Theatre in London
 

I'll be in London the end of November - looking forward to catching a few plays - anyone seen anything they can recommend?

Peter, <BR>Check the website: <BR>www.londontheatre.co.uk You'll find a listing of what will be playing in November. You'll also find critics' reviews, theatre seating arrangements, etc. Look for West Side Story. It should be opening about then.

<BR>We were in London last month, and saw <BR>a show every night....our favorite was <BR>"Shakespear Abridged"...It was terribly <BR>funny, and enjoyable....I purchased most of my theater tickets through a broker, <BR>and was very satisfied, despite the higher price...I got some through the internet also, and I must say, the internet seats were the worst in the house....I'd rather have spent more and <BR>gotten better seats..M

There was a good long thread on this in late August - you might look way back or use the search feature. <BR> We saw Rent in August and loved it. Just got the tickets at the theater in the morning. We understood that the current production of Oklahoma was really good. Mixed bag reviews on Andrew Lloyd Weber's newest, Whistle down the Wind. There is an outlet for 1/2 price, same-day seats for lots of the theaters at Leiceuster Square, but we didn't have time to check it out. That's always a great deal if they have something you want. <BR> Season will be in full swing when you are there - it'll be hard to decide - and don't forget, there is music everywhere, from classical to jazz and back again! <BR> We also went to the New Globe. It was absolutely terrific. They alternate Shakespear productions with productions of non-Shakespeare works - we saw the latter, a play by Thomas Middleton called Its a Mad World, My Master. Very funny, bawdy in good taste (if that's possible) - the first revival of the work since the early 17th century. <BR> Also- be sure to take the tour of the New Globe. You don't have to be Shakespeare-O-phile to enjoy all this. It's incredibly well done, understandable professional theater,and the setting will forever change your understanding of Shakespeare's plays. <BR>

Was in London earlier in the month and heartily recommend: <BR> <BR>-- Major Barbara <BR>At the Piccadilly on Denman Street <BR>Energetic, superbly done production! A stunner. The evil capitalist weapons maker is played magnificently by Peter Bowles (whom you may have seen as Guthrie Featherstone on Rumpole of the Bailey). Barbara is played by Jemma Redgrave. <BR> <BR>-- Phedre by Racine <BR>At the Albermarle on St. Martin's Lane <BR>A new and accessible version by U.K. poet Ted Hughes. Lots of oompphhh provided by spectacular cast headed by Dame Diana Rigg. This is the sort of theatre we just don't get in the U.S. This is the sort of theatre for which London is the Temple! The set is great. <BR> <BR>Of course, there's lots of musical theatre availabe as well but that wouldn't be my cup of tea.

Eeeekkkkk, sorry, typo in the above: the theatre at which Phedre is playing is the Albery on St. Martin's Lane (not the Albermarle which isn't a theatre at all but the ticket agents I use in London).

Hi-agree wholeheartedly about the web page--great list of plays and reviews. Making a tentative list now, last visit saw Jolson--do not like Webber at all. Have gone to Leicester Square early in a.m. to line up for tickets--and also the theatres--they always show you the seats..Forgot last time, but its on my must list--to visit the Theatre Museum behind Covent Garden. Last trip saw Miss Saigon at matinee and Phantom in the evening--Went to theatre every day---we too will be in London end of November again and can hardly wait.

A good way to get tickets before you go to London is just to call the box office. The call from the US to London will cost a couple of dollers a lot less than an agent. Also you can get the seating chart off the web and be able to talk seats with the box office. I just made two reservations for my trip I am leaving on tonight. I will be in London on the 21st.