First time in west end

I checked the London west end board and it seemed pretty dead.

I was looking for recommendations to see in London, I'm thinking Matilda or Tina, any other thoughts?

I'd recommend spending most of your time at the away from the West End. See some shows at the non-profits. The National Theatre, Old Vic, Young Vic, Almeida, Royal Court, Globe, Barbican, Donmar Warehouse, Menier Chocolate Factory, etc. That's where the exciting theatre is happening. Even more so than New York, non-profit theatre is really the heart and soul of London theatre. West End has some good offerings for sure, but you'd be doing yourself a great disservice to fill all your show slots with commercial theatre. 

And I'm not just saying that because I'm a big fan of non-profit theatre (though I am). I think the average out-of-town theatre fan can fill an NYC theatre trip with Broadway shows and they still may not see everything good on Broadway. They may miss some great things Off-Broadway, but usually nothing that's an absolute must-see for someone with limited time (and this coming from someone who sees mostly Off-Broadway shows). 

Commercial West End theatre is not the same IMO. It's really not where the hot, relevant, must-see theatre is happening. 

How is southwark's theater version of bring it on, I never got to see it in NYC or on tour

Dkinny23 said: "I was in London last month and would highly recommend Bat Out Of Hell! It was an amazing production with a lot of energy and the staging and actors were AMAZING! The second it ended my first thought was that I wanted to see it again! Tickets are super cheap too, we got them for £18!"

Thanks for reporting. I just spent a small fortune on tix for next spring's run at the Ahmanson in LA. (Big Jim Steinman fan here.)

Miles2Go2 said: "I never have prepurchased before my London trips. I either buy at TKTS in Leicester Square or you can’t beat those same day box office tickets. The nice thing about TKTS is you’re not usually limited to that day’s performances or next day matinees. You can usually buy a few days ahead of time."

There are plenty of kiosks selling discount tickets - same day and future - and they often will call the box office and show you the exact seat you may get.  We never bought tickets at the TKTS booth - as the kiosk booths often had better prices.  Just look for a STAR logo - so you know the booth is legitimate.  (Our favorite booth was the one at Picadilly Square in front of the Boots - very friendly and helpful)  But often the best way is to do day tickets (use Theatremonkey as your guide) but also just going to the box office and asking fro either day seats (which may end up not being the front  row)  or if they can do a deal.  The box office people are pretty darn good and will try to get you a deal when possible.  If you are polite.  

Also, the Theatremonkey website has seating diagrams and "opinions' by the Monkey but others as well. 

 Add the Hampstead to the list of non-West End theatres to your list to check out.  Two stages there.  But, it's real close to the Swiss Cottage tube stop on the Jubilee line.   The Union Theatre is tiny but has done some great productions with young, new talent over the years.  The old space was....memorable.  I haven't been to their new space.   The Other Palace may be worth checking out as well.  

How is southwark's theater version of bring it on, I never got to see it in NYC or on tour

 

It's a lot of fun, but it's an amateur/youth company production that was brought in, and it's in a small black box theatre, so it can't be held to the Broadway or tour versions. Definitely worthwhile though. It closes soon though, so all recs really depend on when you will be in town. There's so much closing in the next few weeks and so much that hasn't opened yet.