One night in London: Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, or Operation Mincemeat?- Page 2

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 8/19/23 at 5:09pm

two ladies tickets said: "Unless you are a massive ABBA fan, I would skip Voyage. I love ABBA, but I found this production to be a letdown. I obviously knew that they were going to be holograms and the sound was phenomenal but at the end of the day I didn't think it was worth it. And on a technicality: Abba Voyage is in Stratford not London and yes, Stratford is very close to London, and very easy to get to on public transportation but The OP was specifically talking about London."

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect yours but I disagree that someone has to be a massive ABBA fan to enjoy the show as evidenced by countless comments by those who have seen the show.  And the location of the arena certainly shouldn't be a deterrent to considering taking in the show because as you stated it is very easy to access via public transportation.  We stayed in the Russell Square area and it was probably no more than a 20 minute journey via the tube and the DLR.  Pudding Mill Lane Station is right across the street from the arena ... it couldn't be any easier.

Updated On: 8/20/23 at 05:09 PM

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 8/19/23 at 10:32pm

I agree that it wasn’t that far from central London. I was roaming around central London beforehand and then took the Elizabeth Line (BEST UNDERGROUND LINE) and then the DLR. About a 20 minute journey by train. Not bad at all! 
 

As for the show, you don’t have to be an ABBA fan to enjoy the show (though it would be better). The show is so much fun and I could not believe how beautiful and LOUD that sound was! Shook the whole space! This show is starting ground to help bring back to life performers who are no longer with us! 

[yellibean2]

Posted: 8/20/23 at 10:14am

I do like ABBA and the show does sound cool - I think if I were in London for longer I would definitely consider it, but as is, I think I'll stick to one of these three. Still haven't decided which one, although I think I might be leaning towards Operation Mincemeat now. Who knows if that'll change tomorrow though...

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 8/20/23 at 1:38pm

yellibean2 said: "I do like ABBA and the show does sound cool - I think if I were in London for longer I would definitely consider it, but as is, I think I'll stick to one of these three. Still haven't decided which one, although I think I might be leaning towards Operation Mincemeat now. Who knows if that'll change tomorrow though..."

No matter what you ultimately choose I'm sure you will have a great time.  I look forward to my annual "Theatre Week In London" every year.  Have a great time and please report back after your trip. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/20/23 at 1:52pm

Anyone reading this who does like Abba, there's a new play that just started at the Criterion called THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO about two men who were childhood friends and reconnect and start a drag Abba Tribute band. It's not a perfect play but it is a hell of a lot of fun and gayer than LA CAGE - which if you get a chance to see at Regent's Park - GO! It's BRILLIANT!

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/20/23 at 3:17pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Anyone reading this who does like Abba, there's a new play that just started at the Criterion called THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO about two men who were childhood friends and reconnect and start a drag Abba Tribute band. It's not a perfect play but it is a hell of a lot of fun and gayer than LA CAGE - which if you get a chance to see at Regent's Park - GO! It's BRILLIANT!"

A few comments from those who saw The Way Old Friends Do on tour - and at Criteron over on Theatreboard:  The Way Old Friends Do - Birmingham Rep / Tour / Criterion | TheatreBoard

[yellibean2]

Posted: 8/22/23 at 10:41am

Update: I ended up getting tickets to Operation Mincemeat! I'm a little worried about how I'll feel the next day with so little sleep but I think it'll be worth it to see something brand new that feels uniquely British. I can't wait :)

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 8/22/23 at 11:18am

yellibean2 said: "Update: I ended up getting tickets to Operation Mincemeat! I'm a little worried about how I'll feel the next day with so little sleep but I think it'll be worth it to see something brand new that feels uniquely British. I can't wait :)"

Get ready to laugh hard! Please do let us know what you think! This is the best original show in London right now!

[mufish]

Posted: 8/22/23 at 5:41pm

Unfortunate timing given the discussion above, but wanted to pass this along in case anyone is looking to see Operation Mincemeat in the near future. On their website they have a lottery you can enter - they draw every two weeks so it's tough to get the timing right, but if you win it's GBP25 for up to two tickets.

I'm headed over tomorrow night, and as I looked at ticket options for what I was looking to see: Next to Normal (booked a few weeks ago thankfully), La Cage, ABBA Voyage, Operation Mincemeat (a late addition to the slate), and Guys & Dolls I saw there was no TodayTix option for OM. Stumbled upon the lottery and entered over the weekend (drawings take place on Mondays) and yesterday I received the lotto loser email. I figured that would be it, but then today I received an email that one or more winners didn't claim their tickets so the chance came to me! 

Jumped right on a ticket for Saturday night, and given the ticket price i just added on the two double gin & tonics for good measure. So if you are able to enter the lottery and feel comfortable possibly pushing it to the last minute (winners have 24 hours to buy), this might be an option.

[yyys]

Posted: 8/25/23 at 4:09pm

^^ OM: Yeah, I bought a Tuesday matinee in September for 37 pounds.....in the "stalls" 6th row back on an aisle!

Also watched the movie!  It definitely makes more sense after hearing the original cast recording.

Updated On: 8/25/23 at 04:09 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 2:36pm

Is there any way to get advance seated discount tickets for Guys and Dolls?  So far I only see TodayTix and they seem to only sell the standing floor seats. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 4:00pm

DAME said: "Is there any way to get advance seated discount tickets for Guys and Dolls? So far I only see TodayTix and they seem to only sell the standing floor seats."

I booked my tickets through TodayTix about 2 weeks in advance but did not have any discount. I chose the seated ticket cause I could not stand for almost 3 hours but people have said that the immersive standing is really fun. If you’re ok with standing, go for those tickets. Honestly though, the seated tickets are worth the price. 

[DAME]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 5:24pm

Dylan Smith4 said: "DAME said: "Is there any way to get advance seated discount tickets for Guys and Dolls? So far I only see TodayTix and they seem to only sell the standing floor seats."

I booked my tickets through TodayTix about 2 weeks in advance but did not have any discount. I chose the seated ticket cause I could not stand for almost 3 hours but people have said that the immersive standing is really fun. If you’re ok with standing, go for those tickets. Honestly though, the seated tickets are worth the price."

The standing seats for a close to 3 hour show are out of the question for me.  I was hoping to find a discount vendor equivalent sort of like Theatermania or Broadwaybox to try to bring down the price of tickets a little.  It seems like they have raised their prices.  Would you recommend the seated stall seats? Or should I go higher up? 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 5:40pm

DAME said: "Dylan Smith4 said: "DAME said: "Is there any way to get advance seated discount tickets for Guys and Dolls? So far I only see TodayTix and they seem to only sell the standing floor seats."

I booked my tickets through TodayTix about 2 weeks in advance but did not have any discount. I chose the seated ticket cause I could not stand for almost 3 hours but people have said that the immersive standing is really fun. If you’re ok with standing, go for those tickets. Honestly though, the seated tickets are worth the price."

The standing seats for a close to 3 hour show are out of the question for me. I was hoping to find a discount vendor equivalent sort of like Theatermania or Broadwaybox to try to bring down the price of tickets a little. It seems like they have raised their prices. Would you recommend the seated stall seats? Or should I go higher up?"

Gotcha. I was in the seated stalls section. I think my ticket was £114. I know that's a little high for a London show, but frankly, it was worth it! Great view overall. If you don't wanna do seated stalls, then maybe the first dress circle, but I heard mixed things about the second balcony. 

[BETTY22]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 7:32pm

Operation Mincemeat........see something new.....