the thing, if you decide to see The History Boys.

Check out http://www.theatremonkey.com/LYTTELTONbooking.htm for tips on what seats to buy or avoid at the Lyttleton, and directions on how to get to the National Theatre from Waterloo (the nearest tube station).

I saw History Boys the first night of performances, last Saturday. I think the person asking the question has already begun his/her trip but anyhow - I completley enjoyed it and found it full of life and intelligence, though from a more critical point of view I am not sure I think it totally hangs together - there is a boys' romance story line, and a man and boys' romance story line, and a great theme about the purpose of education - all interesting but perhaps not united.

The Lyttleton as someone has said won't fulfill a wish to be in a pretty old-fashioned theatre space - though I personally love going to things at the Naitonal Theatres, I like the setting on the Thames and the intelligent alive audiences.

And - as I have done many times - I got a ticket to this sold-out show by arriving an hour early and waiting in a nice queue.