Going to London and Paris

Kate here is an alternative, which I posted in my previous message:

"The theatre does hold back 30 seats that are sold on the day of performance -- but you should get to the box office early before its 10 a.m. opening -- maybe 9 or 9:30 a.m."

A few people I know have gotten good seats that way. Also, why not try to get two singles rather than a pair together? You might have better luck that way.

Kate
I agree with others here who suggested that you order POPPINS tickets early. I suggest you call the box office directly. Just remember there is a six hour difference so if you call from the states, you will have to call in the morning. But being able to talk to someone directly was great.
You'll get the best seats that way. I loved WOMAN IN WHITE too.
The other two shows we saw (SWEENEY TODD and GRAND HOTEL) have closed.
Be sure and purchase the travel card for the tube and buses in London. It's a bargain.. you can buy seven day passes. The tube was very easy to navigate. Much easier than New York. Just my opinion.
I loved Paris although we were not there as many days as we were in London. Are you taking the train to Paris? Thru the chunnel?
Have fun!

MIND THE GAP!

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Yes yes yes, see Les Miz in London. It's still wonderfully fresh, and it's been running for 20 years over there! I'd also recommend taking in a show at the National Theatre, because the productions there are consistently amazing. It's a shame Sweeney Todd has closed, because it was absolutely amazing.
What I highly recommend doing when you get to London is buying the current issue of Time Out (they're released weekly), because not only does it outline the theatre schedule, but it also tells you about other activities, both ones that are only going on for that week and ones that occur regularly (i.e. bus tours and museum hours). It's a ruddy useful tool (hee hee! London speak creeping through). I'd also recommend buying an A-Z guide (they call it an A to Zed), which you can probably get at Heathrow (or Gatwick, if that's where you're landing) and you can DEFINITELY get at any Tesco supermarket. It's this little book that has maps of every street and area in London--it's great if you want to see the city on foot, because it's easy to get lost without a map.

As for Paris, if you're only going to be there for a short time (less than three days), don't even touch the Louvre, because you'll just end up rushing through the place and not really seeing anything. The Musee d'Orsay is a better alternative for a short stay, because it's smaller and the art is not as notorious, but just as gorgeous. Also be sure to take a walk through the Jardins Tuilleries, see the Eiffel Tower (it's absolutely breathtaking), and visit Montmartre and Le Marais (two of the hippest districts in Paris).

And most importantly, have fun and take in the atmos.

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When are you going to London? I'm going in late-August/September, and I am most excited about the revival of DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Brian Dennehy (I missed it when it was in New York, and I hear it's a fantastic production). And I also hope there's a good show at the Globe Theatre at that time.

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