shakespeare in London
May 30th, 2004, 09:50 PM
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shakespeare in London
While choosing what theatre production to see in London, I would always favor anything by Shakespeare to really get the flavor of visiting England. In this regard, has anyone seen or heard reviews of Hamlet or Otello which seem to be the two productions in London currently? We will be in London in 3 weeks and would like to see one of these.
May 30th, 2004, 10:24 PM
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This is perhaps not the exact advice you are looking for, but I have to take the opportunity to highly recommend the open air theatre in Regent's Park. They are doing a few plays this season including A Midsummer Night's Dream, which I saw there last year and it was fantastic. The experience of the open air theatre is wonderful. You can even bring your own picnic and champagne! They have a website: http://openairtheatre.org/
Have fun!
Have fun!
May 31st, 2004, 06:58 AM
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This coming week (to 4 June), my newspaper lists
Hamlet at the Old Vic
Henry IV part I and Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park
Measure for Measure at the National (which has attracted a lot of interest)
Othello at the Whitehall
Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet at the Globe.
As I recall, this particular paper's reviewer wasn't too keen on either the Hamlet or the Romeo and Juliet.
Judging purely from the actors and the news coverage, the Othello and Measure for Measure could be the most thought-provoking productions - but these things can be very subjective.
www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk and try searching for reviews at www.guardian.co.uk
www.ft.com
www.timesonline.co.uk
www.whatsonstage.com
Hamlet at the Old Vic
Henry IV part I and Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park
Measure for Measure at the National (which has attracted a lot of interest)
Othello at the Whitehall
Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet at the Globe.
As I recall, this particular paper's reviewer wasn't too keen on either the Hamlet or the Romeo and Juliet.
Judging purely from the actors and the news coverage, the Othello and Measure for Measure could be the most thought-provoking productions - but these things can be very subjective.
www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk and try searching for reviews at www.guardian.co.uk
www.ft.com
www.timesonline.co.uk
www.whatsonstage.com
May 31st, 2004, 11:56 AM
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I second pandaschu's reco for A Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park. It was truly magical, even though it rained through most of the evening. (We had a rain delay, just like at the ballgame.) My daughter, who was 9 at the time, has been a committed Shakespeare fanatic ever since. We found it quite difficult to find a taxi afterward. If possible, it might be good to arrange one in advance.
Jun 1st, 2004, 09:36 AM
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We had dinner beforehand (at fairly nearby fish & chips restaurant that I think is called the Fish Plaice), but there is food available. We enjoyed a bottle of champagne and toasted during the wedding 
I can't compare to the Globe, since I haven't been there (next time!). Our experience at Regent's Park, however, was definitely a highlight of our visit to London.
I can't compare to the Globe, since I haven't been there (next time!). Our experience at Regent's Park, however, was definitely a highlight of our visit to London.
Jun 1st, 2004, 10:28 AM
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I'm going to be in London less than 2 days the end of my trip the beginning of October. I've been there before and done the basics, so is the Globe worth visiting? Last time I was in London there was a fabulous suffragette exhibit at the London Museum, so I thought I'd check what might not get over here to Toronto, or festivals unique to London. Thanks.
Jun 1st, 2004, 11:40 AM
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We just returned from London and saw Romeo & Juliet at the Globe. I thought it was absolutely wonderful, in fact it was one of my favorite activities while in London. You should buy your tickets ahead of time if you want a seat. They have "groundling" tickets the day of the show but they go very fast.
From St Pauls cathedral you can walk across the Milennium Bridge and you will be right at the Globe. We ate lunch at the Globe restaurant at an outdoor table overlooking the Thames. I had soup of the day which was very good and my husband had a panini type sandwich which he said was ok.
We then went on a tour of The Globe (included in the Great British Heritage Pass if you bought one of those) and our tour guide was just delightful! I didn't catch her name, but she was a bit of an actress in her own right.
The theatre itself is just beautiful. The bench seats are not the most comfortable, but you can rent a cushion for 3 pounds. On the tour we went around to all the different tiers of the Globe and sat in the seats for each section/tier, and I truly think there are no "bad" seats in this theatre.
