Recommendations for London trip in March?

I will be traveling to London in March to see some shows and sightsee. I've never been overseas before and am not versed in what all there is to offer there that I should take advantage of. I'm doing my own research, too, but wanted to ask, for those of you folks in the group who have made the journey across the pond, what recommendations you had for anything theatre-specific I should look into. For example, I may want to tour the National and Shakespeare's Globe, visit The Theatre Cafe, see if there are any costuming or stagecraft exhibitions or tours, etc. (Even if there's anything cinema-related!)

I have already booked tickets to see Caroline, or Change, Company, All About Eve, and Follies. I saw there's a 90-minute R+J that will be playing at the Globe, and a few other things, but these are the big four I wanted to make sure I had tickets to because they're the reason I'm headed there.

Took a look at the West End board (which isn't that active, surprisingly) and the Search options and found a couple of threads with recommendations. So, trust me... I made sure this wasn't one of those annoying recommendation posts. :)

Thanks in advance and any recs of any kind are greatly appreciated: food, sights, experiences, etc. Show recommendations are welcome, also, but I kind of splurged on the big four, but will consider cheap ticket options, TodayTix, lotto, and other options.

I'd say Jamie too I loved it.

And I am hearing SIX is infectious and I've booked for it.

I would also like to see Songs for Nobodies.

Definitely EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE. I found COMPANY disappointing.. they've played around with it too much, like in Side By Side where Bobbie has had too much to drink and vomits into a plastic bucket. Still, Patti is there. Would also suggest TINA and maybe 9 To 5..while it's still fresh. Avoid MOTOWN ...while the music is good the book is dire.

See Kensington Palace...it's pretty fabulous...it has Diana's clothes and then go and have tea and scones in the cafe, You can say you've dined at Kensington Palace.

Updated On: 1/22/19 at 12:40 AM

JBC3 said: "If you have not already checked, the site to guide you is theatre.co.uk, the UK equivalent of here. Knowledgeable and helpful posters with lots of activity,

If you go to the General Chat tab, one or more of the threads related to posts asking for advice on London theatre should be helpful.

theatremonkey.com is also a helpful site for discount information, seating advice, and more.

Shows I am seeing in February include Company, Follies, Tartuffe, My Name is Lucy Barton, All About Eve, and Caroline or Change."

The discussion board is Theatreboard not just theatre

If you enjoyed Kinky Boots/Billy Elliot they definitely go for Everybody's Talking About Jamie. A great British musical.

Also - Six. This has become quite the hit in London. An advantage for you if you wish to see it is that it is one of only a few shows which plays on a Sunday - it has a matinee and an evening.

Branch out from the West End. I saw some wonderful plays at Finborough Theatre (25 seats above a pub), Southwark Playhouse, The Bridge, Menier Chocolate Factory (get their dinner/play deal), and Hampstead Theatre.

Take boat to Greenwich and DLR back. Make sure you walk the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the Thames between Greenwich and Isle of Dogs and catch the DLR there. If you do, right when you come out of the tunnel you are in a wonderful little riverside park (Island Gardens) and there is a friendly fellow selling tea and snacks from a little trailer.

You'll also have the exact view (remarkably unchanged) as the famous painting by Canaletto "A View of Greenwich from the River" painted around 1750. I did this and got back in plenty of time for play that evening.

I’d reiterate what a lot of people have already said here:

THEATRE:

- not sure if Adrienne Warren will be originating Tina on Broadway, but if you get the chance to see the show with her in it, do it! She’s phenomenal in the role. She doesn’t play Tina on Mondays.

- Come From Away is opening this month, and Waitress in Feb - good choices if not already seen them. Kat McPhee is playing Jenna and I saw her on broadway last year and she was great.

- Not seen Six but it def has its fans!

RESTAURANTS:

- Avoid all the West End tourist trap chain restaurants, like Angus or Garfunkels!

- Barrafina is an amazing Spanish tapas restaurant. There are 3 branches - the Adelaide st one (which is my fave) is probably closest to all the theatres. You can’t book so be prepared for a longish wait, especially if you have a show, but you can’t get drinks and snacks while you wait.

- Brasserie Zedel is a good pre or post theatre choice restaurant, and good value. Also the place does great live music nights.

- There’s lots of good comedy nights in the West End also, if you enjoy that.

TOURISTY THINGS:

- Def recommend the Tower of London if you have the time. It’s good to latch onto one of the beefeater tours (which are every 30 mins / hour I think, as they’re always informative.

- London Walks is a great way of seeing specific areas of London by foot. Check out their website for the itinerary. You basically meet at a tube spot and pay about £10, and a guide takes you round, and they’re usually pretty interesting characters!

Updated On: 1/22/19 at 10:34 AM