First Visit

[asmith0307]

Posted: 10/23/15 at 9:41pm

So, I'm visiting London for the first time between March 6th and March 12th. Since I am there, I am looking to take my father and myself to a West End show. I don't follow the West End as closely as I follow Broadway, so I don't know all the shows currently running. Is there a good website to see all of the current shows running at once, or is there any shows you all suggest?

I don't really want to see something I have seen in the states (which I have seen most of the currently running shows), with few exceptions (my dad would like Curious Incident, and depending on casting I may force him to see Hand to God). I am thinking about War Horse, but since that is it's closing week I am not sure if tickets are possible. 

[ggersten]

Posted: 10/24/15 at 12:32am

An essential website is www.theatremonkey.com which lists the West End shows and has seating evaluations for each show - also "day seat" information as well as various discount offers.  Some reviews as well.

 

Don't limit yourself to the West End - there are lots of other theatres - in particular, Hampstead, Almeida, Menier, Young and Old Vic, the National Theatre.  Menier's Funny Girl ends March 5 unless it extends), and Almeida has Uncle Vanya through March 26).  There are other smaller theatres too, such as Trafalgar Studios (near Trafalgar Square).

 

Recommendation for shows not in NYC are the two most recent Olivier winners:  The Play That Goes Wrong and Sunny Afternoon.  Kenneth Branagh has put together a theatre company and they are performing The Painkiller by Francis Veber - of which I know nothing.  But, it could be excellent. It starts March 5.  People seem split on Bend it Like Beckham - it's a musical of the film.  I have no idea if it will still be open in March. I also really like The Woman in Black - even though it's been running in London for almost 30 years.  There may be discounts available and it's worth a go - to me.  This is the one to ask at the Box Office about discounts.   

 

We never used the TKTS Booth, but used other discount booths which all over.  We liked the one at Picadilly Circus in front of Boots.  They are pretty knowledgeable and will call for you.   Also, most box offices will try to help you out with seats and even give you a discount if you ask nicely and they have some room.  

Updated On: 10/24/15 at 12:32 AM

[asmith0307]

Posted: 10/24/15 at 1:01am

Thanks! I hadn't ruled out any of the other theaters you mentioned. I actually checked the Old Vic before I posted because I couldn't remember when Groundhog Day was starting (June) and I would have been interested to see it for professional reasons. It doesn't seem like they have anything currently scheduled though. 

Updated On: 10/24/15 at 01:01 AM

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 10/24/15 at 5:54am

http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?mytemplate=tp70&00westend=west&00wk70=yes&order_by=event1&order=abc&records=10

This is a list of all the shows in London for that week!