First Trip to London (November) - Help to pick right MUSICALS/PLAYS.

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 8/24/16 at 9:09pm

Hi, everyone, I don't speak here often, but I need everybody's help!

I went to Broadway sometimes, but this is my first trip to West End and I want help and opinions about what shows to see and where I can buy the tickets for the best price and the right places for each show.

First I will only be there for 5-6 days, I have the intention to watch 4-5 shows and I have these in mind:

Wicked

Les Miserables

Matilda

The Book of Mormom

King Lear - because I ADORE Glenda Jackson

Does anyone have more options for me? I don't have preference for musicals, I love very differents types, about plays I prefere with names that I know.


Also, any good productions off-West End? I heard there's an AMAZING production of Side Show happening off-West End


Last question? Is there a chance that I can buy a ticket for the Harry Potter play at anywhere or with anyone?

 

I know it's a lot but thanks since now.

Updated On: 8/24/16 at 09:09 PM

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/24/16 at 11:42pm

First, go to theatremonkey.com and bookmark it.  It has opinions on seats at West End and other venues.  It also has listings of various offers.  It also has a listing of day seats - i.e. rush seats on Broadway.  These can be excellent values.

Second, if shopping online - make sure the vendor is a STAR member. Those are legitimate ticket sellers.

Harry Potter has a day-of cancellation line - and there is a Friday Forty online lottery every..well, Friday.  The box office staff at most theatres in the West End and environs can be very friendly and helpful.  And, you sometimes can get a better price and seat at the box office than at TKTS or at the various ticket.   booths.  Some of the booths are great - as they will call the theater for you.  Also you can check lastminute.com and timeout.com/london for other options.  However, some of those services will not tell you what seat you get - it's from their allotment. 

Side Show has not opened and I think that the full cast has not even been announced.  But, Southwark has been doing some really impressive revivals/revisals so, it's a good bet.  Also check out what's playing at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Donmar Warehouse, Almeida Theatre and Hampstead Theatre among other venues that are not West End.  

I'd add in The Play That Goes Wrong - even though it is opening on Broadway in 2017.  That may not bother you as the shows on your list have all been/still are on Broadway.  But, be careful on what seat you get.  Use theatremonkey as there are restricted views at differing places.  We were not as big fans of The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, but other people love it. It's from the same group of people.  Although their website has a special Sunday price offer.  (Most London theatres are dark on Sunday - but not all).

The Entertainer is playing through November 12 at the Garrick Theatre with the Kenneth Branagh Company.  That is something you won't get in the US.

And don't forget to come back and tell us what you saw.

 

 

[steven22]

Posted: 8/26/16 at 8:04am

Check out Lazarus!

[Broadway_Boy]

Posted: 8/26/16 at 10:44am

The Play that Goes Wrong is most likely moving to Broadway at some point, but we don't know when exactly. But if you don't live in New York you should see it while you have the chance in London.  

Harry Potter could sell you cancelations a few days in advance so if that is on top of your list, go to the theatre as soon as you can and see if they have anything for the time you're there.  All my friends who have done this have waited less than an hour and got seats in the 4th-7th rows.  Dreamgirls begins November 18th if you'll be there for that.  

[BIG BALONEY]

Posted: 8/26/16 at 3:55pm

SEE THE SAME SHOWS IN NEW YORK CITY, UNLESS YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE U.S, OF A.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/28/16 at 12:48pm

I was in London last March and saw "The Play That Went Wrong" on the advise of people on this board and loved it. Very funny but you have to like slapstick humor IMO. Get there early and you will see something pretty funny before the show. I also think it is good idea to see something you can't see on Broadway on your trip.

[ramsay15]

Posted: 8/30/16 at 6:07pm

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is coming to Broadway 2017-2018.  Better to see THE COMEDY ABOUT THE BANK ROBBERY, by the same creative team.  In some ways, it is even funnier. I also recommend THE TRUTH by the author of THE FATHER.  It is a comedy rather than a tragedy and is very funny. I do not recommend FUNNY GIRL which I saw at the Menier.  I thought that Sheridan Smith was clueless, although the Brits think that she is fabulous.

[AngusN]

Posted: 9/1/16 at 5:59am

I agree, avoid Funny Girl; the production is decent, however, it's (overrated) star is awful as Fanny. Her singing voice is weak and she destroys a fantastic score. I love to see shows at the National, Donmar Warehouse and the Menier.

