Question for the posters in London...

[Al Dente]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 3:29pm

What shows should I try and catch while there for a wedding? Anything mandatory, anything I should avoid? Thank you in advance.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 3:34pm

I was in London a couple of months ago ! Definetely don't miss BILLY ELLIOT, one of the best and most magical experiences I ever had in theater !!! Mary Poppins is also wonderful !

[Al Dente]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 3:35pm

I have my tickets for MP already but I forgot all about Billy Elliot. Thanks for reminding me.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 3:37pm

See Les Mis

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 3:43pm

Do whatever you can to get a ticket for BILLY !!! Trust me, you will not regret it at all !!! And since there are no plans for it transferring to Bway yet, it is a unique opportunity to witness pure theater MAGIC !!!!

[Mills]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 7:20pm

I second Billy Elliot. It truely is a fantastic show. That show, for me, stands out above everything else currently showing (I've seen all the musicals with the exception of Guys and Dolls and Ray Charles) Also, The Big Life is good fun, I wouldn't count it as a must see, but it's definately worth considering if you've time.

Also don't feel there are any real duds at the moment (with the exception of Lion King by my personal tastes, and obv that's on Bway anyway) However, I would take most other shows over Far Pavillions.

Plays-wise Death of a Salesman is a fantastic revival if you're thinking about seeing it.

[Gelfling]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 7:24pm

I was going to say 'Billy Elliot' but I guess I was a little late to this dance! I'm not a fan of Elton's musicals but this one is really fantastic.

I have seen Guys and Dolls and it's worth seeing... not the best I've seen but the cast was terrific.

I'd stay away from Woman In White... I'm a huge ALW fan but for some reason, this one just didn't stick (and it has actually nothing to do with the staging or the cast which was impressive).

Hope you have a good time!

[sweetaspie]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 9:34pm

i really wouldn't go and see The Far Pavillions - aka Les Maharaja.A cheeky name for it i know, it's just the plot is almost identical to les mis, but set in india with a few things changed around. They even have they're own version of castle on a cloud.
It's a shame though, the actors are really good, it's just the book, score and sadly, direction that lets it down.

I definately suggest billy elliot
Also try check out some fringe stuff - it is superior to a lot of the commercial stuff and dead cheap :)

[Al Dente]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 9:35pm

Thanks all for your suggestions. Seems Billy Elliot is the "Can't miss" one. Les Miz, NEVER!

[Plum]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 9:36pm

Well, as long as this thread is here...do London theaters have student rush policies similar to those in New York?

[Mills]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 4:15pm

Student discount is available for most shows that aren't sold out (Ie, not Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot or Guys and Dolls def)
The prices for WE stuff usually range from £15-20, and are officially avaiable an hour before the performance, but quite often they'll sell them earlier (especially for those shows that aren't selling as well)
Best available seats are given.
The only musical I can think of that definately doesn't do student discounts, no matter how empty the house is, is Chicago.

[Jwaa]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 8:13pm

Am i the only person who felt completely ripped off with Billy Elliot...i had the amazing 'tap dancer'....the one who couldnt do ballet AT ALL! most the songs were **** and unmemorable in my opinion and i just didnt really enjoy it....i liked the lighting...:S

Just make sure if you do go.....dont see George Maguire(cant do ballet)...try and see Liam Mower....(the one raved about in reviews, went to royal ballet school and the only one featured doing any ballet in the posters/pictures!)

Xxx

[Mills]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 8:21pm

I guess I can see your point on the music. I don't really care for a lot of the songs in Billy Elliot, but I didn't really care in this instance. I've seen both Liam and James as Billy, and really enjoyed the show both times. But the staging and choreography of the songs made it so that I didn't really care.
This from a uni music student whose first concern is usually the score.

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 3:47am

I'm a bit with Jwaa on this one. Loved the dancing, was lucky enough to see Liam. However, I was very disappointed in the score. I've never been a huge fan of Elton's music but thought his musicals were enjoyable and the songs quite memorable. This was not the case for Billy for me.
There was not one show-stopping number, apart from Electricity maybe... and Electricity wasn't a big number because of the music but because of the dancing. I was expecting so much more of this show.

QM

[Beergoggles]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 8:03am

Blood Brothers... a must see!

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 9:56am

Guys and Dolls Guys and Dolls Guys and Dolls



..yeah