Which theatre in London?

Old Oct 15th, 1999, 04:54 AM
  #1  
Gina
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Which theatre in London?

I've gone to a few web sites and found so many different theaters.
Could someone please let me know which theater is considered the "best"?
Is there a theater near the 1/2 price ticket booth in Leicester?
 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 06:10 AM
  #2  
wes fowler
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Gina,
Your question poses a puzzle! What specifically are you interested in? A "best" theatre in terms of its architecture and decor or a best theatrical production? There are at least seven cinemas and eight theatres within a block or two of Leicester Square. Architecturally probably the most interesting theatre in London at present is the Globe, a replica of the Elizabethan theatre which is on the south bank of the Thames near Southwark Bridge.
 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 06:56 AM
  #3  
elvira
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The best theatre is the one that stages the performance you want to see. Leicester is dead center in the middle of the theatre district.
If you've been to theatre before, then you know that each venue has its pluses and minuses. What sort of performances do you like?
 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 07:09 AM
  #4  
Gina
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Well...my only theater experiences are in Atlanta GA where I have season tickets to the Fox Theater.
I enjoy all the broadway productions & musicals. I definitely would like to see something with more action or audience enthusiasm. Not really into dramas or operas. Also I'm really into the architectural aspect (The Fox in Atlanta is BEAUTIFUL!).
Does that help any? I really need suggestions to narrow down what show & which theater.
Thanks!
 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 07:23 AM
  #5  
Carolyn Newlen
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We saw Blood Brothers last year. It is a commentary on the class system and different from anything else I've seen. It was very good and has really stuck in my mind. Sorry, I don't know which theater had it.
 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 07:56 AM
  #6  
elvira
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For architecture, you can't beat the Globe Theatre (constructed, based on drawings and archives, just like the original - wooden pegs, no nails, etc.). For audience participation, ditto. Apparently, the audience during Shakespeare's time WAS part of the play. When Antony does the "friends, romans, countrymen" hoohah, he actually is addressing the audience, who is supposed to respond!
For 'action', Starlight Express or Tapdogs. The girls saw Beauty and the Beast, and loved it (musical numbers, kids in the audience who were enthusiastic).
 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 11:19 AM
  #7  
elaine
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here are some theatre websites

www.goodshow.com/ Good Show charges a flat fee ($25, 6/99) for two plays, up to six tickets per show. For each additional show there is a $10 fee, again for up to six tickets. The site also provides theatre reviews, schedules (including the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford) and fringe productions.

www.whatson.com/ Theatre and concert schedules,reviews, seating plans, prices
tickets, seating charts

www.whatsonstage.com
www.thisislondon.co.uk/
www.timeout.com/london/
www.albemarle-london.com/
http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/

http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/ includes a click to the Globe website

 
Old Oct 15th, 1999, 08:41 PM
  #8  
amanda
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Gina,

I agree about the Globe -- great architecture and performances. However, since it is an open-air venue, it is only open during the late spring to early fall, so if you're not going then you can't see a performance, but you can take a tour of it year-round.

As far as beautiful theatres, my personal favorite (and I've been to a lot of them) is the Haymarket Theatre, technically the Theatre Royal Haymarket, near Piccadilly Circus. I don't remember the exact dates, but the theatre itself is older than the US, is rather lavishly decorated inside, and, the last time I was there they sold great ice cream at the interval -- the kind in those little cartons with the wooden spoon on top that you ate when you were a kid. It's not a theatre where they show musicals or anything of that sort, more "serious theatre," although right now they're doing Oscar Wilde's Importance of Being Earnest -- very funny.

My suggestion, if you have the time and money, is to take in two shows -- one musical and one not -- because the theatres that are large enough for musicals really aren't as architecturally interesting as the smaller ones for plays. Plus, many of the musicals that have been running for a while have day returns or discounted tickets available. Be a little cautious when picking seats in the large theatres, though: I had the cheap seats at Les Mis once, and the seats were so high (well above the top of the stage) and so steep that there was a sign warning you not to lean over for fear of falling!
 
Old Oct 16th, 1999, 01:20 PM
  #9  
bo_jack
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Although you may already have seen it -- and by some standards it is slightly passe -- Cats, in London, is unique -- if you can get seats in the "moving orchestra". Before the performance begins (not during the performance), the front few rows of seats rotate relative to the stage. It is almost as if you become part of the performance. However, as you probably know, the stage effects, otherwise, are nothing special. For really spectacular stage effects, Phantom, Les Miserables and Sunset Boulevard are hard to beat. I am also told that Blood Brothers is quite good -- but have not yet had the opportunity to see it.
 
Old Oct 17th, 1999, 08:46 PM
  #10  
Martin
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If you want something different with a little audience participation, maybe you should try seeing The Reduced Shakespeare Company's production of ALL of Shakespeare's plays in one evening. It is extremely silly and a lot of fun. I don't know the name of the theatre, but it's right in Picadilly near most of the other theatres. For more info, email me.
 
Old Oct 18th, 1999, 12:38 PM
  #11  
lisa
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Everyone I've talked to who's been to London lately (and lots of people on this site) have said great things about "Mamma Mia" -- maybe check one of the websites listed above for a review.
 
Old Oct 18th, 1999, 03:10 PM
  #12  
Lori
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Try checking out the website www.whatsonstage.com This is a really comprehensive website for the performing arts in London. You can read reviews,see what's opening and closing, check seating arrangements, and order tickets, etc., etc. As to which theater is the best, I think they are all great, it is London after all....My husband's all time favorite is the Old Vic.
Lori
 
Old Oct 19th, 1999, 08:20 PM
  #13  
Tom
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Gina,

I often go to London and was there in the spring on business. While there my boss, who is Swedish, had a longing to see a newer musical based on songs by his childhood favorites,ABBA, called "Mamma Mia". It is a tacky story of a girl about to be wed who discovered her mothers diary. It revealed that her father was one of three men her mother was dating when she was conceived. She invited all to the wedding under her mothers name and tried to discover which was her father.
My wife had performed in theatre many years, and I have had the fortune to take in many plays and am quite familiar with London theatre. I have to say,I sneered at the idea of this one, but have to say, without a doubt,that this was the most fun musical that I had seen in London since "Chicago" years ago. By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet singing, clapping, and stamping their feet. The theatre was also a lovely old structure that will keep your interest before the play and during intermission
I am flying out tomorrow to London again on business for about a week. The evening venue for Friday night, I am told, is "Saturday Night Fever" If you are interested, I will advise on how that was after I return Sunday night.If you have not been there before, the Theatre District is several blocks of Theatres surrounding Leicester Square easily accessible by the Underground. There are several places in the theatre area that sell half-price tickets however, selection to hot plays may be limited so check the hours of the booth and get there early and wait in line. Avoid scalpers, as the tickets may not be real. Check around the different ticket outlets there as some have tickets for plays not offered by others.
If you run out of local money, there are also several fair-priced money changing booths within eyesight.
After the play try walking a couple of blocks if you are catching a cab. For a memorable treat stop at The Ritz for dessert and coffee. It may be a few bucks, but the dining room is right out of a romance novel. You will never forget it
Have a great time.
 

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