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September 15, 2011 5:42 AM Subscribe
Are you current on London theatre? Can you make me a recommendation?
Will be in town Oct. 4-7, and would like to see a show. I think what I want is a really excellent drama, although I wouldn't say no to a comedy or musical comedy; I've seen Spamalot, Avenue Q, and Jihad!, and enjoyed them all. I really would like to see a show featuring someone I might recognize, even as an American; I would definitely have gone to see either Dominic West or Kevin Spacey, but I guess those two runs have ended. Thanks in advance for any advice.
I also wouldn't mind seeing a really good rock show, but that's a question for another time, I guess ...
Will be in town Oct. 4-7, and would like to see a show. I think what I want is a really excellent drama, although I wouldn't say no to a comedy or musical comedy; I've seen Spamalot, Avenue Q, and Jihad!, and enjoyed them all. I really would like to see a show featuring someone I might recognize, even as an American; I would definitely have gone to see either Dominic West or Kevin Spacey, but I guess those two runs have ended. Thanks in advance for any advice.
I also wouldn't mind seeing a really good rock show, but that's a question for another time, I guess ...
For really excellent drama I have been dying to see War Horse. I've heard nothing but praise for it.
posted by like_neon at 6:27 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by like_neon at 6:27 AM on September 15, 2011
Get yourself on the London Time Out website and have a read on what's currently on. I heard good things about Glyndebourne Park but not sure if it's still running...
posted by mippy at 7:06 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by mippy at 7:06 AM on September 15, 2011
The Globe for the experience of a cheap evening at a cool theatre is a great option. Tickets are very affordable and can be picked up on the day - I think the most expensive ticket is 15 pound. As You Like it was playing when we were over there a couple of weeks ago.
We had hoped to get to "Betty Blue Eyes" or "Wicked" when we were there but things unraveled with too many afternoons spent lazing with old friends and sipping fine wine. If you go on "LastMinute.com" you will find a number of neat deals with many 10 pound shows.
39 Steps was also playing and seemed well reviewed.
The choice is just so great there and it's hard to narrow down - I think you'd be happy with most of the shows there. It's almost a necessary evil to go see the Mouse Trap as it's been playing for so long you kind need to be a part of that tradition.
I've heard a couple of my friends rave about "The Railway Children" playing at Waterloo where the Eurostar station used to be - that might be a pretty neat venue.
Not a show but the thing I wish I would have made it to was the exhibit at the War Museum. They have done a close up on the way children born in the 1940's experienced the second world war. As my mother-in-law was one of those children, it would have been nice to take her there and let her talk to my kids about what it was like in London during the war.
Enjoy your time in London - such a great place
posted by YukonQuirm at 7:07 AM on September 15, 2011
We had hoped to get to "Betty Blue Eyes" or "Wicked" when we were there but things unraveled with too many afternoons spent lazing with old friends and sipping fine wine. If you go on "LastMinute.com" you will find a number of neat deals with many 10 pound shows.
39 Steps was also playing and seemed well reviewed.
The choice is just so great there and it's hard to narrow down - I think you'd be happy with most of the shows there. It's almost a necessary evil to go see the Mouse Trap as it's been playing for so long you kind need to be a part of that tradition.
I've heard a couple of my friends rave about "The Railway Children" playing at Waterloo where the Eurostar station used to be - that might be a pretty neat venue.
Not a show but the thing I wish I would have made it to was the exhibit at the War Museum. They have done a close up on the way children born in the 1940's experienced the second world war. As my mother-in-law was one of those children, it would have been nice to take her there and let her talk to my kids about what it was like in London during the war.
Enjoy your time in London - such a great place
posted by YukonQuirm at 7:07 AM on September 15, 2011
In addition to the theaters recommended above, I'd add the Almeida Theatre. Everything that I've seen by them, both in their own theatre and when they've toured productions in NYC, has been wonderful, although in truth this was all awhile ago, but I still think that they're worth checking out.
posted by kaybdc at 7:09 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by kaybdc at 7:09 AM on September 15, 2011
I'd recommend the Globe too, but unfortunately, their current season ends on October 2nd. It's still worth touring the theater and exhibition if you haven't already been, though.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 7:22 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 7:22 AM on September 15, 2011
I absolutely loved "The 39 Steps" when I saw it, but that was in 2007, and sometimes the long-runners can get a bit stale.
posted by TheophileEscargot at 8:20 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by TheophileEscargot at 8:20 AM on September 15, 2011
I also really enjoyed 39 Steps when I saw it at the beginning of the year, but bear in mind that you'll need to have seen the Hitchcock film to really get all the jokes.
posted by Magnakai at 8:37 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by Magnakai at 8:37 AM on September 15, 2011
I saw The 39 Steps in July and absolutely loved it, despite not having seen the Hitchcock film. Unfortunately you will have just missed Betty Blue Eyes - I think it closes in late September. Legally Blonde was a fun rompy show, but the MTV filming of the Broadway cast is much better (and is available for free on YouTube). I was in London too early to catch Matilda, but Tim Minchin wrote the music and lyrics and he is BRILLIANT, and the initial reviews have been great so that would be my pick!
Also, don't see Shrek if Amanda Holden is still playing Fiona. She's apparently famous, which is presumably why they gave her such a great role, since she clearly cannot sing or act.
posted by lovedbymarylane at 2:50 AM on September 16, 2011
Also, don't see Shrek if Amanda Holden is still playing Fiona. She's apparently famous, which is presumably why they gave her such a great role, since she clearly cannot sing or act.
posted by lovedbymarylane at 2:50 AM on September 16, 2011
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Lastminute.com can be a good place to look for tickets. One way to do it is search there, then Google for reviews of anything that looks interesting. You could also check the websites of the National, the Old Vic, the Globe, Soho Theatre, the Ambassador Group, and see if there's anything that appeals to you.
posted by TheophileEscargot at 6:05 AM on September 15, 2011