The outdoor concession area is open up to an hour before the show and they sell sandwiches, drinks, candy, popcorn, seat cushions (rent), seat backs (rent), blankets (rent), coffee, tea, program guides, etc. We could have eaten lunch right there but didn't know all that would be available.
The actor playing Juliet's nurse was my favorite, but they were all very good.
From St Pauls cathedral you can walk across the Milennium Bridge and you will be right at the Globe. We ate lunch at the Globe restaurant at an outdoor table overlooking the Thames. I had soup of the day which was very good and my husband had a panini type sandwich which he said was ok.
We then went on a tour of The Globe (included in the Great British Heritage Pass if you bought one of those) and our tour guide was just delightful! I didn't catch her name, but she was a bit of an actress in her own right.
The theatre itself is just beautiful. The bench seats are not the most comfortable, but you can rent a cushion for 3 pounds. On the tour we went around to all the different tiers of the Globe and sat in the seats for each section/tier, and I truly think there are no "bad" seats in this theatre.
The outdoor concession area is open up to an hour before the show and they sell sandwiches, drinks, candy, popcorn, seat cushions (rent), seat backs (rent), blankets (rent), coffee, tea, program guides, etc. We could have eaten lunch right there but didn't know all that would be available.
The actor playing Juliet's nurse was my favorite, but they were all very good.
Jun 1st, 2004, 02:11 PM
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In London last November, we took the Globe tour and decided we definitely wanted to see a production there one day. In March I made reservations (via the Globe's website <http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/>) for our visit in May -- we had middle gallery, front row, great location. While it may not have been the BEST R&J we have seen, some cast members were excellent, and we enjoyed it. But mostly, it was the experience of seeing it in that setting, on a perfect Spring evening, warm and blue sky -- magical. Apart from the planes flying overhead occasionally ;0
We took a river boat from Westminster Pier, and spent an afternoon at the Tate Modern, with supper in their terrific restaurant (thanks to Fodorites for the suggestion). We also caught a pre-performance lecture about the play. Everything was sold out, even for a Tuesday evening -- so if you want to go, book ahead. Afterwards, we walked back across the Millenium Bridge and got the tube back to our hotel. A very memorable evening.
We took a river boat from Westminster Pier, and spent an afternoon at the Tate Modern, with supper in their terrific restaurant (thanks to Fodorites for the suggestion). We also caught a pre-performance lecture about the play. Everything was sold out, even for a Tuesday evening -- so if you want to go, book ahead. Afterwards, we walked back across the Millenium Bridge and got the tube back to our hotel. A very memorable evening.
Jun 1st, 2004, 04:10 PM
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When we go to the open air theater in Regent's Park, we usually go to Tesco (grocery store) or somewhere similar and buy picnic supplies to bring with us. (Cheap!) There is however, a variety of food options at the theatre itself. I am planning to go this July to celebrate my 30th birthday!
I have not been to the Globe, but due to all of the enthusiastic replies on this thread will make it a priority this year!
I have not been to the Globe, but due to all of the enthusiastic replies on this thread will make it a priority this year!
Jun 5th, 2004, 10:13 AM
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Three sites carry reviews of London plays.
http://www.albemarle-london.com.
http://www.whatson.com/
http://www.whatsonstage.com
Beyond the Hamlet, Midsummer Night's Dream and Othello that you and pandaschu name, Time Out magazine lists
Measure for Measure, Olivier
Much Ado about Nothing, Shakespeare s Globe
Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare s Globe
Merchant of Venice, Questors, Ealing
It is worth watching for an open air production of some Shakespeare play that is seldom shown, on the north lawn at Lincolns Inn, Holborn. They have been inventive, and have kept even Pericles within reason.
So this summer a visitor could set up a week s festival, with matinees, of all sorts and qualities of Shakespeare.
Welcome to London
[email protected]
Jun 5th, 2004, 11:27 AM
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As a counterpoint to "real" Shakespeare, perhaps you would enjoy seeing the Complete Abridged Works of Shakespeare (hope someone will post the correct title)...we saw it in January (based on Fodorite recommendations) and thought it was a riot...is it still playing? My husband will be back in London tomorrow (he's in Edinburgh at the moment) and will try to catch it if it's still around.
