London: Four Shows in Four Days

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 6:32pm

Just returned from my first trip to London and was luckily able to squeeze in a lot of shows. Long story short, the musicals outpaced the plays. In order of viewing:

The Devil Wears Prada: I was grading on a curve with this one as a massive Elton fan, but I still had a great time. The score is poppy and fun- Dress Your Way Up has been in my head for days, very Strongest Suit. Georgie Buckland is doing an Anne Hathaway impression and Vanessa Williams could play this role in her sleep- how many times can you say "That's all?" But Amy Di Bartolomeo and Matt Henry are terrific in the Blunt/Tucci roles, they get the best songs

Mrs. Warren's Profession: My planned trip to London last year (when I hoped to see Imelda in Dolly) got derailed by COVID, so this was the IOU. She and Bessie are both excellent, the two mother-daughter scenes crackle and justify the gimmick. But wow is this a dry play, mostly a miss for me sadly

The Mousetrap: Mum's choice, and yes it's basic but the play is still quite absorbing. Christopher Wren annoyed me and not every strand gets tied up perfectly, but still a really fun night. They need to update the St Martin though, it reminded me of the Ambassador

Oliver: This one wasn't on our radar initially, but our tour guide recommended it. My first time seeing the show and a top-notch production. The entire cast is excellent, but my favorite was Simon Lipkin as Fagin- Reviewing the Situation is a tour de force. A joyful surprise to end the trip

One other trend on the West End that Broadway should emulate: ice cream at interval. What a treat!

[Wick3]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 10:30pm

I agree on the ice cream! I wonder if they ever tried it on Broadway but it just didn't work?

[spicemonkey]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 11:53pm

Ice cream at intervals 

bad breath in act 2 ; )

 

(I still remember the terrible breath of wine from the woman next to me at Jagged Little Pill) 

Updated On: 8/11/25 at 11:53 PM

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/12/25 at 12:12am

Back in June, we did 4 shows in 3 days - 

Comedy About Spies - hilarious

Stereophonic - Engrossing

Evita - effing spectacular

Oliver! - a let down after Evita. Lipkin was great - but there was little new for me in this production

And, yes, ice cream at the interval is a must.