Best option for newbies in West End?

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 8:04pm

My friends and I will be in London in September, and I want them to see 3 or 4 musicals. They like the style, they prefer big productions, but 'belt singing' musicals are not out of picture.

I narrowed down to seven options: 'Matilda', 'The Book of Mormon', 'Wicked', 'Gypsy', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Billy Elliot', and 'Kinky Boots'. How do you guys rank the west end productions and the shows in general for beginners? I've seen all of them (not in West End) aside from Billy and Gypsy. I'm towards Billy (so I can see it too lol), The Book of Mormon, and Phantom (because they really want to see it).I know it's difficult to judge Kinky, as it hasn't been open yet, but I've put it anyway. Also, if any other musical that it's open in West End is a better option, just say it.

Thanks

[bob8rich]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 4:42am

If those in your list, I would go for BILLY ELLIOT and WICKED (and probably GYPSY, though I've not seen this production yet.

But you really should not miss MEMPHIS and MISS SAIGON, both of which are really fantastic.

But, of course, it is just down to personal opinion.....

[ggersten]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 11:05am

There is a discount for buying tickets to Miss Saigon 16 weeks in advance. It's well worth it. I believe Jon Jon Briones will still be playing the Engineer.
The West End production of Memphis has received generally glowing reviews.
Gypsy had a great run at Chichester...so should be good.
I'd also go for Billy Elliot and Matilda, if only to hear correct accents.
Also, if curious, the Les Mis in London sort of uses the original staging - so if you've only seen the revivals on Broadway, it might feel new and fresh.

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/26/15 at 7:01pm

thanks, guys!

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 2:59pm

also, any opinions about seats if I pick Book of Mormon, Billy, Wicked and Gypsy? And some tips for cheaper tickets?

[ggersten]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 5:22pm

Wicked is in a barn. But midweek tickets sometimes have deals. Timeoutlondon has deals online. Check out Theatremonkey.com as well.
Book of Mormon has dynamic pricing - so prices fluctuate - we saved 50 pounds on front mezzanine seats when the price just dropped two days before the show online. There is a lottery as well -
Day of show - you can always check with the box office. They will frequently help out - depending on how sales are that day's shows.
Hard to know exactly what the conditions will be next September, though. Wicked's sales have gone up and down - and there are shows where it's half full - Billy Elliott sells discounted tickets to front rows ahead of time, I think, plus has day seats.

[Nicklovestheatre]

Posted: 6/3/15 at 7:55am

Newbies! Book through http://wwbblondon.com/theatres

Great discount on theatre & musicals, definitely worth a look before you buy elsewhere. Always ends up being cheaper than competitors and they have amazing customer service. :)