London Trip!

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 12:23am

So I finally booked a ticket to London (first time ever!!!) and I got an Air BnB that I'm happy with. Now, what do I need to see? Show wise, what are the good shows playing, etc. I know seeing Harry Potter is near impossible, and it's coming to Broadway, so I can wait. But what other shows are playing that are likely not to come to NYC? Also, any insider tips on what to see, how to get around, cabs/Ubers, airport info, etc.

[Cat Guy]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 11:30am

I will be making my yearly visit to London this Summer (can't wait).  If I were going today, I definitely would want to see the new production of "42nd Street" currently in previews at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.  Opens on April 4th. This video is the cast performing the title number outdoors for a TV show (DO NOT WATCH if you decide to see the show and want it to be a total surprise).

https://youtu.be/2AFIeu6in4o 

I would also suggest that you visit this website, my go-to place for everything London.

http://www.visitlondon.com/#eFcBILAqthoDE8Ct.97

Have fun! 

Updated On: 3/25/17 at 11:30 AM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 11:44am

I would post this question in the "West End" chat board also, they may be better equipped to give you a more informed opinion.

[hork]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 12:25pm

They don't have Uber in London. Just grab a black cab, they have the best cab drivers in the world. 

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 12:43pm

"Also, any insider tips on what to see, how to get around, cabs/Ubers, airport info, etc."

 

The underground (subway) is best way to get around and inexpensive. My wife and I got car service from airport to the hotel, forget the name but if you want it I will ask her for it. I would also highly recommend The Rubens Hotel which is by Buckingham Palace. ( stayed there in 2012 and 2016)

Updated On: 3/26/17 at 12:43 PM

[Wardrobe Mistress]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 4:18pm

Hi! I live 30 minutes from London so am there at least once a week fulfilling my theatre loving habit.

Transport - definitely use the underground and buses to get around. If you're feeling like you want to see more of the city then you can walk everything in central London if you're happy to put the effort in.

Shows - you don't mention what time of year you're going? A visit to Shakespeare's Globe is a must do if it's your first time. There's a new season on sale at the moment as Emma Rice's last season before she goes. Dreamgirls is everything, and more. If you can get Harry Potter through the returns queue you won't regret it, it's one of the best things I've seen on a stage, like ever. I'd always recommend squeezing in some Mischief theatre too, probably the Comedy about a Bank Robbery if you're from NYC, if not, then see The Play that goes wrong (although if you can get to see it on Broadway, I'd recommend that first as the original cast that transferred with it are exceptional).

Enjoy!

[Wardrobe Mistress]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 4:20pm

I should say as well, if you buy a London travelcard for the tube (underground) you can use it on the buses too, for no extra charge.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 7:45pm

 

Send away for an Visitor Oyster card for the buses and subway and rail system. Apparently, it's the best deal for tourists but you can't purchase it there. You have to do it by mail order in advance.

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card

We got 50-pound Oyster cards and used them all over the place for a week and had about 14 pounds left at the end.

We saw the two Stoppard plays: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead with Daniel Radcliffe and the revival of Travesties that transferred from then Menier to the West End. We recommend the Travesties highly.

 

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 3/25/17 at 9:38pm

Museums. National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery at the very least. Free entry.

Walk around Kensington Gardens, see the palace, the Peter Pan statue, the Diana fountain and then maybe head across the park to the Royal Albert Hall for a backstage tour.

St.Paul's Cathedral - it's worth the £18 to walk around in awe and climb the winding stairs all the way up the iconic dome. Westminster Abbey would be another £18 but alternatively you can just attend a scheduled service and have respectful glance around at no cost.

If you're a Harry Potter fan, you should see the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Tour, at the studios where the movies were actually filmed, real sets and all. If you're a real fanatic, also go to King's Cross Station to see Platform 9¾.

If you're a history buff or interested in the Royal Family, take the train (an hour's journey) to Windsor Castle and take the tour, and you'll also see the graves of Henry VIII, and numerous other monarchs at St.George's Chapel. If you're there in June, you can apply for tickets to the Garter Day Parade where the Queen and practically the whole Royal Family strut around in their finery along with the "great and the good".

If you plan on seeing Buckingham Palace, it's best to walk down the mall from Trafalgar Square - by taking the tube to the nearest station you approach from behind which gives a less spectacular first impression.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/26/17 at 1:16am

I'm going April 25-May 2. Found an apartment in Chaptham (spelling?) because I wanted something to myself. 

I will def. post in the West End board, didn't even think about that! But the Harry Potter thing sounds awesome, and I love architecture, so I want to see all the buildings, etc. 

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 3/26/17 at 10:11am

"But the Harry Potter thing sounds awesome, and I love architecture, so I want to see all the buildings, etc. 

Went in 2012 and it is really cool, expect to spend at least 3 hrs there and have a butterbeer also -lol

 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/27/17 at 12:52am

You say that like it's a bad thing! Sold! 

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 3/27/17 at 6:56pm

"You say that like it's a bad thing! Sold! You say that like it's a bad thing! Sold! "

Sorry did not mean it to sound like a bad thing, it is really good !!

[Scripps2]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 5:14pm

RippedMan said: "...I love architecture, so I want to see all the buildings, etc."

For medieval and gothic revival the Palace of Westminster is essential: http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/guided-tours-of-parliament/

For Tudor and baroque, Hampton Court Palace: http://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.8cddoOI

And for some very famous art deco interiors (widely used in films) Eltham Palace: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/history/description

 

[Logicbox]

Posted: 4/12/17 at 8:04am

Hi, 

Not sure if my recommendation is too late now. The London transport system is quite good, rail, underground or buses, just make sure you get a travelcard or Oyster card. 

Check out the National history museum, the V&A, and the science museum all in South Kensington.

Also, check out the music news on Britznbeatz lots of music events listed there.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 4/13/17 at 11:49pm

Yeah i was looking for a list of concerts/bands performances.