[ggersten]

Posted: 9/3/16 at 11:44pm

Don't know if this works with your schedule, but Menier Chocolate Factory just announced She Loves Me featuring Scarlett Strallen.  

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 9/10/16 at 5:05pm

She Loves Me is a very interesting one, I'm still waiting for a full cast announcement for Side Show because thats one of my favorite scores ever!

 

As of now I think I will go with King Lear, Book of Mormom, Wicked, Dreamgirls and Play that Goes Wrong.

I'm still on the fence with Dreamgirls, but it can't go wrong lol

[ggersten]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 5:42pm

Side_ShowUK @Side_ShowUK

Keep your eyes peeled for our casting announcement tomorrow... #comelookatthefreaks

4:15 PM - 12 Sep 2016

[ggersten]

Posted: 9/13/16 at 12:26pm

Side_ShowUK ‏@Side_ShowUK  45m45 minutes ago

One of our snakes escaped which caused havoc with our admin today. Press release containing all our freaks to land 10am tomorrow.

[ggersten]

Posted: 9/14/16 at 3:02pm

Copied from Theatreboard- the full cast for Side Show

Full casting is announced today for Broadway musical Side Show, which will receive its UK Premiere in a brand new production at Southwark Playhouse, opening on Wednesday 26 October with previews from Friday 21 October. 



Joining the previously announced Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford as conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, are Haydn Oakley as Terry Connor, Jay Marsh as Jake, Dominic Hodson as Buddy Foster, Christopher Howell as The Boss/Sir, Lala Barlow as Bearded Lady, Oliver Marshall as Dog, David Muscat as Human Pin Cushion, Nuwan Hugh Perera as Sheik Fakir, Agnes Pure as Snake Lady, Nuno Queimado as Reptile Man, Kirstie Skivington as Half Man Half Woman and Genevieve Taylor as Dolly Dimples. 



Haydn Oakley will star as Henri Baurel in An American in Paris when it opens in the West End in March. Previous credits include English National Opera’s production of Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre) and The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre). Jay Marsh’s recent credits include Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre) and Porgy and Bess (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Dominic Hodson’s recent roles include Captain Nicholls in War Horse (New London Theatre) and Tony in West Side Story (UK Tour). Christopher Howell’s recent credits include Guys and Dolls (UK Tour), Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre) and Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre). Lala Barlow’s credits include Hair (Australian Tour) and Legally Blonde (Ballarat Lyric). Oliver Marshall recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, where credits include Company and The Happy Prince. David Muscat’s recent credits include Mr Braithwaite in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre) and Miracle on 34th Street (UK Tour). Nuwan Hugh Perera recently graduated from Guildford School of Acting, where credits include Our House and Ghost. Agnes Pure’s credits include Sinatra and Friends (German and Swiss Tour) and Beauty and the Beast (Eastbourne Theatres). Nuno Queimado’s stage credits includeCredits The Little Match Girl (UK Tour), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre) and From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre). TV work includes Cold Feet (ITV). Kirstie Skivington’s recent credits include Anybody’s in West Side Story (Salzburg), Viva Forever (Piccadilly Theatre) and Ghost (Piccadilly Theatre). Genevieve Taylor recently graduated from the Musical Theatre Academy. Professional credits include West End Women (UK Tour) and Cool Rider (Lyric Theatre).



Louise Dearman (Daisy) is best known for being the first actress to star as both Glinda and Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked, playing both roles to great acclaim in the West End. Her many other theatre credits include Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (UK Tour), Bianca in Kiss Me Kate (Royal Albert Hall), Mrs D in The Water Babies (Leicester Curve), Eva Peron in Evita (UK Tour) and Jan in Grease (West End). 



Laura Pitt-Pulford (Violet) received a 2016 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Other recent credits include Flowers for Mrs Harris (Sheffield Crucible), Nancy in Oliver! (Leicester Curve), The Smallest Show on Earth (UK Tour), Follies in Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Maria in The Sound of Music (Leicester Curve) and The Light Princess (National Theatre). 
 

[Mike66]

Posted: 9/17/16 at 9:02pm

Thanks to all.

I will also be in London in mid November, and appreciate the suggestions.  Thanks to all

 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 9/27/16 at 6:26pm

I will be there for almost 10 days and I booked:

King Lear

Dreamgirls

Hedda Glaber (Ruth Wilson and Ivo van Hove)

Side Show

Sister Act

Murder Ballad

And I think I will try Wicked/Book of Mormon + trying tickets for Harry Potter, but sounds hard to get. Aside from the Friday Forty, there's not other option, right?