West End - First Time - Advice!
West End - First Time - Advice!
Chorus Member Joined: 7/7/15
West End - First Time - Advice!#1
Posted: 8/5/21 at 5:10pm
Hi there,
I'll be in London the weekends of 8/20 and 8/27 – this will be my first time to both the city and to see West End productions!
ANYTHING GOES is a given for me – but I'd love to wedge in at least three more shows between the two weekends. There's a huge amount that I'm eager to see, but I'm wondering if anyone might have some expert advice on how to curate a well-rounded, unforgettable show itinerary whilst there?
Thank you in advance!!
West End - First Time - Advice!#2
Posted: 8/5/21 at 5:45pmWhich days of the week exactly will you be in London?
Chorus Member Joined: 7/7/15
West End - First Time - Advice!#3
Posted: 8/5/21 at 5:49pm
I'll be there from 8/17 – 9/1 ... only free on Saturdays and Sundays (maybe an occasional evening!).
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/2/11
West End - First Time - Advice!#4
Posted: 8/5/21 at 5:50pmYou should definitely see Hairspray at the London Coliseum.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/2/11
West End - First Time - Advice!#5
Posted: 8/5/21 at 5:50pmYou should definitely see Hairspray at the London Coliseum.
West End - First Time - Advice!#6
Posted: 8/5/21 at 5:57pmAssuming then that you have time for 2 shows on both Saturdays and Sunday, I’d really recommend “Hairspray”, “Cinderella”, & “Back to the Future” in addition to “Anything Goes”. Sunday shows are really limited but “Joseph” at the Coliseum is fantastic and you’ll also be able to catch the new “Frozen” in that incredible new renovated theatre.
West End - First Time - Advice!#7
Posted: 8/5/21 at 6:11pmYou also have the option for “Carousel” at Regeants Park and the revival of “Singin in the Rain”, both of which close right before i get back into town.
Chorus Member Joined: 7/7/15
West End - First Time - Advice!#8
Posted: 8/5/21 at 6:20pm
Plannietink08 said: "You should definitely see Hairspray at the London Coliseum."
1000% being added to the agenda! Thank you!
Chorus Member Joined: 7/7/15
West End - First Time - Advice!#9
Posted: 8/5/21 at 6:22pm
Jordan Catalano said: "You also have the option for “Carousel” at Regeants Park and the revival of “Singin in the Rain”, both of which close right before i get back into town."
I've seen SINGIN' IN THE RAIN only in a La Mirada revival a few years back, and it was GLORIOUS – I did see FROZEN on Broadway, but this seems like a whole other level of spectacle.
BACK TO THE FUTURE and JOSEPH seem like natural "musts," too!
I know EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE will make its way West at some point... but, do I need to see it here first...!?
West End - First Time - Advice!#10
Posted: 8/5/21 at 6:30pm
Yeah I have to agree with the other posters, I'd definitely see 'Back to the Future' "Joseph" and 'Hairspray' if you have limited time. We won't be getting these shows in the States for a long time - Well there is a Hairspray tour starting - but it won't have Michael Ball in it :)
Enjoy Anything Goes too!
West End - First Time - Advice!#11
Posted: 8/5/21 at 6:37pm
re: “Jamie” - The show is on its 10th or so replacement cast and while it’s a good show i wouldn’t at all make it a priority over the others listed.
If you have any questions about London let me know, I spend a good amount of my time there.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
West End - First Time - Advice!#12
Posted: 8/5/21 at 8:10pm
If you haven't already done so, I recommend checking out https://theatreboard.co.uk/.
Lots of engaged, thoughtful posters there and the overall tone is far more civil. Their comments on various shows have helped me decide on shows numerous times.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
West End - First Time - Advice!#13
Posted: 8/6/21 at 4:01am
And also consult theatremonkey.com for advice on seats.
Also todaytix seems to be the way for lottery. I think the TKTS booth in Leicester Square is closed.
Box office staff are almost all very helpful and may even discount tix if you ask nicely.
dont know if theatres have returned to selling ice cream at the interval aka intermission in the US
West End - First Time - Advice!#14
Posted: 8/6/21 at 4:19am
I always like to see new musicals with its original cast so I would definitely see Cinderella. Even though I was disappointed by the recording, but apparently a lot has changed since then.
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