sgreenl

Any suggestions on shows to see in London? Is there one that is a good London experience?

janisj

There are soooooo many no one can give useful advice w/oknowing what sorts of shows you like.

These two sites may help you decide

http://www.officiallondontheatre.co....hats_on_today/

http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/

sgreenl

Thanks! This is exactly what I needed - somewhere to go for direction and options.

seafox

FYI - Priscilla Queen of the Desert in London is 150% better than NY!

ssander

I'm a believer that seeing a Broadway-style musical in London sort of defeats the purpose of flying over the ocean -- just my very personal opinion -- so I reccommend The 39 Steps. It's very British. A combination of Python and Hitchcock.

We walked in 30 minutes before curtain (during our October 2008 trip) and got senior (over 60) tickets for a little over half-price -- great seats. (Actually, it's a very small theatre, so all the seats seemed OK.)

It's still playing at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. http://www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/Theatre/39-Steps

On our latest trip (May) we saw All's Well that Ends Well at the Globe and loved it, too. Bought our tickets online in advance - which you'll have to do to get decent seat (or you can stand Elizabethan-style).

SS

ssander

Here we are in 2008 outside the Theatre:

http://www.sanderhome.com/London08/M...020509_web.jpg

SS

nytraveler

Um, I hate to mention it - but many of the "Broadway style" shows actually run first in London - and are then translated to Broadway. Are you aware of how often this happens.

bellini

What about 'War Horse' or a Shakespeare play at The Globe on South Bank?

texasbookworm

For a "London" experience I too would suggest you look into a production at the Globe. You don't say when you are going so such might not be possible, but that's what I would suggest looking into.

If such is not to your liking, or no production is available when you are there, then another theatre-experience won't disappoint!

ssander

nytraveler...

"...many of the "Broadway style" shows actually run first in London."

Yes, I knew that...it wasn't meant as a criticism.

I meant that my personal preference would be to go to NY for such a show - I only live about 2 hours from NY.

If I spend $1,000 to fly to another country, I want something with a little more local flavor...for those who love musicals, Billy Elliot (is it still playing across the street from Victoria Station?) would be probably fit the bill (though I haven't seen it).

In 2006 we did see Wicked at the Apollo -- also across from Victoria -- and it was OK (though we had nosebleed seats in the large theatre) -- I guess I'm just not a big fan of big-production musicals....sigh!

SS

Kate

If you want to see something which isn't going to be replicated on Broadway, it might be worth keeping an eye on the schedules at some of the slightly 'off West End' theatres. Places like the Donmar Warehouse, Almeida, Menier Chocolate Factory and even the National Theatre frequently put on fantastic stuff with Hollywood A listers doing a stint on the boards. These plays often then get transferred to the West End if they are deemed a success. And then there's the Old Vic, whose artistic director is Kevin Spacey.

Here's another good link for news and reviews: http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/

carolyn

Blood Brothers is very British.

cbo86

On our 1st trip to London(1998) we went to see Agatha Christie's Mousetrap the longest running play in London and maybe the world. It's a dated whodonit and a bit of a touristy thing, but it was SO MUCH FUN to guess the murderer along with the audience at intermission and then to be sworn to secrecy after the reveal. I believe it only plays in London and is worth a view IMHO.

laurie_ann

As mentioned above please do not overlook the National Theatre, the Old Vic (and the Young Vic nearby). For good theatre and other information about London www.timeout.com London pages are great.

claire50

"39 Steps". Really entertaining, funny, well done.

Pat_in_Chicago

I saw War Horse 2 or 3 years ago and just loved it, one of the most enjoyable theater experiences I've had. I found it a very moving play and it was clear by the reactions of those around me (including men!) that others were moved as well. This is exactly what live theater should do for you.

I've also seen a few productions at the Old Vic, even one with Kevin Spacey, and they did not disappoint. Theater in London, what's not to like!