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-   -   Which London Musical........... (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/which-london-musical-746552/)

ozres Nov 4th, 2007 10:03 AM

Which London Musical...........
 
We're visiting London for a long weekend next week and have time to see one London show. Which one do we see? We prefer a light-hearted, feel-good musical.

I've seen Mamma Mia in London and NYC, but my traveling friend hasn't. I would love to see it again, but I'm wondering what other shows have the same tone?

What about Billy Elliot, Wicked, Hairspray, Grease, Dirty Dancying, etc? Since we'll have to get tickets at the theatre once we arrive in London, some of these may be sold out and not a factor. OR any other suggestions on acquiring tickets are welcome!

Thanks,
Marla

GSteed Nov 4th, 2007 10:13 AM

Don't hesitate to call the box office. Reserve seats! Either pay now or at the BO. Use search...

fmpden Nov 4th, 2007 10:14 AM

We saw Wicked a month ago. It was awfully good. The staging was much better than when we saw it as a road show in Denver last year. It is at the Apollo theater across from Victoria Station.

carolyn Nov 4th, 2007 11:02 AM

We saw Wicked last year, and it is absolutely terrific.

This year we saw Fiddler on the Roof, the first time I had seen it on stage although I've seen the movie more than once. It was really good, too. The actor who played Tevye was excellent and can really sing well.

janisj Nov 4th, 2007 12:05 PM

Many musicals are sold at TKTS at 1/2 price.

some usually available include: Fiddler on the Roof, Footloose, Mary Poppins, Spamalot, Stomp, We Will Rock You

Kellye Nov 4th, 2007 01:35 PM

My daughter and I saw Wicked in late July---LOVED it! We would pay and go see it again in a heartbeat. Try www.broadwaybox.com for ticket deals for any of these shows. I know Wicked isn't at TKTS booths. Have fun and please report back on whatever you decide to see.

Andeesue Nov 4th, 2007 02:34 PM

You've already seen Mamma Mia twice, so try a new one for you, too. Decide which musical you'd like to see, and go directly to that theatre's box office in the morning. Many times tickets are released that day. I'd go for Billy Elliot just because it's the only one not American. I don't think one would call it light-hearted, but it's gotten good reviews. Have a wonderful time!

AnnRiley Nov 4th, 2007 02:40 PM

We went to see the sound of music and it was fantastic!! When the actress who plays the mother superior stands alone in the dark theatre with just a light above singing climb every mountain - i swear every hair stood up on the back of my neck..

Promise you will not be disappointed

tropicalkerry Nov 4th, 2007 02:50 PM

LOVED Billy Elliott! Got reduced tix on the London Original Sightseeing tour bus website.

fmpden Nov 4th, 2007 04:02 PM

,,,,,,Many musicals are sold at TKTS at 1/2 price.......

Note the adjective is "many" not all. In our experience we have never been able to get popular shows -- Phantom, Wicked, etc. --- at half price. Give the value of the pound, I thought ticket prices were a good deal in London.

janisj Nov 4th, 2007 06:11 PM

Phantom is usually at TKTS at 25% off. I didn't list it because the OP is looking for a "light-hearted, feel-good musical" - hardly a description of Phantom.

And shows like Wicked won't usually be at TKTS since it is often a sellout w/ only returns available on the day of performance

travelgirl2 Nov 4th, 2007 08:36 PM

I've always wondered - how do returns work? If I have tickets to a show, I thought they were non-refundable? Could I return them to the box office for a refund?

MollyBrown Nov 4th, 2007 08:44 PM

I'll chime in too! I really enjoyed Wicked. The lead singer who played Elphaba was jaw-droppingly good.

I also thought Mary Poppins was a lot of fun.

So many choices.....

Enjoy!

MB

janisj Nov 4th, 2007 09:29 PM

You can usually return them and if they are re-sold, you get a portion of the money back.

travelgirl2 Nov 4th, 2007 09:40 PM

oh, okay, thanks.

Carrybean Nov 5th, 2007 01:20 AM

Another vote for Wicked. Didn't think I'd like it but thoroughly enjoyed it.

jscarbary Nov 5th, 2007 05:38 AM

Wicked was very good. But if it is available and you are a Monty Python fan Spamalot was light-hearted. The Lady of the Lake was fabulous.

ozres Nov 5th, 2007 07:05 AM

Wow, thanks for all the great info. Sounds like most people would head to Billy Elliot or Wicked! We'll check with the theatre and see what's available.

Janis, you were correct in that we're looking for something a little more light-hearted than Phantom. I saw Phantom in NYC and it was wonderful. We followed that up with Mamma Mia the next night. Both shows were good, but very different.

Marla

Dejais Nov 5th, 2007 07:14 AM

My mother and I saw Mary Poppins in London and thought it was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

christieCA Nov 5th, 2007 08:50 AM

My sister and I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat a few years ago and were amazed. We knew nothing about it going in and it was just so much fun. We were laughing and singing all night!


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