Advice for late Sept London trip

[suzycat]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 3:06pm

Hi all, my friend and I are visiting London from Sept 25-Oct 1 and would like to see as many shows as possible. We already have tickets to Harry Potter on Sept 28. So far we're looking at:

 

In the Heights 

Girls

Funny Girl

Guys & Dolls

 

I'm curious about The Bodyguard but my friend isn't into that one - is it any good?

 

My main questions are 1) Are these all worth seeing and is there anything incredible we shouldn't miss, and 2) Do we need to buy tickets in advance for any of these? 

Thanks!

 

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 4:04pm

Theatreboard seems pretty enthusiastic about Groundhog Day.  

Kenneth Branagh in The Entertainer could be worth your time.  (No performances yet) (Also, likely to be filmed as have several prior Branagh Company productions).

Our Ladies of Perpetual Succor also has good word and reviews. Although it is a bit Scottish and a bit blue.

The Threepenny Opera, I thought, was quite good. But it is being filmed on 22 September.

And, you should definitely book to see The Play That Goes Wrong (unless you want to wait till it comes to Broadway in early 2017).

and, do check out theatremonkey.com for seat opinions and a listing of day seat options and what shows are playing on which days.

 

Updated On: 8/12/16 at 04:04 PM

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/13/16 at 10:30am

Do come back and tell us what you saw.  That is the price for asking for advice.

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/13/16 at 10:30am

Do come back and tell us what you saw.  That is the price for asking for advice.

[rjm516]

Posted: 8/13/16 at 6:52pm

re things you mentioned:

In the Heights is a very fun solid production of a wonderful show.

Funny Girl is good, playing till beginning of October I think. People are split on it.

Don't know about Girls.

Guys and Dolls closes next week.

 

You should try to see Groundhog Day, as Andy Karl is phenomenal and it's a very strong start to this new show (I imagine some changes will be made if it transfers to Bway). Hm I guess the rest of any recs would depend on if you want London shows only, if you've seen most of the NYC transfers, or if you want to see some of those too.

[suzycat]

Posted: 8/16/16 at 7:10pm

Thanks, all! Will report back. I think we don't overlap with Groundhog Day. Will have to catch that when it (hopefully) comes to NY!

[Wardrobe Mistress]

Posted: 8/31/16 at 9:22am

Hi, Addressing your questions one at a time:

In the Heights, Funny Girl and The Bodyguard are all definitely worth a watch and I would confidently say you can buy tickets on the day.

I saw the Bodyguard twice during it's initial run in the WE (and loved it!), however, I have heard mixed reactions from the latest run. However, saying that, I have seen Beverley Knight (Rachel Marron) twice in Memphis and once in Cats, and she blew me away each time - once literally! I'm seeing this again though next Saturday so can advise again if you so wish? Tickets shouldn't be difficult to nab on the day. TodayTix have good prices at the moment, plus you can purchase Day seats (Rush tickets) for £25 each from the box office on the day.

Funny Girl also offers day seats which are highly recommended, they come at the bargain price of £15 each, for Row BB of the stalls - a great view from what I've heard. This show is due to close in October, so if you want to catch it, I'd do so now. Sheridan Smith's portrayal of Fanny Brice is comical and enthralling, although she doesn't have the strongest voice (see the cast recording). If you want your socks knocked off then her alternate, Natasha J. Barnes is your Fanny. Natasha appears every Monday, and has gained rave reviews for her turn in this role.

The Girls opens at the Phoenix theatre in January, with tickets going on sale next month, so unfortunately you won't be able to see that, and Guys & Dolls closed at the end of this month so that's off your list too I'm afraid.

As for other recommendations, any theatre trip to London isn't complete without a visit to Shakespeare's Globe. The atmosphere alone just feels iconic! The Comedy about a Bank Robbery at the Criterion is hilarious, as is the Broadway-Bound Play that Goes Wrong at the Duchess theatre. 

Good luck, and most of all have a lovely time in London. I love it.

[suzycat]

Posted: 9/3/16 at 9:56pm

Thanks, Wardrobe Mistress!

[Wardrobe Mistress]

Posted: 10/8/16 at 3:23pm

suzycat said: "Thanks, Wardrobe Mistress!

 

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How was your visit SuzyCat?