shows not to miss in the West End for my London trip
 

I just booked a quick trip to London in mid-May (14th to 19th). One of my favorite things to do in London is see a show every evening. I would love to know what your top recommendations are of what is currently playing. I also usually check the half price ticket booth every day and try to find something from that list for the evening. Does anyone know if that is "online" yet so I don't have to physically go there at 11 am like in the old days? And, has anyone done this recently and scored some good shows? thanks.

Some hot tickets right now:

Oliver (with Rowan Atkinson)
Jersey Boys
Wicked

And yes, it looks like you can buy from the TKTS booth online here: http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/buy/

You can also get reduced price tickets at the theatres for that day's performances if what you want to see is not on sale at TKTS. We enjoyed The 39 Steps last month. Judi Dench may still be on in Madame de Sade . I forget when it closes. We waited in line for tickets but were told she wasn't appearing that night as she'd hurt her ankle. Made me really glad I hadn't pre-booked and paid ahead of time.

Thanks! Is that THE Oliver, the musical? That will be so exciting to see there.... my first time seeing My Fair Lady and Chicago and Mamma Mia were in London. I did see Wicked in Chicago the night Obama won the election but will look for Jersey boys as well.

Hi ncounty - also check lastminute.com (the UK site) when your travel dates get closer. They have discounted tickets for shows, sometimes a show/dinner combo (if you want).

While not a musical or a play, I always try to go attend an opera at the ROH or ENO when I'm in London. It is a real treat but something I can't get here back home, unless I go to the Met in NYC.

to clarify jamikins post above: You can buy theatre tickets through Official London Theatre - but to get their 1/2 price tickets, one must still go in person to TKTS in Leicester Sq.

They open at 10 AM everyday (noon on Sundays) but there is no reason to get there early. Later in the day is usually better since the lines are shorter and more tickets can be released during the day.

Oliver was indeed wonderful...do what you can to get tickets.

My favourite west end shows are:

The 39 Steps - hilarious. Make sure you watch DVD of Hitchcock's film first if you can (although this isn't essential).

Blood Brothers - a long running musical and not as big budget as many currently showing, but by far the best story IMO.

The Woman in Black - full of suspense and very scary at times!

Whatever you see, hope you enjoy it!

Is 39 Steps the same minimal set production the critics loved recently in NYC?

Hi Stokebailey, it probably is the same one - it's only got a cast of 4.

1 actor plays Richard Hannay, a woman plays most of the female parts, and then the remaining 150 or so other parts are played by just 2 people. It's very cleverly done, and incredibly funny. Do go and see it if you get a chance. I'm hoping to go again soon!

Oh, good. I definitely will try to get tickets. Thanks!

quiUK, looks as if 39 Steps tickets are available at websites like london-discount-theatre.com/productions
for £25.00. That seems reasonable (way cheap by NYC standards certainly).

Would you book ahead now? We were holding off on committing to any more events so we could take our Brighton daytrip based on the weather.

Hi stokebailey, if you'd rather wait to book tickets so you don't have commit to a date just yet, then you should be fine. I've just looked at www.lastminute.com and they're even selling tickets for tomorrow night at £22.50 (excl booking fee). If however, you will be here over a bank holiday weekend then you may have greater difficulty getting tickets at a good price.

If you do go and see it, then let us know if you enjoy it!

39 Steps is usually available at TKTS and their top tickets would also be £22.50 plus booking fee. It mostly depends on your seat location

The Royal Ballet is doing Giselle and a mixed program with Les Sylphides and the Firebird in May.

Les Sylphides/New Marriott (not familiar with that one)/The Firebird at ROH in May. Should be good.

Thanks, quiUK and janisj. That's good to know.

So much great information; thanks everyone! These prices really are amazing.... my goal is to do a show every night.

I'll have to do my homework and watch Hitchcock's 39 steps. I can't wait to see Oliver; one of my favorite musicals.

Also attended The 39 Steps on our March London trip and enjoyed it.