Hi: Leaving for London in two days. Has anyone been there recently and seen the new Andrew Lloyd Weber musical "Whistle Down the Wind". If so, do you recommend it? Has anyone read any reviews about this musical? Thanks for your help. <BR>Regards, <BR>Sherrie from Ohio <BR>

Sherrie: Just back from London and had a great time, the one disappointment was "Whistle Down the Wind". In our opinion it was not up to previous Lloyd Webber shows. We had great seats (5th row center orchestra) but that didn't help. The show seems long and flat with few memorable tunes. The London papers gave it an okay review but nothing special, far from a smash hit. In my opinion you would do better by seeing another show even if it is a repeat. Just my opinion. Frank.

Frank: Thanks so much for your review of ALW's new musical. We will take your advice and enjoy some other play. I've heard that "Buddy" is a lot of fun. However, its all about rock & roll isn't it? Did you read any other review of what's over there right now? We love Showboat but have seen it twice recently. Any suggestions? Many thanks for your help. <BR> <BR>

Sherrie, <BR>London's West End theatres have a website that lists current productions, critics' reviews, theatre seating plans and prices. Check out www.londontheatre.co.uk/index

Sherrie, <BR>Me again! Should have included the following info in my earlier message. There is a same day/night discount ticket kiosk operated by London's theatres in the center of Liecester Square where you can get steeply discounted tickets. The ticket agencies that border the square are commercial businesses with far steeper prices. <BR> <BR>Wes Fowler

Hi Wes: Just printed out your advice. Its the last piece of advice that I'm taking along on our trip. Thanks for your input....Good Luck on all your travels! <BR>

Hi, hope this catches you. The guy in the CD store specializing in musicals recommended Whistle Down the Wind, but who knows. We saw Rent and loved it. <BR> If you don't want to go the same day/discount route, just go to the theater to buy your tickets. That's what we did and it worked out well. No mark ups, no go-between and you can see where the seats are. Credit cards taken, of course. <BR> We also (2 adults, one 17 year old) heartily and thoroughly recommend going to a production - any production - at the New Globe Theater. Doesn't matter if it is shakespeare or not. It is a terrific place, adn the production we saw of the bawdy early 17th c. play, It's a Mad World, My Masters was terrific. If you have stamina - or aren't sure you want to stay for the whole thing, be a "groundling" for 5 UK pounds, and stand. Get in there early enough to lean against the stage or to find a leaning place against the rail in front of the first row of seats. <BR> have fun.