BRIGHT LIGHTS , BIG CITY !
No visit to London is complete without seeing a show, check out
some of the capital’s world-class theatre venues
FIND YOUR NEW FAVOURITE West End musical, dramatic play or incredible opera. Enjoy a Shakespeare play at the Globe or treat yourself to a ballet at the Royal Opera House. You can experience a long-running hit or one of the plethora of new London theatres shows such as;
A LONDON TRANSFER FOR A WARM AND TOUCHING BROADWAY HIT… The big sleeper hit Broadway musical of the last few years, ‘COME FROM AWAY’ tells the unlikely true story of a sleepy Newfoundland town that took in strangers from around the world when their planes were grounded at the local airport in the wake of 9/11. A hit in Canada and the States, ‘Come from Away’ is written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein and is directed by Christopher Ashley, with musical staging by Kelly Devine. Expect to be very charmed.
You’ll also be blown away by another Broadway hit ‘WAITRESS’ a musical brought to life by a ground-breaking all-female creative team. This irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Brave, Love Song), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus. (Pippin, Finding Neverland).
‘WAITRESS’ tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie..!
AND THE CLASSICS CONTINUE TO ENTERTAIN…
More than just a jukebox musical Judy Craymer's bold idea of turning the insanely catchy songs of ABBA into a musical has paid off splendidly, in every sense – box office figures for 'MAMMA MIA!' are as eyewatering as its outfits.
The original production of ‘MAMMA MIA!’ opened in 1999 and since then, this ultimate feel-good musical has been seen by over eight million people in the West End, where it continues to break box office records at the Novello Theatre, its third London home.
Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA, including "Dancing Queen", "Take A Chance On Me" and "Super Trouper". Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget! A stone's throw from Novello Theatre is
Her Majesty’s Theatre home of the original production of ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’.
I’m not sure any show deserves to be the most successful entertainment event of all time, but I’ll hand it to the current holder of that title, ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ as it still continues to thrill its audience.
‘Phantom…’ remains strong because its high production values haven’t been allowed to sag. The late Maria Björnson’s design is a heady barrage of ravishing costumes and lavish sets that change frequently, working in everything from pastoral jollity to an ancient Carthaginian theme on the way to the Phantom’s stunning underground lair.
It’s totally OTT – in one scene the Phantom zaps at his nemesis Raul with a staff that fires actual fireballs, its ridiculousness and campy story are entirely thrilling when realised with the show’s enormous budget.
And while Hal Prince’s production may have been hailed as rather gauche back in the day, in 2019 it all comes across as rather more tasteful than the average jukebox musical.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's gothic spectacular ‘THE PHANTOM OF OPERA’ is totally '80s in the best possible way.
By Jonathan Mountford
Jonathan is a successful entrepreneur and businessman who has worked in the live entertainment industry for over 20 years and also sits on the British Tourism Industry Group at VISITBRITAIN.